The running back position has become a bit like the "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" of the fantasy football world. We used to love the principle characters, but now we're just sort of disappointed and left shaking our heads.
That was never more evident than last season when there were more injured runners and busts at the position than you could fit into the bat cave. The stink at the position was overwhelming, whether it was Le'Veon Bell or Jamaal Charles or Arian Foster or Jeremy Hill or ... you get the picture. And that stink has lasted throughout the offseason and will linger into 2016 drafts. With that said, it's more important than ever to have the 411 on all the league's backfields.
To do that, it's smart to research which runners are the best to target based on their projected totals, the offenses the play in, and the past tendencies and philosophies of their coaches and coordinators. Luckily for you, I have all the knowledge you'll need on those topics for you to enter your draft with confidence.
Below is a list of all 32 teams, including projections for the running back(s) atop their current depth chart.
Arizona Cardinals
David Johnson:
Rush yds: 1,101
Rush TDs: 10
Receptions: 49
Rec yds: 521
Rec TDs: 3
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 234.2
The Cardinals ran the football 43.4 percent of the time last season, with Chris Johnson (196 carries) and David Johnson (125 carries) at the top of the backfield food chain. David averaged 21 touches and 19.2 fantasy points per game over the last five weeks after Chris went down with a broken leg. Fantasy fans should expect that sort of workload this season from the talented breakout candidate, who is worth a first-round choice despite his short NFL resume. ... In coach Bruce Arians' last eight years as either a head coach or offensive coordinator (OC), he's had a top-20 fantasy runner six times. The two best finishes were David Johnson (seventh, 2015) and Rashard Mendenhall (13th, 2010).
Atlanta Falcons
Devonta Freeman:
Rush yds: 997
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 67
Rec yds: 601
Rec TDs: 3
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 213.8
The Falcons had a 39.1 rush percentage under the watch of coordinator Kyle Shanahan last season. Still, Devonta Freeman broke out with over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and a combined 14 touchdowns. That included a four-game stretch where he had nine touchdowns and averaged a ridiculous 1.13 fantasy points per touch. Freeman averaged 0.52 points per touch in his other 11 games. He also saw the football on 63 percent of the team's rushes, but recent reports suggest Tevin Coleman could see more work this season. ... In his last seven seasons as an OC, Shanahan has had three different runners (Freeman - 2015, Alfred Morris - 2012, Steve Slaton - 2008) finish better than 15th in fantasy points.
Baltimore Ravens
Justin Forsett:
Rush yds: 735
Rush TDs: 4
Receptions: 28
Rec yds: 253
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 124.8
The Ravens ran the football just 35.4 percent of the time last season. It's the second season in a row that a Marc Trestman offense ran the rock at such a low percentage, but a big part of the reason for last season's totals was the loss of Joe Flacco and Justin Forsett to injuries. On a positive note, Trestman has had three top-10 fantasy running backs in his last five seasons as a coordinator. That includes Matt Forte (2013, 2014) and Charlie Garner (2002). ... Forsett was released and then re-signed, so he figures to open the season as the starter in a committee with Terrance West, Buck Allen and Kenneth Dixon.
Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy:
Rush yds: 1,110
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 43
Rec yds: 369
Rec TDs: 3
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 203.9
The Bills recorded a league-high 50.1 run percentage last season under offensive coordinator Greg Roman. His last offense in San Francisco (2014) had a run percentage of 46.6, which ranked seventh in the NFL. In his previous three seasons, Roman's offenses ran the football no less than 50.2 percent of the time including a league-high 52.5 percent in 2013. ... During his time with the New York Jets, coach Rex Ryan's offenses ranked sixth or higher in rush percentage five different times. ... LeSean McCoy would have projected to finish last season with 271 rushes had he not missed four games. He would have also finished as a top-five fantasy runner based on his pace stats.
Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart:
Rush yds: 1,040
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 22
Rec yds: 167
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 166.7
The Panthers had a 49.6 rush percentage last season, which ranked second in the league. Despite missing three games, Jonathan Stewart led the team in carries (242) but failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark. In Mike Shula's seven years as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, just one of his running backs (Warrick Dunn, 1998) reached 1,000 rushing yards. In his defense, however, he had Dunn and Mike Alstott splitting carries in three of those seasons with the Buccaneers and Stewart would have hit the mark had he not missed three games in 2015. ... Quarterback Cam Newton has averaged 115 rush attempts per season since 2013.
