Early 2014 RB rankings from PFF (1 Viewer)

[FF Ninja]

Redraft 0ppr.

1 LeSean McCoy2 Jamaal Charles3 Adrian L. Peterson4 Matt Forte5 Eddie Lacy6 Doug Martin7 Marshawn Lynch8 DeMarco Murray9 Zac Stacy10 Arian Foster11 Alfred Morris12 Reggie Bush13 Giovani Bernard14 Ray Rice15 Shane Vereen16 Le’Veon Bell17 Stevan Ridley18 Knowshon Moreno19 C.J. Spiller20 Frank Gore21 Andre Ellington22 Ryan Mathews23 Chris D. Johnson24 Steven Jackson25 Ben Tate26 David Wilson27 Maurice Jones-Drew28 Montee Ball29 Darren Sproles30 Trent Richardson31 Lamar Miller32 Fred Jackson33 Joique Bell34 Bernard Pierce35 Pierre Thomas36 Jonathan Stewart37 Darren McFadden38 Andre Brown39 Rashad Jennings40 DeAngelo Williams41 Chris Ivory42 Danny Woodhead43 Christine Michael44 Donald Brown45 Jacquizz Rodgers46 Marcus Lattimore47 Latavius Murray48 Bilal Powell49 Knile Davis50 Rashard Mendenhall51 Mark Ingram52 Dion Lewis53 Roy Helu54 Kendall Hunter55 Daniel Thomas56 Bryce Brown57 Toby Gerhart58 Bobby Rainey59 James Starks60 Vick Ballard61 Shonn Greene62 Johnathan Franklin63 Robert Turbin64 Ronnie Hillman65 BenJarvus Green-Ellis66 Ahmad Bradshaw67 Dennis Johnson68 Denard Robinson69 Mikel Leshoure70 Marcel Reece71 LeGarrette Blount72 Lance Dunbar73 Stepfan Taylor74 Daryl Richardson75 C.J. Anderson76 Chris Polk77 Mike James78 Kenjon Barner79 Mike Gillislee80 Mike GoodsonMy quick thoughts:

Doug Martin is way too high. He was just a stat compiler due to getting 90% of the workload under Schiano with two great games to pad his stats. With Schiano gone, I don't think 350+ touches will happen. 220 carries at 4 ypc won't be top 10. Additionally, less notable players have looked better than him during his absence.

Is Ray Rice done or was he injured or was it an offensive line problem? I can't see taking him at RB14. But he will be back on the Ravens next year.

I think Ridley is (still) relegated to backup duty next year or traded. Will be interesting to see if Blount is brought back.

Never owned Spiller but I think his high ankle sprain soured a lot of people unfairly this year. RB19 sounds cheap to me. I'm in at that price.

Ellington at RB21? Nope. He'll still be playing for Arians and Mendenhall will likely be replaced by a better RB (Tate maybe?). 120 carries and 40 receptions is not going to get it done at RB21.

Mathews still undervalued. Just silly. He finished top 12 this year despite being under utilized early in the season. He didn't start getting goal line carries or targets until later in the season.

Players to watch:

Ben Tate - I'm a believer in his talent. If he gets a shot somewhere, I won't be shocked at a top 10 finish.

Trent Richardson - have had very limited experience with him, so I'm not a jaded owner which may explain why, if he's actually this cheap next year, I'll give him a shot.

Lamar Miller - didn't touch him this year, but I think the o-line was to blame more than talent. If Miami makes some moves here then he's got a realistic shot at RB2 production.

DMC - it'll be interesting to see where he lands and what role he gets. Never been a big fan, but I try not to write anyone off completely.

Gore/Lattimore - SF may not be KC in the early 2000s for RB productivity, but the grounds are still quite fertile (tied for 6th in carries and TDs). Gore posted another quality stat line, but did record his lowest YPC (by a small margin) of his career while turning 31 next year and presenting zero cap hit if cut or $6.5 million is kept. If Lattimore gets to step into Gore role, he's instantly a top 18 RB even if he's mediocre.

