Week 2 at Detroit
Murray managed just 42 yards on 13 carries, which was disappointing, but he did catch five passes for 35 yards. He also got 50 snaps compared to 21 for rookie Derrick Henry, which is promising. Indianapolis only attempted 16 rushes last week against the Lions with their backs, so the Titans figure to test them more than that. Murray should get enough work to serve as a high-end No. 2 running back this week.
Week 1 vs. Minnesota
Murray has been proclaimed the primary ballcarrier and will only be spelled by Derrick Henry. That's good news. Minnesota also was 18th in rushing yards allowed last season. But the Vikings also gave up just five rushing TDs to running backs last season, so keep the expectations tempered. Murray is a No. 2 option this week due to volume. He should get 15-20 touches.
2016 Fantasy Outlook
After logging 392 carries in 2014 for Dallas, it wasn't a surprise that Murray's numbers dropped off with a switch to Philadelphia. But 193-702-6 wasn't what anyone expected. He did catch 44 passes, so it wasn't a total loss. A change of scenery to Tennessee should help. He'll be the lead back, something that just didn't happen in Philadelphia. But his YPC average has fallen from 5.2 in 2013 to 4.7 in 2014 to 3.6 last season. Considering that's about what Tennessee running backs averaged last season, at best, we can only expect a slight uptick this season. Still, with 250 carries - a nod to rookie Derrick Henry - Murray could outperform his ADP of 53. He's going as the 21st back off the board right now. A 1,200-total-yard season should be in the offing.
Week 17 at New York Giants
DeMarco Murray ran five times for 27 yards but added a TD in the team's loss to Washington. As it turns out, it was Chip Kelly's final game coaching the Eagles.
While that could be a good thing for Murray owners, we'll likely have to wait a while. The team takes on the Giants who are 27th in allowing fantasy points to RBs but it's unclear just what Murray's role will be. It's not likely the offense changes a whole lot but Murray could see a little more work in a favorable matchup. However, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles will likely still see some work. As for Murray's future, the coaching change should only help at this point. The Birds are pretty locked into keeping Murray around through 2016, and it's possible the next coach changes the offense a bit to at least make Murray a better fit.
Week 16 vs. Washington
DeMarco Murray had just two carries last week as his production continues to take a hit. Murray was seen more on the sidelines last week in a ski hat than he was on the field and saw Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles get more work. The team continues to say it's a RB rotation and last week they had to abandon the run after falling behind the Cardinals, but either way, Murray is not a safe play right now given we just don't know what kind of workload he's going to get. The rumors are again creeping up that he may be inactive this week.
Week 15 vs. Arizona
DeMarco Murray had 11 rushes for 34 yards and added two catches for three yards last week. There were lots of rumors surrounding Murray coming into last week's game, some saying he'd be the RB4 and others said he'd be inactive. He pretty much split the work with with Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Murray takes a big hit in our rankings this week and just isn't a safe play for lineups like he once was. It seems the Eagles are conceding Murray isn't a great fit in the offense right now, and at best he's probably just the third back in a three-back committee.
Week 14 vs. Bills
DeMarco Murray had eight carries for 24 yards last week. He played on just 14 snaps. It's been the big story in Philly this week and now Murray owners are left wondering if their fantasy RB has been demoted to just a change of pace option. Ryan Mathews returns and has proved to be the better back all season thus far in limited work. It's not out of the question the team turns things over to Mathews this week in what is another must-win game for the Birds. It all means using Murray in your lineup is very risky.
Week 13 at New England
Murray ran for just 30 yards on 14 carries last week, and for the first time all year, didn't catch a pass - and wasn't even targeted. He was averaging just under four catches a game this season before last week.
But overall, it was an ugly performance by the Eagles offense. This week may not be much better against the Pats, who are 12 in allowing fantasy points to RBs. Murray should be more involved in the passing game this week and the Birds will likely have to abandon the run playing from behind on the road. Murray is just a low-end RB2 this week, but should continue to see a decent workload with Ryan Mathews still in the concussion protocol.
Week 12 at Detroit
DeMarco Murray carried 13 times for 64 yards last week, but did fumble. He also added four catches for 27 yards on five targets. It looks like he'll continue to get a bulk of the work again this week as Ryan Mathews hasn't cleared concussion protocol.
It's fairly favorable matchup for Murray against the Lions, who are 19th in allowing fantasy points to the position. As a result, Murray is a RB1 play this week on our list. It's hard to feel good about expecting RB1 fantasy numbers from Murray at this point as the wheels seem to have fallen off the Eagles this season. Some have even questioned Murray's toughness after sliding down instead of taking a hit last week. Murray should get a bulk of the workload - which is a good thing as long as the Eagles can stay competitive in this game.
Week 10 vs. Tampa Bay
DeMarco Murray had 61 rushing yards and 58 receiving yards last week. With Ryan Mathews having to leave with a concussion, Murray became the main rushing option for the Eagles. That's expected to again be the case this week unless Mathews is cleared. As a result, Murray climbs all the way up to fifth in our rankings this week even though the Bucs are ninth in allowing fantasy points to RBs. Darren Sproles will sprinkle in, but if Mathews is out, this looks to be possible big workload day for Murray.
