CJ Spiller Vs. Ryan Matthews

[dannywest]

The first two backs off the board have vastly different playing styles and will be used in completely different ways in the pros, yet, it is intriguing to take a look at the two, especially from a fantasy point of view.
The 5'11", 196, CJ Spiller rushed for 3,480 yards with 31 career touchdowns while at Clemson, additionally, in his collegiate career he had 120 receptions for 1,362 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Ryan Matthews, also 5'11" but with 20+ pounds on Spiller, rushed for 3,280 yards and 39 touchdowns in his collegiate career at Fresno State, his hands proved much less impressive however with only 19 career receptions, 268 yards and 2 touchdowns.
While looking at these stats it is important to realize two things, firstly, Spiller played four years at Clemson while Matthews played three, declaring after his junior year. Additionally, one must look at the conferences in which these two played, Spiller coming from the ACC, Matthews from the WAC.
Matthews seems to be falling into a more significant role with his being drafted to the Chargers, where he should split carries with Darren Sproles. Spiller on the other hand, will be heading to Buffalo who already has Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson leading their rushing attack.
Spiller's speed, hands, and big play ability will make him a threat every time he is on the field, however, Matthews is certain to get more touches with a significantly heavier workload.

From a fantasy standpoint, which back will be better? Who do you take and when do you take them? And do either of these guys have the potential to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year this season?

 

[derringer007]

I like Ryan Matthews a little more than CJ.Spiller, i'm always a little leery of any high profile player coming out of college, can he perform in the NFL where so many big names have failed to be the RB he is meant to be

R.Matthews going to Chargers with a much more high octane offense is a huge plus for him which gives him a better chance to succeed right away.

If CJ Spiller is going to be highly productive and live up to the hype the Bills are going to have to find a passing game and the OL needs to get a lot better quick or he will fail to be the RB he is capable of being out of the gate.

I think if your a good player in college the ACC or WAC dont have the meaning most may think it does.

I'm sure that both Matthews and Spiller will have great NFL careers

 

[Miller]

Scoring system will make all the difference in this discussion. Matthews will be your more traditional RB, likely a 2 down back in SD splitting time with Sproles. Long term has the skill set to possibly develop into a full time 3 down back. I like this kid and feels he is in a great spot to succeed.

Spiller on the other hand is going to pile up fantasy points in different ways. He will be a receiving threat out of the back-field, outside running threat, and return specialist. Depending on how your league awards points Spiller could either be very disappointing (standard scoring leagues) or a dynamic playmaker who can be a difference maker. If your talking ppr he jumps up significantly, if you get pts for return yards he will be the best player in the fantasy draft.

 

[chrisslabaugh]

I made a move in my Zealots dynasty team to get 1.1 draft pick. I'm scratching my head on this one big time b/c you get return yd pts but no ppr.

 

[dannywest]

Perhaps another consideration when evaluating the two is the division in which they will be playing.

The Bills being in the AFC East certainly doesn't do much to help Spiller, the Pats held the Bills rushers to 195 yards in two games, the Dolphins held them to 175 rushing yards in two games, with only 46 yards rushing allowed in their first encounter. The only division opponent that the Bills had any success rushing against was the Jets, who, more than likely will be the Bills biggest challenge this season.
If you take into account the harsh weather climate that the Bills play in, with 5 home games through November and December, a lot of the abilities that make Spiller dynamic could be hampered, his hands, his speed, etc.

Ryan Matthews, however, plays on a team that accumulated almost 40% of their total rushing yards in 2009 against division opponents. He won't be facing harsh weather conditions, and, theoretically, will see many more touches than Spiller.

While, before the draft I was sold on Spiller, the more research I put into it, Matthews seems to be the better pickup.

 

[Phicinfan]

This one is pretty simple to me, regardless of scoring.

Mathews is the target short term at least. He will get a ton of carries, and will be the main back for SD. They have a solid OL and a high scoring offense that will help open up running lanes for him.

Spiller fell into hell right now. Buffalo desperately needed a LOT this draft. Now the draft is over and they STILL need a LOT. Add to that no real solution at Qb, and Wr depth is limited. I just don't see much hope for Spiller. Not to mention he is behind Jackson who can handle receiving from the backfield, oh and they still have Lynch as well.

 

[storminn0rm]

I'm going with Ryan Mathews for the same reasons as previously stated.

 

[RLLD]

I'm going with Ryan Mathews for the same reasons as previously stated.

:nod: