Fantasy football: 8 late round running backs with upside

Matt Jones-Washington Redskins

Another young back lined up for third-down work who can contribute to your fantasy football team is Matt Jones of the Redskins.  Jones was drafted in the third round out of Florida, and instantly stepped in to the second running back slot on the Redskins depth chart.

Jones is expected to at least start the season filling the third down role vacated by Roy Helu who left this offseason (more on Helu in a moment).  Washington GM Scot McCloughan has repeatedly compared Jones to Marshawn Lynch, though, which shows that eventually they hope Jones can be more than just a specialist.

In the second game of the preseason, Jones got eight carries and finished with 4 yards and a touchdown despite some iffy work by the Washington offensive line. In the first two preseason games, Jones is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and is definitely shining in his limited work.

Alfred Morris is still firmly entrenched as the starter, but don’t be surprised if Jones is a solid flex play at some point this season.  If Jones continues to grow, he’ll be a great value pick at the 66th running back off the board going 222nd overall based on his current ADP.

Next: Zach Zenner-Detroit Lions