Fantasy Analysis: Laurence Maroney

12/09/2009 3:36 PM -  Mike Woellert

Well, it’s week 14 and the New England Patriots, mercifully, have a home game against the Carolina Panthers.  On the surface, Maroney appears to have a very favorable match-up with Carolina and their 26th ranked rush defense.  The Panthers are allowing close to 134 YPG to opposing running backs and are allowing a rushing TD per game (12 TDs in 12 games) and have also allowed 5 TDs via the air to opposing running backs.  In addition to that, the Panthers are ranked 7th in fantasy in terms of opposing points allowed to opposing running backs (22.4 FFPG to opposing running backs).  It seems that the stars are aligning for Maroney owners this week for a solid game.  But, is Laurence Maroney fantasy gold this week?  Or a fantasy mirage?

Laurence Maroney is enjoying a very fine season with 8 touchdowns (including 6 in the last 5 weeks).  His YPC average has been pedestrian at 3.9 YPC, so he hasn’t been a burner (only one 100 yard game), but has gotten the tough yards and the scores.  He had a 3 week bout of fumbilitis where he had one fumble per game for a 3 week stretch but, for the most part, has not lost his status.  He disappointed owners last week with a poor showing, especially against a team that had allowed 14 rushing touchdowns up to that point.  A few notes that are cause for concern is that, while he’s leading his team in carries, he’s still losing carries to Belichick favorite, Sammy Morris (who had 9 carries in week 13). Kevin Faulk is still looking the primary 3rd down back and the guy that Tom Brady trusts on passing downs and in the passing game.  Lastly, throw in the fact that Fred Taylor is practicing again and could be active in week 14.  Now, it remains to be seen how much playing time he’ll receive but, it is worth noting nonetheless.  These factors give me pause to rank him any higher than the 16th running back this week, but he has some upside, IMO, over some backs like Brandon Jacobs or Cedric Benson who have tougher match-ups this week.  Maroney should be used and started in TD heavy/only leagues for sure, and is worthy of a flex option in PPR/non-PPR formats.  But, keep in mind, there could be a trio, or even a four-some of backs used this weekend.