When doing draft preparation a large amount of focus should be used unearthing players that are undervalued. Winning a draft can be as easy as finding a few sleeper gems buried in the late rounds. But what about losing a draft? Losing a draft can happen just as easily with a few bad picks. Keeping your eye out for and avoiding overvalued players likely to "bust" can save you a lot of misery during the season. Some fantasy players allow "name value" to bias their picks causing them to reach for big name guys that have been fantasy staples for years. Some examples from last year included Chad Ochocinco, LaDainian Tomlinson and Thomas Jones. By ignoring name recognition you can see these players for their true value. Other players bust seemingly out of nowhere. Or do they? There are typically visible warning signs before every bust. Whether it is because of injury, situation change or just plain old age, some players will predictably underperform every year.

A lot of us have been talking about how deep the wide receiver position is this year -- guilty as charged (see my previous article ‘Color Yourself Badd-Go Running Back Early and Often'). Thus, the debate over what is the best draft strategy, especially with the early picks, Rounds 2-4 continues. Well, I have some thoughts ... and a few running backs just waiting for you. You see, I have never been very comfortable taking a quarterback in Round 1, even the elite ones. And the possibility of a tight end in Round 1 or 2 is terrifying. Really? Draft a quarterback in Round 1 and a tight end in Round 2? Maybe, sure. Reality is setting in -- that could work. After the "Big 3" running backs are gone, and Aaron Rodgers and Calvin Johnson are off the board, what is one to do? Do you go Tom Brady or Drew Brees? Maybe Maurice Jones-Drew -- with the suspected holdout, or at least missing the preseason? What about Larry Fitzgerald or that other wide receiver Johnson, Andre? What to do after the first round? Well, I'm here to help. I have compiled some running back names deserved of serious consideration as early as Round 2, and could be a steal any round thereafter. I won't call them sleepers. We have all heard of them. We know what each is capable of, but for whatever the reasons, they are certainly underrated and underappreciated these days. Also, most importantly, they are being drafted well below their value, slipping under the radar. With all this talky-talk about how you must draft an elite quarterback early, or die, and how if Calvin Johnson is there with a Top 10, jump on him or jump off a cliff, you're not thinking straight. Time for some clarity, or as George Costanza's dad would say, "Serenity now!". Here are a few running backs I would be more than comfortable with in Round 2 and could be available as late as Rounds 3-5. I even prefer them to a few top dog wide receivers, especially since that position is so deep. Here are my Top 3 under-the-radar running backs: Darren McFadden Sure, he's high risk, but also high reward. And although I like to minimize risk in fantasy, with the many questions marks of this year's draft, you'd be taking a risk with nearly any player [after those mentioned above] and no player is beyond injury, no one. Just ask Tom Brady circa 2008, or Arian Foster and Jamaal Charles 2011. I think at least one risky move is easily warranted. Go big or go home, right? Sometimes, yes. McFadden, before his injury, was on pace to ...

Running Wild Maurice Morris has become a hot commodity in the fantasy world since it appears that starting Detroit running back Jahvid Best is going to miss at least this week because of a concussion. This is now Best's third concussion in the last three years, and the team is taking it very seriously. Remember that he also suffered one back in college and missed more than a month of playing time. It's unknown how much time Best will miss now, but it's a safe bet that Morris will be starting on Sunday. With Jerome Harrison done for the season, it looks like Morris is going to get a healthy share of the load in the Detroit backfield. That said, snatch Morris up off the waiver wire if he's still available. He should provide a great boost in the flex spot or be a nice bye-week filler at the very least. Morris has been around the league and is a good runner with solid pass catching skills. And if the Lions get the passing game going early it will open things up for him to operate against a spotty Atlanta defense. Morris is a great spot start this week. Even with the loss of starting running back Jamaal Charles, Kansas City's backfield still has some depth to it. Thomas Jones and Dexter McCluster have both been average at best filling the void, but Jackie Battle has been very impressive. Battle didn't get many reps the first three weeks after Charles got hurt, but he sure made his presence felt in Week 5 with 119 yards rushing on 19 carries. The Chiefs are coming off a bye week, and I'd be shocked if Battle isn't a main part of the game plan against a weak Oakland run defense. Jones' average yards per carry has been terrible and McCluster has been used more as a receiver, so Battle could see the majority of work out of the backfield on Sunday. He's a very risky play, but it might be very rewarding for fantasy owners, seeing that the Raiders have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs so far this season. The running back situation in Cleveland is starting to get interesting as well now that Peyton Hillis is battling a hamstring injury and a bad attitude. The fantasy darling of 2010 is very questionable to play in Week 7, so this would open the door for Montario Hardesty to get a nice workload. The Browns are getting sick of Hillis' contract complaints and are very high on Hardesty. It would be a good idea to grab him if you don't already have him as a handcuff to Hillis. He hasn't really gotten much going so far this season, but has had a ...

