Fantasy Football 2015: Top 50 Running Backs
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
50) Theo Riddick, Detroit Lions
Theo Riddick hasn’t done very much in his two-year career with the Detroit Lions. Heading into his third year, Riddick is expected to get more carries but still won’t produce very much in 2015. But, you never know these days.
49) Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings
Jerick McKinnon wasn’t expected to get many carries in 2014 as a rookie. But, with the Adrian Peterson fallout, McKinnon’s name was called and he produced well. He rushed for 538 yards with his best game coming against his hometown, Atlanta Falcons. With Peterson expected to be back in Minnesota, Mckinnon’s numbers will decrease, but he still may be worthy of a bench spot later in your fantasy league.
48) Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs
Over the past two seasons, Knile Davis has proven he is worthy of a fantasy running back spot. He will never be the number one guy on the Chiefs due in large part to stud, Jamal Charles but he has 10 touchdowns in his first two years in the league. I have personally started Davis multiple times and benefited greatly from it. Look for Davis late in your season or if Charles goes down with another injury in 2015.
47) DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers
As an Atlanta Falcons fan, I have had to watch this man wreck them year after year, but he is no longer apart of the Carolina Panthers. Williams is now with the Steelers as a backup and isn’t expected to do a whole lot. However, he may be worthy of a pickup if Le’Veon Bell doesn’t start week one.
45) Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Fred Jackson has only one career season of 1,000 yards rushing or more, but he is always worthy of a pickup. Jackson found the endzone nine times in 2013 so if you are looking for a reliable back, Jackson may be your guy.
44) Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
Montee Ball is a wild card pick heading into 2015. He isn’t the starter, but could possibly win the starting job back with a good start to the season. He isn’t worth a draft pick, but maybe a pickup mid way through your season. You never know who the Broncos will use at running back from year-to-year.
43) Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns
Duke Johnson is the first rookie to crack the top 50 and rightfully so. Johnson had a very good career at the University of Miami but battled injury throughout. It is unclear as to how many reps you can expect him to get, but when healthy is a great running back and worthy of a spot on your roster.
42) Lorenzo Taliaferro, Baltimore Ravens
Lorenzo Taliaferro may not be the starter yet in Baltimore, but will get his reps in 2015. He found the endzone four times in 2014 and you can expect him to do that again in 2015. While Justin Forsett is the feature back with the Ravens, Taliaferro may be the next guy in line to take his job.
41) Andre Williams, New York Giants
Andre Williams had one of the best rookie seasons in 2014 so he is worthy of a pickup without a doubt. Williams found the endzone seven times and rushed for over 700 yards as a rookie. Although, he isn’t projected to start in 2015.