Hamilton needs to win on Sunday to help his championship campaign,

The rookie running back is a unique commodity in both real and fantasy football. If the sport of football is considered a young mans game, the tailback position is undoubtedly a key inspiration for this idiom.Few positions in sport, if any, incur such consistent and constant physical erosion as the NFL running back. The job description is to run through and past large groups of astonishingly strong and athletic men. This means the league, and thus fantasy investors, often look to the next wave of talent at the position for replenishment of workload and production. With an eventual eye on the 2016 class at the position, lets take a look at the past decade of rookie running backs in the context of fantasy football production.A brief history of top-flight rookie RBsThe premise that the league has continually devalued the running back position in the draft and in free agency over the past several seasons might ring true with regards to draft capital and bonus cash in free agency, yet this study revealed the fact that weve seen 19 rookie running backs tally at least 100 rushing attempts over the past two seasons combined. The past two seasons mark the biggest two-year stretch of 100-carry rookie backs over the past decade. Last years mark of 10 such performances was a 10-year high.From 2006 to 2013, we saw an average of 5.8 rookie backs accrue at least 100 carries. So while the sample isnt so sizable, its interesting to consider that while the league isnt allocating draft and cash assets to the position as it once did, on-field opportunity has actually increased over recent seasons.As a fun exercise, we compiled the top 30 fantasy seasons (ordered by standard fantasy points) since 2001. Even though Clinton Portis rookie opus in Denver in 2002 is the high-water mark for rookies since 2001, he finished fourth at the position that season in fantasy production, while Doug Martins 2012 netted him the highest finish (third) at the position for a rookie over the past 15 seasons.For some context for rookie backs in the past decade, consider that 40 rookie backs since 2006 have amassed as many as 150 rushing attempts in their debut season. During the past decade, 29 professional freshmen at the position have been targeted at least 40 times in the passing phase. Just how have rookie backs translated to fantasy production?Taking an overhead look at the league during the past decade, weve produced the production thresholds required for RB1, RB2 and RB3 seasons over the past 10 seasons. In the table below, youll find what each tier of production in both standard and PPR leagues demands for NFL running backs (not isolated solely to rookies). It has required at least 125 standard fantasy points, for example, to finish 24th or better among running backs on average over the past 10 NFL seasons.Lets apply these numbers to rookies at the position since the 2006 campaign.Rare RB1 rookie seasonsUsing 170 fantasy points as the threshold for producing a top-12 fantasy season using ESPN standard scoring, we find 13 rookie tailbacks since 2006 to have met this mark (rounding up Marshawn Lynchs 169 fantasy points in 2007). Using per-game production -- limiting the sample to having played at least eight games during their rookie campaign -- we find 12 backs qualify for the top-12 per-game threshold of 11.6 fantasy points per game.In a PPR (point per reception) format, just 12 rookie backs since 2006 have produced at least 206 fantasy points (the milestone for a PPR RB1 season over the past decade), again proving generous with the inclusion of both LeVeon Bells and Giovani Bernards 2013 efforts that resulted in 205 PPR points for each. Using per-game production, 13 backs since 2006 have met the requirement (14.3 FP/G) for a top-12 PPR finish.Rookie RB2 campaignsFor the top-24 tier, we find 12 tailbacks since 2006 have scored between 125 and 170 fantasy points -- the realistic range for an RB2 finish -- over the past decade (13 met the per-game mark of 9.1 to 11.6 points per game). Adding these tiers together, we find 25 backs have produced a top-24 fantasy season at the position in standard leagues over the past decade.In PPR formats, 10 backs over the past 10 seasons have produced RB2 results -- between 157 and 205 fantasy points -- and nine have met the per-game requirements for RB2 consideration, averaging at least 11 PPR points. This means 22 rookie backs have totaled top-24 efforts in PPR formats over the past decade, expanding to 24 using the per-game confines of the study.Since 2006, 255 rookie running backs have appeared in at least four games during their inaugural pro season, thus we find just less than 1 percent of such rookies have produced RB2-worthy efforts over this sample.Rookie RB3 effortsThe group understandably expands as we lower the bar for fantasy production, as 20 rookie backs have totaled between 