Devonta Freeman (Atlanta Falcons): Freeman easily became the biggest waiver wire pickup this season as many owners did not even think to draft the talented running back. Freeman's point totals had a lot to do with the fact that he was in an offense where he constantly received check downs from Matt Ryan. He also was a huge target in the passing game for most of the time but no one could imagine how big of an impact he would have on fantasy rosters. Freeman finished the season with 264 rushing attempts that gained 1,061 yards, 11 touchdowns and caught 73 out of 97 targets for 578 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings): Peterson is more of a power runner and rarely looks to catch passes and gain yards in that manner. Peterson is however the rushing champion of the NFL this season and it marks a pretty good redemption story for the veteran rusher. Peterson finished the season with 327 rushing attempts that gained 1,485 yards, 11 touchdowns, and hauled in 30 out of 36 passing targets for 222 yards.
Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Martin had a stellar year as he enters free agency. Even while somewhat splitting time with Charles Sims he still became the runner up for the rushing title as Adrian Peterson just squeaked by with more yards. Martin had 288 rushing attempts this season which gained 1,402 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He also caught 33 of 42 targets for 271 yards and a touchdown. Martin did have 5 fumbles on the season but still made a compelling case to be some lucky teams lead back as he waits for the free agent offers to roll in.
DeAngelo Williams (Pittsburgh Steelers): Williams came in as a backup for Le'Veon Bell which worked out perfectly for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams looked like Le'Veon Bell with longer hair and dominated opposing defenses. Williams had 200 rushing attempts that gained 907 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was also a factor in the passing game hauling in 40 of his 47 targets for 367 yards and a 2 point conversion.
Todd Gurley (St. Louis Rams): Gurley was another surprise as owners typically drafted him in the later rounds. Gurley became easily the hottest back in the NFL with his incredible talent to make huge plays seemingly every game. Gurley missed the beginning of the season as he recovered from an ACL injury. When Gurley hit the field he hit it hard recording 229 rushing attempts that gained 1,106 yards, 10 touchdowns, and he caught 21 of his 26 targets for 188 yards. Gurley is likely to be a top 5 fantasy draft pick in 2016.
