As the fantasy season has come to an end it’s important to evaluate each position gaining understanding of their current value. Current season value and previous season finishes are great evaluating factors to where each player should reside for the upcoming season. This evaluation is based on a 16-game fantasy season PPR custom format. Let’s review!





















2018 Top 10 Fantasy Football Running Backs:





Saquon Barkley (NYG)

2018 Points: 385.8 | 2017 Points: N/A | Net Gain/Loss: +385.8 (Rank #1)

Coming out of the 2018 NFL draft, Saquon Barkley was pegged as the best player in that draft and he surely didn’t disappoint. Leading the way this season, Barkley stole the top spot from Todd Gurley after seeing the Rams sit their star back for the final two games. Saquon was an absolute machine this season in both the run and the pass game securing over 2000 all-purpose yards in a fabulous rookie campaign. While Barkley finished the season second in rushing yards, it was his 91 receptions that turned heads. We knew Saquon was a gifted talent catching passes, but falling just nine receptions short of 100 for the year is beyond impressive. Barkley is a generational talent that should continue to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.





Looking to 2019, an argument can be had to place Barkley atop the fantasy draft board above Todd Gurley provided the Giants address the quarterback position in the offseason. Eli Manning is well past his prime and couldn’t muster much of anything spectacular. If New York can find a way to upgrade the position and generate traction, Barkley will feast again. Our only fear is that the Giants won’t correct the QB position leaving defenses open to stack the box with nine men leaving potential for a letdown season based on draft capital spent.









Christian McCaffrey (CAR)

2018 Points: 385.5 | 2017 Points: 228.6 | Net Gain/Loss: +156.9 (Rank #2)

Entering training camp, Coach Rivera went on record saying he would feed his star running back with a full blown workload. While most scoffed at the notion, everything said came to fruition as Christian McCaffrey proved to the league he was more than capable in handling the added work. Finding his way to his first 1000 yard rushing season, McCaffrey was able to generate a whopping 5 yards per carry while hauling in a record 107 receptions for a running back. Christian missed securing 2000 all-purpose yards by a mere 35 yards, which was extremely impressive.





Moving on to 2019, CMC could be prime for regression as we simply don’t know what the landscape of the Panthers will look like for the new season. Adding to that, not knowing how his body will respond to such a heavy workload the following season could bring on a letdown. While those comments are speculative, believing that McCaffrey will return to being a top 5 producer next season is where we lean as of today.









Todd Gurley (LAR)

2018 Points: 372.1 | 2017 Points: 383.3 | Net Gain/Loss: -11.2 (Rank #3)

Yet again, Todd Gurley feasted his way to being one of the best in the business for a second consecutive season. Gurley lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17 while falling just 183 rush yards short of leading in that category as well. Todd missed the last two games with a knee injury and was in obvious discomfort all the way back to week 11 which gave the impression he had didn’t match numbers from last year. There is no question in our minds that Gurley would’ve surpassed the 400 point mark this year had he finished off all 16 games.





Looking ahead to 2019, Todd Gurley could and should warrant the number one overall selection again even though Barkley is right on his heels. The Rams will continue to be a high powered unit under coach McVay, leaving the next few years prime for Gurley to dominate the NFL stat books.









Alvin Kamara (NO)

2018 Points: 354.2 | 2017 Points: 315.4 | Net Gain/Loss: +38.8 (Rank #4)

The New Orleans Saints proved they had no intention of having a setback this season making a clear case there are once again Super Bowl contenders. Leading the charge from the backfield was second year dynamo, Alvin Kamara. Alvin once again proved his worth showing that he is in fact the real deal. Kamara was again a feature in the pass game hauling in another 81 receptions matching that same mark from a season ago. The biggest lift to Alvin’s season was the amount of times he found his way into the endzone, beating last year’s tallies by 5 for a total of 18 touchdowns. It was clear that even without Mark Ingram for the first four games, Kamara was still able to carry the load.





Heading into the 2019 season, the Saints could be without both Mark Ingram (free agency) and Drew Brees (possible retirement) leaving the potential to be far worse for Alvin’s outlook. Though there has been nothing credible to suggest Brees won’t return, all fantasy relevance for Kamara rests in the future of his quarterback.