Moreno/Ball - huge ground production (3rd most RB FF points) in limbo this offseason. Moreno probably brought back, but you never know. If they win a title, I'd take the money and run if I was Moreno. Ball got a bit more involved in the passing game in the last half of the season and looked better as a runner.

Chris Johnson - will be 29 and probably cut. I don't think I've ever owned him, but will still monitor his price and situation.

Edit: formatting fail fixed

 

[MattFancy]

Vereen seems kinda high for non-PPR.

Spiller and Bell seem like they could be steals if that's where they're ranked come draft day.

Richardson could be a steal, but I just don't know what to expect from him going forward. Donald Brown looked so much better, so it wasn't the OL.

Mathews is definitely undervalued. He showed he is more than capable of carrying the load this year. I think he could be a top 10 back next year.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

 

[ChuckLiddell]

+1 on Spiller. Fred Jackson turns 33 in February. If healthy, you have to expect a shift in carries next year to favor the 26 year old, game-breaker.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

 

[MattFancy]

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

+1. I was down on Foster this year, definitely not taking him next year. He'd have to fall way down on draft day for me to consider it.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

still ranking ray rice at 14, maybe he rebound some, but I think that the thread is off the tires now

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The Denver situation will be interesting, do they move on from Knowshon? Ball could be huge if they pass the baton to him next season

 

[zamboni]

Gio sounds about right at #13, but I think he could move higher as the ground game tilts more in his favor over BJGE. It's not like Gio is some scatback that will always be pulled from the goal line.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If I could buy Blount at #71 today I'd dance a jig.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

If I could buy Blount at #71 today I'd dance a jig.

isnt he a FA? who knows what NE will do, but if he remains there and they do something w Ridley(cut) he could be a good thunder option like he is now

 

[Coeur de Lion]

If I could buy Blount at #71 today I'd dance a jig.

isnt he a FA? who knows what NE will do, but if he remains there and they do something w Ridley(cut) he could be a good thunder option like he is now

Even if he goes somewhere else and is a pure backup, or Ridley gets his job back, RB71 is too low in non-PPR -- Blount can play. The guy isn't sexy, and he'll probably never add a ton as a receiver, but he's a really solid runner.

 

[FF Ninja]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

 

[Scoresman]

Fantasy football is all luck. Look at how this year turned out compared to rankings. Just put all the names in a hat and draw for next year's ranking. Will be just as accurate as this.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

 

[5-ish Finkle]

If Bell is going off boards next year at RB16 I'm going to be owning him just about everywhere in redraft. I'm not his biggest fan(nor do I have anything against really), but he at least showed me the game isn't too fast for him and volume runners are sparse.

Getting one as a RB2? Yes, please.

 

[JuniorNB]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

 

[zamboni]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

Unfortunately as a Spiller owner, I agree. People point to Fred being 33 next year, but he was a supposedly over-the-hill 32 this year and did just fine. To his credit, Fred is just one of those physical specimens that keeps on going on going, and benefited from not having much of a workload earlier in his career. Sure, Fred will eventually slow down, but my money is not next year, and by then, Spiller may have to share with someone else.

I think Spiller's window to be a true workhorse may have been shut this year.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

Agreed on Bell, especially if that ranking holds up (it won't). You're telling me that not one but TWO Patriots RBs are going to score as many points as he will next year? Bell might get a higher percentage of his team's RB touches alone than Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley will combined.

 

[zamboni]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

Fred was out much of the year and was having an MVP-type season before opening the door for Spiller. If Fred stayed healthy, we'd still be talking about Spiller's potential.

ETA: my bad - I think Fred's big season was 2011, but IMO the situation still holds

 

[Ned]

If Bell is going off boards next year at RB16 I'm going to be owning him just about everywhere in redraft. I'm not his biggest fan(nor do I have anything against really), but he at least showed me the game isn't too fast for him and volume runners are sparse.

Getting one as a RB2? Yes, please.

Quiet, please.

 

[Ack88]

Agreed on bell being too low. Spiller, to me, will remain a timeshare back, irrespective of whether or not FJax is around, so Rb 18 sounds about right.