Chicago Bears
Jeremy Langford:
Rush yds: 880
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 27
Rec yds: 279
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 154.6
The Bears ranked seventh in rushing percentage (45.6) last season, but will new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains change that in 2016? In his two seasons as the OC for the Tennessee Titans, his offenses averaged 420 rush attempts (the Bears had 468 rush attempts in 2015). Chris Johnson accounted for 66 percent of those carries in Loggains' previous offenses, so he hasn't been adverse to using a featured back. ... John Fox has been an NFL head coach for 14 of the last 15 years. During that time, he's had three running backs average 19 or more carries per game. What's more, most of the runners in his offense have averaged 15 or fewer rush attempts. That could signal a possible committee scenario with Jeremy Langford, Ka'Deem Carey and Jordan Howard.
Cincinnati Bengals
Jeremy Hill:
Rush yds: 959
Rush TDs: 9
Receptions: 19
Rec yds: 181
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 166.0
Giovani Bernard:
Rush yds: 571
Rush TDs: 5
Receptions: 52
Rec yds: 454
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 142.5
The Bengals hired former quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese to replace Hue Jackson, but he's never been an offensive coordinator in the pros. It's the third time since 2011 that the Bengals will have a new OC to start the season. ... Jeremy Hill led the team in backfield touches (238) last year, but Giovani Bernard wasn't that far behind with 203. That includes 49 catches on 66 targets. ... In the nine games where Hill saw 15 or more carries, he averaged a ho-hum 67 rushing yards, though he did score six times. Overall, Hill averaged 14 carries per contest. ... Bernard carried the football 15 or more times just twice and averaged a modest 10 rush attempts per game in this backfield committee.
Cleveland Browns
Duke Johnson:
Rush yds: 631
Rush TDs: 4
Receptions: 65
Rec yds: 497
Rec TDs: 3
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 152.8
Isaiah Crowell:
Rush yds: 772
Rush TDs: 5
Receptions: 14
Rec yds: 137
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 124.9
Hue Jackson ran the football 50.1 and 46.5 percent of the time in his last two seasons as the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati. In his six seasons as either a head coach or coordinator, Jackson has produced four top-15 running backs and three who finished in the top 10. That includes Darren McFadden (sixth, 2010), Michael Bush (ninth, 2011) and Hill (10th, 2014). Furthermore, Jackson's top fantasy back hasn't finished worse than 14th (Hill, 2015) since 2007. That bodes well for the prospects of Duke Johnson, who figures to lead the Browns in backfield touches. ... Isaiah Crowell will also be in the mix in what could be a straight committee, but Johnson is the back to draft.
Dallas Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott:
Rush yds: 1,294
Rush TDs: 10
Receptions: 37
Rec yds: 383
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 233.7
The Cowboys ran the football 42.1 percent of the time in what was a lost 2015 campaign. That number will rise with the addition of Ezekiel Elliott, who should be considered a massive breakout candidate in fantasy leagues. ... Over the last 32 games, the running back who led the Cowboys in carries has averaged better than 14 fantasy points per game. That includes DeMarco Murray (16 games, 18.4 PPG), Darren McFadden (11 games, 11.5 PPG) and Joseph Randle (five games, 12.3 PPG). ... In the 11 games McFadden started last season, he averaged 4.75 yards per attempt. In his final three seasons with the Raiders, he averaged 3.3 yards per attempt. That's the power of the Dallas line.
Denver Broncos
C.J. Anderson:
Rush yds: 1,136
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 33
Rec yds: 205
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 184.1
Denver ran the football 38.9 percent of the time last season under offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, who also served as the OC in Houston from 2010-2013. ... In his last 13 seasons as either a head coach or OC, Gary Kubiak produced eight top-12 fantasy runners. That could have been nine had Arian Foster not been injured in 2013. ... Ronnie Hillman led the Broncos in carries last season with 207, but C.J. Anderson is slated to see an increase in touches after inking an $18 million contract. ... After a slow start, Anderson averaged just under 10 fantasy points per game in his last nine contests of 2015. In seven of those games, he carried the football 15 or fewer times.
