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Running Back Tiered Dynasty / Keeper Rankings

By MN National Guard [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By MN National Guard [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

While we already published our tiered dynasty / keeper running back rankings in a few different segments, we thought it was time to update these rankings just a little bit as we are approaching the NFL season. This is not an knee jerk overreaction based on preseason news, just some basic accounting for injury news and the opportunities that players may be winning or losing.

So to make things easier for you, we have consolidated the different running back tiers into one massive article. You can consider this your official running back dynasty rankings guide to help you formulate your long-term fantasy football strategy. This monster has it all: rookie running backs, sleepers and breakouts, overvalued players and potential busts, PPR analysis, and more.

Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for a new, awesome, highly customizable and free option for year-round commissioner & dynasty leagues, something more capable than Yahoo, better looking than CBS, and built from the ground up with fantasy football in mind, play free fantasy football with our friends at Fleaflicker. Sign up your league on Fleaflicker, and get a Full Season Premium Subscription for FREE.

 

Tier 1 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

1) Le’Veon Bell, 23, PIT

There is a strong argument to be made for Le’Veon Bell being the best running back in the NFL, and the fact that he’s only 23 pretty much cements him as the number one option for dynasty/keeper leagues. He amassed an absurd 1,361 rushing yards last year to go along with 854 receiving yards. Yes, that’s over 2,200 total yards in a season. 4.7 yards per carry and 10.3 yards per reception is top-of-the-line as far as attempts go, which means that was sustainable consistent production. Whether it’s dynamic downfield running or catching passes out of the backfield, LevBell is going to produce every year and it’s only going to get better as Pittsburgh’s young offensive line (with 3 starters still on their rookie contracts) continue to develop and grow.

2) Eddie Lacy, 24, GB

Unlike Bell, Eddie Lacy is a big-body bruiser, but he’s just as useful from a fantasy prospective. He cranked out a gaudy 4.6 yards per carry in 2014, to go along with 10.2 yards per reception (thanks to a couple nice long runs after the catch). 13 total touchdowns is top five production, and he’s only been getting better over his brief career. The core of the Packers offense isn’t going anywhere over the next four seasons or so, and Lacy is an important cog in it. I expect big things out of him for years to come.

3) Jeremy Hill, 22, CIN

With Giovani Bernard proving himself ineffective and Andy Dalton proving to be nothing more than an average quarterback at best, the Bengals rode Jeremy Hill to a playoff berth. Like Le’Veon Bell, he proved himself to be a top back in the NFL at a very young age. He failed to impress through the Bengals’ first seven games, but after an explosion against Jacksonville in Week 9 (154 yards rushing and two touchdowns), Hill hit his stride. He finished the season with three consecutive 100-yard games, and I expect him to be just as explosive in the future now that the Bengals have found out that they can lean on him. I only expect him to get better with time, and he could certainly threaten top-five running back status as early as the 2015 season.

4) Jamaal Charles, 28, KC

Jamaal Charles rivals Le’Veon Bell as far as talent is concerned, and when he’s on the field he’s as scary as running backs get. Since breaking into the league, Charles has averaged 5.5 yards per carry (yes, really), and is usually good for 40+ receptions per season. He had 14 total touchdowns last year in a lack-luster Kansas City offense, and should be just as important in 2015. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin, Alex Smith should be able to throw a bit more, which should free up Charles to attack defenses on the ground. Don’t get cute though—he’s a stud and should be treated as such.

5) C.J. Anderson, 24, DEN

I don’t think many experts would put C.J. Anderson in this tier, but I’m a believer. Once he was finally given the starting job in the second half of last season, Anderson was an absolute stud, amassing 10 total touchdowns and 767 rushing yards (along with 290 receiving yards) in his last eight games. He’ll benefit from being in the Peyton Manning offense for at least one more year, and after that I expect that they’ll lean even more heavily on him. I’d want him while he’s still valued outside the top five running backs.

