How does the news that Steven Jackson had back surgery affect his fantasy value for next season? I have him in a keeper league, and I'm now wondering if I should hold him or retain Rashard Mendenhall instead. - J. Littleton, Old Lyme, Conn.
Michael Fabiano:Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo called the procedure "minor" and said Jackson "feels great," so it doesn't seem to be a major issue. However, it is a reminder that he has dealt with his share of ailments during his career. Before the 2009 campaign, Jackson hadn't played in more than 12 games in a season since 2006. He also doesn't have a legitimate handcuff (Kenneth Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya) behind him on the depth chart. On a positive note, Jackson does have one of the most favorable schedules among running backs. The Rams offense should also be at least somewhat improved with Sam Bradford under center and OT Rodger Saffold helping out on the line. Still, I'd keep Mendenhall ahead of him. The Steelers running back is almost four years younger than Jackson, which is important in keeper leagues, and has a bigger statistical upside as well.
It sounds like the Chiefs have big plans for Dexter McCluster. Do you think he's worth a late-round pick? - M. Branstetter, Overland Park, Kan.
M.F.: McCluster is one of the most explosive and versatile rookies in the 2010 draft class, but I'm not sure where he fits in Kansas City. He wouldn't be any more than third on the depth chart at either running back or wide receiver, so it's not like he comes in and is guaranteed to see regular touches week in and week out. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are clearly ahead of him in the backfield, and McCluster wouldn't be more than a potential slot receiver behind Dwayne Bowe and Chris Chambers. Opportunity often times outweighs talent in fantasy football, and I think that's the case with McCluster. He is worth a late-round look, and could have more value in those formats that reward points for return yards and touchdowns if he earns a prominent role on special teams. I just wouldn't expect a lot of production.
What would be your ideal scoring system for fantasy football? - N. Fournier, Switzerland
M.F.: I don't like to get overly complicated when it comes to scoring systems, but I do have some wrinkles that originate from the rules of the National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC). First, I reward four points for passing touchdowns (non-NFFC) and six points for all other scores. That's pretty standard in most formats. However, I don't like the basic one point for every 25 passing yards, 10 rushing yards or 10 receiving yards. Instead, I reward .05 points for every passing yard and .10 points for every rushing and receiving yard. If I have Andre Johnson and he puts up 129 yards, I should get 12.9 points, not just 12. Why does that last nine yards not count in standard scoring systems? In my leagues, they do. I also reward one point for every reception. Since I'm a big fan of rewarding players for all of their skills and abilities, my scoring system also includes points for return yards and touchdowns. If you have Reggie Bush and he returns a punt 75 yards for a touchdown, why should the Saints defense and special teams get the points? Instead, I reward Bush .05 points for every return yard and six points for the score. In terms of kickers, I reward three points for all field goals of 30 yards or less. I then give .10 points for every yard after 30, so a 45-yard field goal would be worth 4.5 fantasy points. Of course, every extra point is worth one point. On the defensive side, I reward one point for every sack, two points for safeties, fumble recoveries and interceptions and six points for touchdowns. Defenses also earn 12 points for a shutout, eight points for allowing 2-7 points, four points for allowing 8-12 points and two points for 13-17 points.
It looks like the Cowboys backfield will be changed for next season, with Felix Jones seeing more carries and Marion Barber seeing less. With Tashard Choice also in the mix, where would you rank Jones and Barber among running backs? - L. Karr, Champaign, Ill.
M.F.: I've actually moved Jones to 25th among running backs on my board. On the flip side, I dropped Barber to 35th. While Jones is a talented runner and a viable fantasy sleeper, the fact that he's lacked durability at the NFL level hurts his stock. It's also worth noting that while Barber's touches seem destined to decrease, he still appears to be the favorite for goal-line work. That scenario will limit Jones' touchdown opportunities. Choice is also in the mix for carries, so Jones has little chance to be a true featured back. What he does have is a chance to lead the team in backfield touches, which makes him more attractive on draft day. Consider the Arkansas product a viable flex starter and worth a low middle-round selection in seasonal formats.
I'm in a 16-team PPR keeper league that rewards points for return yards and touchdowns. In the re-draft, owners can't pick more than two quarterbacks or three running backs to avoid hoarding the positions. I need to retain three players from Drew Brees, Jason Campbell, Marion Barber, LeSean McCoy, Cadillac Williams, Vincent Jackson and Roddy White. Right now, I'm leaning toward Brees, McCoy and White. - J. Spinner, San Diego, Calif.
M.F.: I agree that Brees, McCoy and White are the best options. Brees is arguably the top quarterback in fantasy football, so he's a natural choice. McCoy's stock is on the rise as the No. 1 running back in Philadelphia, and the fact that you receive points for catches makes him that much more attractive. The decision between White and Jackson comes down to catches for me as well. While I do think Jackson is on the verge of his best NFL season, White has a longer track record for statistical success. The fact that he's put up better than 80 receptions in each of the last three seasons is also significant, especially when you consider Jackson has never had more than 68.
I'm in a dynasty league with an extended email draft, and Ryan Mathews and Dez Bryant are both off the board. Now that I'm on the clock, I have to decide on which rookie makes the most sense to draft. I could use another running back, but there are so many good ones to choose from this season. Could use some help! - M. Mayes, Detroit, Mich.
M.F.: This is a tough call, but I'd take C.J. Spiller. He was considered one of the most explosive players in the 2010 NFL Draft -- some even compared him to Chris Johnson -- and I think his role in Buffalo will increase over time. While his short-term outlook isn't as attractive with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch in the backfield mix, Spiller should eventually develop into the team's No. 1 back. Jahvid Best is also a very viable choice, but I give Spiller the slight edge in this format.
What do you make of the Buccaneers offense next season? I'm seeing reports that Josh Freeman is making real strides, but I'm not sure how much fantasy value he'll have with a questionable core of receivers. - W. Tanner, Washington, D.C.
M.F.: Freeman should take a step forward in his development into a more legitimate NFL quarterback next season, but I still can't see him being anything more than a No. 2 fantasy option. In fact, Freeman shouldn't be considered outside of the late rounds in seasonal formats. I expect the Buccaneers to move away from Michael Clayton at wide receiver, as rookies Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams appear to have the inside track on the two top spots on the depth chart. That scenario would push Sammie Stroughter into the slot position, which is where he best fits. Someone other than Kellen Winslow has to catch passes from Freeman, so Benn and Williams are worth a late-round look in larger leagues. Just don't expect a consistent level of production from either of these talented but inexperienced wideouts.
I'm in a 16-team keeper league, and my top running back is Frank Gore. Since this is a larger format, it's important to handcuff your top backs if at all possible. I was able to land Glen Coffee last season, but now I'm worried that Anthony Dixon could pass him on the depth chart. Is Dixon worth a late-round look? - A. Webb, Miami, Fla.
M.F.: You should definitely be monitoring this situation in training camp. Reports out of San Francisco suggest that Dixon will be in the hunt for the 49ers' No. 2 running back spot, so Coffee is no lock to retain the role. Since both backs have different skills sets -- Dixon is more of a physical runner while Coffee is a more of a burner -- Gore might not have one lone handcuff. If he were to suffer a long-term ailment, you'd likely see both Dixon and Coffee sharing the workload. In larger leagues, I do think Dixon is worth a late-round look for owners who have Gore. Just keep in mind that depth-chart structure is still in a state of limbo behind him.
Why do you have Roy Williams ranked ahead of Bryant at wide receiver? Williams proved last season that he's an absolute bust, and Bryant is all the rage in Big D. I think you're making a mistake there! - H. Rafferty, Canada
M.F.:Â We're only in May, remember, and Williams is still the projected starter alongside Miles Austin. Furthermore, NFL.com senior writer Gil Brandt believes that Williams can bounce back and be one of the better values in fantasy drafts. The fact that Gil holds such an opinion keeps me from completely overlooking Williams in my rankings. Is there a chance that Bryant will eventually emerge past Williams? Absolutely. But for now, based on the Cowboys depth chart and the fact that Bryant is a rookie, the jury is still very much out on which of these two wideouts will emerge as the better option in 2010 fantasy leagues.
I'm in a 10-team keeper league where owners are allowed to retain four players. I need to choose from Tony Romo, Matt Schaub, Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, Larry Fitzgerald, Percy Harvin, DeSean Jackson and Sidney Rice. I've been offered another team's first three draft picks for Schaub, Jackson and Harvin. It sounds like a great deal, but do I really want to get rid of Jackson? - D. Hindle, Hemet, Calif.
M.F.: How in the world did you end up with Johnson, Peterson, Turner and Fitzgerald on the same team? Even in a 10-owner league, that's a pretty unreal quartet. If your league starts two running backs and a flex player, you're set in those spots with C.J., A.P. and Turner. As much as I like Jackson moving forward, I still see him as the fifth-best keeper out of the aforementioned players. As a result, I'd pull the trigger and make that trade. In the re-draft, be sure to target a quarterback in Round 1.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
