- Must have running backs for the 2018 season are backs who have potential to outdo their current ADP. Getting the value of one of these running backs at their current ADP can pay dividends based on expected 2018 potential. I will include one early round running back, a mid-round running back, and one late round running back.
Early Round Running Back
Leonard Fournette
Current ADP 1.12 (RB9)
Leonard Fournette was a huge part in the Jacksonville revival that took place last season, rushing 268 times for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games last season. Fournette showed the ability to handle 20 carries or more per game throughout the season but did miss three games with a lingering ankle injury. Fournette is not as polished as a receiver as most of the top running backs but his large carry workload is where Fournette holds a vast majority of his value. In the 2018 campaign health will be the most important factor for Fournette. If he can remain healthy throughout the season he will be more then likely in the 300 carry range with 1100-1250 yards and 8-12 touchdowns for the season. Those stats would make him a top seven running back in fantasy beating out his running back nine current ADP.
Mid-Round Running Back
Marlon Mack
Current ADP 6.10 (RB31)
I am on board the Marlon Mack hype train. After hours of watching film on Marlon Mack, a few things stand out. He has excellent acceleration and burned guys to the sideline on numerous carries. He also has excellent vision when running up the middle and hits holes hard, then finishes hard trying to gain extra yards. Marlon Mack is also a home run hitter as he hit a run over 10 yards on nine percent of his carries last season. Most people worry because Frank Reich is taking over as the Head Coach for the Colts this season and he is known to be a running back by committee kind of coach. However, it is not an even split by committee as one back normally sees about 60 percent of carries and then the other 40 percent is split. Last season Marlon Mack saw 30 percent of the Colts carries with 93 and 358 yards with 3 touchdowns. If we double what Mack did with 30 percent to his expected 60 percent if he wins the job he would have had close to 1,000 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. With opportunity, Marlon Mack will greatly exceed his running back 31 price tag and have a real chance of helping you win a fantasy football title.
Late-Round Running Back
Giovanni Bernard
Current ADP 11.03 (RB49)
Giovanni Bernard returns to the number two running back role he used to have with Jeremy Hill, this time he will be behind Joe Mixon. Bernard has had success in years past as a change of pace back, and that will be his role again this year. Like normal he will be a threat out of the backfield catching the ball and will get around 80-90 carries. He should easily outdo his surprising running back 49 price tag and can be a solid value to fill in on bye weeks for your fantasy squad.
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