 

Tier 2 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

7) Marshawn Lynch, 29, SEA

8) Matt Forte, 29, CHI

Marshawn Lynch and Matt Forte can be lumped in together, as both are veterans who somehow just keep producing at an extremely high level. They have very different styles of play, with Beast Mode doing his best to injure anyone silly enough to try and tackle him, while Forte is a dual threat, producing almost as much in the passing game as in the running game. While I say that, Lynch did have four receiving TDs last year (along with a league-best 13 rushing TDs), so it’s not like he’s useless in the passing game, but it’s not a focus of the Seahawks to get him involved. The quality of the quarterback also plays a decent role with these guys, as defenses are much more afraid of Russell Wilson than they are of a Brandon Marshall-less Jay Cutler. I fully expect every opponent’s strategy to be to neutralize Forte. Regardless, both have at least two years of top-ten production left in them, with Lynch receiving a slight edge.

9) LeSean McCoy, 26, BUF

After winning the rushing title in 2013 by averaging just over 100 yards per game, many wrote off LeSean McCoy in the first half of 2014. In his first five games he was average at best, with the low point coming in Week 4 against the 49ers, where he managed just 17 rushing yards on 10 carries. However, after the Eagles’ Week 7 bye, McCoy returned to form. While he didn’t produce at the 2013 level, he went back to being one of the league’s better backs, and finished the season with respectable numbers (1,319 rushing yards and five touchdowns). He can only get more opportunities under Rex Ryan, who believes in the ground-and-pound offense to go along with a solid defense. The Bills quarterback will be either E.J. Manuel or Matt Cassel, neither of whom will set box scores on fire—so expectations are for plenty of check-downs and an absurdly run-heavy playbook for the next two to three years as the Bills ride the QB carousel. That’s a recipe for success for even an average running back, and someone as talented as McCoy should have a field day on most Sundays.

10) DeMarco Murray, 27, PHI

I wanted to rank DeMarco Murray a bit higher, but I’m just not sure what his role will be in Chip Kelly’s offense. His outrageous production last year was the result of being run into the ground, and I don’t expect Kelly to take the same approach. When you receive 500 touches, it’s a guarantee that you will have exceptional production, although his yards per carry/reception were very good (4.7 YPC and 7.3 YPR) . The Eagles still have Darren Sproles and then added Ryan Mathews in the offseason, so while Murray will still be productive I don’t see him cracking the top five this year.

10) Adrian Peterson, 30, MIN

Yo Adrian! He’s just so darn talented, I had to keep him in the top 10. Anybody who’s played fantasy football for a few years knows exactly how good he is, as he’s never failed to reach 10 rushing touchdowns in any season, not counting last year where he was suspended. He also averages an absurd 98 yards per game—for his career. The Vikings offense is sneakily getting better, and as Teddy Bridgewater becomes a bigger threat to defenses, I expect Peterson to benefit significantly. He’s had a year to keep himself fit and refreshed, so don’t be surprised if he comes back with a bang in 2015.

 

Tier 3 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

11) Lamar Miller, 24, MIA

After Knowshon Moreno went down with an injury, Lamar Miller was finally given a true crack at a starting job, and he did not disappoint. He totalled over 1,300 total yards from scrimmage along with nine total TDs and left fantasy owners plenty happy, particularly in weeks 16 and 17, where he was finally able to showcase his 4.4 speed. The Dolphins did draft Jay Ajayi, but I expect it’s Miller’s job to lose in 2015. The Dolphins are an offense on the rise, and as Ryan Tannehill gets more weapons to work with, Miller should find plenty of room to run going forward.

12) Alfred Morris, 26, WAS

Alfred Morris could probably be a top-five fantasy running back if he was on a better team. As it is, he’s on the Washington Redsk…whatever the P.C. term is for the team that plays in the nation's capital. Morris is a strong, decisive runner (career 4.1 YPC) who is only limited by his lack of pass-catching abilities. Unfortunately, the recent haplessness of the Redskins (whatever, it’s too much effort to try and be P.C.) means he’s often on the sidelines as they try to play catch-up. The Redskins should improve over the next couple of years, and hopefully he’ll be able to return to prominence as they do.

13) Melvin Gordon, 22, SD

Melvin Gordon probably has the most potential for an immediate impact out of any rookie running back in 2015. His monstrous build (6’1” and 215 lbs) and situation should make for a top 15 back right out of the gate. Danny Woodhead will of course return as the 3rd-down back in San Diego, but the between-the-tackles work should go to Gordon. Don’t be shocked if Donald Brown or Branden Oliver get some carries in the early goings, but by Week 8 this team should focus on Gordon as the bell cow.

