With many NFL teams using a running back by committee approach

Tom Johnson Color Rush Jersey , the “bell cow” back who carries the ball 20 times per game has become a hot commodity in fantasy football.According to consensus draft rankings in point-per-reception (PPR) scoring formats, 10 of the first 15 players taken in typical drafts are running backs. If you want to field a competitive lineup this season, focus on RBs early.Todd Gurley, Le’Veon Bell, Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson are usually the first running backs selected in typical drafts.Gurley flourished in Rams coach Sean McVay’s revamped offense last season, leading all RBs with 13 rushing TDs, and he posted 64 receptions. He’s the major cog in a top offense.Bell has been a top 3 fantasy RB three of the past four seasons, but he’s expected to miss his second straight training camp due to a contract dispute with the Steelers. Missing camp last season may have contributed to his slow start. He’ll likely have another productive season, but buyer beware; Bell’s played the most snaps of any NFL RB since the 2013 season.Elliott led all RBs in 2017 with 98.3 rushing yards per game and will be the centerpiece of a depleted Cowboys offense. He’ll also likely play a bigger role in the Cowboys pass offense this season.Johnson missed most of the 2017 season due to a wrist injury, but he’ll be the focal point of the Arizona offense. He rushed for 1,239 yards, scored 20 total TDs and registered 80 receptions in 2016. He’ll run behind a fullback this season to minimize injury risk. Expect him to approach 2016 rushing and pass-catching stats.Alvin Kamara caught 81 passes last season, but the Saints may need him to play more snaps than he’s accustomed to while Mark Ingram serves a four game drug suspension. He may not match last season’s combined 13 TDs, however he’ll play a big part in the Saints passing game.Saquon Barkley is expected to have a big impact in his rookie season, both in the Giants run game and in their passing offense. He was going to have a big role anyway, but Barkley’s pass protection abilities will ensure he’ll be on the field for the majority of the Giants’ offensive snaps.Kareem Hunt led NFL RBs with 1,327 rushing yards and added 53 receptions last season. He’ll be the Chiefs‘ primary back in 2018 and may see a slight uptick in receiving targets with inexperienced QB Patrick Mahomes potentially using him as a safety valve in pressure situations.Melvin Gordon’s 3.8 career yards per carry (YPC) may not impress, however he had the third-most red zone carries among RBs last season and has scored 24 TDs in his last 29 games. TDs are hard to predict, but the Chargers consistently provide Gordon with a high volume of scoring opportunities. Gordon caught 58 balls out of the backfield in 2017 and his reception totals have increased in each of the past three seasons.The Jaguars run-first offense will provide Leonard Fournette plenty of opportunities. He rushed for 1,040 yards and scored 10 total TDs in his 2017 rookie campaign, but wore down as the season progressed. He’s had a history of foot related injuries dating back to his college days, and may not have prolific ball-catching skills, but if Fournette’s health holds up, he should post another 1,000-yard rushing season.Dalvin Cook is recovering from a torn ACL, but should be ready for Week 1. Although Latavius Murray will have a role in the Vikings backfield, Cook will be their primary back. Barring setbacks, pencil him in for 1 Rasheem Green Color Rush Jersey ,000-plus rushing yards and about 40 catches.Although he’ll still have fantasy value in standard (non-PPR) leagues, Christian McCaffrey’s 80 receptions from 2017 make him extra valuable in PPR. The Panthers have suggested he could get 25 to 30 touches per game. That sounds optimistic considering that C.J. Anderson is now in the mix, but if he approaches that workload, McCaffrey can possibly outplay his expectations of being a top 12 fantasy RB.Falcons RB Devonta Freeman landed in the NFL’s concussion protocol twice last season. He also sprained both his MCL and PCL. When healthy he is one of the top RBs in all scoring formats.Jerick McKinnon never had more than 159 carries in a season, but he’ll be the featured back in the 49ers offense. His outstanding pass-catching abilities make him valuable in PPR leagues, however his lack of experience as a bell cow back and smallish frame makes you wonder if he can withstand the rigors of a 16 game NFL season.Bengals RB Joe Mixon has immense talent, however inconsistency, a bad offensive line and uneven usage contributed to his underwhelming rookie season. As the Bengals’ primary back, if his offensive line improves its level of play he could enjoy a breakout season.Jordan Howard has an outstanding career 4.6 YPC, however he’s had problems catching the ball. The Bears insist he’ll be their featured back, however Tarik Cohen’s abilities as a pass catcher could cut into Howard’s snaps.LeSean McCoy’s offseason troubles and the anemic Bills offense make him risky. Jay Ajayi may break some runs this season but he’s an injury risk in a crowded Eagles backfield. Avoid the Seahawks backfield until there is more clarity regarding Rashaad Penny’s and Chris Carson’s playing time. Sony Michel is expected to miss the rest of the preseason due to a knee injury that could also affect his availability to start the regular season.Royce Freeman is a very talented RB who may end up being Denver’s featured back. Keep an eye on De’Angelo Henderson as well. Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch is a mid-level RB2 who is being drafted as an RB3.ROTOEXPERTS TOP 15 RBS, PPR LEAGUESDavid Johnson, Arizona CardinalsLe’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh SteelersTodd Gurley, Los Angeles RamsAlvin Kamara, New Orleans SaintsMelvin Gordon, Los Angeles ChargersSaquon Barkley, New York GiantsEzekiel Elliott, Dallas CowboysKareem Hunt, Kansas City ChiefsDalvin Cook, Minnesota VikingsChristian McCaffrey, Carolina PanthersLeonard Fournette, Jacksonville JaguarsDevonta Freeman, Atlanta FalconsJerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ersLeSean McCoy, Buffalo BillsKenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins The abrupt end to a season that results from a playoff loss can trigger a wide range of emotions, mostly negative. And while Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin opened his press availability after Saturday night’s 24-22 loss to the Cowboys by admitting that he’s “sad Will Dissly Color Rush Jersey , confused, frustrated,” the things he eventually said were far more positive, clear, aspirational.“Look out,” Baldwin said regarding the future for the Seahawks. “This team, we have everything we need. You have all the pieces. You have all the right mindsets, personalities, everything. It’s just we’re a young team. With the time comes progression, comes growth, comes learning. This team will be better.”When he says the team will be better, he doesn’t simply mean on the field.“I think the best thing we will do from this point on moving forward is that we will take these lessons and learn from them and grow and be better, not only as football players, but as men,” Baldwin said. “That is vastly more important. Yes, it’s sad the way it ended, but this is not the end of the world. There are some phenomenal individuals in this locker room; phenomenal football players. . . . The future is bright.”The present won’t feel that way, and Baldwin tried to help his younger teammates process that feeling.“I said a lot of things,” Baldwin said regarding his message in the locker room. “The sentiment of the message was cherish these moments. Learn from it. Don’t let the loss be in vain. If you do the honest reflection in the mirror and you ask yourself the tough questions and seek the right answers, no loss is ever a loss. You still win if you learn. You may not be victorious, but you still win. That message was not just for football, it was for human beings, for the life they live off the field as well. We’re called to be great football players, but more importantly, we’re called to be great men.”It’s a great message from a team that far exceeded what most thought they could do. And Baldwin is right. If they continue to progress, the best advice for the rest of the league will be to look out.