NFL News and Previews
- Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs Preview - October 2, 2017
- Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos Preview - October 1, 2017
- Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots Preview - October 1, 2017
- 2017 NFL Week 4 Picks and Predictions
2017 NFL Fantasy Football RB Point Projections
1. Le’Veon Bell
2016 Stats: 1,268 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs; 616 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 231 (No. 4 RB)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 291.9
Bell has the skill plus the high-usage rate, making him an almost top five lock in several fantasy formats. Bell missed four games to suspension in 2016, but that didn’t stop him from scoring 231 points – fourth most among running backs. Bell has no competition in the backfield in Pittsburgh too, with only rookie James Conner presenting some sort of minor threat to eat up some carries.
2. David Johnson
2016 Stats: 1,239 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs; 879 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 313 (No. 1 RB)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 293.9
The Cardinals have an aging quarterback in Carson Palmer and WR1 in Larry Fitzgerald. Both could still be productive, but Arizona is going to rely heavily on Johnson, as evidenced by coach Bruce Arians pronouncement that he wants the running back to get 30 touches per game on average. Johnson averaged 23 touches last season and managed to rank fourth overall in fantasy scoring. Imagine what he could do with more carries.
3. Ezekiel Elliott
2016 Stats: 1,631 rushing yards, 15 rushing TDs; 363 receiving yards, 1 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 280 (No. 2 RB)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 278.4
The Cowboys’ elite offensive line played a huge part in Elliott’s success in his rookie year and his 2016 exploits is likely to be duplicated anew this 2017. The O-line is still intact, helping stave off any worries that Elliott could be bound for a sophomore slump. The experience he got in his rookie year could be the X-factor Elliott needs to improve on his numbers from last season in which he was also able to lead the league in 20-yards rushes with 14.
4. LeSean McCoy
2016 Stats: 1,267 rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs; 356 receiving yards, 1 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 238 (No. 3 RB)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 214.3
McCoy had an amazing year in 2016 in which he made the Eagles look foolish for letting him go via trade. He’s about to turn 29 this summer, but he appears to be aging well after posting 1,267 rushing yards last season to go with three 50-yard rushes. He’s also a valuable weapon downfield for the Bills’ passing game. He caught 50 of 55 passes and converted them into 356 receiving yards. The explosive McCoy is a safe RB1 pick.
5. Devonta Freeman
2016 Stats: 1,079 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs; 462 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
2016 Fantasy Points: 216 (No. 7 RB)
2017 Projected Fantasy Points: 207
Atlanta’s offense was close to unstoppable in 2016, thanks in part to the Falcons’ backfield that featured Freeman as its top option. His numbers regressed from the ones he had in 2015, however, with Tevin Coleman eating a significant amount of touches. He could make up for some lost touches, though, by getting some looks in the passing game.
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