14) Todd Gurley, 20, STL

Were it not for the ACL surgery that Gurley is recuperating from, he’d probably be in my top 10. That can (and most likely will) change by next year, but for right now the fact that he’ll miss at least the first couple games this season leaves him here. Don’t let the ranking mislead you—he’s the best running back from the 2015 draft class, and I don’t think it’s even close. There are rumors that “Gurley” is ancient Mayan for “explosive”—watch even a minute of game film and you’ll believe them. I strongly believe that this guy is a future number-one fantasy back, but in 2015 I’m keeping him out of the top ten.

15) Mark Ingram, 25, NO

Swapping Jimmy Graham for Seattle center Max Unger was the official decree that the Saints will be a run-heavy team in 2015, and Ingram will be the primary beneficiary. He’s the definition of a punishing back, yet he has surprisingly soft hands—he added 145 receiving yards on 29 catches to his rushing totals in 2014. He and C.J. Spiller will operate as the 1-2 punch in Sean Payton’s offense, and I expect Ingram to improve upon his touchdown total from a year ago (nine). Don’t be surprised if Ingram establishes himself as a top-ten back in 2015 and beyond.

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Tier 4 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

16) Carlos Hyde, 23 SF

I would love to put Hyde higher on this list, but like Alfred Morris he falls victim to the team he plays for. The 49ers have had one of the most disastrous off-seasons in written memory, and I don’t see this team winning even six games in 2015.  With Frank Gore gone to Indianapolis, I expect Hyde to be the muscle in San Fran, with Reggie Bush occasionally spelling him and acting as a 3rd down option. Gore got at least 250 carries almost like clockwork, and I don’t see that changing at all now that Hyde is playing feature back. He’s quicker and more explosive than Gore, so there is some potential for a top-15 fantasy running back finish, but ultimately his upside is limited by the team around him.

17) Ameer Abdullah, 22, DET

Joique Bell is still going to be a factor in Detroit, and will probably start the 2015 season as the primary ball-carrier (assuming he's healthy). Abdullah will slide into the role vacated by Reggie Bush, aiding in the passing game and spelling Bell periodically. He has all of the tools you could want from a third-down back—agility, burst, lower-body drive, and outstanding hands. He has surprising power for a back of his size (5’9”, 205 lbs.), and consistently breaks tackles and finishes runs. His football character and IQ has been described as “off the charts”, meaning the learning curve will be minimal, allowing him to make an immediate impact. He'll be useful in PPR leagues in 2015, and should supplant Bell as the lead back as soon as 2016.

18) Jonathan Stewart, 28, CAR

Free at last! Deangelo Williams has left for Pittsburgh, leaving the more-talented Stewart as the lead back in Carolina. From Week 14-on in 2014, Stewart looked absolutely incredible. I think his ceiling in 2015 is that of a top-10 back, but unfortunately he is quite unlikely to play all 16 games—the injury history is just too significant. I think Carolina will be even better this year, and Stewart should be a big part of making that happen, but, much like Arian Foster, his ranking is lowered by injury history and age.

19) Justin Forsett, 29, BAL

Forsett might have been the biggest surprise in fantasy football last year, as he rewarded his owners with top-eight running back numbers. I don’t see his numbers dropping off a cliff, but he won’t match the 1,529 yards from scrimmage he tallied in 2014. He’ll be given the unquestioned lead role in Week 1, but I would not be surprised if the bigger Lorenzo Taliaferro and rookie Javorius "Buck" Allen begin to eat into his carries. New OC Marc Trestman does love to use his running backs in the passing game though (see: Forte, Matt), so there’s a good chance that Forsett maintains or surpasses the 263 receiving yards he gathered last season. He’ll probably be a top-15 RB in 2015, but the age knocks him down from a dynasty perspective.

20) Arian Foster, 28 HOU

Foster is all but guaranteed to miss at least eight weeks of action in 2015, dropping him well out of the top 15. In his best season (2010), Foster put up 2,220 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns. That level of skill is still there, but you have to plan on never getting 16 games from him. The Texans don’t seem to have any intentions of limiting his use once he's healthy (nor should they), so he’ll probably still have top 20 numbers at the end of the season, but Foster’s injury history and age keep him out of the top 15 in my dynasty rankings.

