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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Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) gets introduced prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) gets introduced prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens – RB Javorius “Buck” Allen

If the Ravens franchise could have given the entire 2015-16 season a medical redshirt, they surely would have. Sadly, the NFL isn’t college football, and even college teams can’t pause an entire season.

Baltimore was thoroughly ravaged by injuries last season. Quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Steve Smith — the Ravens’ three most important offensive skill players — all suffered season-ending injuries. Baltimore quite literally limped to the finish of a 5-11 season that, despite the injuries, included several heartbreaking losses in the final seconds.

The upside, if there is one to such a draining campaign, is that young players gained crucial playing time and experience. The main benefactors in this regard were rookie Allen and second-year receiver Kamar Aiken.

Allen took over as the Ravens’ primary ball carrier after Forsett was lost for the season in Week 11. Over the final six weeks, Allen rushed for at least 55 yards in three games, but showed far more promise as a pass-catcher. Allen caught at least five passes in four of the six games, including a whopping 12 for 107 yards and a touchdown in Week 13 against Miami.

Allen and Forsett could again split touches this season, but Allen’s skill-set is valuable. If he sees regular playing time, he could emerge as an RB2 with upside, particularly in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

Next: Buffalo Bills

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