Zeke Elliott (DAL)

2018 Points: 329.2 | 2017 Points: 203.2 | Net Gain/Loss: +126 (Rank #5)

With no signs of off-field concern this season, Zeke Elliott found his way back to lead the NFL in rushing yards finding his way back to being a top 5 fantasy producer. Even as Zeke managed to secure nearly 330 points, his totals would’ve been that much greater had Dallas used him more in goal line situations. Elliott was the recipient of only 6 rushing touchdowns but did see an uptick in the pass game hauling in a career high 77 receptions. The season started slow but finished strong for Zeke as Dallas went back to feeding the ground attack.





For next season, Dallas should continue to use their star back as the primary workhorse for the foreseeable future leaving his floor very high. Elliott is practically bust proof provided Jason Garrett doesn’t try and get cute and throw the ball more than he should.









James Conner (PIT)

2018 Points: 280.0 | 2017 Points: 14.4 | Net Gain/Loss: +265.6 (Rank #6)

When LeVeon Bell chose to sit out the 2018 season in protest for being franchised tagged for a second straight season, James Conner took the bull by the horns and showed impressive ability. Typically this Steelers offense is high flying on the worst of days but proved that installing a backup runner could keep the train moving in the right direction. Conner flashed great skill in this Steeler offense while just missing his first 1000 yard rushing season in his short career. James lost 3 games to a high ankle sprain which undoubtedly cost him in reaching the coveted 300 point mark for fantasy running backs. Either way, it was a great season for the second year back.





The outlook for 2019 is very hazy for this Pittsburgh organization, as recent reports show Antonio Brown may have played his last snap in the yellow and black with disagreements with other personal. Ben Roethlisberger has alluded to retirement on more than one occasion, and could hang them up before the season begins. If Ben and Brown don’t return to the mix, James Conner could see an evaluation of caution rather than support from us at ADF.









James White (NE)

2018 Points: 276.6 | 2017 Points: 134.0 | Net Gain/Loss: +142.6 (Rank #7)

We always had great hope for James White to be a solid running back, but what he was able to accomplish this season has been nothing short of fantastic. White took over the Dion Lewis role to perfection leading as the change of pass and primary pass catching back in this Patriots offense. Posting career high numbers in both rushing and receiving categories untimely lead White to find the endzone a whopping 12 times, also a career high. With all the added work and production, White can easily be seen as one of the best fantasy draft bargains of the entire season.





th season, the Patriots should lean heavy on their running back tandem in Sony Michel and James White to help move the ball. White should continue to be a PPR darling with a lesser outlook in standard formats. We have been back and forth on the potential for James White for the 2019 season. So long as Tom Brady returns for his 20season, the Patriots should lean heavy on their running back tandem in Sony Michel and James White to help move the ball. White should continue to be a PPR darling with a lesser outlook in standard formats.









Melvin Gordon (LAC)

2018 Points: 275.5 | 2017 Points: 288.1 | Net Gain/Loss: -12.6 (Rank #8)

ADF hasn’t been shy in our support of the Chargers Melvin Gordon as we wrote highly about his ability in a player spotlight last summer. Gordon was on pace to shatter all previous career highs in this offense while making a strong case to lead the NFL in many categories. Unfortunately for Melvin, the injury bug struck again to the tune of losing 4 games on the season while dropping almost 13 total fantasy points in the process. Coach Lynn was using his primary back in the most appropriate ways in both the run and pass games seeing Melvin reach new career highs in rush yards per carry (5.1 per carry). Gordon was a key cog in the success of your fantasy club this season, only to potentially cause losses in the most important times.





Moving on to 2019, our greatest concern is the recurring health issues for the fantastic talent. Only being able to complete one full season in his four year career, Melvin has missed nine contests in that span. There is no question he will return and again dominate on the field, leaving him a potential steal in next year’s draft amidst all these other running backs.









