Smith unlikely candidate for fantasy leagues
by Chris Taylor, reporter

    In the world of real football, a record was broken earning Emmitt Smith a place as one of the greatest running backs ever. But in the fantasy football world, Smith has been one of the bottom-rung running backs available.

   In most people’s fantasy leagues, Smith, more than likely, was a late round pick for a team desperate for a running back.

   While the arguments have been raging as to whether he is the best of all time or not, chances are he is not even the best back on your team.

   If he is, your team is in deep, deep trouble.

   Smith has shown flashes of greatness, but his days of scoring double-digit touchdowns are over.

   In a way it’s sad to see such a magnificent player and person stumble at the tail end of his career. It’s a shame that Smith is no longer considered the top back as he once was, but the fantasy world has no time or patience for nostalgia.

   Once a player stops producing, he is usually on the trash heap in an instant.

   As a matter of fact, fantasy stats are usually a good indicator of a player’s career. When Troy Aikman was struggling, one could find him on the waiver wire of most fantasy leagues.

vPretty sad to see a three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback be cast aside so easily, but it is a fact of life in the fantasy world and the NFL.

   I’m sure that owners in many leagues, hoping that he would return to his old self, picked up Terrell Davis, running back for the Broncos.

   Sadly, injuries ruined his once promising career, and he was forced to retire this season after a few seasons in the NFL.

   Lack of durability would be another reason that Smith’s record is such an amazing feat. Thirteen years and 16,000 yards is a hard feat to accomplish for any running back.

   There is a reason only two backs in the history of the NFL have accomplished it.

   While as a fan it was great to see Emmitt break the record, as an owner, I wouldn’t dream of putting him on my team.

   Smith was a great player, but I’m more worried about winning now than about any allegiance to one of my favorite players on my favorite team.

   It sounds cold, but that’s the way it is in fantasy football.