 

[JuniorNB]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

Yes. Every year. He's always going to take the job over and be this awesome back.....but he never can separate himself from Jackson. Not sure if that means that Jackson is just much better than anyone gives him credit for, or Spiller isn't as good as everyone thinks. All I know is that every year is "the year" that Spiller relegates Jackson to the bench and puts up monster numbers. He just can't do it. Maybe once FJax retires.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

Yes. Every year. He's always going to take the job over and be this awesome back.....but he never can separate himself from Jackson. Not sure if that means that Jackson is just much better than anyone gives him credit for, or Spiller isn't as good as everyone thinks. All I know is that every year is "the year" that Spiller relegates Jackson to the bench and puts up monster numbers. He just can't do it. Maybe once FJax retires.

this year was pretty much a 50/50 split

Spiller was pretty awesome in 2012, he mangled his ankle up and the numbers outside of TDs are pretty even in 2013

Gimme the more talented and younger guy in 2014

 

[Coeur de Lion]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

Yes. Every year. He's always going to take the job over and be this awesome back.....but he never can separate himself from Jackson. Not sure if that means that Jackson is just much better than anyone gives him credit for, or Spiller isn't as good as everyone thinks. All I know is that every year is "the year" that Spiller relegates Jackson to the bench and puts up monster numbers. He just can't do it. Maybe once FJax retires.

Spiller doesn't need to put Jackson on the bench to return value on a RB18 investment. Not being limited half the year with a sprained ankle will be enough to finish as a mid-range RB2 even in a complete timeshare.

 

[Mt. Man]

Just for me...

Too high:

Martin (Rainey looked about as good, and few will want to get burned again by taking Martin in the first round)

Foster (right now I wouldn't take him in the 4th, but we'll see what his health is in June)

Rice (wasn't even a RB2, and didn't seem to have any major injuries or cause for it)

David Wilson (a lot of people wouldn't take him as their RB5 after last year. And/or will avoid the Giants' running game in general)

Too low:

Le'veon Bell (Or at least I'm near certain he'll be drafted as a RB1 in 12 and most 10 team leagues)

Richardson or (perhaps more likely) Donald Brown, as things stand.

Ditto McFadden or (much more likely) Rashad Jennings.

Maybe Chris Johnson, though I know a lot of people will be hesitant to have ANY faith in him.

In flux:

Moreno (seems a steal at #17, but will keep trying to phase in other backs?)

Tate/MJD/any NE back -- will depend on where they end up.

 

[Steed]

If Bell is going off boards next year at RB16 I'm going to be owning him just about everywhere in redraft. I'm not his biggest fan(nor do I have anything against really), but he at least showed me the game isn't too fast for him and volume runners are sparse.

Getting one as a RB2? Yes, please.

Quiet, please.

I can see Bell getting pushed up into the 2nd round because people like his volume, who knows maybe he's the next Forte, but I feel confident in saying I'll like at least 24 other players if not more come draft time next year.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It's all about value, right?

Watch out where Kubiak goes, because I'm guessing at a minimum he lands somewhere as offensive coordinator, and if he ends up in TB as HC with Martin and James and Rainey, well that all looks pretty good to me.

Love Bell. Haley might be gone next year, I don't know how that affects things if that happens, but you still have to love the way he runs and plays. Frankly I bet everyone will be ranking and picking Lacy higher next year, I still like Bell better!

Fan of the guy, but Moreno will be overvalued.

One or both backs in Buffalo will be worth something, just not Spiller with the 1st round pick as was so widely done. I like Marrone he will get the backs the ball, Spiller's health and ability to handle the work are the biggest concerns for me. More than that the biggest problem there is the QB situation, get them a QB1 and see what happens.

Vereen, Vereen, Vereen.

On the above list, Woodhead undervalued again.

I wonder what happens in TEN, Jax & SF.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

intersting how low Trent richardson is, maybe just maybe with a full camp under his belt he can produce. awww who am i kidding

 

[Adam Harstad]

In flux:

Moreno (seems a steal at #17, but will keep trying to phase in other backs?)

Tate/MJD/any NE back -- will depend on where they end up.

I'm sure the #17 ranking represents the very real possibility that Knowshon Moreno will not be a Bronco next year. I'd assume that if he re-signs, his ranking will rise.

