There are many running backs who will become free agents next week if they do not come to terms with the current teams.
We can all conclude that Dallas Cowboys’ running back DeMarco Murray, whose future in Dallas remains in question, will still be an elite fantasy option in 2015 no matter where he plays. This is providing he remains healthy of course.
However, there are other running backs who could fare better or be even more improved as fantasy football prospects should they be given the chance to play with another team in 2015.
Justin Forsett, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
Forsett surprised last year when he was handed the bulk of the duties in Baltimore. He rushed for 1,266 yards and scored eight touchdowns. For those who had the priority to grab him from the waivers after he really started to breakout, Forsett rewarded with the eighth-most fantasy points for 2014.
If Forsett moves on from Baltimore, he certainly holds appeal if he finds a team willing to give him that lead role once again. Being 29-years-old and managing to lead the NFL in yards per carry at 5.4 last year should have Forsett remaining successful in 2015 wherever he plays.
Mark Ingram, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
We all witnessed an uptick in Ingram’s performance in 2014 where he rushed for 964 yards and scored nine touchdowns, making him the 15th highest running back last season. Ingram most assuredly will be moving along from the Saints who have some difficult salary cap issues to solve.
Therefore a team in need of improvement at the position will surely pay the right price to let Ingram pick up where he left off last season. Considering the Saints were a pass-heavy team and Ingram managed 964 yards in just 13 games, think of what he could accomplish in 2015 if he landed on a run-heavy team. Ingram should be a reliable RB2 with upside to draft in 2015.
C.J. Spiller, Running Back, Buffalo Bills
If Spiller lands on a team that plans to use him nearly exclusively as their lead rusher, he would carry plenty more draft appeal than he has in the past. After just one major fantasy season in 2012 where he averaged an amazing 6.0 yards per carry and really broke out, Spiller has been a disappointment ever since.
Should Spiller end up on a run-heavy team like the Tennessee Titans or more ironically the Philadelphia Eagles for example, where he could fill the lead back role, his fantasy value for 2015 would see a boost. We will monitor him through the free-agency period to see where he winds up.
Ryan Mathews, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
Mathews does carry baggage with his injury concerns, however, he has maintained a solid average of 4.3 yards per carry over his five years with the San Diego Chargers. Should San Diego decide to move on from Mathews and he signs on with a team who incorporates more of a rushing scheme, his fantasy value could improve in 2015. Possibly paired up with the Arizona Cardinals’ running back Andre Ellington, Matthews at 6’-0” and 220 pounds could do some damage on the ground. It is also rumored that San Franciso may be interested in Mathews as well.
Shane Vereen, Running Back, New England Patriots
Vereen currently sits in a huddle of Patriots’ running backs who sometimes offensively do very little running of the ball. When they do decide to rely on rushing plays, the newest addition to their team, running back LeGarrette Blount is their choice of guy. So, unless you are in a PPR league, Vereen who is usually lined up to catch short-yardage passes does very little for your fantasy team.
If given the opportunity to actually perform rushing duties, Vereen, who has averaged 4.2 yards per rush in his four-year career could actually become fantasy relevant. Imagine him taking on the lead running back role for the Jacksonville Jaguars whose running game pretty much failed last year. For Vereen to have fantasy value, he needs to move from New England.