2018 Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: AFC East
It’s 2018. If you’re reading this, you probably thought that by now there would be a reliable method to predict backfields, and yet, there’s arguably more uncertainty than ever. Luckily, this series of articles will “do the dirty work” and take a dive into each team’s backfield, providing you with the insider information you need to dominate your fantasy league.
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Backfield Information Brought to You “As the Crowell Flies”: AFC East
New England Patriots
Just when everyone thought there would finally be some backfield clarity in New England with the departure of Dion Lewis, the Patriots went out and signed Jeremy Hill and drafted Sony Michel. Let me be the first to say thank you, Bill Belichick. If a positive could be made of the situation, there is no question that rookie Sony Michel is the most talented of the bunch and has the greatest chance to break out as the lead back for the Patriots. However, given Belichik’s tendency to utilize the “doghouse” coaching method combined with the fact that Michel fumbled once every 55 touches in college (the average for a prospect is once every 125 touches), Michel is a very risky option. After all, ball security is job security. What's more is that the knee injury he suffered in the first week of camp is expected to keep him out of the entire preseason and possibly the beginning of the regular season- not a good recipe for a rookie.
1. Rex Burkhead (ADP 110): Lock for top 30- RB3/Flex
2. Sony Michel (ADP 75): Top 30 RB with top 15 upside if healthy- RB3
3. James White (ADP 123): Good for one big game in 2018- worth it to stash on your bench
4. Jeremy Hill (Undrafted): Good for one big game in 2018- again, might be worth it to stash
5. Mike Gillislee (Undrafted): Expect to be cut or a healthy scratch
Buffalo Bills
Recent domestic violence allegations against LeSean McCoy leave him under investigation by the league, which is sure to be a lengthy process. With no resolution in sight, McCoy has reported to training camp and the team is confident that he will avoid a suspension. In other news, the Bills have finally DraftedJoshAllen.com. With this comes a huge sigh of relief (you didn’t really want to see Nathan Peterman throw 5 interceptions in one half again, did you?), but also the same questions that come with any rookie quarterback. One thing is for certain: the Bills will rely heavily on the run game in 2018. Should McCoy be disciplined by the league, Chris Ivory will take on the lead back duties.
1. LeSean McCoy (ADP 18)- Lock for top 10 if he plays- RB1
2. Chris Ivory (Undrafted)- Must own handcuff given McCoy's legal trouble and injury history
New York Jets
This offseason, the Jets made a concerted effort to upgrade their running game via free agency by signing running backs Isaiah Crowell and Thomas Rawls, along with center Spencer Long. The Jets now have three backs on their roster who have eclipsed 800 yards in a season in their careers, which is an absolute nightmare for fantasy owners. Expect this to be a full-on running back by committee approach deployed by Todd Bowles. Crowell will likely be the most fantasy relevant of the bunch, given his recent productivity and durability.
1. Isaiah Crowell (ADP 106)- RB3/Flex
2. Bilal Powell (ADP 143)- RB4
3. Thomas Rawls (Undrafted)- Not worth a bench spot
4. Elijah McGuire (Undrafted)- Not worth a bench spot
Miami Dolphins
Kenyan Drake proved at the end of last season that he has everything it takes to be a starting running back in the National Football League, averaging almost 120 yards per game and bruising his way to lead the league in yards after contact. Just when it looked like Drake was about to reach the pinnacle of his fantasy relevance in 2018, the Dolphins went out and signed future Hall of Famer Frank Gore. The dynamic between Drake and Gore will be interesting, given that Gore has led his respective teams in rushing every year since he entered the league in 2005. However, considering that Gore is entering his age 35 season and hasn’t averaged over 4 yards per carry since 2014, it is expected that he will finally take a backseat role to Drake. However, Frank Gore is the last guy that should be counted out.
1. Kenyan Drake (ADP 37)- RB2
2. Frank Gore (ADP 148)- RB4