Ravens Beat: Justin Forsett 'can expect the same load' in 2015

May 26, 2015

Ravens writer John Eisenberg was asked, "Who backs up Justin Forsett?"

The Ravens’ running back piled up 235 carries during his breakout 2014 season, but the team’s other backs combined for 167 carries, which is a lot. Forsett can expect the same load in 2015, but plenty of opportunity exists behind him. Lorenzo Taliaferro moved piles at times as a rookie in 2014 and could be a short-yardage option, but my eyes are on rookie Buck Allen, who totaled almost 2,000 rushing and receiving yards for Southern Cal last season.

Fantasy Impact:

We don't project Forsett to see as many carries as he did in 2014 under then-OC Gary Kubiak. His new coordinator, Marc Trestman, favors a pass-heavy approach, and over the past two seasons, Trestman's Bears only averaged 380 carries. Conversely, the Ravens racked up 448 carries last season. If Forsett sees the same share (52.5%) of the Bears' two-year average, it works out to 200 carries. We project the Ravens for around 408 carries, since the team has said it hopes to keep Kubiak's rushing principles in place and HC John Harbaugh is an offensive-minded coach who can ensure that happens. The Ravens drafted Javorius Allen to contribute, so we believe Forsett's share of carries drops to around 42%, which yields 170 carries. However, we project Forsett to set a career high in catches (61.8) since Trestman loves to use his running backs in the passing game. This makes Forsett a good 3rd round value, especially in PPR formats.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.