There are certainly parallels to draw between Steven Jackson and Frank Gore(notes). Both are fully featured running backs for NFC West squads that haven't enjoyed much success in their careers. And both will enter the 2009 season at the age of 26. But who should be selected first in fantasy drafts leading up to Week 1? Brandon Funston and Scott Pianowski have differing opinions, and state their case in 250 words or less. 

Funston says...

In the past four years, here’s a look at where Steven Jackson finished among running backs in fantasy points per game, along with the Rams’ record for that season in parentheses:

2008: 3rd (2-14)
2007: 9th (3-13)
2006: 3rd (8-8)
2005: 11th (6-10)

It’s important to note that not once in those four years did Frank Gore average more fantasy points than Jackson. Also consider, as it’s very likely to happen once again in ’09: not once in that span did the Rams finish with a winning record. So, if you are going to argue against S-Jax, it can be for only one reason: durability.

In each of the past two seasons, Jackson has missed four games because of injuries. But it’s actually pretty amazing that that was all the time he missed considering his two ailments were a torn groin and a torn hamstring, injuries that have derailed others for much longer.

Rams GM Bill Devaney made the obvious statement this offseason that, " ... our best player on the team is Steven Jackson. First and foremost, we’re going to try to run the ball and try to establish ourselves as a strong running team." The Rams plan to employ a run-heavy version of Andy Reid’s West Coast offense, which means S-Jax will have a Westbrookian, all-purpose role, and Jackson’s receiving skills will get the kind of attention it hasn’t seen since ’06.

Face it, Gore’s no Ironman. In a choice between the two, I’ll go with the higher proven upside.

Pianowski says...

It’s never been a question of talent with Gore – he’s proven over his four-year career that he can dominate a football game in a variety of ways. But in 2009 the Niners finally have the full package of support in place for Gore, and with that in mind I’m calling for his best season.

Fantasy production from running backs is generally tied to winning clubs, something the Niners have a good shot at being this year. San Francisco had a sneaky 7-2 finish last year and now they get the seventh-easiest schedule on paper. Head coach Mike Singletary and OC Jimmy Raye have made it clear that Gore is going to be the focus of the offense; Mike Martz had trouble maximizing Gore’s talents. The team also catered to Gore’s one request in the offseason, re-signing fullback and blocking dynamo Moran Norris(notes). When Gore was tilting fantasy championships back in 2006, the unsung Norris was clearing the way.

Gore’s durability comes up often as a flag but while he’s missed three games in the last two years, Jackson has sat out eight times. Gore can’t match Jackson’s pure power but he’s capable of making inside yards and he’s got a better breakaway gear outside (4.7 YPC to 4.3 YPC). The Niners are probably a coin flip to be a winning club this year; does anyone want to make that bet on the Rams? We’re looking at two talented backs, but Gore’s environment is far safer. Double-down on No. 21.

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