X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Running Back Risers and Fallers - 2018 Season Review

Phil Clark looks at the biggest running back risers and fallers from the 2018 fantasy football season. These RB saw their fantasy value increase or decrease drastically and could be overvalued or undervalued next year.

Most of you have shifted your focus from celebrating or lamenting the final records of your teams in 2018 toward the process of planning your drafts for the 2019 season. The team at RotoBaller is fully aware of your efforts, which is why we have been compiling statistics, analysis, and thoroughly researched recommendations as part of our unrelenting efforts toward helping you win your leagues in 2019.

That includes a review of the biggest risers and fallers at the various skill positions, based upon an in-depth review of their usage and output during the 2018 regular season, then contrasting their performance with the numbers that they delivered during 2017. This article will examine the output that was generated at the critical running back position, during a year in which Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, and Todd Gurley all rushed for over 1,250 yards, while a total of nine backs surpassed 1,000.

A number of other runners registered significant increases or decreases in their production as a result of expanded or diminished roles, along with changes within the offenses that they were functioning in. Here is a breakdown of the most noteworthy backs that delivered a statistical surge in 2018, along with others who experienced an unwanted downturn in their production.

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

RB Risers

Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

At the risk of accentuating the obvious, any column that examines running backs whose value elevated substantially in 2018 would be deficient if it somehow overlooked McCaffrey's elevation into a position among the elite. He entered the year with a number of skeptics questioning his value, even though he did finish at RB10 in PPR leagues as a rookie in 2017. However, that was accomplished primarily through his receiving acumen, as McCaffrey led all backs with 113 targets, finished third with 80 receptions, and was fifth with 651 yards.

His numbers as a rusher were undistinguished, as 39 other backs exceeded his 117 attempts, while 43 generated more yardage (435). But after an offseason of debate regarding his ability to thrive as a workhorse back, McCaffrey also became a highly productive runner in 2018. He capitalized on his 219 carries by finishing sixth overall with 1,080 yards and averaging 5.0 YPC. McCaffrey's prowess as a receiver also remained intact, as he also led all backs in targets (124), receptions (107), and yardage (867). With the collection of his impressive achievements as a rusher virtually matching his accomplishments as a receiver, McCaffrey vaulted to RB2 in scoring and should be selected without hesitation among the top five players in your drafts.

Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals

Mixon performed in 14 contests during his 2017 rookie season, even though Marvin Lewis’ dogged desire toward relegating Mixon to a timeshare with Jeremy Hill at the onset of the year prohibited Mixon from starting until Week 8. After being encumbered by his head coach, and missing two late-season games with a concussion, Mixon rushed for 626 yards and four touchdowns on 178 carries. That placed him just 29th among all backs, while also resulting in a substandard 3.5 YPC. But he was entrusted with Cincinnati's RB1 responsibilities throughout 2018, as only seven backs exceeded his 237 attempts.

Mixon took full advantage of this opportunity to function in an expansive role by vaulting to fourth among all rushers with 1,168 yards which trailed only Elliott, Barkley and Gurley. Mixon generated eight touchdowns, averaged 4.9 YPC, and also averaged 83 YPG, after reaching that yardage total in just two matchups as a rookie. He captured 13 additional receptions in his second season (43/30) which improved his yardage total by just nine yards (296/287). Still, the sizable improvement in his output as a rusher propelled him to an RB10 finish in scoring, and he can be selected with confidence as an RB1 during your upcoming drafts.

Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks

Seattle selected Carson in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he surfaced atop the Seahawk depth chart early in his rookie year. He proceeded to rumble for 93 yards in Week 2 and was averaging 4.2 YPC before a leg fracture abruptly concluded his season in Week 4. When Seattle invested a first-round pick on Rashaad Penny during the 2018 draft, Carson became an afterthought for fantasy owners until the Seahawks began their preseason matchups. At that point, he was operating as the team's RB1, and never relinquished that role in 2018 despite Pete Carroll's perceived propensity for unsystematic usage of his running backs.

Even though he missed two games due to his lingering hip issue, Carson ultimately finished with 247 attempts. That was the league's seventh highest total, while his 17.3 carries per-game were exceeded only by Elliott and Gurley. He also finished fifth overall in rushing yards (1,151) while averaging 4.7 YPC. The second-year back surpassed 100 yards in six different contests, while ascending to RB15 in fantasy scoring. Anyone considering Carson for their 2019 drafts can do far worse than securing the primary back on a team that led the NFL in run play percentage (52.4%), as the Seahawks should demonstrate their steadfast commitment to the run again this season.

James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers

While the top-three risers have already been discussed, Conner's emergence in 2018 is also worthy of mention. He was chosen by Pittsburgh with the 105th overall selection of the 2017 draft but only touched the ball 32 times throughout his rookie season. However, that was to be expected, as Conner was cemented as the backup to Le'Veon Bell, who was in the process of stockpiling a league-high 321 attempts. Conner also suffered an MCL injury in Week 15 but had fully recovered for what was expected to be a second season of performing behind Bell in 2018. However, when Bell abstained from reporting to the Steelers, it immediately cleared an expansive path for Conner to commandeer the feature back role.