 

[Bayhawks]

It's all about value, right?

Watch out where Kubiak goes, because I'm guessing at a minimum he lands somewhere as offensive coordinator, and if he ends up in TB as HC with Martin and James and Rainey, well that all looks pretty good to me.

Love Bell. Haley might be gone next year, I don't know how that affects things if that happens, but you still have to love the way he runs and plays. Frankly I bet everyone will be ranking and picking Lacy higher next year, I still like Bell better!

Fan of the guy, but Moreno will be overvalued.

One or both backs in Buffalo will be worth something, just not Spiller with the 1st round pick as was so widely done. I like Marrone he will get the backs the ball, Spiller's health and ability to handle the work are the biggest concerns for me. More than that the biggest problem there is the QB situation, get them a QB1 and see what happens.

Vereen, Vereen, Vereen.

On the above list, Woodhead undervalued again.

I wonder what happens in TEN, Jax & SF.

Too high, or too low?

I like Vereen, but I think 15 is too high, in a non-PPR. Off the top of my head, I'd probably have Vereen around 20-24 in a non-PPR.

 

[jurb26]

Too high;

Martin

Stacy

Bernard

Rice

Vereen

Too low;

L. Bell

Spiller

C. Johnson

L. Miller

McFadden

Ingram

 

[JuniorNB]

I wouldn't touch Spiller until Fred Jackson is retired. Every year it's the same old thing with that situation.

you mean like 2012?

Yes. Every year. He's always going to take the job over and be this awesome back.....but he never can separate himself from Jackson. Not sure if that means that Jackson is just much better than anyone gives him credit for, or Spiller isn't as good as everyone thinks. All I know is that every year is "the year" that Spiller relegates Jackson to the bench and puts up monster numbers. He just can't do it. Maybe once FJax retires.

Spiller doesn't need to put Jackson on the bench to return value on a RB18 investment. Not being limited half the year with a sprained ankle will be enough to finish as a mid-range RB2 even in a complete timeshare.

I wouldn't mind him at RB18. But we both know there will be some guy who just doesn't learn who nabs him much earlier. He was RB6 or 7 this season. And people still talk like he's elite. I doubt he'll fall to 18.

 

[lod01]

Jones Drew is a goner from Jax. Probably a good thing for him. He was looking pretty good at the end of the year.

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/39742/Jaguars-will-allow-Maurice-Jones-Drew-to-test-free-agency/Default.aspx

The polite way o say we don't want to pay you: "It's our right to decide if we want to match it and bring him back."

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

If Bell is going off boards next year at RB16 I'm going to be owning him just about everywhere in redraft. I'm not his biggest fan(nor do I have anything against really), but he at least showed me the game isn't too fast for him and volume runners are sparse.

Getting one as a RB2? Yes, please.

Quiet, please.

He isn't going off at Rb16, he'll be top 10. Everyone in here and in fantasy land feels the same way about him. I think he's in the 8-10 range.

Martin way to high, but nobody is going to draft him there next year.

All the NE Rbs are too high, I will not draft any with a 3rd round pick, give me a solid WR in that spot.

Gio is too high for me too, especially non PPR, on a good team, he didn't seem to produce enough IMO.

Tough decisions, Murray ranked too high too. He was a late 1st rounder 2 years ago and disappointed, I am not going Murray's way with a 1st round pick or very early 2nd. Take Zach Stacey while you can, that team will run him into the ground.

Also, Chris Johnson is ranked way to low and will be drafted much higher no matter where he is.

 

[FF Ninja]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

he can accumulate just fine in 2014 on my team. points is points, is he an elite level talent? no, doesnt mean he wont be productive next season and thats all Im focused on and Dwyer pretty much sucks, is Dwyer one of those guys you seem hung up on like Blount?

 

[zamboni]

David Wilson (a lot of people wouldn't take him as their RB5 after last year. And/or will avoid the Giants' running game in general)

To each his own - I think I will be targeting the Giants running game since I think that will be a focus of much improvement next year after this year's disaster.