21) T. J. Yeldon, 21, JAC

Yeldon steps into a decent situation in Jacksonville, which is a team that is slowly but surely moving in the right direction. He should be given every opportunity to take the starting job from Denard Robinson and/or Toby Gerhart, but I’m not sold on him. He fumbled 10 times in college, which is a problem that won’t be looked over in the pros. There were also concerns that he wasn’t running with the power that someone of his size (6’1”, 226 lbs.) should have. I have him ranked this low for a reason, and until he proves that he can be effective either in training camp or the preseason, I won’t be moving him higher.

22) Tevin Coleman, 22, ATL

I’m slightly concerned about Tevin Coleman going into 2015. He was drafted by Atlanta, which should have been a great thing considering he really only has one other contender for carries—Devonta Freeman. Unfortunately, the Falcons o-line is one of the worst in the NFL, and Freeman poses a very legitimate threat. Coleman is scary fast but isn’t patient or strong enough to break tackles, a combination that could result in a couple big plays per game to go along with a lot of unsuccessful rushes. He may be an asset in the long haul, but I don’t see him making a real fantasy impact in 2015.

23) Joseph Randle, 23, DAL

There has been way too much discussion about who should start for the Cowboys in 2015. The two top contenders are Joseph Randle and McFadden, but in my eyes that battle shouldn’t be close. Randle showed flashes of what he can do backing up DeMarco Murray last season, and now that he has a chance to start he could be a very solid RB2. The Cowboys offensive line is still terrific, and once Randle locks down the starting job (which should happen over the course of the preseason) he’ll rise in my rankings.

24) Latavius Murray, 24, OAK

Latavius Murray is one of the more likely running backs to act as a feature back going into 2015. He has the raw skills to be a top back, but there are some red flags that kept him out of my top 20 at this point in the summer. First and foremost, he’s on the Raiders. They haven’t been able to produce a 1,000-yard rusher since Darren McFadden did it in 2010, and I don’t know that they’ve got the offensive line to allow for that in 2015. Murray also has a troubling injury history, with two ankle surgeries and a concussion already on his resume. Ultimately I think Murray will be a productive RB3/FLEX with RB2 potential in the future, but I don’t see him ending up in the top 20 this season.

 

Tier 5 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

25) Giovani Bernard, 23, CIN

Giovani Bernard has definitively ceded the starting running back job to Jeremy Hill, but that shouldn’t completely destroy Bernard’s fantasy value. He is still an absolutely electrifying runner when he gets into space, and hopefully he’ll be effectively used in a Shane Vereen-like role in 2015. He lost a decent chunk of his season last year to a hip injury, but at full health Bernard can be a dangerous weapon in the passing game. I like him as an RB3/FLEX in 2015, and he could threaten RB2 numbers in PPR formats.

26) Isaiah Crowell, 22, CLE

I wish the Cleveland Browns would realize what everybody who watched their games in 2014 knows—Isaiah Crowell is the best runner in their backfield. Unfortunately they seem determined to split work between Crowell and Terrance West, which is going to sap fantasy value from both runners. Crowell could establish himself as the best option in the offense given the Browns terrible QB situation, which could push him into the top 20. The offensive line is still elite, and should allow for yardage for any back carrying the mail. However, as long as the Browns split carries, Crowell can’t ascend higher than FLEX status. Rookie Duke Johnson could very well cut into the running back snaps in 2015, which could lower Crowell’s value even more.

27) Andre Ellington, 25, ARI

The under-sized Ellington was given more than 20 touches per game in the early goings of 2014, and it unfortunately seemed to wear him down, as he dealt with a slew of injuries over the last six weeks. The Cardinals drafted the larger David Johnson, and he should get a decent chunk of inside carries and short-and-goal touches. Ellington is still great in space though, and with Carson Palmer back under center the offense should be better as a whole. A healthy Ellington is an RB3 in standard and an RB2 in PPR, but until I see how the Cardinals split carries I’m hesitant to rank him higher in keeper/dynasty.

28) C.J. Spiller, 27, NO

C.J. Spiller is going to be an adventure every week, as he should have some huge games in Sean Payton’s offense as a passing game weapon. However, he will almost certainly have some duds, which makes him sort of difficult to rank, particularly in standard formats. There should be plenty of work for both Spiller and Mark Ingram as the Saints switch to a more run-heavy offense, but I value consistency at running back over explosiveness. You can probably expect some rushes of 50+ yards, but you’re going to have some sub-50-yard games as well.

