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.
Fantasy Wasteland
No, not "Teenage Wasteland (Baba O'Riley)." Epic jam though.
We're talking fantasy wastelands here. These are the backfields that, in my humble opinion, will be the least fantasy-relevant this year. This is subject to change from week-to-week as are most of the categories in this series, but I figured I'd get the wasteland party started with the following teams.
Darren McFadden | Joseph Randle | Lance Dunbar // Cowboys
Just because the Cowboys have one of the best offensive lines in the league doesn't mean the team's middling group of running backs will be useful in fantasy. Reports earlier this summer hinted at Dallas spreading carries between their runners, playing toward the strengths of each. McFadden is bigger and has the most experience of the group, while Randle plays as the smaller, younger and quicker home-run guy. It seems everyone is taking a stance one way or the other with these two backs, but their current asking prices are just too rich until we see how things in training camp play out. If you want a truly in-depth breakdown of what each back brings to the table, check out Alex Gelhar's backfield film study on the Dallas runners.
Devonta Freeman | Tevin Coleman // Falcons
Although Freeman will reportedly being training camp as the lead back in Atlanta, he simply doesn't have the physique to be a three-down workhorse in the NFL. Rookie back Coleman is sure to get work early in the season, but neither of these runners should be drafted before Round 10 in most leagues. I just don't see a time where you could trust either one of them as a fantasy starter behind what was one of the worst o-lines in the league just a season ago.
Doug Martin | Charles Sims | Bobby Rainey // Buccaneers
The Bucs ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (85.9) and total rushing yards (1,375) last season. Sadly, Martin led this dismal group with a measly 494 rushing yards and quarterback Josh McCown scored more rushing touchdowns (three) than any running back on the team. The Bucs also ranked third from last in total backfield touches (383) a season ago. It'll be worth watching who emerges as the leader here during the preseason, but it is still tough to recommend any of these backs in fantasy.
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_.
