Athlon's ranking of Dillon...

[Poobah]

Once you get past the first-tier of 7-8 backs, Dillon is right in there with a group of 5-6 others. Okay, that may have him as low as #14, but maybe as high as #8 or #9. Now, it may make him a guy we don't want as a #1, but it makes him somebody's #1, and if you have him as a #2, you should be happy. I'm hoping I'll be happy in December....

[kashikis]

i pu him in the 2nd tier of RBs this year with the taylor, lewis, and barbers this year.

[krazydude51]

He's a 2nd tier back with 1st tier potential. With this new defensive minded coach, look for them to stick to the running game. He's my 10th - 13th RB right now, and you can usually get him in the 3rd!

[ice456789]

I've never liked Dillon for my teams. He is a paycheck player. On the upside, the Cinci defense should be improved this year, and if they actually get the lead in a game they will be better able to protect it. That means more running the ball. On the bad side though, the AFC North is going to be a very tough division to run against this year, and Dillon isn't exacly surrounded by the best crew. If he had the heart of a player like Warrick Dunn or Garrison Hearst, he would be a top 5 back no matter what team he played for, but as it is he doesn't break my top 10.

[9er Fan]

If I'm a defensive coordinator, I still stack the line to stop Dillon and make Kitna beat me. Also, how many games next season will the Bengals be running a lot in the 2nd half to eat clock?

If the Bengals were good enough to win 8 or 9 games, maybe Dillon would be worthy of #1 back status, and maybe Marvin Lewis is good enough to take them there, but I'm not willing to risk my fantasy season on it.

[t-love]

Another one of those "what if" players...