Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: NFC East
- Jeff Lorenz
- Aug 11, 2018
- 4 min read
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.
Previous Articles:
NFC EAST- Injuries Strike Early
Redskins
Derrius Guice had the look of a rookie RB ready to take over a three down role, but he will now miss the entire season with a torn ACL in first week of preseason. Guice's injury now opens the door for returning RBs Rob Kelley, Chris Thomspon, and Samaje Perine in the Redskins backfield group. Rob Kelley has been praised over the offseason for losing some weight and coming into training camp in great shape. He stands to be the primary ball carrier with Chris Thompson continuing his third down role he excelled in last season. Look for Kelley's ADP to skyrocket and he should be valued as a top 30 RB. He would be a smart pick around other volume based RBs such as C.J. Anderson, Marshawn Lynch and Isaiah Crowell. Perine now becomes an interesting late round pickup and possible sleeper. Thompson is a great flex option now and one of the best third down RBs in fantasy football.
1. Chris Thompson (ADP 116)- RB3 with high upside
2. Rob Kelley (Undrafted)- RB3 based on increase in touches
3. Samaje Perine (Undrafted)- Worth a late round pick
Giants
In case you haven’t already heard, the Giants drafted the most talented player in the draft, Saquon Barkley, with the second overall pick. What makes Barkley such a complete back is his ability to run both inside and outside of the tackles, combined his contributions to the passing game. At 6 feet tall and 234 pounds, he has both the stature and frame that screams workhorse running back combined with the durability to withstand an entire NFL season. He is expected to be thrown right into the fire on a Giants team that ranked 26th in rushing yards and 31st in points per game in 2017. With the addition of Nate Solder to the offensive line unit and the team’s commitment to making the running game a strength, Barkley has a very positive outlook for 2018. The return of wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard will also afford Barkley favorable defensive looks week in and week out. Our experts have him as the 8th ranked running back, and owners can expect him to put up RB1 numbers from the get-go.
The only negative is that the Giants also signed veteran Jonathan Stewart, who could be called on to handle short yardage and goal-line situations. Barkley will have his fair share of touchdowns this season and Stewart is not a major cause for concern, but I want fantasy owners to remember this post in frustration when Stewart vultures that first would-be Saquon Barkley touchdown.
1. Saquon Barkley (ADP 8)- RB1
2. Jonathan Stewart (Undrafted)- Worth a bench spot, TD dependent vulture.
Eagles
The Eagles acquired each head of their 2017 running back committee in different ways, drafting rookie Corey Clement, signing free agent LeGarrette Blount, and making a mid season trade for Jay Ajayi. The committee could not have been more effective for the defending champs, who finished 4th in the league in rushing yards per game. Despite leading the bunch in fantasy points, Ajayi finished as just the 34th ranked running back overall, leaving fantasy owners very disappointed. However, with the decision to let Blount walk as a free agent once again, the committee will have one less mouth to feed, which bodes very well for Ajayi’s fantasy outlook. For now, look at Ajayi as an RB2, with Clement serving as a decent bye week fill in for your fantasy squad.
1. Jay Ajayi (ADP 48)- RB2
2. Corey Clement (ADP 149)- RB4, sleeper potential
3. Darren Sproles/Wendell Smallwood/Josh Adams (Undrafted)- Not worth a bench spot.
Cowboys
Zeke Elliot makes the Cowboys offense go. In just 10 starts (suspension), Elliot posted just under 1,300 total yards last season. With the release of Dez Bryant, Elliot will be a candidate for over 300 touches to help take pressure off of Dak Prescott. Our experts have Zeke ranked as the 4th running back, and there is reason to believe he could finish even higher than that.
It wouldn’t be right to talk about the Cowboys without mentioning newly acquired playmaker Tavon Austin, who only showed flashes of big play potential in five seasons with the Rams. Although the Cowboys have him listed as a running back on paper, it is expected that Austin will be lined up all over the field, with potential to be a huge weapon if the Cowboys are able to figure out how to use him. I am not saying that Tavon Austin will affect Zeke’s fantasy value or production in any way, as they will most likely be on the field simultaneously. What I am saying is that Austin is absolutely worth a late round flyer, especially considering the fact that the team’s #1 receiver, Terrence Williams, was recently arrested for public intoxication and could face a suspension.
1. Zeke Elliot (ADP 3)- Lock for top 5, RB1
2. Tavon Austin (Undrafted)- Sleeper potential
3. Rod Smith (Undrafted)- Not worth a bench spot