Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: AFC North
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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"Hyde"ing From The Dreaded RBBC: AFC North
When I think of “AFC North football”, two things instantly pop into my head: (1) Big Ben’s walking boot, and (2) ground and pound, smash-mouth ground games. This edition will shed light on the fantasy outlook for the backfields of the AFC North.
Steelers
One could make the case that Le’Veon Bell, not Antonio Brown, is the focal point of the Steelers offense. Last season was nothing new for Bell, who posted over 1,250 yards on the ground and over 600 yards receiving for the third time in his career. Most notable of all was his usage, as he had career highs in both carries (321) and receptions (85). With an aging Ben Roethlisberger at the helm, fantasy owners can be certain to expect this trend in both usage and production to continue, barring injury. James Conner continues to be an inspiration on and off the field #ConnerStrong, but he will not be relevant in fantasy and a roster spot should be allocated for handcuff purposes only.
1. Le’Veon Bell (ADP 1)- Lock for top 5. RB1
2. James Conner (Undrafted)- Handcuff
Ravens
Last season, Alex Collins emerged as the lead back in Baltimore, rushing for 973 yards and an impressive 4.6 yards per carry in just 12 starts. Although Collins is entering 2018 as the incumbent lead back, Kenneth Dixon will return from a torn meniscus that sidelined him for the entirety of 2017 and is sure to eat into his workload. To make matters even worse for fantasy owners, Javorius Allen also figures to have a role in the offense after amounting nearly 200 touches last season. Overall, this situation is screaming running back by committee, which limits the fantasy potential of all three of these backs.
1. Alex Collins (ADP 41)- RB2
2. Kenneth Dixon (ADP 148)- RB4
3. Javiorius “Buck” Allen (Undrafted)- Worth a bench spot in deeper leagues
Bengals
To put it bluntly, Joe Mixon was horrible in 2017, averaging a sub-par 3.5 yards per carry in a lackadaisical Bengals offensive unit that ranked 31st in rushing and dead last in total offense. Although it can be expected that Mixon will improve upon his rookie campaign, he will still be in a timeshare with pass-catching Giovani Bernard. Expect the Bengals to be down multiple scores and forced to rely on the passing game early and often, which only hurts Mixon’s case. Considering the fact that he is being grossly overvalued (16th RB coming off draft boards according to ADP), Mixon is not worth the price. Buyers beware!
1.Joe Mixon (ADP 41)- Low end RB2
2. Giovani Bernard (ADP 136)- RB5. RB3 in PPR
Browns
I admit I was excited about the fantasy outlook of Carlos Hyde when the Browns added him in free agency. Then, on day 2 of the NFL draft, all of my enthusiasm went down the drain with the selection of Nick Chubb. Add into the equation that Duke Johnson will handle third down/change of pace duties, and you have yourself another running back by committee. Hyde may be given a larger share of the carries out of the gate just because of his experience, especially if Hugh Jackson elects to start Baker Mayfield at quarterback. The running game will be a major strength of the Browns’ young offense, but there are just too many heads to feed to make Hyde, Chubb, or Johnson a reliable fantasy option.
1.Carlos Hyde (ADP 133)- RB3/Flex
2. Duke Johnson (ADP 114)- RB3/Flex
3. Nick Chubb (ADP 123)- RB4