Bye, Bye Cedric Houston … now what?
On the day that Curtis Martin retired, the news that Cedric Houston will no longer be a New York Jet was the big story in Jetsland. It looks like a done deal.
What does this mean for fantasy football? The Jets will rely on veteran Thomas Jones, and promising young Leon Washington, more than expected. Jones was brought in to be the workhorse and the loss of Houston means Jones’ owners do not have to worry about a TD vulture. Washington is the guy to watch. He flashed potential in 2006 as a rookie. It will be interesting to see how he is used. The only other RBs on the Jets depth chart are Danny Ware and Alvin Banks. So, unless a veteran back is signed, Jones and Washington are the only viable ball carriers on the roster.
The loss of Houston should slightly raise Jones in the rankings of fantasy owners. Jones will be a solid, serviceable RB2 for fantasy teams. But, the back that benefits the most is Leon Washington. The loss of Houston might mean three or four more touches per game for Washington. He could get close to 200 touches in 2007, without predicting injury to Jones. That would make Leon a decent lineup replacement for bye weeks or injury. Raise Washington and Jones in your rankings. These two backs, especially with the Houston departure, are now backs that scream value in many leagues. Thomas Jones has an ADP of RB19 or player 28 overall. Washington has an ADP of RB47 and player 139 overall. With those prices, drafting Jones as a cheap RB2 in 3rd round and Washington in the 12th round as a handcuff is a good strategy. If not, each on their own is easily worth the draft pick spent.
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