He eventually finished third with 12 rushing touchdowns, tied for 11th with 973 rushing yards, and accomplished this despite being sidelined from Weeks 14-16 with an ankle issue. Conner also averaged 16.5 attempts per-game during the 13 contests in which he played, which was exceeded only by Elliott, Gurley, Carson, and Mixon. Bell has hastened his departure from the Steeler organization, which will enable Conner to continue procuring the workload of a feature back this season. However, it is possible that Jaylen Samuels will siphon a percentage of the 71 targets that Conner collected last season (5.5 per game) after Samuels averaged 5-per-game and accumulated 140 receiving yards in Week 14-17.

Honorable Mentions: Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts, Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers, Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears  

 

RB Fallers

LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills

It can be argued that no runner's value plummeted more than Bell, but the focus will remain firmly on backs that were available for game action throughout 2017 and 2018. That also eliminates Leonard Fournette, who was sidelined for eight games amid the unending nightmare of a season for anyone that drafted him. Instead, the spotlight will shift to McCoy, who performed in 30 games during 2017-2018. That includes all 16 contests in 2017 when he also accumulated the second most carries (287) and finished fourth with 1,138 rushing yards. It was the sixth time that he had surpassed 1,000 yards in his first nine seasons, and the fourth time that he had accomplished it since 2013. He also collected 59 of his 77 targets for 448 yards, and his output as Buffalo's dual-threat backfield weapon enabled him to finish at RB7.

But the abundance of statistical prosperity that this six-time Pro Bowler had consistently delivered for anyone who owned him evaporated in 2018. McCoy only missed two games despite contending with a myriad of health issues (ribs/concussion /hamstring) but was limited to his fewest rushing attempts since 2009 (161). His owners were also forced to endure new career-lows in rushing yards (514) YPC (3.2) and the second lowest number of receiving yards (238). The regression of his output in every major category also resulted in McCoy plummeting to just RB39 in scoring. Even though it currently appears that he will remain a Bill for the final year of his contract, his time as an unquestioned RB1 has ended.

Carlos Hyde, Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2017, Hyde completed his third consecutive season as San Francisco’s leading rusher by assembling 938 yards. That placed him 13th overall, while his 240 carries represented the league’s 11th highest total. He also generated a career-best eight touchdowns on the ground by capitalizing on his 41 red zone attempts, as only four backs were presented with more opportunities inside the 20. In addition to Hyde’s collection of favorable numbers as a rusher, he also finished fifth among all backs with 88 targets and was sixth at his position with 59 receptions.

But even though the sum of his production was sufficient for Hyde to finish at RB8, the 49ers were not enthusiastic about re-signing him after the season. This resulted in Hyde beginning 2018 as Cleveland’s primary back, even though he was just one component within a congested backfield that included Duke Johnson and second-round draft pick Nick Chubb. Hyde averaged 21 attempts-per-game from Weeks 1-4 and maintained an average of 19 attempts-per-game through Week 6. But Chubb ascended into lead back responsibilities prior to the Browns’ Week 7 matchup, while Hyde was jettisoned to Jacksonville. He only manufactured 193 total yards on 62 touches during the Jaguars' final nine games, finished the season with just 23 red zone carries, and eventually finished at RB49. Hyde’s 2019 outlook is extremely uncertain, as he will turn 29 in September, signed a three-year contract last March, and may not be a Jaguar when Week 1 begins.

Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns

Johnson entered 2018 having finished at RB 11 while collecting the fourth-highest target total among all backs (74) and finishing third at his position in receiving yards (693). While these were career highs, it was also the final installment of a three-year sequence in which he averaged 80 targets, 63 receptions, and 580 yards. But those numbers were destined for reduction once the foundation of Cleveland's backfield was modified during the off-season, as Hyde was added in free agency, and Chubb was secured early in the NFL draft. That negatively impacted Johnson's workload, including what had been his dependable usage as a receiver, as he ceased maintaining an integral role within the Browns’ weekly game strategy.

From Weeks 1-8 Johnson failed to surpass six touches, then averaged 5.1 touches-per-game once Freddie Kitchens became the architect of Cleveland's offense. As a result, Johnson was allotted a career-low 87 touches which represented a mammoth drop from the 156 that he received in 2017. The decline in his deployment as a rusher (82/40 carries) and a receiving weapon (74/47 targets) was equally significant as Johnson essentially functioned as an afterthought, and finishing at RB37. Even if Johnson somehow receives a slight increase in opportunities this season, Chubb will commandeer the vast majority of touches. This relegates Johnson to late-round flier status.

Honorable Mentions: Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints, Dion Lewis, Tennessee Titans, Alex Collins, Baltimore Ravens

More Fantasy Football Year-in-Review




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF