What If Fantasy Football Had Existed When Barry Sanders Played?

By Danny Schrage July 15, 2014

Is it too early to start thinking about fantasy football? Of course it's not, this is America. Did Happy Gilmore waste any time before prepping for next year's hockey tryouts?

Is neglecting your job to do fantasy research going to improve your shot at winning? No. Face it, it never has, and this year is no different. But hey - as a self-respecting fantasy manager, you're going to do it regardless. As a Lions fan, I sometimes have to rely on a fantasy, fantasy football scenario to get me excited in the offseason.

So I wondered...how would Barry Sanders have stacked up against the top RBs of the fantasy football era?

Based on the Yahoo! default settings, this simplified formula awards 1 point per 10 offensive yards, 6 points per TD, and (-2) for each fumble. The analysis compares Sanders' most statistically prosperous years with other running backs of this era known for their fantasy domination.

INDIVIDUAL YEARS:

5. Adrian Peterson, 2012: 301 pts.

4. Barry Sanders, 1997: 320 pts.

3. Priest Holmes, 2002: 371 pts

2. Marshall Faulk, 2000: 375 pts.

1. LaDanian Tomlinson, 2006: 414 pts.

CAREER AVERAGES:

4. Marshall Faulk: 222 points/season

3. Adrian Peterson: 238 points/season

2. Barry Sanders: 239 points/season

1. LaDanian Tomlinson: 250 points/season

There are a few things to consider here: This snapshot was conducted solely for a simple comparison. It lumps all yards from scrimmage into one category. Sanders was neither a goal line scorer, nor a receiver. In leagues where rushing yards have more of an emphasis than receiving, Sanders would rank even higher.

I'm no Matthew Berry, but Sanders had a consistency that simply cannot be quantified. Sure, LT flew off the fantasy charts during his prime, but Sanders never rushed for under 1,100 yards in a season. Get #20 in a keeper or dynasty league, and you're a champion contender as long as he's on the field.