Detroit Lions
Ameer Abdullah:
Rush yds: 882
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 28
Rec yds: 272
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 153.4
Theo Riddick:
Rush yds: 225
Rush TDs: 2
Receptions: 69
Rec yds: 663
Rec TDs: 4
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 122.8
Ameer Abdullah looks like the favorite to lead the Lions in backfield touches this season, but this team used a committee in 2015. In the nine games Abdullah played under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, he averaged 10 touches and 50 scrimmage yards. Theo Riddick averaged nine touches and 52 yards in those same nine contests. The leader in average yards out of the backfield during that time was Joique Bell (nine touches, 56 yards), who is no longer on the roster. ... Abdullah is coming off a surgical procedure on his shoulder, but he's expected to be fine for the start of the regular season. ... Riddick was tied for the league lead in catches (80) among backs last season.
Green Bay Packers
Eddie Lacy:
Rush yds: 1,164
Rush TDs: 9
Receptions: 28
Rec yds: 274
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 203.8
The Packers ran the football 41.3 percent of the time and finished 12th in rushing offense last season, but neither Eddie Lacy (187 carries) or James Starks (148 carries) finished in the top 20 in fantasy points among running backs. ... Lacy's totals in carries, rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards all declined compared to the averages from his first two NFL campaigns. Much of this was attributed to his weight gain, which he has since corrected. In his first two seasons, Lacy averaged 265 rush attempts, 1,500 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns. ... Starks' 148 carries were the most he's had in a single season. His previous average was 82 (2012-2014).
Houston Texans
Lamar Miller:
Rush yds: 1,201
Rush TDs: 9
Receptions: 38
Rec yds: 347
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 216.8
In George Godsey's first season as the team's offensive coordinator, the Texans ran the football 41.9 percent of the time but ranked fifth in rush attempts (29.5 per game). ... In four games, Arian Foster averaged 20 touches per game including six receptions. In the games he was absent, Alfred Blue averaged 14 carries per contest including four with 20-plus. These totals bode well for Lamar Miller, who should be seen as a true featured back with a per game touch projection between 18 and 22. ... In 16 career games where he's carried the football 15 or more times, Miller has averaged a solid 80.7 rushing yards. Over 16 games, that would project to almost 1,300 yards on the ground.
Indianapolis Colts
Frank Gore:
Rush yds: 988
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 23
Rec yds: 176
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 154.6
The Colts rushed the football just 37.6 percent of the time last season. In eight games under the watch of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, the team averaged 119.1 yards on the ground per game. ... There was little fantasy success for Frank Gore, who put up an average of 18 carries for 56 yards in those contests. He was also held without a rushing touchdown and found the end zone once in Chud's nine games. ... Overall, Chudzinski has had just one running back (Jamal Lewis, 2007) finish higher than 25th in fantasy points during his time as either a head coach or OC between Cleveland and Carolina. Furthermore, the average finish of the other top fantasy backs during that time was 27th.
Jacksonville Jaguars
T.J. Yeldon:
Rush yds: 671
Rush TDs: 5
Receptions: 41
Rec yds: 339
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 134.7
Chris Ivory:
Rush yds: 735
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 15
Rec yds: 154
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 128.9
The Jaguars didn't run the football a whole lot last season. In fact, the Lions (34.4) were the lone team with a lower run percentage than Jacksonville. ... T.J. Yeldon was the top fantasy runner on the roster, but he finished 26th at the position. ... In his last eight seasons as an offensive coordinator, Greg Olson has produced just two top-15 fantasy backs (Steven Jackson - 2006, 2007). ... The addition of Chris Ivory does bode well for a more balanced offensive attack in 2016, but neither he nor Yeldon project to see enough touches on a consistent basis to be considered more than a third or fourth fantasy runner.
Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles:
Rush yds: 1,065
Rush TDs: 8
Receptions: 42
Rec yds: 402
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 200.7
The Chiefs ranked ninth in run percentage (45.6) last season, making it three years in a row that the team has run it 43 percent of the time or more under head coach Andy Reid. ... Before going down with an injured knee, Jamaal Charles averaged 18 touches, 108 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in five games. Projected over a full season, he would have finished with 245.3 fantasy points. That would have been 12.9 more than Freeman, who was fantasy's top runner. ... Since 2000, Reid has produced a total of eight top-10 fantasy runners. Furthermore, his offensive system has also accounted for a combined 12 top-20 fantasy runners including McCoy, Brian Westbrook and Duce Staley.
Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley:
Rush yds: 1,316
Rush TDs: 13
Receptions: 26
Rec yds: 310
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 244.6
The Rams ran the football on almost 47 percent of their offensive snaps last season, which is no surprise when you consider the presence of Todd Gurley. Before he became the starter in Week 4, the team averaged 71.3 rushing yards per game. However, the Rams averaged 134 yards per game on the ground once Gurley was the top man. ... In the games that Gurley started, he averaged 19 carries, 91 rushing yards, one touchdown and 15.5 fantasy points. Projected over a full campaign, the Georgia product would have led all runners in fantasy points with 248. ... In three games under new offensive coordinator Rob Boras, Gurley averaged 20 touches, 105 scrimmage yards and one touchdown.
Miami Dolphins
Arian Foster:
Rush yds: 711
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 38
Rec yds: 378
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 152.9
Jay Ajayi:
Rush yds: 494
Rush TDs: 4;
Receptions: 18
Rec yds: 144
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 83.8
The Dolphins hired Clyde Christensen to take over as the team's offensive coordinator, but new coach Adam Gase is likely going to handle most of the play-calling duties. ... In his last three seasons as an OC, Gase's top fantasy running back has been no worse than 11th in fantasy points (C.J. Anderson, 2014). Furthermore, Gase's offense has produced a top-five (Knowshon Moreno, 2013) and a top-10 (Matt Forte, 2015) fantasy runner in recent years. ... Jay Ajayi was expected to open as the team's No. 1 back, but the addition of Arian Foster means a backfield committee is imminent. ... Foster, who has missed a combined 23 games over the last three seasons, is coming off a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson:
Rush yds: 1,343
Rush TDs: 14
Receptions: 27
Rec yds: 236
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 235.9
The Vikings ran the football on 48.7 percent of their offensive snaps last season, which is a surprise to no one when you consider the presence of Adrian Peterson. In the seasons where he's played in 14 or more games, Peterson has averaged 1,518 yards on the ground and 12 rushing touchdowns. ... Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has had a ton of success with runners in his career as a coach. In fact, Gore, LaMont Jordan and Ricky Williams all had their best fantasy numbers with Turner at the helm. In his last 15 seasons as either a head coach or OC, Turner's system has produced nine top-10 fantasy runners. He's also had 12 backs finish in the top 20 in points during that time.
New England Patriots
LeGarrette Blount:
Rush yds: 835
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 4
Rec yds: 32
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 128.7
The Patriots ran the football 36.5 percent of the time last season, which was the lowest rate the team had since offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels re-joined the team (2012). In his 10 seasons as either a head coach or OC, McDaniels has produced just two top-12 fantasy runners. Three others have finished in the top 20 at the position. ... LeGarrette Blount figures to be the big back, between-the-tackles runner and goal-line option for McDaniels. He could turn into a decent draft bargain with added value touchdown-based formats. ... Dion Lewis is expected to miss around two months after a second knee procedure, so James White could turn into a PPR sleeper for fantasy fans.
New Orleans Saints
Mark Ingram:
Rush yds: 1,097
Rush TDs: 8
Receptions: 62
Rec yds: 522
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 213.9
The Saints produced a run percentage of 36.2 last season. It's the sixth time in seven seasons under offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael that the team has run the football on fewer than 39 percent of its plays. His offense posted a run percentage of 45.3 in 2009. ... In 12 games before injuring his shoulder, Mark Ingram averaged 18 touches and just under 100 scrimmage yards. In his absence, Tim Hightower averaged 24 touches and 114 scrimmage yards. This doesn't signal a potential committee in 2016, but it does prove Carmichael's willingness to utilize a true featured back. ... Ingram's 50 catches in 12 games were just three fewer than he had in his previous 50 games combined.
New York Giants
Rashad Jennings:
Rush yds: 921
Rush TDs: 5
Receptions: 27
Rec yds: 287
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 152.8
The Giants ran the football on 39.8 percent of their offensive plays in Ben McAdoo's first two seasons as coordinator, and the team didn't field a top-15 fantasy running back during that time. The highest finisher was Rashad Jennings, who ranked 20th in 2015. ... While this backfield is seen as a committee, Jennings did account for more than half of the team's running back carries. Overall, he accounted for 47 percent of the backfield touches. ... Shane Vereen finished with a career-best 59 catches on 81 targets, but he finished 37th in fantasy points among runners in standard scoring leagues. He was 26th in PPR formats. ... Rookie Paul Perkins is a back to watch during camp.
New York Jets
Matt Forte:
Rush yds: 930
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 49
Rec yds: 397
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 176.7
The Jets had a run percentage of 41.7 under offensive coordinator Chan Gailey last season. It was the first time in his last five seasons in that role that he has not run the football more than 45 percent of the time. However, he has still had five top-20 fantasy backs in his last seven seasons as either a head coach or coordinator, including Ivory (eighth, 2015), C.J. Spiller (seventh, 2012) and Lamar Smith (10th, 2000). ... Ivory, now in Jacksonville, accounted for 64 percent of the team's backfield carries last season. Much of that load will go to Forte, who figures to be their top back on the gridiron. He's been no worse than 15th in points among running backs since 2010.
Oakland Raiders
Latavius Murray:
Rush yds: 1,057
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 30
Rec yds: 201
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 169.8
Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave called run plays on 36.7 percent of the team's offensive snaps last season, but he still produced a top-10 fantasy running back in Latavius Murray. That's because the Central Florida product accounted for 89 percent of Oakland's backfield carries. Musgrave's offenses have now produced four top-10 fantasy runners in his last six seasons as a coordinator. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he coached Peterson in Minnesota and Fred Taylor in Jacksonville during that time. ... Murray figures to lead the team in backfield touches once again, but rookie DeAndre Washington could come in and see his share of opportunities. He'll be worth a late-round selection.
Philadelphia Eagles
Ryan Mathews:
Rush yds: 968
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 30
Rec yds: 253
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 166.1
New coach Doug Pederson had quite a bit of success with running backs during his time as the offensive coordinator in Kansas City, producing a first- and seventh-place finish from Charles (2013, 2014) based on fantasy points. Had he not been injured last season, Charles would have given Pederson three straight seasons with an elite fantasy runner. ... The Eagles dealt DeMarco Murray (Titans) in the offseason, so veteran Ryan Mathews is slated to open the new campaign as the starter. In the four 2015 contests where he saw 10 or more carries, he averaged 4.5 yards per attempt and rushed for a combined 271 yards. ... Darren Sproles will have a role in the passing attack and remains a PPR option.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Le'Veon Bell:
Rush yds: 1,087
Rush TDs: 8
Receptions: 57
Rec yds: 496
Rec TDs: 2
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 216.3
DeAngelo Williams:
Rush yds: 541
Rush TDs: 4
Receptions: 22
Rec yds: 167
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 96.8
The Steelers ran the football 38.4 percent of the time last season, which ranked 20th in the league. However, Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams both thrived in the stat sheets. In his six starts, Bell averaged 14.5 fantasy points per game. ... In the 10 other contests, Williams averaged more than 18 fantasy points. He ranked fourth among runners in fantasy points at season's end. ... Offensive coordinator Todd Haley has produced six top-15 fantasy runners in his last nine seasons in the league, including four top-10 runners. ... Bell, who is facing a four-game suspension, is no longer in the mix as a top-five overall selection. Instead, expect him to be picked somewhere in the second round.
San Diego Chargers
Melvin Gordon:
Rush yds: 978
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 25
Rec yds: 187
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 154.5
Danny Woodhead:
Rush yds: 254
Rush TDs: 2
Receptions: 68
Rec yds: 714
Rec TDs: 6
Fumbles lost: 0
Fantasy points: 144.8
New offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt has had some success with running backs at the pro level, producing six top-20 fantasy backs in his 12 seasons as either an OC or head coach. However, he's had just one back (Mathews, 2013) finish better than 17th in his last eight campaigns. Six others ranked 26th or worse. ... In his last stint as the OC in San Diego, Mathews had his best statistical campaign with 1,255 rushing yards and a combined seven touchdowns. ... Melvin Gordon, who is coming back from microfracture knee surgery, averaged 14 carries in his last seven games a rookie. In those contests, he averaged a forgettable 60 scrimmage yards and 3.2 yards per attempt.
