Fantasy Upside
Robert Turbin is suspended for the first four games of the season; therefore, his upside is capped. The 28-year-old Turbin spent most of the Colts’ OTAs as the team’s top running back with the first-team offense. Theoretically, that gives him some upside once he serves his suspension.
Fantasy Downside
The Colts have promising first- and second-year RBs on the roster and a new coaching staff with no allegiance to Turbin. It's very possible he doesn't make the roster after his suspension is over if those young RBs play well.
2018 Bottom Line
Given the suspension, Turbin is not worth drafting in leagues and wasting a bench spot on. However, given his place with the first team in OTAs, he's a name to monitor on the waiver wire going into Week 5.
Week 4 at Seattle Seahawks
Robert Turbin is, at best, Frank Gore's handcuff. He's not a viable fantasy starter.
Week 2 vs. Arizona Cardinals
It was Marlon Mack, not Robert Turbin, getting the red zone role for the Colts. That means Turbin should be dropped and be far away from your starting lineup in Week 2.
Week 1 at Los Angeles Rams
Without Andrew Luck last season, the Colts gave their backfield 26 touches against Pittsburgh. Robert Turbin only saw four of those. The Rams are a tough test, too, ranked fifth in our aFPA vs. PPR RBs. Even though the Colts have hinted at Robert Turbin getting more touches in 2017, he should not be anywhere near your starting lineup in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Robert Turbin already had eight total touchdowns last year, and the team has promised this offseason and training camp to give Turbin more of starter Frank Gore's workload from last season. It appears we're looking at a running back by committee here, but Turbin could be a high-upside handcuff behind a 34-year-old running back.
Fantasy Downside
The problem with expecting the 34-year-old Frank Gore to get hurt is that he literally has not missed a game since 2010.
2017 Bottom Line
Turbin could be worth a late-round flier at his very cheap ADP (basically undrafted), especially in PPR leagues. However, his 3.5 yards-per-carry average last season is miserable and hard to ignore.
Week 17 at Jacksonville
Turbin continues to vulture Frank Gore with three touchdowns in the past two weeks, but the Colts have all said they are playing to win in Week 17 (even if it is a meaningless game, as they are already eliminated from playoff contention). That means they will likely want to get Frank Gore as many touches as possible in what could be his final NFL game, as he chases a 1,000-yard season. Turbin is a Week 17 handcuff, which is an oxymoron.
Week 16 at Oakland
Turbin saw nine touches to Frank Gore's 30 last week, but it was Turbin who vultured two touchdowns. He's still not a start worthy player unless Gore gets hurt, as his red zone production can't be counted on from week-to-week.
Week 15 at Minnesota
Turbin is Frank Gore's handcuff and should be nowhere near your lineups in the fantasy playoffs for Week 15.
Week 13 at New York Jets
Turbin continues to function as Frank Gore's handcuff, but is not a starting lineup consideration for Week 13.
Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh
Even without Andrew Luck and an expectation for the Colts to go run heavy against the Steelers on Thanksgiving, Turbin is nothing more than a handcuff to Frank Gore.