Wednesday we looked at the top 10 running backs for 2013 in the PPR format. Today I'll evaluate the backs who rank from 11-20. No tiers this time:
11. Stevan Ridley, NE - Severely underrated due to big names in New England. Elite offensive line and 300+ carries a strong possibility. Sees a ton of nickel defense thanks to Brady. His single digit reception totals keep his upside capped.
12. Reggie Bush, DET - I'm interested to
see how Detroit uses him on early downs. If he gets 200 carries I think
he flirts with top 8-10. If its more like 150 then he fits in with top
12 status. His potential to lead all backs in receptions keeps his
floor high.
13. David Wilson, NYG - Fumbling issues are blown out of proportion due to Coughlin's no nonsense policy (1 fumble lost in '12). Monster talent with retooled offensive line, looks like Giants want him to be workhorse. Evan Silva stated in June that the Giants will lean on run more this year to hide "shaky" defense; I think that is a very important idea to consider.
14. Alfred Morris, WAS - I wasn't high on him until I watched his game tape from last year; he certainly is the real deal. The BIG question mark with Alf is, Does he suffer from a potential RG3 injury? Small sample size, but he only averaged 3.2 YPC (4.8 in '12) week 15 when Cousins started. Similar to Ridley in he is NOT involved in passing game.
15. Darren Sproles, NO - It's hard to say a guy who is ranked in the top 15 is overlooked but he is because his lack of involvement in the running game. Sproles was not as involved last year, maybe because of interim coach Pete Carmichael, but Payton is back. Look for 80 + catches.
16. Frank Gore, SF - The next two guys are the "old men" of the group and I'll give Gore the edge over Jackson because he plays behind one of the NFL's most premier offensive lines (especially at run blocking). He will be even more important to this offense with no Crabtree.
17. Steven Jackson, ATL - Maybe I'm being a little harsh on S-Jax here but he is 29 and I believe a lot of his value is tied to goal line tds. Atlanta does not have a great run blocking O-line (24th in '12) and Julio, Roddy and Tony G are the initial options for pass catching in this offense. Not to mention Jaquizz Rodgers will handle some third down snaps.
18. Chris Johnson, TEN - I think he has a big opportunity to bounce back this year. The Titans offensive line was terrible last year but he still managed to finish 13th in PPR plus 4.6 YPC. Enter Guard Andy Levitre (FA) and Alabama stud Guard Chance Warmack (draft) and this line isn't looking so bad anymore. Shonn Greene is NOT a threat.
19. Darren McFadden, OAK - There is literally not a single reason to believe this guy will play a full season but his talent + usage is so immense that he stays in the top 20. A Reason to be hopeful; Zone blocking scheme gone, Power Blocking scheme installed (fits his style much better). He is the model 3rd/4th round pick for the savy upside type fantasy owner.
20. Giovani Bernard, CIN - I'm buying him. Benjarvus Green-Ellis is not good as evidence of his 3.8 YPC over the past 2 seasons, which is even worse considering Cincy's plus run blocking line. I think teams have realized there is no reason to hold "back" rookie running backs (Doug Martin, Alfred Morris). I LOVE Bernard's talent (pass catching ability) and he is in a great position to take over the Bengals backfield by week 3. Biggest upside of any back from 11-20.
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