Loading ...Michael Turner entered the 2008 season as a first time starter in Atlanta. Many had wondered if he would even be a decent number two fantasy back and was taken mostly in the middle to late rounds. Well all he did was rush for 1699 yards and scored 17 TDs on his way to helping many fantasy teams win their playoffs.
Turner enters this year still with his doubters but of a different kind. There is no longer doubt about Turner’s ability but the question is where he stands among the top fantasy backs? Many doubt he can has repeat his 2008 numbers but I feel there are many reasons why he may surpass those totals and become the top fantasy back by season’s end.
One indicator that demonstrates a runner’s effectiveness is his ypc. Turner’s career average is 4.9 yards which indicates 2008 was no fluke but more likely a reflection on his ability to keep having seasons like last year. Another indication of Turner having a repeat performance this year is the addition of Tony Gonzalez who will make life a lot easier for Turner. Some feel his addition will hurt the Falcon’s emphasize on the running game but they seem determined to keep on running.
“Tony will help our offense in a number of ways,” Mularkey said at the close of June organized team activities. “One thing he’s going to do is that he’s a productive blocker and that’s important in our offense… As successful as he’s been as a receiver, he’s a good blocker too and he really doesn’t get the credit that he should.”
Turner is a rare commodity in the fantasy world where he’s the featured back as well as the goal line back. He was a first time starter and had a rookie QB last year and constantly faced defensive fronts stacked to stop him yet he gained close to 1700 yards. With another year of experience for him and Matt Ryan, Turner may well be the number one fantasy back this year. Do not be afraid to call his name on draft day. Unless your scoring format gives a lot of points for receptions, I would take Turner as my overall number one.
