Commitee Meetings backfield categories:
Last season, this 'Committee Meetings' column focused on some of the most headache-inducing committee backfields for fantasy owners to deal with. This season, for the sake of reducing some of those headaches we thought it would be helpful to put all of these committee backfields into categories based on how carries are projected to be split, the various roles each running back plays in their respective situations and the philosophies of different teams when it comes to the all-important run game.
Hopefully you can use this categorization as a guideline to make decisions on whom to start each week, build some bench depth at the running back position, handcuff your starters and uncover some potential waiver-wire targets along the way. As the season evolves, these categories will evolve and be revised depending on how things shape up each week. A look ahead will also be provided to preview upcoming matchups and hone in on some hidden value plays.
Remember that this is not a ranking of fantasy running backs, but more of a reference on how different teams project to utilize their running backs. Be sure to check back for weekly updates that will reflect backfield storylines as they develop over the course of the season.
Change-of-Pace Duos
Now we're getting into more of the true committee oriented backfields. Here, we'll look at the teams with what are referred to as "one-two punch" or a "thunder and lightning" running back duo. This means there will likely be a bigger, more powerful back in on early downs to pound the ball up the middle. That player may be spelled by a quicker, lighter back with solid hands who pose more of a threat on passing downs, to throw defenses off balance. These passing-down backs also bring more value to the table in PPR leagues. Most of the lead backs here should provide low-end RB2 value (Jeremy Hill is an outlier of this group as he is poised to bring solid RB1 value).
Jeremy Hill | Giovani Bernard // Bengals
While Hill will be a late first/early second rounder on draft day, Bernard may be overlooked by some owners. Both backs project to be highly involved in what should be a more balanced Bengals' offense that spread around 494 total backfield touches last year.
Joique Bell | Ameer Abdullah // Lions
There is some concern out of Detroit regarding Bell's conditioning heading into training camp. He underwent offseason Achilles and knee surgeries, so this will be a backfield to keep a close eye on as fantasy draft day approaches. Abdullah, a rookie out of Nebraska, took first team reps during OTAs. If he remains under the radar, Abdullah could present a huge bargain opportunity for fantasy owners.
Carlos Hyde | Reggie Bush // 49ers
With veteran Frank Gore now in Indy, Hyde projects as the 49ers lead back and has the potential to break out. He flashed some power and explosiveness last season, but there are worries about San Francsico's offensive line which could hamper his production. Bush will likely get enough work on passing downs to bring flex value in deeper leagues, but will be much more of an asset in PPR formats. Fantasy owners will have to hope the new coaching regime in San Francisco shells out more than 397 backfield touches of 2014--fourth from last in the league a season ago.
Andre Ellington | David Johnson // Cardinals
Ellington will likely come at a low cost on draft day, with an ADP hovering as a late Round 4 to early Round 5 back. For a runner who projects to get a heavy workload, that's a steal. This situation could develop into a very even split between the incumbent and rookie Johnson, as the season rolls on. The Cardinals will likely make an effort to preserve Ellington's health for the entire season, as durability is an issue.
Melvin Gordon | Danny Woodhead // Chargers
Gordon may be in the best fantasy situation of any rookie running back. He projects as the starter for the Chargers, with the PPR-specialist Wodhead working in on passing plays. The latter is fully healthy after playing in just three games last season, and should put a refreshing spin a Chargers' backfield in need of some gusto.
T.J. Yeldon | Denard Robinson // Jaguars
Offseason reports have the rookie Yeldon tagged as a true three-down back, but he landed in an offense that struggled to run the ball last season due to offensive line issues. In fact, Jacksonville ranked dead last in the NFL in total backfield touches last season with just 373 (DeMarco Murray collected 449 touches by himself). Things may not play out as easy as it all looks on paper. Robinson proved last season that he can be an effective runner, but his size will certainly limit his usage and fantasy ceiling.
Matt Franciscovich is an associate fantasy editor at NFL.com. His nickname around the NFL Media office is Franchise, and he's totally cool with it. If you're looking to kill some more time, be sure to check out his player rankings and follow him on Twitter for fantasy advice all season long _@mfranciscovich_.
