Aaron Rodgers can’t seem to find a consistent home in the first round. Calvin Johnson only makes brief appearances. There is no sign of Tom Brady.
The early stages of this season’s fantasy drafts are being dominated by running backs. The Tracker would like to believe it was among the first to dock this plan, but now it doesn’t matter. Most everyone seems to be on board with Plan A, making securing early RBs more challenging.
‘BACK’ TO THE FUTURE
Our favorites, after Adrian Peterson, are Doug Martin and C.J. Spiller. But instead of going at picks Nos. 2 and 3, you’re almost to certain to get one of them at No. 5, and even as deep as No. 9. In addition, we classify Trent Richardson and Alfred Morris in the same category as Arian Foster, who often goes in the top three picks. But Richardson and Morris likely will be available at the end of the first round in a 10-team league.
If you’re picking ninth, that is the ideal spot for Plan A. You almost are guaranteed to get two of the top 10, which is where we see the first drop-off — after LeSean McCoy and before Steven Jackson. All that is required is one owner to reach outside the RB realm in the first round and you have some combo of the top 10, who are virtually interchangeable after Peterson.
IN A RUSH
If Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, Dez Bryant or Julio Jones still are available after the top 10 RBs are gone, move to Plan B — taking a second RB in the third round. Otherwise we like Jackson or Stevan Ridleyin Round 2 to complete Plan A. With the Patriots, for a variety of reasons, losing receivers and tight ends, we expect them to rely even more on what was an underrated running game last season — good news for Ridley. And we can see Jackson having a Stephen Davis circa 2003 season with Carolina. He looked out of gas before changing locales, then was a monster that year — and only that year.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE
If you’re looking at RBs in the third round, then you are in Plan B mode. All the options come with risks. In that case, we opt for upside. Matt Forte likely is gone, but maybe you still could snag Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson, Frank Gore, DeMarco Murray or Darren McFadden. The third is a reach if you’re looking at Monte Ball, David Wilson, Darren Sproles and the like.
RISKY BUSINESS
We love how Reggie Bush should fit into the Detroit offense — not unlike the short, dynamic run of Kevin Smith late in 201. But we worry Mikel Leshoure will steal TDs. We will take that risk in the in the fourth round.
Likewise Wilson, who could have his scores vultured by Andre Brown. This situation scares us more than Bush, particularly since Wilson is going about a round earlier. Ditto Sproles, whose red-zone carries could go to Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas.
On the flip side, we will avoid BenJarvus Green-Ellis in Rounds 6-8 despite his TD potential. We would prefer backfield mate Giovani Bernard a round or two later.
IN THE DISTANCE
There are some rookie runners who can make an immediate impact — Eddie Lacy (too early in fifth round), Lamar Miller (good in Round 6) and LeVeon Bell (about right in Rounds 6-7). And we really like Bernard’s value, particularly when he makes it into the ninth of 10th rounds.
Our enthusiasm is tempered regarding Rashard Mendenhall. He has let us down in Pittsburgh the past two seasons, and virtually every Cardinals RB in history has been a fantasy disappointment. But he routinely is among the last true feature backs available, so we table our worries if he is there in Round 7.
At very end, take a shot with Danny Woodhead, because Ryan Mathews always is just seconds from injury.
Next week, on the Fantasy Tracker: The reason it is important to draft RBs early is because the wide receiver position is so deep. But you have to catch the right guy.
dloftis@nypost.com
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH WHO?
Vick Ballard vs. Ahmad Bradshaw
Bradshaw is older, has an injury history and opened camp on the PUP list. Ballard is younger, better in the passing game, and available a round later.
Eddie Lacy vs. Jonathan Franklin
With James Starks, Alex Green and DuJuan Harris also in the mix, we are hesititant to relyb too much on any of them. Lacy likely will be the goal-line guy, which gives him edge over the others.
DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart
With Mike Tolbert a big body geared for short-yardage TDs, and Cam Newton capable of stealing scores, neither Williams nor Stewart are better than an RB4. Stewart already battling ankle woes, so go Williams.
Daryl Richardson vs. Isaiah Pead
Pead is suspended to start the year, so it’s Richardson’s job to lose from the start, and he can be had two rounds later in the 13th. But keep an eye on Zac Stacy, who could throw a wrench into this mix.