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This article and analysis was written by our friends at RosterWatch.
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Today they are here to talk about running backs trending in the wrong direction as we approach the 2020 fantasy football season. In a role that almost ensures a short shelf life, running backs have it hard compared to most of the skill positions in the NFL. Due to a series of unfortunate events that have transpired over this offseason, these backs in particular are trending downward in fantasy right now.
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Sony Michel, New England Patriots
Michel is currently recovering from foot surgery, and while it’s reportedly being viewed as a maintenance-based move, it brings into question his availability for training camp and potentially the start of the season. To his credit, Michel has missed only 3 games in his career due to nagging knee injuries, but from a fantasy perspective it’s seemed like he’s missed more. This just opens the door wider for the emergence of Damien Harris in his second year as a prospective starter in New England.
Dalvin Cook, Minnessota Vikings
Cook and the Vikings are reportedly about 3 million dollars apart in how much they believe Cook should be paid on a new contract. Initially, Cook wanted close to Christian McCaffrey money, which would be around 16 million, but Cook’s camp then went to just under 15 million before saying they’d be OK with 13 million.
All the while, The Vikes seem to be holding steady at the number the Chargers offered Melvin Gordon last season at 10 million. A potential holdout by Cook is on the horizon, and the Vikings have a solid backup in Alexander Mattison, so they probably feel like they hold the best hand. Cook can survive missing a few games and even more at the ripe age of 24, but people taking him in the first round of drafts might not.
Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jackson had an insane 6.9 YPC average in the seven games he played in 2019 as the Chargers’ 3rd back, but injuries kept him from playing a full season, in fact he’s missed more than a third of the games the Chargers have played since he entered the league.
If you go back to his rookie year, his YPC average was 4.1 over 13 games, so that brings him back down to earth a bit, too. Rookie Joshua Kelly at 212 lbs makes a better 1-2 combo with Austin Ekeler, as Jackson is actually listed a pound lighter than Ekeler at 199 lbs.
Darrell Henderson Jr., Los Angeles Rams
Henderson injured his ankle six months ago and is still rehabbing it, which is a bit disconcerting. Even more concerning is the fact that the Rams drafted stud running back Cam Akers in the second round. Akers is 3-down back material, he’s also a capable pass catcher in addition to being a solid between the tackles runner.
Let’s also not forget about Malcolm Brown, who played more snaps than Henderson in 2019, whether Todd Gurley was in the game or not. Henderson is also going to have to show he can pass protect to stay in the game. All these issues add up to Hederson being a major question mark in 2020 fantasy football.
Adrian Peterson, Washington Redskins
Peterson has stayed productive in the twilight of his career with two back-to-back 1,000-plus all-purpose yard seasons averaging 6 touchdowns. He has benefitted from being the healthiest back on the Redskins, which is ironic considering that he turned 35 in March. New Redskins OC Scott Turner recently said that Peterson “has a role” in the offense and alluded to check downs and play action situations, which raises my eyebrows.
Peterson’s highest reception total in a season (43) came over ten years ago, and he’s only had 17 and 20 receptions in the two seasons he’s played with Washington - and that’s with Chris Thompson missing at least a quarter of the games over that same time. Rookie Antonio Gibson is a much more explosive pass-catching option than Peterson at this point in their careers, and so is Derrius Guice for that matter.
People forget Guice was recruited out of high school as an all-purpose RB/WR-type weapon. Oh, and the Redskins have also added Peyton Barber and J.D. McKissic to the mix since last season. Oh, and Bryce Love is still there too! I doubt the Redskins keep all of those backs but advancing age and burgeoning talent are both conspiring to diminish Peterson’s touches considerably this season.
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