Running Wild All you Reggie Bush owners already received the bad news that you knew would come sooner or later. In this case, it only took two weeks as rookie running back Daniel Thomas put on a show in his NFL debut. The first-year player out of Kansas State rushed 18 times for 107 yards against a decent Houston Texans' run defense. Meanwhile, Bush only received six carries and put up just 18 yards. Though it's still very early in the season, it looks as if Thomas has already cemented himself as the premier back in Miami. He will surely get the bulk of the carries in Week 3 and should be close to 100 yards rushing for the second straight week as he goes up against Cleveland. I understand it's only been one game, but after last week's performance Thomas should be starting in most formats. Bush is suffering from a groin issue as well, so this is even better news for Thomas owners. Sit Bush, start the rookie and expect a nice fantasy line from him. Jamaal Charles is officially done for the season and this leaves Kansas City with an interesting backfield situation. The big question for fantasy owners all week has been who is the better Chiefs' running back to own? It looks like Thomas Jones is going to get more carries, but Dexter McCluster could get more touches. McCluster has way more upside than the much older Jones, but his durability issues really hurt his chances of becoming the full-time starter. Jones should get at least 15 carries a game the rest of the season, but he doesn't offer much in the receiving category. This is where McCluster shines. He's one of the better pass catching backs in the league and the speed and quickness to score every time he touches the ball. Seeing that Kansas City will be playing from behind much of the season and will be forced to air it out a lot more, I like McCluster more than I do Jones. Either way, both have received a fantasy bump with the Charles injury and are both solid flex plays for the time being. It's been a nightmare of a start for Arian Foster and his owners. After not playing in Week 1 because of a hamstring injury, he put up just 33 yards on 10 carries last Sunday. What's worse is that he tweaked his hamstring again and is uncertain for Houston's Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. It looks as if Ben Tate will be getting the start this weekend and should get plenty of carries. He should be in your starting lineup in all leagues not only because Foster might not play, but because he is one of...

