Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: AFC South
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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AFC SOUTH- Marlon “Mack”-ing on These Running Backs
Colts
With the decision to let Frank Gore walk in free agency, the Colts are going to look a lot younger at the running back position in 2018. Marlon Mack figures to be the main beneficiary of this workload up for grabs. Last season, Mack was among the league leaders in big play ability and showed that he could contribute to the receiving game as well. He will also benefit from an upgraded offensive line headlined by rookie guard Quenton Nelson. For more information on Mack, check out our article.
Although Mack will be given the first shot at the starting position, fourth round pick Nyheim Hines should not be overlooked. With experience at both receiver and running back at NC State, Hines could perhaps be the most versatile Colt on the offensive side of the ball. At OTAs, the effort to get Hines involved in the offense was clear, and one analyst said Hines was in possession of the ball “perhaps more than any other player”. For now, I still believe in Marlon Mack, but Hines is a must own handcuff heading into 2018. We will keep a close eye on how this situation unfolds as training camp progresses.
1.Marlon Mack (ADP 93)- RB3
2. Nyheim Hines (Undrafted)- Must own handcuff for Mack owners
Texans
Lamar Miller had a rough season in 2017, but then again so did the entire Texans offense. Miller had a career lows in yards per carry (3.7) and a long run of just 21 yards. Nevertheless, there is reason to expect Miller to bounce back this season, with a revamped offensive line and the return of quarterback Deshaun Watson. After all, he is only 27 years old and still in his prime.
However, D’Onta Foreman will also be returning to the Texans backfield. After suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon on a 34-yard touchdown scamper in week 10 of last season, Foreman is hopeful to be healthy for the start of training camp. Considering he averaged 4.2 yards per carry, he will surely be given an opportunity to earn a role in the offense. When asked about his team’s RB situation, head coach Bill O’Brien said:
“It’ll be a battle. At that position, we’ve always kind of had a little bit of a committee. So, Lamar will play, D’Onta will play, just like we did last year when they were both in”.
Overall, this is shaping up to be another RBBC, with a small edge belonging to Miller for the time being.
1.Lamar Miller (ADP 53)- Low end RB2
2. D’Onta Foreman (ADP 149)- RB3
Titans
After two seasons, the Titans have cut Demarco Murray, meaning it is finally Derrick Henry time in Tennessee. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Henry made the most of his limited opportunities, as he averaged over 4 yards per carry and had a nose for the end zone. Although the newly acquired Dion Lewis will have a role in change of pace/passing down situations, Henry will be the lead back and will be a solid RB2 in all league formats. There is more uncertainty regarding Lewis’ fantasy value because of his smaller workload, but he has shown from his time in New England that he can thrive on limited touches and has what it takes to be a solid RB3/flex option, especially in PPR formats.
1.Derrick Henry (ADP 46)- RB2
2. Dion Lewis (ADP 95)- RB3/Flex
Jaguars
The Jaguars surprise playoff run and appearance in the AFC Championship game would not have been possible without their ball-hawking defense and consistent commitment to the running game. With Leonard Fournette returning for his sophomore season, it would be hard to imagine anything else in 2018 as head coach Doug Marrone looks for extended success in Duval. In his rookie campaign (13 games), Fournette ran for 1,040 yards and 9 touchdowns. The aspect of his game that makes him so valuable is his ability to take pressure off of the “BOAT” Blake Bortles in the receiving game, serving as a true 3-down back. The only thing holding Fournette from fantasy stardom is his proneness to injury. If he can stay on the field, he is a lock to be a bell-cow, top 10 running back, in a league that continues to deploy the running back by committee approach.
1.Leonard Fournette (ADP 11)- RB1
2. TJ Yeldon (Undrafted)- Handcuff