David Johnson (ARZ)

2018 Points: 246.7 | 2017 Points: 13.1 | Net Gain/Loss: +233.6 (Rank #9)

th rank for players at his position. It’s hard to argue the campaign David Johnson completed was grossly disappointing to what he’s given us in the past. Still managing to generate nearly 250 fantasy points on a team that had no real offensive threat at the quarterback position; this should be viewed as a success. Johnson fell just 60 yards short of securing his second 1000 yard season while seeing 8 and 9 man boxes for the majority of contests. Faulting David for under-performing on this offense is doing him the greatest disservice. Even with all the offensive struggles, DJ still managed to achieve the 9rank for players at his position.





While DJ remains a premier running back in this league and should have a bounce back season in 2019, it’s difficult to predict as the Cardinals will again be searching for a new head coach in hopes to bring stability to the club while helping Josh Rosen reach his full potential. Value for DJ could be off the charts as he more than likely could be snagged outside of the first round next season.









Joe Mixon (CIN)

2018 Points: 243.4 | 2017 Points: 141.3 | Net Gain/Loss: +93.1 (Rank #10)

th spot in league rushing yards proves he has all the ability to be a full-time workhorse back. Seeing career highs in every category, we still wonder if his stat-line would’ve been that much more inflated had he not missed those 2 games to a knee injury. While the Bengals continued to struggle with injuries and enigmatic play, Mixon was the main constant that held this ship afloat most weeks. Being a huge fan of Joe Mixon from his college days, we had no doubt he would be able to turn out brilliant performances in the NFL. Holding down the 4spot in league rushing yards proves he has all the ability to be a full-time workhorse back. Seeing career highs in every category, we still wonder if his stat-line would’ve been that much more inflated had he not missed those 2 games to a knee injury. While the Bengals continued to struggle with injuries and enigmatic play, Mixon was the main constant that held this ship afloat most weeks.





Moving toward 2019, the outlook on this club could view extremely different as Cincinnati has finally moved on from long-time head coach Marvin Lewis. With heavy roster change over on the menu, it’s difficult to see what the Bengals could be at this point. Either way, Mixon should be a big part of this offense and will be prime for another solid season.













2018 Top 5 Failed Value Running Backs:





LeVeon Bell (PIT)

2018 Points: N/A| 2017 Points: 341.6 | Net Gain/Loss: -341.6 (Rank #1)

When discussing failure and disappointment, there perhaps is no greater bust in fantasy football history then that of the 2018 version of LeVeon Bell. Everyone knew that Bell was dissatisfied with his contract situation, but no one would’ve envisioned him sitting out the entire season. Some fantasy managers took the chance and used a first round selection on the super-star only to see him housed on the bench for the entire year until he could be placed on the wire. Failed value is an understatement for LeVeon this season.





Looking forward to next season, the potential for Bell to once again place himself atop the league leaders is possible, but knowing where he’ll play is the key. Rumors have lifted suggesting the Colts could be a great place for Bell as they possess a great deal of cap space and have a team ready to take the next step. Wherever Bell ends up, he should make that offense 100-times better and will be back on the fantasy relevant super-star list.









Devonta Freeman (ATL)

2018 Points: 14.1 | 2017 Points: 200.2 | Net Gain/Loss: -186.1 (Rank #2)

At this point, we are beginning to lose faith in the Falcons number one runner Devonta Freeman. Under-performing in 2017, to only lose basically the entire 2018 season, will surly place Freeman in the dog house in our minds. While we understand fighting a season ending injury is never the players fault, the value verse return hasn’t been met for two consecutive seasons for Freeman leaving a massive question mark for the new-year.





Looking ahead to 2019, Freeman should return to full health while the Falcons undergo yet another change to the offensive coordinator, leaving more question marks on this offense. With Tevin Coleman looking to strike it rich in free agency, Freeman will only have to deal with Ito Smith for time share making his stake quite high. Freeman could return to form next season and could house fantastic value for where he might be selected. Freeman has potential sleeper candidate written all over him entering next season’s fantasy drafts.









LeSean McCoy (BUF)

2018 Points: 127.2 | 2017 Points: 263.6 | Net Gain/Loss: -136.4 (Rank #3)

At this point we have no choice but to place Shady McCoy as one of the biggest failures of the 2018 fantasy season. While we knew the Bills would struggle early on with a rookie quarterback and a sub-par offensive line, but we could’ve have seen a career worst season for LeSean in that process. Entering the age of 31, father time isn’t on McCoy’s side as he will begin the inevitable stages of decline very shortly. If the end of the season is any indication, the Bills could finally have a long term answer at the quarterback position with Josh Allen leading the way. This could rejuvenate the Bills run attack provided they add offensive line help while adding a top flight receiver to the mix.





When trying to predict the 2019 season for Shady, a lot of important steps must take place for him to have any sort of rebound. The Bills have ample room under the cap to make moves in free agency, while holding a plethora of picks in the draft. Even with improvement to the roster, Shady should be viewed as a declining talent.









Leonard Fournette (JAX)

-109.8 (Rank #4) 2018 Points: 120.4 | 2017 Points: 230.2 | Net Gain/Loss:-109.8 (Rank #4)

Perhaps one of the biggest non factors this season for a runner that was pegged to have a fantastic campaign, the Jags Leonard Fournette failed his owners who chose to secure his services late in the first to early second rounds of the 2018 draft. Leonard never found full health this season only able to suit up for 8 total contests. In his two seasons with the Jaguars, Fournette has been nothing short of disappointing given all the hype he projected coming out of the 2017 NFL draft.





With rumors swirling already regarding his future with the team, suggestions have been made that trading or straight releasing the often injured potential star could be a formality. Perhaps a change of scenery would do Leonard some good, but his health remains the largest obstacle. As of today, red flags surround the entire body of work for Fournette.









Dalvin Cook (MIN)

65.4 | Net Gain/Loss: +86.6 (Rank #5) 2018 Points: 152.0 | 2017 Points:65.4 | Net Gain/Loss: +86.6 (Rank #5)

Another potential star in the making didn’t flash greatness like most expected in 2018. ADF didn’t preach great affinity for Cook this season as typically coming off an ACL takes time to relocate your grove. As the season wore on, Cook began to pick up steam showing signs of full health and explosiveness responding well in terms of confidence.





A lot can be said for the last five games of a season to propel the prospect for the following year. Entering 2019, the Vikings will undoubtedly correct their inadequacies and we have a feeling Dalvin Cook will be a very large part of their success. Experts who preached a banner year from Cook in 2018 were just one year shy, 2019 will be the year Dalvin Cook shows what he can do.













2019 High Potential Running Backs:





Nick Chubb (CLE)

2018 Points: 194.5 | 2017 Points: N/A | Net Gain/Loss: +194.5

The Cleveland Browns proved they are a much better unit then previous seasons and finally have a blueprint to potential success. Leading the way in that department is their fantastic rookie running back Nick Chubb. The former Georgia Bulldog product was given the full time roll in week 7 and never looked back. Nick Chubb is a prime candidate to be over drafted in the 2019 fantasy draft, but he should be able to muster great production for your squad. High potential with great upside will exist for Nick Chubb.

2019 Projected Points: 230-260









Tevin Coleman (ATL)

2018 Points: 193.6 | 2017 Points: 167.9 | Net Gain/Loss: +25.7

We at ADF have always been huge fans of the Falcons Tevin Coleman and with the potential of him finding a new home in free agency; his outlook could be off the charts. While his overall season didn’t show very well as the lead back in Atlanta, he did reach new career highs in carries (167), rush yards (800), and average per carry (4.8). All this could set up great for a team willing to take a shot on him this offseason as their lead back. Depending on the team roster and dynamic, Coleman could be one of the best value draft picks at the running back position. Still, a lot must transpire this offseason before we can fully provide a gleaming endorsement.

2019 Projected Points: 230-280









Aaron Jones (GB)

2018 Points: 171.5 | 2017 Points: 80.0 | Net Gain/Loss: +91.5

The Packers Aaron Jones is another one of those players that continues to be underutilized even though his skillset proves he could be something special. With that said, Jones has struggled with health when given a greater share of the workload as seen in both of his first two seasons in the NFL. When the Packers took off the training wheels back in week 8, Aaron Jones was able to produce and generate unbelievable numbers in the process. Jones managed to muster 537 rush yards, 22 receptions, and 8 total touchdowns from week 8 to 15, which is very impressive. If Green Bay chooses to give Jones the lead role, he could be in for a massive uptick in value for 2019.