If you’re not able to grab a running back right away in your upcoming fantasy football draft, don’t miss these two running backs who are likely to be taken in later rounds.
Latavius Murray
The Oakland Raiders offense should be more explosive this season. It’s hard to believe it could be worse than last year, after finishing ranked 31st in points and 32nd in total offense. The running game wasn’t much better, ranking 32nd in attempts, yards and touchdowns in 2014.
In case you’re scoring from home, that’s good enough for last in the NFL.
With the addition of Amari Cooper as wide receiver, consistency at the quarterback position with Derek Carr, and now a healthy running back position with Latavius Murray, the Raiders should improve significantly from last season.
Last season, Murray sat behind an ineffective Maurice Jones-Drew and an injury-prone Darren McFadden. Now, it’s Murray’s position, and if he’s anything like he was in the Raiders’ final six games in 2014, he should offer some points for fantasy football owners.
In his opening game as the featured back last season, Murray ran for 112 yards on four carries against the Kansas City Chiefs. From there, he got plenty of opportunities, and finished the season with 424 yards, good enough for a 5.2 yard-per-carry average.
He now is the featured back and doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. The Raiders may struggle at times this season, but Murray can provide big points in certain games.
C.J. Spiller
C.J. Spiller has a new team. And although he isn’t the primary option for the New Orleans Saints, he should be given consideration.
Spiller can add a definitive advantage in PPR leagues since he will be a main target out of the backfield for pass-catching. The Saints have used those running backs, like Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles, as well as any team in the past, so Spiller should fit in nicely.
This acquisition will aid both parties. Spiller was in need of a better offensive situation than what Buffalo provided. The Saints struggled last season to find much footing in the running game, and the passing game wasn’t as effective as it has been in the past because of it.
Last season, an injury cut Spiller’s season short. When he was healthy, he caught at least 30 balls from 2011 to 2013, and he netted more than 200 carries in 2012 and 2013.
If he can get back to that production, he should be a solid starter for any fantasy football team.
