RADIO
With so much volatility around the NFL given the recent string of injuries, especially to running backs, there have been a lot of changes already with the backfields of many NFL teams.
Running backs are a critical component and core building block for all fantasy football teams, so it's important to stay on top of the running back situations and any depth chart changes throughout each week of the fantasy football season.
Due to the nature of the NFL, running back is one of the most volatile positions in fantasy football, and one of the highest turnover positions in the NFL year-to-year and week-to-week. By staying on top of all the running back changes and in-season position battles, you can adjust your rosters off the waiver wire, find sleepers or potential breakouts, and dominate your fantasy football leagues.
2015 Running Back Depth Charts
AFC EAST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Solid | Patriots | LeGarrette Blount | Travaris Cadet, Jonas Gray | James White | N/A |
| Questionable | Jets | Chris Ivory, Stevan Ridley | Zac Stacy | Bilal Powell | N/A |
| Solid | Bills | LeSean McCoy | Fred Jackson | Bryce Brown, Karlos Williams | Bryce Brown |
| Solid | Dolphins | Lamar Miller | Damien Williams, Jay Ajayi | LaMichael James | Jay Ajayi, Damien Williams |
With his second stint on the Patriots and second consecutive strong playoff performance, LaGarrette Blount has likely locked up the starting job going into the 2015 season for the Patriots. Travaris Cadet projects to take on the Shane Vereen pass catching role, which he already had on the Saints. However, Jonas Gray looks like he'll likely be the main backup to Blount.
The Jets backfield has returning veteran Chris Ivory and former Patriots running back Stevan Ridley battling it out for the bulk of the carries. Ivory is the more likely talent to take the starting role, but with injury concerns there's nothing stopping Stevan Ridley from cutting into his workload just like Chris Johnson did last year. Deeper in the depth chart is Zac Stacy, who the Jets traded a 7th round pick for. Normally, I'd say that Stacy has no chance to stick around but that pick investment likely will keep him on the roster. Bilal Powell has nearly no chance of being removed from the roster, since there is no one with his skill there, but he's also not likely to win the role over anyone else.
After trading for LeSean McCoy, it's obvious he'll be taking the main bulk of the carries in Buffalo. However, years of nicks and usage might give Fred Jackson some decent value as his backup going into the season. Don't count on it, but be aware. Bryce Brown is still a potential talent but he's also an unlikely talent- still he's the highest upside of the depth here. Karlos Williams on the other hand projects as not much more than a depth running back.
Lamar Miller will likely have the Dolphins starting job locked up going into the 2015 season but if last year showed everyone anything, it's that the Dolphins aren't going to give Miller the full workload even if there are no better options. This year, a second year Damien Williams and rookie Jay Ajayi can actually push Miller for some touches as both are talented enough to have a significant role. Ajayi's health might cause him to take a backseat this year to Williams, but both are strong dynasty stashes (Williams more-so in deeper leagues) that could eventually see their way into a starting role, even if that doesn't end up being with the Dolphins.
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AFC WEST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Questionable | Broncos | C.J. Anderson | Montee Ball | Ronnie Hillman | C.J. Anderson |
| Solid | Chiefs | Jamaal Charles | Knile Davis | De'Anthony Thomas | Knile Davis |
| Volatile | Raiders | Latavius Murray | Trent Richardson, Roy Helu | Michael Dyer | Roy Helu, Latavius Murray |
| Solid | Chargers | Melvin Gordon | Brandon Oliver, Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown | N/A | Melvin Gordon |
C.J. Anderson is currently the expected starter for Denver, but until pre-season arrives there's no promise that he's still the primary back. MonteeBall has recently seen some first team reps, and Kubiak's not afraid of taking the back he likes best (as he's done many times in his history) over the expected starter. Hillman still figures to have some kind of role, but is much less likely than either of Ball or Anderson to be up in the front. Deeper in the ranks are players like Juwan Thompson and Kapri Bibbs, but neither figure to have much of a chance to supplant either of the top two.
Jamaal Charles has the strongest hold on his starting job in the entire NFL for RBs, without any doubt. Kniles Davis has had some success and figures to be Charles relief whenever he's injured or needs a breather. He's talented enough that if Charles was to move on, Davis might see the starting 3 down job full time. Further down is De'Anthony Thomas, who is unlikely to be more than a committee back.
