Backfield Clarity for ALL 32 Teams: NFC 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.
Previous Articles:
NFC North- Get Your "Kamara" Ready
Saints
One of the “first principles” of fantasy football is to avoid the dreaded running back by committee. In 2017, Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram proved the contrary by becoming the first RB tandem in league history to surpass 1,500 yards each from scrimmage, and finished in the top 6 at their position in fantasy- a feat that was previously unheard of. However, this offseason the Saints offense was dealt a crushing blow with the looming 4 game suspension of Mark Ingram for PEDs. This obviously hurts Ingram’s fantasy value, but he can still be expected to post RB1 level production when he gets back on the field. As for Kamara, he enters the season as a top 5 overall player, and will be called on for an expanded workload while Ingram serves his suspension.
1.Alvin Kamara (ADP 5)- RB1
2. Mark Ingram (ADP 53)- RB2, Serving 4 game suspension
Falcons
Although 2017 would be considered a down year by Freeman’s standards, he still finished the season as the 13th ranked running back with 1,000+ total yards and 8 touchdowns, while averaging over 4 yards per carry. Had he not missed three games with a concussion, he would have easily surpassed the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the third consecutive season. At just 26 years of age, Freeman is set to bounce back and return to his RB1 production level that fantasy owners have become so accustomed to.
Tevin Coleman continues to prove that he is one of the best complimentary backs in the NFL, and there is reason to believe that he has earned an expanded role in the Falcons offense. After all, he did have 19 touchdowns and almost 2,000 total yards over the past two seasons, which is impressive considering he was serving primarily as a backup. At OTA’s, Coleman said: “They want to use me more. Line me up out wide and stuff like that. It’s going to be pretty cool.” Combined with the fact that head coach Dan Quinn said Coleman made “a big jump” in his pass protection abilities, there is every reason to believe that he too is in for a big season.
1. Devonta Freeman (ADP 19)- RB1
2. Tevin Coleman (ADP 99)- High end RB3
Panthers
With the decision to move on from veteran Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers now have 200 carries that will need to be reallocated between Christian McCaffrey and newly acquired CJ Anderson. McCaffrey and Anderson finished as the 15th and 16th ranked running backs in fantasy in 2017, respectively, but they achieved their production in very different ways. McCaffrey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and finished with just over 400 yards on the ground, however proved his worth as a first round pick in the passing game, with 80 receptions for 650 yards. Anderson on the other hand was a 1,000 yard rusher for the Broncos, but was less involved as a receiver. This gives reason to believe that both McCaffrey and Anderson will be able to coexist in the Panthers offense and be viable fantasy options, with McCaffrey as a receiver and Anderson handling a majority of the groundwork left behind by Stewart. For now, give the edge to McCaffrey because of his upside as a second year pro.
1. Christian McCaffrey (ADP 21)- High end RB2
2. CJ Anderson (ADP 126)- RB3
Buccaneers
Despite ranking 4th in passing yards per game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense struggled mightily running the football, finishing 27th in the league with under 100 yards per game on the ground. The team made a significant step in the right direction by drafting Ronald Jones in the second round of April’s draft. Despite not being as highly touted as other players due to the depth of the draft class, Ronald Jones’ talent and potential should not be overlooked. Last year at USC, Jones ran for 1,550 yards and had 20 total touchdowns. Even more intriguing is that he joins a Tampa Bay backfield that lacks a back who has run for more than 560 yards in a season. It is expected that Jones will be thrown into the fire as the team’s starter, which earns him the nickname Mr. Opportunity.
This Tampa Bay running back situation reminds me of the backfield that Doug Martin joined in 2012. And oh yeah, he had over 300 carries, just under 2,000 total yards, and 12 touchdowns in his rookie year.
1. Ronald Jones (ADP 71)- RB2
2. Jacquizz Rodgers (Undrafted)- Worth a bench spot
3. Peyton Barber (Undrafted)- Worth a bench spot