Ladell

Betts

If true, that would make Betts the starter. Portis would have to be pretty far in the doghouse for this to be true. We’ll see if the Washington media picks the story up, but Betts is worth grabbing in most leagues to see what happens.

Betts could approach 100 carries in Joe Gibbs’ offense. He’s the No. 2 back to Clinton Portis.

He’s been sidelined for more than a week. Betts is expected to be the primary backup to Clinton Portis.

We believe them. By any measure, Betts was better than Clinton Portis last year. We’re not saying he’ll ever start, but he should get a lot more than 90 carries this season.

“We’ve got to find a way to get (Betts) on the field and not just as a back-up player to Clinton,” Saunders said. Betts, a useful handcuff for Portis owners, had at least 12 carries in five games last season.

Betts’ role in Washington is now in the spotlight following Clinton Portis’ injury. He’s a sturdy, if unspectacular, backup who has the confidence of his coaching staff. Portis owners should reach a few rounds early, perhaps in the tenth, to draft him.

With Clinton Portis out, Washington will limit Betts’ preseason touches as if he was a starter.

T.J. Duckett had eight yards on four carries. Betts and Duckett would likely share carries were Clinton Portis to miss Week 1.

At best, Betts and Duckett will split carries while Clinton Portis is less than a 100%. Betts is now a marginal late draft pick in fantasy leagues with a low ceiling of potential.

Betts started the ball game but gave way to Clinton Portis in key running situations down the stretch. He wasn’t a good fantasy play to begin with. Betts is barely worth owning in normal fantasy leagues.