The Raiders backfield is full of young talent with Latavius Murray as the expected 2015 starter. However, nothing's set in stone yet so his job is yet to be fully committed to. Recent reports have read that the Raiders have changed their blocking scheme to appeal to Trent Richardson's strengths, so there's still a chance for the former "once in a generation" talent to turn it back around. On the backend is Roy Helu, a dual threat running back with a lot of talent. He'll likely see a pass catching role with the Raiders, but also has the talent to take over as the main running back. It's a hard situation to figure out until some concrete news comes out saying the job has been won.
Melvin Gordon was drafted in the first round by the Chargers and that should be all he needs to take the starting job outright. He's talented enough to be a three-down back, but with Mike McCoy's hobby of putting backs into specific roles there's still a chance he doesn't come out as a 3 down back during his rookie year. Still, he's got the starting job down as the most talented back on that roster. Brandon Oliver, Danny Woodhead, and Donald Brown are expected to have some kind of insanely unpredictable backup/handcuff job that will likely involve a committee. Realistically, they're all likely worthless for fantasy purposes as long as they're sitting behind Gordon.
AFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Solid | Ravens | Justin Forsett | Lorenzo Taliaferro | Javorius Allen | Lorenzo Taliaferro |
| Solid | Steelers | Le'Veon Bell | DeAngelo Williams | Dri Archer | Le'Veon Bell |
| Solid | Bengals | Jeremy Hill | Giovani Bernard | Rex Burkhead, Cedric Peerman | Jeremy Hill |
| Volatile | Browns | Isaiah Crowell | Duke Johnson, Terrance West, | Glenn Winston, Shaun Draughn | Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson |
Justin Forsett is the returning starter entering the season for the Baltimore Ravens, but don't be sure that he'll be keeping that title coming into next year. With Forsett's biggest supporter Gary Kubiak moving on to Denver, a shakeup in this depth chart isn't impossible- just unlikely. Lorenzo Taliaferro is a potential talent with a lot of size and a lot of agility, entering his second year he figures to potentially make impact. Regardless, with Forsett already nearing 30, Taliaferro is the dynasty stash t have. Meanwhile, Javorius Allen was drafted in the fourth round this year but doesn't project to have a large chance of unseating Taliaferro as the backup, at least not right now.
After an incredible 2014 season, Le'Veon Bell has absolutely no chance of losing his starting job. Despite currently facing a potential 4 game suspension, there's no way that upon his return he's given anything short of 90% of the total carries- and almost all redzone work, especially considering that DeAngelo Williams isn't much of a redzone specialist. Williams has minimal value as a stash and immediate return, as he's only going to get work for as long as Bell is suspended. Finally, Dri Archer really doesn't project as anything better than a Dexter McCluster type in the future- so his fantasy value is nearly negligible outside of return leagues.
Jeremy Hill came on strong in his rookie year and managed to usurp nearly all starting carries from Giovani Bernard within a few games. It's very likely that continues this year since Hill is just a better runner than Bernard, especially when given a heavy workload. Bernard is unlikely to ever find another 3 down opportunity without injury striking, so the best way to look at Bernard is similar to Darren Sproles at this point. Rex Burkhead and Cedric Peerman are either too old or not talented enough to project as legitimate threats to either Bernard or Hill, so they are both truly longshot candidates who could both be off the team next year.
The Browns backfield situation is a mess. Brimming with two high caliber talents behind an incredible offensive line, Isaish Crowell and Duke Johnson are going to be in a constant competition for touches and targets. Crowell is the incumbent, currently practicing with the first team and looking like it's his job to lose. Johnson is projected to currently play a role as a passing down back. Don't be surprised if by the season starts these two are splitting carries evenly though. On the other end is Terrance West, who's left behind in the dust behind the two talents in front of him. A committee back at his best, West should be not much more than a backup during his next 2 or 3 years in Cleveland barring an unforeseen transformation in his game. Both longshot candidates here are also just as likely as the Bengal's longshots to ever see playing time and could be looking for new homes next year.
AFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Solid | Colts | Frank Gore | Dan Herron, Josh Robinson | Vick Ballard | Josh Robinson |
| Solid | Texans | Arian Foster | Alfred Blue, Chris Polk | Jonathan Grimes | Alfred Blue |
| Questionable | Titans | Bishop Sankey | David Cobb, Shonn Greene | Dexter McCluster | David Cobb |
| Solid | Jaguars | T.J. Yeldon | Denard Robinson, Toby Gerhart | Storm Johnson | T.J. Yeldon |
Frank Gore is one of the most incredibly consistent running backs to ever play football. He has the chance to be in the top 10 career yardage of all time for running backs with just 1206 rushing yards gained this season. Gore definitely knows that, the team likely knows that, and Gore's yardage the last two years as been just over 1100 yards. Enough though, the point is Gore is firmly entrenched as the starter going into the season. Backing him up are Dan Herron and Josh Robinson who both are kind of lacking the 3 down capabilities that you'd want out of your RB. Both just aren't particularly good enough physically to be dominant but Josh Robinson shows more effort than nearly anyone else on the field despite his lacking athleticism. Expect that Robinson supplants Herron as the backup- but depending on him for your dynasty teams future is a bit of a leap of faith. Vick Ballard shores up the final part of this backfield and he's more or less a change of pace back at heart.
Arian Foster is a clear cut starter again, as no one is surprised. At his age, usage and injury history though it's becoming a bit concerning and expectations are that some of the carries might go elsewhere. Neither Polk or Blue have displayed talented enough running to take a significant steps forward but Blue has the athleticism to potentially take his game to the next level, if his mind can follow. It should be expected that Blue remains as Foster's handcuff while Polk is the third back. Jonathan Grimes might be a long shot to even make the roster at this point, but he's nearly a no name in this battle outside of some inexplicable development.
It's likely that Bishop Sankey comes as the starter for the beginning of the season, Ken Whisenhunt is notorious for not giving rookies significant playing time, so last years weak fantasy season for Sankey can be blamed as much on himself as on Whisenhunt. If Sankey does struggle again though, it should be expected that David Cobb becomes the main rushing down back. Cobb isn't an explosive enough talent to take the job outright from Sankey, but he's an incredibly solid player who would easily take a firm hold on the job if he's given it. Expect Shonn Greene to see his role incredibly reduced this season if not cut from the team altogether. Dexter McCluster is an afterthought as the starting RB but he'll always get his usage as a passing down back.
With their second pick in the 2014 draft the Jaguars selected T.J. Yeldon from Alabama. That was a clear message to the world that they did not see any of the backs on their roster as true 3 down backs. Yeldon will come in as the definite 2-down back and likely establish himself as the 3-down back in time. Denard Robinson, despite having a strong breakout last year, is simply not an inside runner and that will greatly limit his productivity in the NFL. Robinson projects to be the teams passing down back, used as a Darren Sproles type player since his best skills involve excelling in space. Toby Gerhart becomes sort of the odd-man here, unable to do either role, he's the low tier backup to Yeldon who might be replaced at the start of next year if not cut sometime during this season. Storm Johnson likely will be the 3rd back on this depth chart for a long time but doesn't show much value as an NFL prospect.
NFC EAST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Questionable | Giants | Rashad Jennings | Andre Williams, Shane Vareen | Orleans Darkwa | Andre Williams, Orleans Darkwa |
| Solid | Eagles | DeMarco Murray | Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles | Kenjon Barner, Matthew Tucker | N/A |
| Volatile | Cowboys | Darren McFadden | Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar | Ryan Williams, Lache Seastrunk | Joseph Randle |
| Solid | Redskins | Alfred Morris | Matt Jones | Chris Thompson, Silas Redd, Trey Williams | Matt Jones |
It's looking like Rashad Jennings will be starting the season as the opening day back but there's no promise he'll end the season with that same job title. Andre Williams enters his second year with a head full of steam but some concerns over his vision and what he can offer in the passing game helped fuel the Giants decision to go after Shane Vareen who's likely to have the same role he did in New England. Normally, the longshot candidate in these is legitimately that, a real longshot who's potentially on the roster bubble but Orleans Darkwa came in last year and showed great vision, burst, power and is a significant athlete. Darkwa has too low of a chance to open the season as a starter but he'll be a name to watch, especially in Dynasty.
After trading away LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray betrayed his Cowboys to become the next starting running back of the Eagles. Murray's fully expected to be the starter and there is no reason to assume that his spot is in jeopardy. Ryan Mathews, although talented, has been injured far too much in his career but is expected to be the breather back for when Murray's had enough. There's also a chance that a significantly healthy Mathews might see some real carries instead of just what Murray's leaving for him. Darren Sproles likely sees the same role as last year, taking advantage of passing down plays and still getting some carries here and there. Longshot candidates Kenjon Barner and Matthew Tucker aren't likely to even see the field this year.
