If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
"Close Calls 2007" - A Sportsoutlaw.com Exclusive
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues.
Today's Match-up:

Larry Johnson - RB - KC *vs* Frank Gore - RB - SF

Last Year's Stats:
Larry Johnson - 16 gms - 1789 ru yds - 17 TD's - 41 rec - 410 rec yds - 2 TD
Frank Gore - 16 gms - 1695 ru yds - 8 TD's - 61 rec - 485 yds - 1 TD

Today's close call places 2 backs who were on the top of their games last season. However, that does not mean they are without questions heading into your fantasy drafts this season. With Johnson, what questions are not out there? Will he hold out during the regular season? Will his heavy work load wear him down? Will Priest Holmes cut into his production? Will the deterioration of KC's Oline start to show in his numbers? With Gore, you have some questions as well? Was last year just a career year, or is he a young back ready for stardom? Will the broken hand slow him down at all? As you can see, questions are many with these 2 top 5 picks, and as alswys these are some of the questions you will need to answer in today's "Close Call."

Oh boy...talk about the ultimate toss up.

If it were straight up ...and no issues, i would lean to Larry. Yes I know the history of back who carried as much as Larry. I also know the entire offense for KC goes through Larry. I have more faith in him staying healthy than I do Gore.

However, you now have caveats. Gore will play at least part of the season with a broken hand and cast on his favorite ball carrying hand. LJ is holding out...and has the specter of Priest returning.

not good. But I will still lean to LJ.

i will pass on both. neither one of them is in my top 10.

As much as I want to go with LJ, I just think Gore is more talented, and in the end, will be remembered as the better back.

I picked Johnson, even though i think he'll be a dissapointment this year. With Gore's broken hand and relative unprovenness over the long haul I simply can't pick him.

I'd choose LJ if I had to...but I passed on gore to take Addai

If it were between these two I'd have to lean towards taking Gore. The losses to the offensive line (especially shields) plus the insane number of carries tell me LJ will not be as valuable this year. Add to this the fact that he is holding out and Priest Holmes is back....

Gore is solid and the only real question mark with him is his health. I drafted Gore late in a league last year and he ended up being my fantasy savior. Gonna have to take him over LJ.

I gotta lean toward Frank Gore, although I do get concerned over the fumbling problem, and now the injury. Faced with a choice between these to, it would be a tough decision, but I think I would go with Gore.

49ers added to their defense this year, which should help the offense stay on the field, and boost the running game.

The Chiefs, they added a acutal potential #1 receiver this year, which should take part of the load away from the running game, that and Edwards has stated that LJ will touch the ball less

i need to find some feature to have your posts in bold or some shaded color..... cause i have never seen anybody with such bold predictions.
i got to believe you would end up taking one of them (if not both) if they were available at pick 10!! who are your top 10????

but personally, i'd take Addai myself right now. However, if between these two, it has to be Gore for me.

Gore was already creeping up to my 3rd overall pick, and only the injury has put enough doubt in my mind to put Addai just above him.

LJ has too many things going against him at this point to be taken in my top 4.

gore is close to my top 10. if i have to take one to keep, i will take gore as a solid RB2 who will have a few very big games. i would draft LJ only with intentions to trade, and to do so immediately.

You're crazy. Absolutely crazy. Priest Holmes? He's 35 going on dead and coming off a neck injury and the rest of the team doesn't even think he should be out there. Larry johnson may end up being a bust this year, but not because of priest Holmes.

Or maybe Gore got to run off nice chunks of yardage by running more often in what would more likely be concidered passing situations by other teams. The passing game really was stymied most of last year until Smith started to turn it around late in the season. Better D, better throwing game. Maybe less rushing chances and in more conventional running situations.

I love the fact that Gore's team is on the way up with good, young tallent on offense...
while KC's offense is getting old and tired... (with the exception of their "a bit too young" QB)
With little passing game in KC I think teams will be able to key on the run and slow LJ down.
Gore.

Just curious here.

For those of you with LJ in a dynasty league.(which I am one now...)

Is anyone else somewhat okay with a long hold out?

The reason I am is due to this lingering question of rbs with as many carries as LJ had. Think about it...if he spends most the season not playing..the wear and tear should no longer be an issue. Thus future years should be solid again. Or is this all just wishful thinking??

CUCKOO>>>>>>>>CUCKOO

This is an easy selection for me. Gore LJ's status is just too much up in the air for me to consider him at this point, in the 1st round. With Guys like Gore, and SA available, I wouldn't consider LJ until his situation solidifies some.

SA isnt in my top 10 either.

I have a feeling MJD has made the cut then.

sure but i still think you couldve got him in the 3rd...

A broken hand or a hold out. My choice would be Gore since he is playing, but LJ would become my choice when he starts to play. RR