- Le'veon Bell: Unlike last year, he Steelers' star running back doesn't have to sit out the first three games of the season. Bell ended up with the third highest fantasy points among running backs and did so by only playing 12 games. He has proven himself to arguably be the most dynamic back in the game boasting over 2,000 receiving yards in 47 regular season games. At full health and with another solid offenssive line, one could only believe that he will have a great year.
- David Johnson: Johnson had a breakout rookie year with the most fantasy points among running backs and 20 total touchdowns. He was a consistent week-to-week player not having a single digit fantasy game until week 17 when he only touched the ball 5 times. As possibly the most explosive running back last season he is a surefire way to rack up fantasy points each week.
- Ezekiel Elliot: Elliot is another back who had an outstanding rookie year. He had the most rushing yards among any running backs with 1,631 and also led running backs with 80 receptions and 879 receiving yards. Of course, with an offensive line as stellar as the Cowboys it would make sense for a running back to put up high numbers. With 3 pro-bowl players cemented on the o-line it is expected that Zeke will have another great year.
- Lesean McCoy: Shady McCoy had one of his most solid seasons last year averaging 5.4 yards per carry. McCoy, aged 29, has stated that he feels as though he was still 25 and that he is still making the same runs and cuts as he was years ago. With the Bills' ongoing quarterback struggle and rookie qb Nathan Peterman not expected to start this season plenty of the offensive workload will probably be placed on the veteran running back.
- Melvin Gordon: Only playing 13 games last season, Gordon racked up nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. New Chargers coach Anthony Lynn is bringing simpler run schemes to Los Angeles that he believes will help Gordon get to the "next level." As more focus is placed on him, his fantasy value is bound to rise.
- Devonta Freeman: Freeman played a vidal role in the Falcon's run to the Super Bowl last season. He was a consistent runner last year and put up at leat 17 fantasy points in 7 games. The Falcons are in the process of working out a 5-year deal for Freeman. With that kind of contract Freeman's role in the offense will surely increase especially considering he is only in his fourth year.
- Jordan Howard: The Bears' running back had an exceptional rookie year with 1,313 yards rushing and was the 10th best fantasy runner. During the offseason, Howard worked on improving his speed and underwent eye surgery which he hopes will improve his vision and pass catching. Howard should be a reliable number 1 running back in anyones' fantasy lineup.
- Demarco Murray: As Marcus Mariota enters his third season the Titans are looking to utilize their passing game this year. The offense acquired new receiver weapons during the offseason with additions of slot man Eric Decker and wideouts Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor and tight end Jonnu Smith. Murray had the fifth most fantasy points among running back last year and wants more carries, but it looks as though his production will go down.
- Jay Ajayi: Ajayi put up over 145 fantasy points in his rookie season. However, that was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that over half of those points came in just 3 games. Ajayi has been working on his versatility during this offseason and his knowledge of the position. He hasn't had to compete for the number 1 spot on the depth chart this season which has allowed him to take a different approach to this preseason. However, due to his inconsistency, it is understandable to leave him alone until the second round.
- Todd Gurley: After a superb rookie season, Gurley's production notably dropped last year. He failed to eclipse 1,000 yards and held the 15th most fantasy points for a running back. Coach McVay brought in Matt McFleur as the Rams' new offensive coach. McVay was the quarterbacks coach for the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-2016. Last season, the Falcons finished with the second-ranked in offense and fifth in rushing. This doesn't mean that the Rams will instantly have one of the league's best offenses but the Rams' offense will rely on Gurley to get the team some wins.
Pretty good article and list. I might have Leonard Fournette and Lamar Miller on there, but besides Gurley, don't know who else is take out.
Yeah I think Fournette could be a possible steal
No Beastmode?!?
It's been a couple of years since he's played. I would be hesitant to take a banged up running back. Still a pick though.
I think he's going to have a breakout year, of course I'm also a die-hard raiders fan (so I'm a little biased) Time will tell ;)
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As a Ravens fan I'll admit bell is the goat at RB....Johnsons close tho😉
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STOPNice post! I will follow you from now on. +UP
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