(Season numbers in parentheses) OAKLAND at BUFFALO OAKLAND AVERAGE YARDS PER POSSESSION: 44.5 (30.9) TOUCHDOWN DRIVE RATE: 50 percent (30 percent) RED ZONE EFFICIENCY: 4-for-4, 100 percent (6-for-8, 75 percent) RED ZONE DISTRIBUTION: Rush 10, Pass 4 (Rush 16, Pass 8) BIG PLAYS: 10-plus Rush 3, 20-plus Pass 5 (Rush 10, Pass 5) DEEP TARGET ATTEMPTS: 7 (10) Injuries to the wide receiver position opened the door for Denarius Moore to start this past week and he didn't disappoint with 146 yards and a 50-yard touchdown on five receptions. Six of his eight targets were for 20-plus yards and he hauled in three of them. His role is going to increase and he is worth an addition. BUFFALO AVERAGE YARDS PER POSSESSION: 52.6 (38.5) TOUCHDOWN DRIVE RATE: 50 percent (42 percent) RED ZONE EFFICIENCY: 4-for 5, 80 percent (8-for 10, 80 percent) RED ZONE DISTRIBUTION: Rush 3, Pass 10 (Rush 12, Pass 16) BIG PLAYS: 10-plus Rush 8, Pass 0 (Rush 12, Pass 2) DEEP TARGET ATTEMPTS: 3 (9) An injury to Robert Parrish has given David Nelson the opportunity to solidify a role in the offense and he is worth an addition. He has 14 receptions on 19 targets for 149 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. His four red zone targets are tied for the third-most on the team, and Buffalo is averaging a league-high 39.5 points per game. GREEN BAY at CAROLINA GREEN BAY AVERAGE YARDS PER POSSESSION: 33.2 (36.3) TOUCHDOWN DRIVE RATE: 25 percent (36 percent) RED ZONE EFFICIENCY: 1-for-4, 25 percent (5-for-8, 63 percent) RED ZONE DISTRIBUTION: Rush 3, Pass 6 (Rush 9, Pass 12) BIG PLAYS: 10-plus Rush 3, 20-plus Pass 3 (Rush 6, Pass 7) DEEP TARGET ATTEMPTS: 7 (14) Ryan Grant's average per rush and reception dipped in Week 2 while James Starks averages both rose. Their touches have remained similar through the first two weeks except Starks has been on the field more in the second half. Grant also has zero touches inside of the 10-yard line while Starks has three. He has already begun to take over more control of the running game and will have more long term value than Grant. CAROLINA AVERAGE YARDS PER POSSESSION: 38.5 (39.2) TOUCHDOWN DRIVE RATE: 17 percent (21 percent) RED ZONE EFFICIENCY: 2-for 6, 33 percent (3-for 8, 38 percent) RED ZONE DISTRIBUTION: Rush 7, Pass 11 (Rush 9, Pass 15) BIG PLAYS: 10-plus Rush 1, 20-plus Pass 8 (Rush 4, Pass 15) DEEP TARGET ATTEMPTS: 9 (17) Brandon Lafell is someone to keep on the radar for now. He has eight receptions on 10 targets for 119 yards and a 3-yard touchdown. ...

Struggling teams find few opportunities in Week 3 Week 3 is upon us and there are a few teams struggling to keep fantasy owners interested. While that isn't likely to change overnight, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Most fantasy owners need instant gratification. We need to see the catches, the yardage pile up, and our players to cross the stripe for six. When you look at the teams below, It's hard to imagine anything like that happening anytime soon. It will happen and someone will emerge that will ultimately help your team whether it be a match up during the bye week, or a fill in during an injury. Sometimes it takes having your teams best player hurt to see the other talent on the squad develop. Kansas City Chiefs lose Jamaal Charles for the year. The Kansas City Chiefs have looked downright awful in the first two weeks. Now that fantasy stud Jamaal Charles is on the shelf, the passing game will more than likely take center stage. Any replacement to Charles, whether it be Dexter McCluster, or Thomas Jones, more than likely won't get the same load as the Chief's offensive play callers had planned. Dwayne Bowe is going to draw plenty of coverage. While Bowe should rise to fantasy relevance again, Steve Breaston and Jerheme Urban should benefit the most from the new plan. I have a hard time seeing either tight end, Leonard Pope, or Anthony Becht, getting more work. Look out for fullback Le'Ron McClain as he is the best short yardage player that the Chiefs have. He benefits most from Charles' injury as his looks at the goal line increase. I'm not a buyer on anyone until I can see the offense click. I own Bowe in two leagues, but he has yet to find his way into my line up. Let's see the offense move the ball first. This week at San Diego look for the Chiefs to come out throwing. Dwayne Bowe will be involved early and often. San Diego has given up 112 points in the last two weeks to offensive players. Before you get too excited, 91 of those points came at the hands of Tom Brady and company. Kansas City is nowhere near as balanced as the machine that is The New England Patriots. I expect that Kicker Ryan Succop might be the best play this week followed by Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, Thomas Jones, and Dexter McCluster in that order. Seattle Seahawks lose guard Robert Gallery this week. Seattle Seahawks were doormats last week to a Steeler team that just wasn't having it. So far this year, Marshawn Lynch has not gotten it going on the ground. ...

