The New Orleans Saints' Running Back Situation

Once Deuce McCallister went down two weeks ago to a torn ACL, all the fantasy vultures descended upon the waiver wire to hunt down his replacement. In deep leagues where even below-average fantasy runners like Frank Gore and Jerome Bettis are gone, the Saints' RB situation is a potential late-season gold mine. The question with the Saints, however, is: which back do you pick-- Antowain Smith, Aaron Stecker, or newly acquired Jesse Chatman? Well, let me break it down:
Antowain Smith: Smart Money

Smith had 12 carries for 88 yards and 2 TD's against the Falcons. Most importantly, he got the goal line carries, scoring on a one yard plunge. I would love to see Smith with more carries, but his touches near the goal line nonetheless make him the fantasy favorite.

Aaron Stecker: Chump Change

Stecker started the game for the Saints last week, and ended up with more carries than Smith (16) and about the same yards (86). I don't, however, think Stecker is a good play, given his dearth of goal line carries. And I have questions concerning his durability--16 carries (18 touches, if you include his two receptions) is probably asking a lot of a guy who is a third down back. Smith, meanwhile, has been a heavy-duty feature back with the Bills and Pats.

Jesse Chatman: Bling bling (?)

The Saints traded for Chatman on the heels of Deuce's injury. Though he was supposedly acquired for insurance, I'm willing to bet Chatman wil eventually get on the field and could be the sleeper of the trio. In backing up LT in San Diego, Chatman was a monster, averaging 6 ypc on 65 carries in 2004. He's a short, power back (5'8", 250 lbs.) with a nice burst. Once he learns the offense, he could really produce for the Saints. In fact, I'll go out on a limb and predict this: I think he's going to be the undisputed starter by week 12, if not before.

Recommendation: If you need a short-term start, pick up Smith and expect something in the neighborhood of 50 yards and a possible goal line TD. Keep your eye on Chapman however. Once he becomes active and starts getting a few carries, pick him up down the stretch. He could be a fantasy playoff stud.