The great running back was on the verge of being a dying breed. Sure there will always be a run game, but for awhile it looked like it was going to become irrelevant. However, with players like Adrian Peterson, Marshawn Lynch, and Todd Gurley, the position has come back to relevance. There was even a RB drafted in the first round, Ezekiel Elliot to the cowboys at the 4th overall pick. That being said, while there are some truly gifted runners out there, some of them never live up to the hype. Here are my 2016 busts for running backs.
CJ Anderson | Denver Broncos | Positional ADP 15
RB Anderson has had a love hate relationship with fantasy players everywhere! He was almost lost to Denver, but they matched offers on the table and kept him. I don’t know why people are getting excited over him again. Anderson has let us all down to many times over the last couple years. He is capable of a big game, but he fails to do so game in and game out. Anderson lost the ball for a career high of 2 times. With Devontae Booker waiting behind him, Anderson has the job. However, it is his to lose. Anderson looks great as a flex player, or even against favorable match ups. Overall, no matter what system he plays in, he just hasn’t been able to play like an elite back, and I don’t see this being the year he does.
DeMarco Murray | Tennessee Titans | Positional ADP 18
After a horrible season playing for the Eagles, Murray was traded off after just one year. Murray was performing at an elite level in 2014 while with the cowboys, but keep in mind he had a great offensive line in front of him. The Eagles never used Murray properly, and with a regime change, it was time for him to go. The Titans picked him up hoping he would be able to return to the runner he was 2 years ago. However, the Titans don’t have the line he needs to do so, nor the QB play to scare the defense. Murray proved with the Eagles, he needs a great line to create holes for him to run through. He has been unable to make his own plays. In the end, Murray will be a player who will always be identified by the team he plays with.
Matt Forte | New York Jets | Positional ADP 14
Forte had a great run with the Bears until he got hurt. That lead to him ultimately leaving and joining the New York Jets. He will be the starting back, with no real talent behind him. With his history, you would think that he would simply be a star. With Ryan Fitzpatrick recently resigned, it does help his stock, but it doesn’t help much. However, Fitzpatrick might have been a one hit wonder, and has missed most of the off season. Forte also is a good pass catcher, and in PPR that was always a huge plus for him. With only training camp to build a relationship with Fitzpatrick, it will be hard for them to build that connection fast. If you need a late round RB and are ok with high risk, he is worth a gamble. Just don’t hold your breath that he will return to his prime with the Jets.
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