29) Frank Gore, 32, IND

Ah, the ageless wonder! Despite years of "he's breaking down" talk, Frank Gore is still here and still fantasy-relevant. Most don't realize he hasn't missed a game since 2010, and has tallied at least 1,100 yards in every season since then. He had at least eight touchdowns per season as well, until last year when he fell victim to a poor San Francisco offense. He's back in the spotlight as the lead back for the high-flying Indianapolis Colts, and he should have no trouble reaching 1,000 rushing yards and eight touchdowns again. He may be a top-15 back in 2015, but I have to keep him this low because it might very well be his last season.

 

Tier 6 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

30) Jerick McKinnon, 23, MIN

Fun while it lasted, eh Jerick? We never even really got to see McKinnon’s full potential last year, as perennial vulture Matt Asiata received far too many snaps. We are not likely to see enough of McKinnon to make him any more than a FLEX option at best in 2015, playing behind one Adrian Peterson with the large-bodied Asiata still in the mix. He should be the primary change-of-pace back, but as long as Peterson is playing in Minnesota, I’m avoiding McKinnon. He should be the back of the future however, so in dynasty formats his value is a bit stronger than redraft.

31) Duke Johnson, 21, CLE

Boy howdy, look at all these pass-catching running backs. I could essentially copy and paste the paragraph above about Ameer Abdullah, as their physical stature and playing strengths/weaknesses are almost identical. Johnson has reportedly been the most impressive back in Cleveland so far this summer, but Lord knows that doesn’t mean much in Mike Pettine’s offense. The Browns still seem committed to both Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell, meaning snaps will be limited for Johnson in 2015. He should still be active in the Browns passing game, terrible as it is, which could provide some immediate fantasy value. Where he fits into the Browns' plans beyond 2015…I don’t know.

32) Shane Vereen, 26, NYG

I was tempted to rank Shane Vereen higher, and I still might as the summer progresses. If you’re reading this article, you know what Vereen is—a pass-catching monster who thrives on outside routes and screens. He will rarely get more than 10 carries in a game, but with the new-and-improved West Coast offense that the Giants will run in 2015, he could see his fantasy value increase. As Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz draw attention over the top, Vereen should be able to run wild underneath. He has WR3/FLEX value in standard formats, and could be an RB2 in PPR.

33) Jay Ajayi, 22, MIA

Ajayi was probably the most well-rounded of the running backs in the 2015 draft. At 6’0”, 221 lbs, he has the build of a feature back, and has the skill set to match. The English-born former soccer player combines speed, power and agility to find space, make people miss, and punish those who don’t. More impressive than his elusiveness is the power that he generates. He has outstanding lower body drive which, combined with his balance, allows him to break tackles while consistently driving forward. Lamar Miller has the backfield locked down in 2015, particularly since Ajayi is dealing with injuries, but he could be the feature back as soon as 2016 if the Dolphins decide to let Miller walk. He's a bench player right away, but I wouldn't mind owning him for the long haul.

34) Rashad Jennings, 30, NYG

Rashad Jennings has been a career backup, and while he is now technically the starter on an improved Giants team, I still can't trust him in 2015. First and foremost, the Giants will be looking to pass first with their talented receiving corps, and both Shane Vereen and Andre Williams will be factors--Vereen on third downs and Williams at the goal line. Jennings will likely average 15-18 carries for maybe 80 yards on any given Sunday. He also has never played a full season, and has a troubling history of knee and ankle injuries. He might be a decent FLEX option in 2015, but at age 30 this is likely his last year of fantasy relevance.

35) Joique Bell, 28, DET

Joique’s ranking here is simply indicative of his age and injury history. I seem to be one of the only experts out there who thinks he’ll be productive all the way through 2015. He has the capability of a feature back (4.1 career YPC, 9.7 career YPR), and while I do think Ameer Abdullah will cut into his snaps, there is no reason why Joique can’t rack up 900 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards along with 6-8 total touchdowns. This could obviously change depending on what happens in the Lions’ backfield during training camp, but I say don’t sleep on Joique in 2015.

