Author: James Naddeo, RotoExperts Staff
but whether or not we see some of them take over as leaders in their backfields remains murky. Charles Sims looks to be a man to watch if Doug Martin can’t go, and Fozzy Whitaker could garner some increased attention if he has success against a stingy Minnesota defense in Jonathan Stewart’s stead. Also in that game, will Matt Asiata vulture touchdowns and early down work from the superior talent, Jerick McKinnon, while Adrian Peterson recovers from a torn meniscus? One of my favorite players this season, Danny Woodhead, was lost for the year this week, which could mean a bigger workload for Melvin Gordon. Another name to store: Kenneth Farrow. The rookie out of Houston University stands to earn a bigger role in San Diego’s two-back offense if he can prove himself dependable, and if he can hold off Dexter McCluster, who was signed off the street this week.
Theo Riddick is in line for extra work with Ameer Abdullah sidelined. Photo Credit: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
It’s too early to tell which player among the backups thrust into starter roles will receive the volume of work to garner serious consideration as RB3s or better. Here are a few players who, based on their Week 2 output and a look ahead at the coming week, should be looked at closely, and may force Fantasy owners to consider their options to either pursue them in a trade, or find a spot on the bench for the underwhelming.
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DeMarco Murray – Few predicted this type of success for Murray in the first two weeks of the season after a lost 2015 in Philadelphia, and his rapidly approaching 29th birthday. Some even thought that rookie Derrick Henry might lead the Tennessee committee right off the bat. Murray has looked pretty good thus far, and has regained some of that mojo from his Dallas days. Murray broke off a 67-yard run against Detroit, which was his longest such run since his rookie season in 2011. Thus far, Murray has 12 receptions for 91 yards, good for two scores; rather impressive numbers for the wizened one. Murray is on pace for nearly 1050 yards rushing, and over 1700 total yards this season. The good times should keep rolling this weekend when the Titans face the Raiders and their 21st ranked run defense. Start this RB2 with confidence.
Theo Riddick – Riddick has been a PPR mainstay for the better part of two seasons as a change-of-pace running back for Detroit. However, the Notre Dame product may get some full-time work if Ameer Abdullah misses a couple of weeks with what is thought to be a sprained foot. If Abdullah is forced out, or even into a supporting/limited role, Riddick could surpass him en route to true RB2 status. In the meantime, he’s a FLEX play at best, but is certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Isaiah Crowell – After the Browns had to move to Josh McCown at starting QB to face divisional foes, the Baltimore Ravens, it seemed likely that teams would stack the front, apply pressure liberally, and force the journeyman to beat them through the air. Aided by an 85-yard scurry on the first possession, Crowell finished the day with 133 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 18 totes. If you’re into math, that’s 48 yards total on the other 17 carries, or less than three yards per. Not too promising. However, while he’s not likely to repeat that type of game from a numbers perspective, he has scored in each game thus far, and the Browns like him in the red zone. He’s a low-end RB2 heading into a game against the Dolphins with the possibility the Browns use their third starting QB in three games. The touches will be there for Crowell, and that volume alone makes him worth looking at during these lean times of so many injured running backs.
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Todd Gurley – The early part of the season has been tough for Gurley, and there are no signs of it being easier over the next two to three weeks for him. In the first two weeks’ divisional battles, the 49ers and Seahawks both kept eight men up on early downs regularly, daring Case Keenum and a cast of severely underwhelming pass-catchers to score. It didn’t happen, and the Rams have yet to score a touchdown on the season. With road games against the Buccaneers and Cardinals, followed by a match with the Buffalo Bills at home, it’s going to be a real task to get Gurley rolling. He is still a must-start because of his talent and big play ability, but things could go south rather quickly for the Rams, particularly if they do make the move to rookie QB Jared Goff sooner than later.
Frank Gore – Facing the Denver defense is no picnic, and Gore had as difficult a time, as most backs would, rushing 13 times for just 44 yards. He did, however, manage to save his day with a receiving touchdown (three receptions, 19 yards). The Colts are struggling in the running game and their weak, porous offensive line will continue to create opportunities for whomever is behind Andrew Luck. Gore has lost a step or two, and offers almost no upside. The only saving grace for Gore owners is that the two players competing for backup duties, Robert Turbin and rookie Josh Ferguson, have also struggled mightily. Gore is a far better pass blocker than either of the backups and therefore, he still has a role. He faces the Chargers this week, which is a nice tonic to cure what ails a running back, but he is still a middling RB2/3 for all intents and purposes.
Jeremy Langford – Langford has underwhelmed despite scoring in both contests thus far. He’s averaged exactly 3.0 YPC so far, and the most troubling bit came on his last carry of the night during Monday night’s game against the Eagles, when he fumbled near midfield as the Bears were driving in a close game. That was Langford’s second fumble in as many games, which always spells danger for any running back without a real track record of sustained success. Backup Ka’deem Carey left the game with a hamstring injury, opening the door for rookie Jordan Howard to enter. Howard looked good, too, which could spell timeshare for Langford, whom most assumed would ascend to take the place that was once occupied by Matt Forte (Michael Waterloo talks about Forte in his recent Stock Report, and I’d echo his stance that’s it is “sell high” time on Forte given his unsustainable workload). Langford is again a mid-range RB2/3 this week as the team faces Dallas in Jerry-World, and my guess is that he’ll be on a very short leash, possibly even subject to John Fox’s “hot hand” approach. This bears watching (no pun intended), but if Jordan Howard is available in your league, take a long look at snagging him now and waiting to see what the next few weeks hold for the injury-ravaged Bears.