I wouldn't reach for Wilson, but if Brown comes back with no other major competition beyond Wilson and Cox, I am buying Brown.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

I think Bell is a touch over-rated in dynasty circles (doesn't look dynamic enough for me to invest in him at high RB1 levels), but he's a redraft steal if you can get him as a mid-range RB2.

IMO you're underselling his talent -- in no way is Dwyer a better runner or player -- and I say that as a multiple league Dwyer owner who owns Bell nowhere and a Steelers' homer who hated the Bell pick initially and who has seen every play of both guys' entire career. Bell is a pretty good RB who will hold down the full job in Pittsburgh for years barring injury.

 

[Andrew74]

I like Vereen but that's way too high for non-PPR. Flip him and Mathews and I think it is more realistic.

Personally I think people are too down on Martin. I think we forget how bad TB was with Freeman at QB, then Glennon making his first starts. I think he can finish top 10 (but prob no reason to have to draft him that high).

 

[Hoss Style]

I don't understand the love for McFadden. He is what he is by now.

How many times do you have to get burned by a player before you start to avoid the fire altogether? It doesn't mean it's set in stone, but I'll take my chances sitting on a solid branch instead of the one that's cracked.

His first 3 years McFadden averaged 13 games a year (not great, but do-able for your fantasy team.) His last 3 years he's averaged 9 1/2 games per year. He's getting more fragile, folks. Not less. He'll be 27 next year - not old but surely not an age where you might think "His knack for getting injured should improve."

Other than that I think Martin's a bit too high without knowing what coach and/or system will be there next year. Foster's too high - he's getting into that McFadden zone. Vereen's too high, I believe (for non-PPR). L. Bell's too low. I also think Joique Bell is a bit too low. I think he gets more opportunity next year, not less.

 

[FF Ninja]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

he can accumulate just fine in 2014 on my team. points is points, is he an elite level talent? no, doesnt mean he wont be productive next season and thats all Im focused on and Dwyer pretty much sucks, is Dwyer one of those guys you seem hung up on like Blount?

Great counterpoint, but no... quite the contrary. I am using the fact that Dwyer - a chubby guy who was cut earlier this year - has run just as well if not better behind that line to show that Bell isn't special and is thus a bit overrated.

Thank you for remembering that I like Blount. His performance this year makes it odd that you bring him up. He was definitely worth his draft spot on my SSL and PDSL teams as well as the $2 spent on him in the subscriber contest.

It seems you are just bitter that I countered your "he can catch" statement with stats.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

...but Dwyer looked like a better runner

This meme really needs to stop. It's been going on for about three years too long(regardless of whom he was being compared to). Bell is probably a bit overrated purely from a talent standpoint. I certainly am not going to argue that, but Dwyer is ridiculously so if this line of thinking is still gaining traction.

Dwyer's somehow managed to turn the "3rd string RB spot in Pittsburgh" into "the backup QB spot in Pittsburgh"(e.g. almost all Steelers fans think he should start....until he starts and they remember how limited of a football player he is). Only difference is that the Dwyer thing seems to have infected fans globally. Dwyer will run hot for a couple plays every two or three games. No one seems to mention how great he looks the rest of the time when he's pulled himself from the lineup because he has to go catch his breath, since he's on the Roscoe's Chicken 'n Waffle training regimen.

by Ned:

Quiet, please.

That ranking will correct itself by the time drafts roll around. Like I said, Bell is maybe a tad overrated, but the volume should be there for him if he's healthy. Not a lot of guys who can say that anymore.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

he can accumulate just fine in 2014 on my team. points is points, is he an elite level talent? no, doesnt mean he wont be productive next season and thats all Im focused on and Dwyer pretty much sucks, is Dwyer one of those guys you seem hung up on like Blount?

Great counterpoint, but no... quite the contrary. I am using the fact that Dwyer - a chubby guy who was cut earlier this year - has run just as well if not better behind that line to show that Bell isn't special and is thus a bit overrated.

Thank you for remembering that I like Blount. His performance this year makes it odd that you bring him up. He was definitely worth his draft spot on my SSL and PDSL teams as well as the $2 spent on him in the subscriber contest.

