Fantasy football: 8 late round running backs with upside

Lance Dunbar-Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys had to choose this offseason between DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant since both were in line for massive contracts.  Bryant is still in Dallas, but Murray is now playing for their division-rival Eagles.  Replacing Murray will be a tough task, and the Cowboys were unable to get a splashy acquisition to carry the load.

The plan on entering the season with Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar in a rotation in the backfield, but none have clearly stepped up and emerged as top-of-the-line options.  McFadden has looked old at times this preseason, and Randle has been unimpressive for the most part.

Dunbar is viewed as a third-down back that can be a change-of-pace option as well as working as a receiver out of the backfield. However, with injuries or ineffectiveness to Randle or McFadden, he could definitely see his role increase.  The Cowboys offensive line is among the best in the NFL, so if Dunbar gets touches, he’ll be fantasy relevant.

Watch how Dunbar runs this Saturday against the Vikings, and keep him on your radar as your draft runs down.  At some point this season, I expect him to have fantasy value.

Next: Roy Helu-Oakland Raiders