Fred Jackson is a top-20 back, not a top-10 back. In week 1, he ran for 112 yards. He followed that with a 117 yard, 2 score performance in week 2. And I mentioned last week that Jackson is a low-end RB2. But don't get carried away. He will be very productive, but if an owner in your league wants to offer top-10 compensation, take it. Matthew Stafford is ready to make the leap. He's got a cannon attached to his arm. He's got arguably the most gifted receiver in the game. And he's got a defense that will allow the offense to do whatever it wants. Stafford is showcasing the talent that made him a #1 overall pick. He's a QB1 (with injury risk), and in leagues where I have both Stafford and Big Ben, I'm starting Stafford if all things are equal. The Chiefs are dreadful, and it's only going to get worse. It was already pretty bad when they had one of the most electrifying backs in the league in Jamaal Charles. But early in their game against the Lions, Charles tore his ACL. I know that owners will wonder what to do. Unfortunately, neither Thomas Jones nor Dexter McCluster really has his skill set. Jones will get the majority of carries, and McCluster will be worth more in a PPR league. Kansas City appears to be a black hole, so it may be better to look elsewhere anyway. Sorry... Cam Newton can play. Seriously. Week 1 we chalked up to a terrible Cardinals defense. But when he throws for even more yards against the Packers, we have to take notice. He can play, and perhaps more surprisingly, Head Coach Ron Rivera and his staff are putting him in a position to make plays. Even though he threw 3 interceptions, they know he's their best shot. Newton is easily a matchup play, and is slowly making his way up the boards. He's at least a top-15 QB, if not higher. Vincent Jackson is scary good. Against the Patriots on Sunday, Jackson caught ten balls for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns. He's an absolute stud, and playing for that offense with that quarterback, he's a top-10 guy, easily. Philip Rivers is clearly looking for him, and he was unbelievable against a shaky Patriots' pass defense. He'll get more attention in the weeks to come, but he'll still produce. Darren Sproles is the Saints running back you want. Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas may get more publicity, but the Saints are a passing team. Sproles is dynamic out of the backfield, and if Brees finds him in space or on a screen, it's a big gain. He has 15 catches, over 100 yards, and a score in 2 games. While the ...

It was a tough Week 2 for some fantasy owners, as top draft pick Jamaal Charles was lost for the season. I guess it isn't the Kansas City Chiefs' year when their best player tears his knee up by slipping on a yard marker. With Charles sidelined and a lot of other prominent fantasy players dealing with injuries, the waiver wire becomes all that more important. In between wondering why Tony Sparano still has a job and how I can score the most points in my league after two weeks and end up 0-2, here are my thoughts on potential waiver wire pickups: Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Kansas City -- With Charles out for the year, McCluster will take center stage in the Chiefs offense. There isn't much to like about Kansas City so far this season. The Chiefs offense has been dreadful through two games and, if it's possible, the defense has been even worse. Still, while things go from bad to worse in Kansas City, McCluster is the one guy who could be a fantasy gem. The Chiefs are a bad football team. Forget about last season, this is 2011 and after two games Kansas City is the worst team in pro football. That means the Chiefs will be playing from behind a lot and McCluster should be the beneficiary as he gets the ball on draws and short dump offs. I'm not too worried about Thomas Jones. He'll get his touches but Jones is made for when the Chiefs have the lead, which won't be often. Plus, McCluster is listed as both a running back and wide receiver in a lot of leagues, giving you flexibility to start him at different positions. If you lost Charles, McCluster is clearly the guy you want to target this week. The Final Call: If McCluster is on your waiver wire he should be one of your top priorities this week, whether you lost Charles or not. He's the one Chief who could shine for fantasy owners the rest of the way. Roy Helu, RB, Washington -- It was a nice one week of not worrying for Tim Hightower owners. Remember the good old days of Week 1 when Hightower was the unquestioned feature back in Washington? While Hightower is still going to be a fantasy factor, it took Mike Shanahan just two weeks to muddy up the waters. Helu got 10 carries against Arizona, compared to Hightower's 20. However, Helu gained 74 yards and also caught three passes; not a good sign for fantasy owners depending on Hightower. The problem for Hightower owners is that Helu is a perfect fit for Shanahan's offense and, to be honest, he has more physical tools. I'm not expecting Hightower to lose...