2014 had several surprise running backs stepping up and impressing their fantasy owners, which makes them fantastic dynasty league targets moving forward. Whether it is a rookie who is poised to take on a heavier workload in the future or a running back who has earned the role of the No. 1 leader, these running backs will be popular keeper targets in dynasty leagues.
10. Latavius Murray, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
The Raiders’ second-year running back didn’t have a lot of opportunity to play in 2014, however when he did hit the field, he was incredibly impressive. Finishing off the season averaging 5.2 yards per carry makes Murray a definite target in dynasty league for the future. There is no denying that Maurice Jones-Drew was a complete bust in Oakland, and Darren McFadden didn’t quite dazzle as he has in the past. Hopefully Murray will be the running back we see as the Raiders’ primary ball-carrier in the upcoming seasons.
9. Branden Oliver, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
When the Chargers’ running backs were all down with injuries, the undrafted rookie Oliver came to the rescue. Racking up over 800 total yards while he either started for the Chargers, or temporarily filled in, Oliver is definitely worth stashing on a keeper league. While the Chargers’ running backs should return injury-free in 2015, that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. There’s also the possibility that Oliver may find himself with another team who desires his talent when the free-agency opens. Keep Oliver in mind when you ponder your dynasty options.
8. Jonas Gray, Running Back, New England Patriots
As Gray enters into his fourth year on the NFL, he is finally getting some recognition, which makes him a perfect target for keeper leagues progressing forward. During his eight games he played with New England, Gray averaged 4.6 yards per rush. He is also a major goal line threat as proven by scoring four rushing touchdowns in just one game. If given the opportunity for more work in the future, Gray certainly has the ability to shine whether it be with New England or another team come 2015.
7. Carlos Hyde, Running Back, San Francisco 49ers
Hyde, entering into his second season with the 49ers, is ready and waiting to fill the shoes of veteran running back, Frank Gore, which could be happening as early as the upcoming season. With Gore’s contract up this year, the team may decide to move on which is why they targeted Hyde in the 2014 draft. While we still need to see more from Hyde, he’s certainly worth drafting as a keeper knowing he’ll be the 49ers main workhorse soon enough. Hyde finished his rookie year with a total of 333 rushing yards for which he managed 4.0 yards per carry.
6. Andre Williams, Running Back, New York Giants
With Rashad Jennings in the picture, Williams makes a draft and stash option if you have the space to house him. During his rookie season, Williams did a fair job while filling in for Jennings when he missed time due to injuries. He is a great blocker at 230 pounds and is definitely a goal line vulture as proven by scoring seven rushing touchdowns. While his yards per carry at 3.3 do stand to improve, Williams is worth drafting because Jennings, at 29-years-old, won’t remain healthy forever.
5. Justin Forsett, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
Evolving turns of events in Baltimore had Forsett handing the lion’s share of the carries for the team in 2014, which makes him a popular pick to target in keeper leagues. We certainly didn’t see 5.4 yards per carry on 1,266 rushing yards coming from Forsett at the beginning of the season. At age 29, Forsett appears to be just entering into his prime, so keep in mind when drafting him, as there is a bit of a clock ticking. However, for now, Forsett’s numbers are just too good to pass up so enjoy his production while it’s good for the going.
4. Isaiah Crowell, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Crowell was certainly not a household name entering into the 2014 season when we all thought running back Ben Tate was going to be the star of the show in Cleveland. Now, Crowell is makes a fabulous dynasty draft pick as proven by the way he claimed stake to the starting role with the Browns. Originally undrafted, Crowell whether he remains with the Browns or another team has the makings of a solid RB1 moving forward in fantasy football. He’s definitely worthy of being drafted for a keeper team as he finished his 2014 season averaging 4.1 yards per carry while scoring eight rushing touchdowns along the way.
3. Tre Mason, Running Back, St. Louis Rams
Mason threw everyone for a loop as he ended up evolving into the Rams’ No. 1 running back this season. Those who drafted Zac Stacy in dynasty leagues should switch gears and target Mason instead for the upcoming season. With Mason getting the job done in St. Louis averaging 4.3 yards per carry, he looks to be the real deal for the Rams at this time, making him a solid draft target moving forward. Unless Mason is dethroned by the Rams’ other rookie running back Benny Cunningham, he should be the one who stands to earn the majority of the carries in the near future.
2. Jeremy Hill, Running Back, Cincinnati Bengals
In a late-season turn of events, the Bengals decided to turn the reigns over to Hill to lead the team through the last few games of the season. This makes Hill a slam-dunk dynasty draft pick moving forward. Finishing the regular season with an awesome 5.1 yards per carry, coming off of 1,124 rushing yards and nine touchdowns will have Hill owners salivating for more next season. While fellow back Giovani Bernard will still be used as a change of pace back, the rookie Hill looks to be the guy the Bengals want to lean on for the time being.
1. C.J. Anderson, Running Back, Denver Broncos
Anderson, who has been an amazing asset to his team this year will be starting just his third season in the NFL. He’s an absolute must-add in dynasty leagues with the way he stepped up for the Broncos with their owner running backs were injured. In six of his seven starts this season, Anderson managed well over 100 total yards per game. He’s also a touchdown machine as in that period of time he scored 10 times. While Denver will have a healthy Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman back next season, Anderson is clearly the faster and more durable of the running backs. The 23-year-old is definite keeper that everyone will surely be targeting in upcoming drafts.