One of the more scary running back situations is the one in Dallas. Darren McFadden is the current expected starter but as a player who's never found success in a zone scheme he's unlikely to flourish or hold onto the job barring an unexpected transformation in running style. Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar seem primed to take advantage of the situation due to being in the right place more than being the right talent, with Dunbar having a likely role regardless of what shakes up as a passing down back. Currently, Randle projects to be the starter and by all means, he would be able to do it if his number was called. Both longshot candidates have some chance to see real time if things go south with the incumbents ahead of them. Ryan Williams has been held back by injury for he majority of his career and Lache Seastrunk is a former college standout who's lack of passing game capabilities have made it hard for him to stay on a team. Luckily for him, the Cowboys just need a guy to run the ball since they have Dunbar. This is a battle that will likely see a lot of rotating names at starter.
Alfred Morris is still the leading back on the Redskins when it comes to taking carries but it's very likely that 3rd round pick Matt Jones is primed to take over passing down duties and has even had some talk about taking some carries from Alfred Morris. He'll be a big dynasty player to spotlight and on everyones watch list come the start of the season. Long shot candidates Chris Thompson and Silas Redd are competing for their roster spot more than for a chance to see the field. Trey Williams on the other hand was a UDFA signing with some actual potential as an NFL back, it seems likely that he'll finish on the Redskins roster this year and might even see his role expanded next year if Morris isn't re-signed. Still, he's more of a lottery ticket than anything to spend a roster spot on further than deep leagues.
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NFC WEST: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Solid | 49ers | Carlos Hyde | Reggie Bush | Mike Davis, Kendall Hunter | Carlos Hyde, Mike Davis |
| Solid | Seahawks | Marshawn Lynch | Robert Turbin | Christine Michael | Robert Turbin, Christine Michael |
| Questionable | Cardinals | Andre Ellington, David Johnson | Stepfan Taylor | Kerwynn Williams, Marion Grice | David Johnson |
| Solid | Rams | Todd Gurley (INJ) | Tre Mason | Benny Cunningham, Malcolm Brown | Todd Gurley, Tre Mason, Malcolm Brown |
With Frank Gore making his move to the Colts, Carlos Hyde takes over as the defacto lead back on the 49ers. With no big investment in the draft other than fourth rounder Mike Davis, his spot is safe at the top. Reggie Bush was picked up over the offseason to take the passing down work and play change of pace but he's not a significant threat to run the show unless injury strikes. Kendall Hunter might be fighting for his roster spot now seeing that Mike Davis was drafted. Davis was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school who didn't have the college career many expected out of him but he is still a talent that could get it all together eventually.
No doubt that Marshawn Lynch will be the starter for the Seahawks in 2015. The battle for his backup spot rages on between Robert Turbin and Christine Michael and Michael keeps coming short. Turbin's projected to have his spot as a backup locked up and is reportedly going to be held out of preseason, giving Michael a chance to fight for his spot. The two have value when they leave the Seahawks, as their both NFL caliber athletes, but Turbin has a real chance at finding himself in a starting spot at the end of his contract.
The only battle in the NFC West, David Johnson and Andre Ellington have their roles undefined. Both are similar players, elusive and shifty- so they don't fit into roles. It's hard to figure how the two will have their usage split but with Ellington's injury history it's assumed there will be a committee in play. Stepfan Taylor holds down the backup role to both of them since he's been there the longest, but Marion Grice might be on his tail as a capable backup. Kerwynn Williams was signed last year after all the injuries sustained in Arizona so he's likely fighting for a roster spot this offseason.
Todd Gurley will be the starting running back of the Rams once he's healthy. Whether that's the season opener or week 4, he's going to be the starter. Tre Mason should be a high caliber backup with the potential to put up significant points in Gurley's absence, but there's always the chance he's also traded. Beyond them is Benny Cunningham who is likely going to see his role remained unchanged as a change of pace back. Malcolm Brown is the sneaky value of the group, a high caliber vision back- he has real starter potential in the NFL but is unfortunately in the youngest backfield the NFL has to offer. If he's traded, or injuries make him the starter, he should be able to find enough success to warrant a trade.
NFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Solid | Packers | Eddie Lacy | James Starks | John Crockett | Eddie Lacy |
| Questionable | Lions | Joique Bell | Theo Riddick, Ameer Abdullah | Zach Zenner | Ameer Abdullah, Zach Zenner |
| Solid | Bears | Matt Forte | Jeremy Langford | Ka'Deem Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers | Jeremy Langford |
| Questionable | Vikings | Adrian Peterson | Jerick McKinnon | Matt Asiata | Jerick McKinnon |
There's little chance of Eddie Lacy losing what must be the most comfortable gig in the NFL, the guy lining up behind Aaron Rodgers. James Starks is likely holding down his role as the backup to Lacy throughout this season. John Crockett is at the tail end of the depth chart, a recent UDFA signing with intriguing NFL prospects, who had a reported 20 offers from teams but chose to sign with the Packers. Starks is entering a contract year and Crockett has no one else to battle on the depth chart, so he'll be a player to keep an eye on in the future.
Entering week 1, Joique Bell is poised to be the starter but he has a very loose grip on the job. Health concerns might not have him ready for training camp and he's got three interesting talents to compete with. Theo Riddick is a back that's best in space and is unlikely to be a three-down contributor in the NFL but he's very likely to see playing time this year. Ameer Abdullah, the Lions second round draft pick, is a real talent with star potential due to his combination of vision and burst who also had the highest SPARQ score of any RB in this class (it's a private metric used by NFL teams to score athleticism). Fumble issues from college are likely to keep his year one role reduced but if he manages to impress during preseason don't be surprised if he takes on the leading role. Finally, there's UDFA Zach Zenner. Zenner had the second highest SPARQ score of this RB class and has the potential to eventually develop into a 3-down back, but it's far from a guarantee.
Matt Forte is in no danger of losing his job before the season starts. 2015 draftee Jeremy Langford has the inside track to become the backup to Forte but there's no guarantees with his lack of game speed that he'll remain there. Ka'Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers line the remaining spots, both players don't have their spots on the roster secure and Carey no longer has any connections remaining with the Bears ownership.
Whatever team Adrian Peterson ends up playing for, he'll be the starter. Jerick McKinnon is just too athletic with too much potential to develop to fall behind second on this teams depth chart but as of now, he's a stash more than a starter. Matt Asiata's already shown his NFL colors and he's likely not seeing more than change of pace and passing down duties for his career.
NFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Running Backs (RB)
| Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Running Back |
Backup or Handcuff |
Longshot Candidates |
Dynasty Value |
| Questionable | Saints | Mark Ingram | C.J. Spiller | Khiry Robinson | Khiry Robinson |
| Volatile | Falcons | Devonta Freeman | Tevin Coleman | Antoine Smith | Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman |
| Solid | Panthers | Jonathan Stewart | Cameron Artis-Payne | Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker | N/A |
| Volatile | Buccaneers | Doug Martin | Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey | Mike James | Charles Sims |
Mark Ingram will be entering the season as the starting RB but as reports keep coming out of training camp that C.J. Spiller keeps impressing, who knows what will happen here. The Saints have never had trouble making multiple backs fantasy capable though. Khiry Robinson's hype has certainly died down with the re-signings, but Robinson is still a potential value as a deep dynasty stash for when his contract with the Saints runs out, or of course if Ingram suffers another injury.
Devonta Freeman started OTA's opening as the lead back with the first team but many are expecting that as the offseason continues he'll be put in a committee with Falcons draft pick Tevin Coleman. Coleman has been compared many times to Darren McFadden but has had questions raised from all levels of analysts about his ability to play in Shanahan scheme. Freeman projects as the better fit but coaching will likely turn this into a messy situation. Antoine Smith was a huge spark last year on limited touches and it's hard to imagine Smith finds his role expanded.
Finally, Jonathan Stewart will get his chance to take lead carries in a not crowded backfield. There's little chance of him being unseated but with his injury history there's also a huge chance that someone else gets a start this year. Cameron Artis-Payne was picked in the fifth round by the Panthers but isn't much of a long term prospect on his own because of his unless he can really mine all the potential he has. Neither Mike Tolbert or Fozzy Whittaker are going to see their roles change but with Ron Rivera's love of committees and Stewart's injuries, don't be surprised if they see significant time during the season.
Another team in the NFC South with no clear starter, currently Doug Martin is ahead of the pack running with the first team during OTA's. If Martin struggles or gets injured again, Charles Sims seems like the next in line to get time but he'll be fighting the very productive Bobby Rainey for that spot. Sims has dynasty value but his prospects as a three-down back aren't nearly as high as many others, although he does offer a team a great change of pace player. Mike James is also an interesting character with a lot more 2-down potential who even flashed in 2013, but his value on a team crowded with role-oriented talent is minimal.
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