Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: NFC 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.
Previous Articles:
NFC North- Keep Calm and “Kerryon”
Vikings
Dalvin Cook was well on his way to joining Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara in fantasy football rookie stardom in 2017, but an unfortunate knee injury ended his season after just three games. In the games he was able to play, Cook averaged over 20 touches and 100 yards per game, showing signs of continual growth. Ahead of schedule in his rehab program, Cook is expected to be 100% at the start of training camp and should assume his role as a workhorse back for the Vikings once again come September. Latavius Murray is now a must own handcuff given Cook’s recent injury history, but should't provide any stand-alone value.
1. Dalvin Cook (ADP 15)- RB1
2. Latavius Murray (ADP 147)- Must own handcuff
Lions
Despite the Lions backfield looking crowded on paper, there is more clarity than what appears. After three lackluster seasons, the time has officially come to give up entirely on Ameer Abdullah. Frankly, I don’t expect Matt Patricia to give him the light of day on the field. Furthermore, despite adding LeGarrette Blount to the RB corps, it is unlikely that the 31 year old will be able to handle a full load, as he will specialize in short yardage and goal line situations. Theo Riddick is proficient as a pass catcher, but has shown that he too is not capable of handling the pressure of being a lead back in the NFL.
That leaves rookie second round pick from Auburn, Kerryon Johnson, who amounted almost 1,600 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns against SEC defenses last season. It is expected that he will be given an opportunity to earn significant touches, as he is the most complete back of the bunch. For now, Johnson’s ceiling is limited because of Blount and Riddick, but he has the potential to break out and become the latest rookie running back to take the league by storm. This is a backfield situation worth following as camp progresses.
1. Kerryon Johnson (ADP 116)- RB3, Major sleeper potential 2. LeGarrette Blount (ADP 145) - RB4, TD dependent vulture
3. Theo Riddick (ADP 141)- RB4, Passing down specialist
4. Ameer Abdullah (Undrafted)- Not worth a bench spot
Packers
2017 was a season riddled by injuries for the Packers, especially at the running back position. Just when it seemed like a back had a hold on the starting gig, injury would force the next man up into action. Converted receiver Ty Montgomery was the initial week one starter, but rib injuries held him to just 273 yards on the ground at an average of 3.8 yards per carry. Jamaal Williams was next, who went on to lead the team in both snaps and yardage, with 556 yards on the ground dampened by a knee injury in week 4. Finally, Aaron Jones averaged 5.5 yards per clip before suffering a knee injury of his own.
It will be interesting to see which back earns the first reps with the starting unit in training camp. As of now, it is anyone’s guess whether Mike McCarthy will go with the 2017 initial starter, the back with the most yardage, the most efficient back, or deploy a RBBC (Running Back by Committee) approach. For now, we are expecting a committee with Williams as the back with the most fantasy relevance because of his unmatched productivity and Jones serving a suspension to start the year.
1. Jamaal Williams (ADP 118)- RB3
2. Aaron Jones (ADP 141)- RB4, Serving 2 game suspension
3. Ty Montgomery (ADP 138)- Not worth a bench spot
Bears
Despite finishing 30th in the league in total offense, the Bears finished 16th in rushing yards per game, a true testament to Jordan Howard's consistency between the tackles. The second year pro rushed for over 1,000 yards once again despite seeing loaded boxes and adverse defensive matchups week in and week out. In doing so, he became the only running back in team history to rush for over 1,000 yards in their first two seasons. Assuming Mitch Trubisky will make the next step as an NFL quarterback with new head coach Matt Nagy, fantasy owners can expect Howard to put up even bigger numbers in 2018.
Tarik Cohen filled in on passing downs due Howard’s struggles with drops, and the two made for an effective 1-2 punch. Although Howard made pass-catching his main offseason focus and should be more involved in that facet of the game this season, it is expected that Cohen will continue in this role until Howard can prove his “soft hands” in game situations. Cohen’s big play ability makes him worth a roster spot and a solid bye week flyer.
1. Jordan Howard (ADP 31)- High end RB2
2. Tarik Cohen (ADP 106)- RB4, Worth a bench spot