Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) rushes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) rushes the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Redskins – RB Matt Jones

This one sure was easy. With Morris gone after four seasons in Washington, the Redskins’ backfield now belongs to Jones.

Jones made an immediate impact as rookie last season, rushing for 490 yards and three touchdowns, and adding 304 yards and a score on 19 receptions. He gave the Redskins a more dynamic threat out of the backfield, as opposed to Morris, who averaged just over 10 catches per season in his time with Washington.

Jones did struggle with fumbles as a rookie, losing the ball five times in his 163 touches, and he was limited to 13 games due to a hip injury. But as it currently stands, there isn’t really a viable threat to Jones’ control of the backfield.

Third-year back Chris Thompson had a few nice games last season, but mainly as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. That’s the type of role the 5-foot-8 Thompson is built for, not carrying the ball 15-20 times per game.

Jones could approach 40-50 receptions in a Redskins’ offense that was much improved under Kirk Cousins last season. If he can stay healthy and reduce the fumbles, Jones could easily become a solid RB2, particularly in PPR leagues.

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