2017 Running Back Rankings: The RB2s
Unlike the previous nine backs, who are general locks for weekly production, the following guys come with a bit more risk or uncertainty, whether in health or role. Consequently, these ball-carriers should be considered #2 options instead of true anchors, despite plenty of RB1 ceilings.
Tier Three: High-end RB2s
10. Mark Ingram (NO) ↗ (Previously RB13)
Stock Up Update: With Cooks removed, perhaps even more work is churned through the running game, specifically Mark Ingram. Coming off a career-best 1,043 rushing yards, Ingram’s been hard at work to maintain his workhorse status. Unfortunately, with the team has bought in Adrian Peterson and numerous rookie runners (including RSJ favorite Joe Mixon) for visits, suggesting some backfield moves will be made that could leave Ingram’s role in question. Stay tuned.
Previous Assessment: Outscored Ajayi in 2016, and, most importantly, made it through all 16 games for just the second time in his career. Ingram maintained his strong 2015 receiving presence, hauling in 46 balls for 319 yards and 4 TDs, in addition to his first season of over 1,000 on the ground + 6 more TDs. If the team forgoes any major shakeups, expect another season of sturdy production.
11. Lamar Miller (HOU)
Love Miller’s post-hype bounce-back appeal if his underwhelming 2016 makes him a third rounder or lower. The expected volume was there, but the efficiency lacked, likely a result of the quarterback concerns. Perhaps Miller will come in motivated and in ridiculous shape, ala Shady this past season; thus far, Miller has emphasized shedding some pounds and regaining his explosiveness from his Miami days is an offseason goal:
“What’s next is just staying healthy, taking care of my body, and building off last year to take that next step. Last year was the heaviest I played at. Last year I was playing at about 224. I was 216, 217 [with the Dolphins]. I gained some weight but during this offseason I’ve been losing some weight.”
Either way, a pile of playdough molded into Gumby would be an improvement behind center, and that should help this offense improve it’s consistency and Miller to improve upon last year’s pathetic 5 TDs
12. Kansas City RB, Spencer Ware↗ (Previously RB18)
Stock Up Update: Jamaal Charles‘ release clears Ware’s path to the always valuable Andy Reid featured back role where carries, receptions, and TDs are always plentiful. Reid’s early endorsement of Ware, however, was lukewarm at best:
“I’m a big Spencer Ware fan,” Reid said. “I like him. Well, the kid’s dirty tough. He’s going to give you an honest down every snap. He’s not real fancy — that’s not his deal. But he can block, he can catch and he can run. So, there’s a place for Spencer.”
S0… you’re a big fan & love his ability for all-three downs? Awesome. But what exactly do you mean by “there’s a place?” Certainly doesn’t sound like a featured back endorsement. Ware will need to dodge a backfield addition from a highly talented rookie running draft class to retain this lofty ranking; nonetheless, the cards are stacked properly for Ware to reproduce his highly-dependable RB2 2016 season.
Previous Assessment: Given his high usage of backs in the passing game, Andy Reid has facilitated monstrous fantasy seasons (Brian Westbrook, JaCha in 2014). As such, owners need to heavily monitor the workload distribution in KC / health of Charles entering 2017. The early assumption is Ware plays the lead back, 15-18 carry role, while Charles and Tyreek Hill are sprinkled in.
13. Todd Gurley (LAR) ?
Stock Update: The Rams bolstered their abysmal line with the addition of longtime Bengals stalwart Andrew Whitworth, an All-Pro left tackle two of his past three seasons. Whitworth frees up the monstrous, yet thus far wholly awful, Greg Robinson to potential make some purpose of his massive frame on the right side. Finally, the team added the talented, but oft-injured, John Sullivan at center. At any rate, this line certainly won’t be worse than last year.
Unfortunately, the Rams’ skill moves were highly uninspiring, as former Buffalo wideout Robert Woods was the team’s most explosive addition (eye roll emoji); with Kenny Britt fleeing from one shit pile to the next in Cleveland, the receiving corps might have somehow downgraded. Meanwhile, Lance Dunbar replaced Benny Cunninhgam, ensuring receptions evade Gurley. Nothing doing on this front.
Sure, head coach Sean McVay’s creativity + the slightly bolstered line help. But if Gurley’s truly bouncing back in 2017, he’ll need to find his sensational rookie year form and for Jared Goff to take a major step forward — both far from guarantees.
Previous Assessment: Tracking Los Angeles’ overall offensive skill and line additions this offseason will be crucial, as a Gurley bounce back requires some massive upgrades. He’s equally capable of a huge rebound OR second straight disaster, pending the moves the Rams make. Clearly, I believe they’ll make some upgrades under new leadership, but I fully reserve the right to send Gurley plummeting if not.
14. Jordan Howard (CHI) ↘? (Previously RB9)
Stock Down Update: Howard has the unfortunate look of 2017’s Todd Gurley: a sturdy talent himself, but an abysmal surrounding cast (following Alshon Jeffery‘s departure) could leave him gasping for fantasy air. Is Mike Glennon really going to take off any kind of pressure? What receiver here is drawing safety attention? Can anyone outside of Kyle Long move a defender?
Maybe I’m dead wrong and this offense surprises. Or maybe Howard’s talent can transcend this awful situation. With a year of tape on the back and little else to scheme for, my guess is defenses figure out Howard real quick and he severely disappoints.
Previous Assessment: 2016’s Waiver Wire MVP should have every reason to find equal success in 2017. Nonetheless, John Fox’s love for hot hands and his committee-ridden history should have owners treading with slight caution. Moreover, I don’t love this offense as a whole if Alshon departs in free agency without a worthy replacement. While Howard’s certainly capable of replicating, or even building upon, his shocking 2016, there’s some factors to seriously consider here.
Read on for 2017’s remaining RB2 options
