Over the course of the next couple months we will be doing player' reviews for the top 100 fantasy performer (points-wise) during the 2012 NFL regular season. Not only will these profiles act as a review for the previous season, they will help you prepare for 2013.
DeMarco Murray, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys (#100).
The second-year running back from Oklahoma came into 2012 with RB1 expectations, but injuries once again derailed any hopes that he would be an elite fantasy performer.
He missed six more games in 2012 due to an injured left foot. This came on the heels of Murray sitting out three games in 2011 with another injury to his leg. In terms of production when on the football field, the former third-round pick still leaves a lot to be desired.
Murray ranked 27th among running backs in fantasy points per outing (11.1) and scored a total of four touchdowns on 195 touches, for an average of one score every 49 times he touched the ball. For comparison sake, Matt Forte, who struggles getting into the end zone himself, had the same ratio. Murray doesn't compare to Forte in terms of total yards and ability to play through injury or stay on the field.
He tallied a single 100-yard rushing game and that was against the New York Giants in Week 1. Outside of that, Murray's high was 93 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6, the game in which he injured his left foot.
In terms of pure talent, Murray has what it takes to be a true RB1 option in fantasy football. The issue with him is being able to stay healthy and scoring touchdowns on a consistent basis. Those are two things that are holding him back from being an elite performer.
Do I expect these issues to change?
Considering that Murray has been injured both seasons in the NFL it is hard to draw a conclusion that supports the notion he can be a reliable RB1 option. Instead you need to focus on him being a breakout performer from the RB2 position.
The good news for Murray is that Felix Jones is set to become a free agent in March. This leaves Dallas without a true backup running back option. If healthy next season, Murray should see between 20-25 touches per outing.
Next Up: Malcom Floyd, Wide Receiver, San Diego Chargers (#99).