Only one game remains in the 2015 NFL season, so we’re turning that sad reality into our way too early look at the 2016 fantasy football draft.
In this edition of looking ahead to 2016, we’re looking at five running backs who finished 11th to 15th in fantasy points in 2015. We’ll see what their chances are next season in putting up more points for fantasy owners.
11. Danny Woodhead, San Diego, 163.10 points
Hype train: Hop off
The Chargers were atrocious this season. And because of that awfulness, the offense had to throw the ball often.
Thanks to that approach, Woodhead was the main beneficiary. It also helped that the Chargers’ offensive line was in pieces, giving way to Phillip Rivers needing a safety valve. Woodhead played that safety valve well to the tune of 756 yards receiving.
The Chargers can’t possibly be that bad next season and they still have Melvin Gordon around. The offensive line will be a priority and with Gordon getting more acclimated to the offense, Woodhead will see his role diminish, much like what was anticipated this season.
His value likely won’t meet the demand for next season.
12. Frank Gore, Indianapolis, 159.40 points
Hype train: Hop off
We were hopping off on the Gore train before this season, and that actually didn’t work out as well as we would have thought.
He entered the season as the 14th ranked running back, so his performance this season was actually better than expected.
But we’re lowering expectations next season and you should, too.
Despite the numbers, Gore wasn’t a consistent scorer. He tallied less than 10 points in 11 of 16 games. He never went over 100 yards rushing in the season and with another year of age coming next season, we don’t see those totals getting larger.
13. Darren McFadden, Dallas, 155.70 points
Hype train: Just right
McFadden was a steal in last year’s draft, since it appeared that if he was going to play, it would be in a shared role.
With Joseph Randle out of the picture, McFadden was a consistent scorer, with double-digit efforts in three of the final four games. Once he received more playing time, he tallied double-digits in seven of 12 games.
And he didn’t get the points with touchdowns. The one knock on McFadden was his inability to find the end zone, as he managed just three touchdowns during the season.
Normally, we’d be all aboard with McFadden, since he’s the clear-cut No. 1 option in Dallas behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, his injury status gives us a little pause, meaning that his ranking will likely match his value.
There’s some risk involved with McFadden, but he can be a solid RB2 for many fantasy owners.
14. Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati, 155.30 points
Hype train: Just right
His hype will be far less than last season when he entered the 2015 season as the seventh-rated running back.
He didn’t supply offer a good return on investment, but after this season, fantasy owners have a clearer picture of Hill’s role. That will decrease his expectations, but he is still a running back who can make a difference on a fantasy roster.
Hill and Giovanni Bernard shared carries this season, and for much of the year, that decimated Hill’s production. Through week 10, he had more games with five or less points (five) than games in double-digits (three).
But as the season progressed, the roles became more defined, and Hill snapped out of his funk. He totaled five double-digit performances from weeks 11 to 17, and is the clear-cut option near the goaline for the Bengals.
Don’t reach in the first or second round for Hill, but he’s a good RB2 for your roster.
15. Mark Ingram, New Orleans, 153.40 points
Hype train: All Aboard
Before an injury ended his season after week 13, Ingram was one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL.
He entered the season as the 13th-ranked running back and he may see that same ranking for next season. If that’s the case, he will be a dynamic pickup.
Ingram failed to reach nine or more points in only one game. He was able to mix touchdowns with solid yardage output, making him an RB1 for the majority of the season.
With the Saints offense having to go more toward the run, we don’t see Ingram falling off. In fact, we see him having an even better season next year.