San Francisco 49ers
Carlos Hyde:
Rush yds: 1,194
Rush TDs: 8
Receptions: 24
Rec yds: 157
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 182.1
New coach Chip Kelly likes to utilize the running backs in the offense, and it shows in the stat sheets. In Kelly's three seasons in Philadelphia, McCoy finished second (2013) and 12th (2014) at the position. The Eagles' top fantasy runner in 2015 was Murray, who finished 18th despite the fact that he missed a game and averaged a mere 12.8 carries overall. ... Mathews, who touted the pigskin 107 times in what was a partial backfield committee, ranked 33rd at the position. ... Carlos Hyde figures to be the offensive centerpiece for Kelly this season, and he's a breakout candidate in fantasy land. Unfortunately, the Ohio State product has missed 11 games in his first two seasons.
Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Rawls:
Rush yds: 1,073
Rush TDs: 8
Receptions: 19
Rec yds: 264
Rec TDs: 0
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 177.7
The Seahawks have ranked second (2014) and fourth (2015) in run percentage over the last two seasons, but is a change coming without Marshawn Lynch? In Seattle's first nine games of last season, the team averaged 29.6 pass attempts and 29.2 rushing attempts. Over the final seven games, Russell Wilson threw 24 touchdown passes and averaged 31 pass attempts. Contrary to popular belief, however, the team's rushing attempts during that time increased to 33.8. ... In the six games where Thomas Rawls saw 15-plus carries, he averaged 118 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns. Rawls is returning from a broken ankle, so be sure to keep tabs on his status throughout the summer.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Doug Martin:
Rush yds: 1,233
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 29
Rec yds: 225
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 187.8
Charles Sims:
Rush yds: 401
Rush TDs: 2
Receptions: 63
Rec yds: 587
Rec TDs: 3
Fumbles lost: 2
Fantasy points: 124.8
The Buccaneers recorded a run percentage of 44.7 last season under offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, who has since been promoted to head coach. ... In his nine NFL campaigns as an OC, Koetter has helped Maurice Jones-Drew (2008, 2009, 2011) and Doug Martin (2015) finish in the top 10 in fantasy points among running backs. Furthermore, Koetter has produced a combined eight top-20 fantasy backs. The two seasons where he didn't have a top-20 fantasy back were 2013 and 2014, when his lead back was an aging Steven Jackson. ... In the two NFL seasons where he has played all 16 games, Martin rushed for 1,400-plus yards twice. In his other two campaigns, he missed 15 games due to injuries.
Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray:
Rush yds: 1,003
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 31
Rec yds: 276
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 169.9
Derrick Henry:
Rush yds: 704
Rush TDs: 7
Receptions: 16
Rec yds: 136
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 1
Fantasy points: 130.0
Terry Robiskie has coached some of the best running backs of the last 30 years, including Marcus Allen, Bo Jackson and Eric Dickerson. But would you believe that he's never had a 1,000-yard running back as an offensive coordinator? Jackson rushed for 950 yards in 1989 and would have reached the mark had he not missed five games. ... Robiskie has also never had a runner compile 200 or more carries in a single season. Lee Suggs was the closest with 199 attempts in 2004, but he was also forced to miss six games. ... DeMarco Murray figures to lead the Titans in backfield touches in 2016, but the presence of rookie Derrick Henry could also leave him without a true featured role.
Washington Redskins
Matt Jones:
Rush yds: 738
Rush TDs: 6
Receptions: 25
Rec yds: 296
Rec TDs: 1
Fumbles lost: 3
Fantasy points: 139.4
The Redskins had a lot of success throwing the football last season, but the ground attack left much to be desired. Alfred Morris led the team in carries, so his departure leaves a lot of opportunities for Matt Jones. He's dealing with an injured shoulder, though, so monitor his status leading up to Week 1. Still, Jones is a good bet to see 200-plus rush attempts under coach Jay Gruden. ... Unfortunately, Gruden's offenses have produced just one top-15 fantasy running back (Morris, 2014) over the last five seasons. None of Cedric Benson (2011), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2012) or Giovani Bernard (2013) were able to reach that mark under Gruden's watch.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
