VS.    
Barber                                     Lynch
343.00 pts.                              335.72 pts.
Ht:  6'0"                                   Wt. 5'11"
Wt: 221 lbs                              Wt: 215 lbs.

In the last couple of years, there have been whispers within the fantasy community that RBs may not be the be all, end all when it comes to drafting your fantasy team in the first round. And while that may have turned out to be true the last couple years I have a hunch that history will prove this was a transition period at RB. Guys like LaDanian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber and Edgerrian James passed their peak heights in the past 2 years, and it's only now that we are seeing the players that will replace them. Marion Barber III and Marshawn Lynch are two of those players that are just getting ready to enter the prime of their careers, and with that, will help RBs again solidfy the original rule of fantasy football.  It's never a bad idea to go running back in the first two rounds. But which of these two borderline first rounders should you build your fantasy team around?  Lets take a look.

REDRAFT CONSIDERATIONS

The edge here goes to the Barber, as he quite simply has the better surrounding cast. With Tony Romo at QB, WR Terrell Owens and TE Jason Witten as receiving options, the running lanes should remain wide open (almost 4.8 ypc) as teams won't be able to focus in on Barber. Throw in the fact that Barber has 28 touchdowns over the past two years, and he is the clear pick. On the flip side, while Lynch is the centerpiece of the Bills offense (280 carries for 1115 yards), it's as the centerpiece of a rebuilding (read: crappy) offense, and defenses will continue to gameplan against Marshawn first and foremost.

KEEPER/DYNASTY CONSIDERATIONS

In dynasty leagues, at first glance there appears to be relatively little difference between Barber and Lynch. They are both young (Barber will be 25 next season, and Lynch will be 22) They both can run between the tackles with prototypical Ht./Wt. blends, and both have now shown to be reliable checkdown receiver out of the backfield. Lynch however, gets the slightest of nods here because even though Barber plays with the better supporting cast, Lynch is going to continue to having an offense built around him. Look for the Bills to draft skill-position reinforcements in the near fututre.  When those reinforcements come, it will only make Marshawn that much more effective.

SITUATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Barber has done his damage the past couple of years while sharing time with Julius Jones. In the times he was given a heavy workload, he's responded well. Jones may not be back next year but even if he is, make no mistake about it - the running back position belongs to Barber.

As for Lynch, much of his immediate future success will hinge on who the Bills bring in to support him. Settling on a starting QB is a great first step, and it appears that the Bills have done that with Trent Edwards. Adding reinforcements on the right side of the line and in the receiving corps will also help accelerate the 2nd yr. sled-dog's learning curve.

BOTTOM LINE

It took all of 2007, but it appears that the Cowboys have realized that Marion Barber III is their running back. With a slightly increased role next year, there is no reason why Barber shouldn't be among the top 5-6 point scoring RB's. Marshawn Lynch should continue to be a good back for the next year or two while the Bills continue their rebuilding. However, once the Bills get the pieces put together, we need to remember where Lynch was drafted and the fact that he has no ceiling right now as an NFL RB.

You can't go wrong with either player. I fully expect both of them to go in the first 12-15 picks in redraft leagues. I give Barber a slight edge in redraft formats and a slight edge to Lynch in dynasty formats

REDRAFT EDGE: BARBER
+++++

DYNASTY EDGE: LYNCH
+++++

Sign up for your FREE 2008 subscription to "The Fantasy Trader" newsletter below.  You get 3 issues every week during the NFL season jam-packed with Fantasy Football strategy features to help you crush your competition this year!!!

Contests at Fantasy Football Trader are a game of skill
Disclaimer: This site is not in any way affiliated with, endorsed or licensed by the National Football League, any NFL team or NFLPA member.