Doug Martin or Trent Richardson? That is the big question facing dynasty-startup owners with the No. 1 overall pick this year, and it sure is a tough one. Both players have their obvious advantages and drawbacks. The goal will be deciding which one will be better for you not only this year, but for years to come. The good thing is, if you miss out on one of them to a different owner, you really can’t go wrong with choosing whomever is still available.
Doug Martin - Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Muscle Hamster was a great surprise for fantasy owners in 2012, putting up top-10 numbers in every statistical category en route to 273.4 total fantasy points, good for second best among running backs and fourth overall. Martin is a true dual-threat runner, as evident by his 1,462 rushing yards and 512 receiving yards last season, good for seventh and third respectively, amongst running backs. He also averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and was second to Adrian Peterson with 1,005 yards after contact and 3.2 YPC after contact. He’s a strong, sturdy and powerful runner with a deceptive burst of speed, great vision and dependable hands.
Headed into 2013, Martin will benefit from having a year of experience under his belt and a healthy, talented offensive line. Look for him to continue to impress in his sophomore campaign.
2013 Stat Projections: 1,600 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 450 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Trent Richardson - Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Richardson definitely wasn’t a surprise in 2012. The first running back selected in the NFL Draft and the unanimous No. 1 ranked running back, Richardson performed up to expectations and help bring some excitement back to the Browns. Like Martin, Richardson is a sturdy and powerful runner that isn’t going to outrun anyone forever, but can kick it down and gain separation when you least expect it. He’s also a dual threat who can pound it out as a workhorse back on the ground, and make an impact in the passing game as well. Plus at just 21 years old, Richardson is three years younger than Martin and has less miles on his body. The downside here is that he is more injury prone and has a hard time fighting off nagging injuries - but at the same time, he has shown an ability to fight through them, to an extent.
If Richardson can stay healthy and put together a full season behind the Browns’ talented offensive line, look for his numbers to increase from last season.
2013 Stat Projections: 1,100 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 350 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
In Comparison
Both players are very similar, on similar teams with comparable offensive lines and quarterbacks. By seasons end, Martin and Richardson are going to be very close in every statistical category, but I have to give the edge to Martin; because he’s a bit faster, has shown he can stay healthy better and has better yards per carry and after hit, as well as better receiving numbers. Martin is a slightly better option in every format; standard, PPR and dynasty. But like I said before, if you miss out on one, you really can’t go wrong with the other and will be blessed with success regardless.