92 and 125 standard fantasy points since 2006, the range for RB3 production. The sample grows to 24 backs when looking at point totals in PPR formats over the past decade. When it comes to per-game production, 19 rookie backs have averaged RB3 production in standard scoring formats since 2006, which expands to 20 backs using a PPR key.Looking ahead to 2016Last season saw the Cardinals David Johnson and the Rams Todd Gurley lead fantasy teams to glory, while respectable stretches from the likes of Jeremy Langford, Matt Jones, T.J. Yeldon, Buck Allen, Duke Johnson and Thomas Rawls didnt go unnoticed. With a new crop to study, identifying the top talents in this 2016 class could prove profitable come December.Referencing the table above, weve compiled this years rookie class with ESPNs current fantasy football projections for 2016. Based on the research above, we have Ezekiel Elliott projected for a surefire RB1 campaign in both standard and PPR formats (more on him below).The Titans Derrick Henry is projected within 10 percent of the RB2 tier using standard scoring, while Jordan Howard, C.J. Prosise, Kenyan Drake, Kenneth Dixon and Tyler Ervin are set to achieve or come close to RB3-worthy production this season; all of them are within 22 percent of the RB3 scoring threshold.My personal favorites of this rookie possible RB3 tier would be Dixon and Howard, as I find the depth charts in both Baltimore and Chicago realistically scalable. Dixon has some LeSean McCoy to his game in both negative and positive regards; in that he can get stuffed at the line with some regularity, but then again, he also flashes Shadys rare ability to induce missed tackles from opponents. Of the Ravens trio of backs in Marc Trestmans space-friendly system, Ill take shares of Dixon. As for Howard, hes a between-the-tackles force compared to Langfords more reception-friendly skill set, so meaningful early-down work could come sooner than later for the bruising Hoosier.The key 2016 rookie asset to evaluate is surely Zeke, as the Cowboys top pick is currently going fifth on average at the position and in firmly the first round overall in ESPN drafts so far this summer. Our projection for Elliott this season, powered by the ever-accurate Mike Clay, has him set for the fourth-most carries in the league, with roughly 280. Fittingly, Brett Jepsen of the teams website has Elliott projected for 280-300 carries this season.Elliott is also projected for the 11th-most catches at the position, with 51, netting him the fourth-most projected yards from scrimmage (1,673) among all players at the position. Converting this gaudy expected workload into fantasy numbers, were projecting Elliott for the fourth-most fantasy points at the position in both standard and PPR formats.From Week 6 on last season, when he began to receive feature work, the Cowboys Darren McFadden averaged 107.8 yards per game, the most in the league over the final 12 weeks of the season. The Rams remarkable rookie, Gurley, rushed for just 17 more yards than McFadden on 10 fewer attempts last season. Which is to say, Dallas vaunted run-blocking line helped McFadden, in his eighth season, keep pace with the leagues elite talents at the position.Nine rookie running backs have been afforded at least 250 rushing attempts since 2006, with eight of these efforts resulting in RB1 production (at least 170 standard fantasy points). Of those nine rookie workhorse campaigns, six earned at least 40 targets and 260 receiving yards. This select six averaged 210 standard and 259 PPR points -- good for RB1 production in each of the past 10 seasons -- thanks to such voluminous workloads.Opportunity is a monumental influence for fantasy success with rookie running backs. We are banking on Elliott to join Doug Martin and Matt Forte in fantasy lore with a top-five finish at the position as a freshman thanks to such a hefty workload. Meanwhile, savvy shares of his draft peers also could pay off given the trends weve witnessed at the position over the past decade. Jon Casey Stars Jersey . Detroit and Boston are deadlocked, 1-1, and Tigers manager Jim Leyland could be forgiven if he was caught rationalizing instead of dissecting how his club could blow a 5-1 lead late in Game 2. Ben Bishop Stars Jersey . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. http://www.thedallasstarshockey.com/blake-comeau-hockey-jersey/ .Y. - Detroit goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has earned NHL first star of the week honours after winning in his first three appearances of the season. Radek Faksa Stars Jersey . The formidable trio of Canadian receivers -- individually known as Chris Getzlaf, Rob Bagg and Andy Fantuz -- will share the field at Mosaic Stadium one more time on Sunday. Mattias Janmark Jersey . Instead of dwelling on the negative, Oates focused on what was good about the clubs recent play. It worked. NEW YORK -- The playoff chase finally caught up with the New York Yankees on Sunday.On a day when Chase Headley homered and old friend Chase Whitley returned from Tommy John surgery against his former team, the Yankees lost ground in their postseason pursuit.Corey Dickerson hit a two-run homer, Matt Andriese won for the first time since June and the Tampa Bay Rays slowed New Yorks late charge by stopping its seven-game winning streak with a 4-2 victory.We didnt give them the game, Headley said. They just beat us today.Logan Forsythe and Brad Miller also went deep for the last-place Rays, who had dropped three straight and six of seven. But they prevented a four-game sweep behind Andriese (7-7) and Whitley, who tossed two innings of relief in his Tampa Bay debut.Headley hit his 14th home run and Brett Gardner had an RBI single among his three hits for the Yankees, who fell four games behind first-place Boston in the AL East and two back of Baltimore for the leagues second wild card.Every loss at this point stings just because of how few games are left, manager Joe Girardi said.Whitley struck out his first batter, rookie slugger Gary Sanchez, and gave up an unearned run. But he retired Jacoby Ellsbury on an easy fly with two runners in scoring position to protect a 4-2 lead in the seventh.It was the right-handers first major league outing since he started for the Yankees at Tampa Bay on May 14 last year.That was pretty cool. Just unbelievable, Whitley said. Ive still got a lot of friends over there. So it was just really, really fun.Whitley even took a photo with Yankees head physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad, who performed the pitchers elbow operation.It was a long road for him, so were all happy for him, Girardi said. I wish he would have gave up a few runs today, but the rest of the way I hope he does well.Brad Boxberger worked a perfect eighth against the 3-4-5 hitters in New Yorks lineup, and Alex Colome got three quick outs for his 32nd save in 34 attempts.We could not have scripted that any better, Rays manager Kevin Cash said. A good bounce-back win for the guys.Andriese allowed one run and six hits over five innings, snapping a seven-game losing streak with his first win since June 15 against Seattle. The right-hander won his first six decisions this season but was 0-7 with a 6.11 ERA in his past 15 outings, eight of them starts.Dickerson and Nick Franklin both had three hits. Millers homer ended an 0-for-17 slump.Rookie right-hander Luis Cessa (4-1) gave up all three Rays homers in 5 2/3 innings.ddddddddddddNew York had won his first four starts.The Yankees were looking for their first eight-game winning streak since a 10-game run in June 2012. They lost for only the fifth time in 18 games since Aug. 23.Of course it would have been great to keep it going, but weve just got to start a new one tomorrow, Headley said.9/11 CEREMONIESBefore the game, Girardi and Yankees reliever Dellin Betances placed a wreath at the 9/11 Monument in Monument Park to honor those killed in the terrorist attacks 15 years ago. Following a moment of silence, FDNY firefighter Frank Pizzaro sang the national anthem while other firefighters unfurled a large American flag in center field -- the same flag displayed when President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series at the original Yankee Stadium. After their roll call of Yankees starters, the Bleacher Creatures briefly chanted USA! USA!TRAINERS ROOMRays: 1B Logan Morrison strained his left wrist when he hit a foul line drive in the fourth and left the game. Felt it pop on that one swing, he said. More than likely, Im probably done for the year. Morrison returned from a strained right forearm on Aug. 15. ... Miller was back at shortstop for the first time since Thursday, when he was hit by a pitch on the right elbow. He was the DH on Friday and played first base Saturday.Yankees: 2B Starlin Castro received a rare rest with New York in the middle of playing 17 consecutive days. Rookie INF Ronald Torreyes started at second. Castro pinch-hit for Torreyes in the seventh and reached on a two-out error.UP NEXTRays: RHP Jake Odorizzi (9-6, 3.86 ERA) pitches Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Toronto, where the Rays are averaging 7.5 runs in six games this year. They are 9-7 against the Blue Jays overall and need one win to clinch the season series for the eighth time in nine years.Yankees: RHP Bryan Mitchell (1-0) makes his second start this season Monday night when the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers visit Yankee Stadium in the renewal of an old October rivalry. Mitchell missed most of the year with a toe injury and earned his first major league win last Wednesday with five scoreless innings against Toronto. Rookie RHP Jose De Leon (1-0) pitches for the Dodgers. He won his big league debut last Sunday against San Diego, striking out nine and walking none over six innings. ' ' '