It seems you are just bitter that I countered your "he can catch" statement with stats.

not bitter at all, what stats did you bust out? his targets vs catch %, thanks................sigh

what did Dwyer so this year that was so great again? I must have missed it

I am simply saying that based on these rankings I like Bell, dont care about his talent in dynasty context as I doubt he gets replaced one year after being drafted (although stranger things have happened)

 

[Scoresman]

was Blount able to wake up on time this year to make it to games and practices?

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I am simply saying that based on these rankings I like Bell, dont care about his talent in dynasty context as I doubt he gets replaced one year after being drafted (although stranger things have happened)

Even if he did get replaced, it's not going to be by Dwyer. Aside from being basically a replacement level player, he's also a free agent.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

I like Vereen but that's way too high for non-PPR. Flip him and Mathews and I think it is more realistic.

Personally I think people are too down on Martin. I think we forget how bad TB was with Freeman at QB, then Glennon making his first starts. I think he can finish top 10 (but prob no reason to have to draft him that high).

i think people are down on Martin due to how well the backups performed. Mike James looked terrific and Rainey looked pretty good as well.

Seems to be a plug and play system which puts into doubt how talented Martin is.

 

[Adam Harstad]

Spiller will be on alot of my team next year, as well LeVeon bell.

Mathews while Im shaky on him due to past injury issues, injury issues made me pass on demarco murray this season too and he was dynamite

I'm not as keen on Bell. I guess there's something to be said for workload, but the talent is questionable. I know I'm probably swayed by the scouting reports on him and his actual rushing production in the NFL, but I can't shake it. But again, workload... he'll get it. Dude has 66 targets in 13 games.

I personally won't be touching Arian Foster as a RB1 next year, either. Losing Kubiak and his hugely RB-friendly offense is a pretty big deal IMO, and the offensive line in Houston has fallen pretty far from Foster's glory days. Plus a rookie QB likely means a bunch of 8 in the box.

I owned Foster in a couple redrafts this year so I should be a bitter owner, but I'd gamble on him again next year if the price is right. RB10 means second round probably. Foster has talent - both as a rusher and receiver. He's not old and he'll be coming off of a very short season. I know the o-line isn't what it was 2 years ago, but he still put up 4.5 ypc this year which is a big improvement over last year. I think Houston fixes the right side of the line next year. Even if he doesn't get 25 touches a game like with Kubiak, he'll still be quite valuable as a true 3 down back with goal line prowess. You don't find that in the second round. Also, a rookie QB isn't a certainty at this point. I'd love to see them trade back. Maybe trade with Cleveland and take Matthews to take over at RT.

whats wrong w Bells talent? He produced well in the NFL when healthy, and he can catch should be one of the few 3 down backs left in the game and Pittsburgh will be better overall next year

By "produced" I guess you mean he amassed a lot of carries and targets? He did put up a lot of points in PPR, but Dwyer looked like a better runner and his 45 rec on 66 targets does not indicate he is all that good at catching. I'd be interested to see how many of them were catchable. His stats might just reflect how poor the offensive line was and that Ben prefers to throw it at his RBs feet in lieu of throwing the ball away, but right now I feel like he's mediocre at all phases of the game. But there is value in high volume players.

I was periodically impressed with some of his receptions and runs, so I'm not writing him off as a scrub, but he seems like an interchangeable part. And FWIW, last year the PIT RBs came in at a 70.3% catch rate (78/111) and 72.1% this year (31/43), just above Bell's 68.2% so he's not substantially worse than those other guys... he's just not so good that I'd claim "he can catch" as a strong suite. Too often people on these boards confuse accumulation with ability.

We must have been watching different games last year, because every time I saw Bell, he looked like the best running back on the field. Great runner, good at everything except lacking breakaway speed. Very strong receiver. You mentioned his catch rate (45/66 is 68%, which is on the low end for an RB), but you didn't mention his yards per receptions (9.3, which is great for an RB). Bell's catch rate was lower because Pittsburgh was constantly sending him down the field, rather than just dumping off to him out of the backfield.

 

[Phenix]

Already noticing everyone is saying the same players too high and the same players too low.

Its 9 months away from drafts, lol. I take no weight in these rankings.

I'll let survivors play out to see who really is landing where.