by Ryan Lester of Lester’s Legends
If you had to pick a New Orleans Saints Running Back for your fantasy team, who would it be? Would you go with the electrifying Reggie Bush who has missed ten games the past two years or the unheralded Pierre Thomas? This is a dilemma for a friend of mine who has both players in his keeper league. He needs to decide which one to keep and which one to cut loose. It is conceivable to keep both, but that’s a risky move on a pass-happy team. Lets take a look at last year’s numbers.
Bush: 106 carries for 404 yards (3.8 ypc), 2 TDs; 52 receptions for 440 yards and 4 TDs; 3 return TDs
Thomas: 129 carries for 625 yards (4.8 ypc), 9 TDs; 31 receptions for 284 yards, 3 TDs
In standard scoring leagues, Bush had 138.4 points in 10 games. Thomas had 162.9 points in 15 games. Pierre’s average of 10.86 fantasy points per game is significantly less than Reggie’s 13.84, but you do have to factor in the injuries. Thomas is just a couple months older so age really isn’t a factor. Reggie carried the load early and Pierre took over down the stretch. Week 14 both backs were a factor. Bush had ten carries for 80 yards and 3 catches for 26 yards and a score. Over half of his rushing yardage came on a 43 yard play. Meanwhile Thomas had 16 carries for 102 yards and a score, as well as a seven-yard TD reception. Thomas is a slightly bigger back at 5?11?, 215 compared to Reggie’s 6?0?, 203. Going back to 2007, when Thomas gets the opportunity he produces.
The Saints passed up the opportunity to add big back Andre Brown (6?0?, 224) with their two 4th round picks (116th & 118th overall) so it appears they will utilize Thomas in the Deuce McAllister role. While Bush has more potential for the big game, Pierre is a much more consistent scorer. I’m afraid I would lean towards keeping Pierre Thomas over Bush.
What are your thoughts?
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