Back and Watch for Sliders

Back from the beach, and I am ready for football season to start.

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I noticed a couple of players sliding some on the NFL.com fantasy draft board.

Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego (from #9 to #26)

I was watching the first Charger preseason game when Mathews took a handoff, gained a few yards, and looked like he fell awkwardly.

He went to the sideline, showed no sign of being in pain, but never reentered the game. I was surprised to learn that he had broken his clavicle and may miss a few regular season contests.

Fantasy seasons are not won in week one or two. Getting Mathews at a bargain price and having him available for the bulk of your games is a plus.

Health has always been a concern for him, but he runs, he catches, his primary backup is now in Carolina, and Coach Turner wants him to be a workhorse this year.

I say take Mathews and enjoy the value selection

Isaac Redman, RB Pittsburgh (from low #70s to #84)

Redman has a hip injury and missed the last preseason game. Regular starter Rashard Mendenhall was recently activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

What does this mean?

I say not too much.

Well, I am not high on Mendenhall this year--rehabbing his torn ACL is going to take time and I don't expect Steelers management to rush him. Redman's injury does not appear serious and he showed he has talent with the 142 total yards in last year's playoff loss (plus over 500 total yards and 3 TDs in limited regular season action).

Also, with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, they will want to run the ball consistently and will pull the plug on QB Big Ben trying to throw for 400 yards per game--last season's predominant game plan.

I am expecting Redman to carry the ball plenty of times per contest.

So, don't get distracted with the Mendenhall or Redman news, taking him as a mid-round RB has plenty of upside.