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.

today

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo "plans to play" TNF

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo listed as Questionable for TNF

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 5:33 PM EST

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams WRs Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington Questionable for TNF

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 5:30 PM EST

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

Fantasy Impact:

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.