James Starks: Fantasy Football Prospects for 2011

All throughout the season we warned you that the Packers brass was in love with James Starks and encouraged fantasy owners to stash him away.

Now its too late.

Hopefully like me you have him on all your dynasty teams.

The Packers view Starks as an every-down back and the starting running back job is his going forward.

Ryan Grant is still under contract but may have to restructure in order to stay with the Superbowl Champions who obviously do not need his services as their championship run proved.

With Grant returning the Packers backfield will be a crowded one but the Packers will make sure to have either Grant or another serviceable running back on the roster to spell Starks and also to provide injury insurance for Starks who has a history of injury issues.

And no, Brandon Jackson does not qualify as serviceable.

James Starks is a better running back than Ryan Grant and despite this he will likely have less fantasy value heading into the 2011 fantasy football season than Grant did heading into the last couple of years simply because he will have legitimate competition for carries in the backfield something that Grant never had as Starks was not healthy until after Grant got injured.

James Starks has 1,200 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving and 8-10 all purpose TD upside this season playing as the starter for 15-16 games.

I know I said the same thing about Grant and paid the price but Starks may be a prime sell-high candidate.

Why should you entertain trading what might be the Packers running back for the next fove plus years?

Simple.

Injury risk and the return you may get now may dwarf anything you may ever be able to get again…call it the Superbowl hangover effect.