Top 5 Fantasy Running Backs headed into 2015
Marshawn Lynch [Seattle Seahawks]: (215LBS, 5'11, age 29) Lynch had a big 2014 and was only one run away from another Super Bowl title. This will most likely be Lynch's last year with high production as running backs tend to fall off after they turn 30, so expect him to make it a good one.
Total fantasy points of 2014: 265.30
Total Yards of 2014: 1,306
Total carries of 2014: 280
Total touchdowns of 2014: 13
Eddie Lacy [Green Bay Packers]: (230LBS, 5'11, age 25) Lacy has had back to back 1,000+ yard seasons and is the Packers only viable running back. The Packers are known for their aerial attack however last season they proved they were proficient in the ground and pound, Lacy was a big part of that. If Lacy can manage to stay healthy he can be one of the best if not the best running back in the NFL.
Total fantasy points of 2014: 230.60
Total Yards of 2014: 1,139
Total carries of 2014: 246
Total touchdowns of 2014: 9
Jeremy Hill [Cincinnati Bengals]: (238LBS, 6'1, age 22) Hill managed to steal the starting running back role from Giovanni Bernard during his rookie season. Hill is a force to be reckoned with as he is great in space and is a very capable north/south rusher. The only thing that concerned me was his power and strength in goal line situations however as the season went on he became stronger.
Total fantasy points of 2014: 183.90
Total Yards of 2014: 1,124
Total carries of 2014: 222
Total touchdowns of 2014: 9
Adrian Peterson [Minnesota Vikings] (220LBS, 6'1, age 30): Peterson has a major chip on his shoulder after missing all of last season on the commissioner's exempt list. Now he returns to a Vikings franchise that threw him under the bus somewhat last season. Peterson has already made it known that Minnesota just does not feel like home anymore however in the recent weeks he has been seen supporting the Vikings and looking forward to playing football. This does not mean he does not want out of Minnesota, look for him to make a lot of noise this season and remind NFL fans why he is the best running back of his generation.
Total fantasy points of 2014: N/A
Total Yards of 2014: N/A
Total carries of 2014: N/A
Total touchdowns of 2014: N/A
Joseph Randle/Lance Dunbar/Darren McFadden [Dallas Cowboys]:
Look this one is complicated, the Cowboys have the best offensive line in the NFL, but have 3 unproven rushers, well 4 if you count Ryan Williams. Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are the two favorites to lead the attack, Dunbar on passing downs and Randle on every other down. One thing is clear whoever is leading this attack is going to have a whole lot of fantasy points. DeMarco Murray was a complete unknown until this line was solidified and it shows in his stats. In 2013 and 2014 Murray had 609 carries alone which shows the intent to make a player a workhorse back. The Cowboys can probably achieve the same effect with Randle or McFadden or some weird combination of the two but Dunbar is a speedster and has great hands, which leads me to believe he will get some work running the screen while Randle gets zone and stretch runs. Randle over the last two seasons has averaged 7 yards a carry, just some food for thought. One thing is clear all of the Cowboys running backs are handcuffed to one another.
Honorable Mentions:
Le'Veon Bell [Pittsburgh Steelers]: Bell will start the year with a 3 game suspension, causing him to fall out of my top 5. When he returns to the field expect things to be all systems go for the second best rusher in 2014.
Mark Ingram/C.J. Spiller [New Orleans Saints]: Ingram is getting first and second down work, so expect Spiller to get the passing downs, look for him as a receiver coming out of the backfield. Ingram should get most goal line work but look out for the vulture in this backfield, Khiry Robinson.
Melvin Gordon [San Diego Chargers]: Best running back in the draft, should have a Jeremy Hill type of effect for the Chargers.
LeSean McCoy [Buffalo Bills]: New system, new offensive line, things will be interesting for Shady. Because of this he is not in my top 5 however McCoy has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the league now that he is not splitting time with Darren Sproles. Fred Jackson will still be competing for the starting job by the time training camp comes around but expect him to get all of the backup carries.