36) Chris Ivory, 27, NYJ

Someone has to lead the Jets in carries, right? A year after totaling 821 yards and six touchdowns on the ground, Ivory now finds himself leading one of the most crowded backfields in football. Bilal Powell is locked in as the third-down back, but after him Zac Stacy, Stevan Ridley and Daryl Richardson are all vying for a roster spot (for what it's worth, I think Ridley will be the odd man out). If the Jets are smart, they'll go with what works, and what works is Chris Ivory trying to run over anyone foolish enough to get in his way. He might add in 20 catches for 100 yards, but that's about his ceiling. He has FLEX potential in 2015 and beyond.

 

Tier 7 – Dynasty / Keeper Running Back Rankings

37) Bishop Sankey, 22, TEN

I want Bishop Sankey to do well, I really do. "Stanky" Sankey managed a meager 569 yards on just 3.7 yards per carry in 2014, and wasn't starting over Shonn Greene of all people at times. While the numbers were abysmal, he will still be the top option for the Titans in 2015, and Ken Whisenhunt has already declared him the lead back. He should be able to improve upon his numbers with some more experience and the addition of Marcus Mariota, who should be able to frighten defenses enough to give Sankey some room to work. The leash will be short however, as highly-touted rookie David Cobb is waiting in the wings.

38) David Cobb, 22, TEN

Speak of the devil! Fortunately for Sankey, Cobb has had a pretty terrible summer so far, struggling with pass protection and failing to shine as a runner. That being said, he will be given more opportunities as the preseason wears on, and he may carve out a role for himself regardless of how well Sankey does. Cobb is a much more powerful back, and at the very least he could be a candidate for goal-line work. I wouldn't be surprised if Whisenhunt mixes and matches during the early stages of the season to see if one runner can rise above the other. Cobb and Sankey go together in my rankings because we just don't know who will emerge yet.

39) Doug Martin, 26, TB

The Muscle Hamster burst onto the scene in 2012, putting up 1,926 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. His coming-out party was in Week 8 against the Vikings, where he rushed for an insane 272 yards and four total touchdowns. Since that season fantasy owners have been continually burned by Martin, as he has just a shade over 1,000 total yards in the last two years combined, due in large part to the fact that he's only played in 17 total games. He is healthy this summer and has apparently looked like the player from 2012 if the coaching staff is to be believed. Martin is currently separating himself from passing-back Charles Sims, and if he can maintain the starting gig he could be a low-end RB2 in 2015 and beyond.

40) Knile Davis, 23, KC

Davis has become the number one handcuff in fantasy, as many believe he would be starting on most other teams. As it is, he sits behind Jamaal Charles on the depth chart, and will remain there in 2015. Charles is getting up there in age though, and Davis could certainly be the running back of the future in Kansas City. He is borderline useful on his own in deeper leagues, as he finished 2014 with 610 total yards and seven total touchdowns. He'll likely see the same workload in 2015, but if you're drafting him you want him for the future.

41) Devonta Freeman, 23, ATL

Devonta Freeman is currently locked in a battle with rookie Tevin Coleman for the starting running back job behind a sub-par Atlanta offensive line. As of this writing, neither has pulled away in the race for playing time, and until one of them does it's hard to rank either. I think Coleman has the more long-term upside, as the speedy Freeman feels more like a perennial change-of-pace back than a potential feature back. That being said, Freeman could have a healthy role in a committee to begin the season, and if he proves himself effective he could become the RB2 for either the Falcons of another team in the future. I'm not starting him or raising him in my rankings until I'm more certain of his role.

42) Tre Mason, 22, STL

Tre Mason looked good in spurts last year, but with Todd Gurley now designated as the future feature back, his value sinks to that of a backup. Gurley will likely miss at least two games in the beginning of 2015, meaning Mason will be afforded some time to prove what he can do. He is no more than a handcuff in any format from now until he ends up elsewhere, as Gurley is one of the most impressive running backs to come out of college in the last few years.

43) Montee Ball, 24, DEN

Montee Ball was the starter on an outstanding Denver offense, but fell victim to some unfortunate obstacles in the early goings. Three of his first four starts came against stout run defenses in Kansas City, Seattle and Arizona, teams that limit any running back's effectiveness. He then suffered a groin injury, and by the time he was healthy again C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman had replaced him on the depth chart. Anderson has the job in 2015, and Ball will be no more than a handcuff unless Anderson struggles severely.

 

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