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Fantasy Football: Top 10 Breakout RB in 2016

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to running back Latavius Murray (28) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) hands off to running back Latavius Murray (28) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oakland Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

DeAndre Washington-Oakland Raiders

I already covered the Raiders improving offense and specifically the offensive line in the first slide of this post in my discussion of Latavius Murray. Murray isn’t the only back set up for success in Oakland, though.

The Raiders drafted DeAndre Washington in the fifth round out of Texas Tech this year, and he has grabbed the #2 back role with a strong training camp.  He carried over that success into his first preseason work as well.  He ran for 43 yards on his eight carries and added a 32-yard reception against the Cardinals.

Washington is still behind Murray on the depth chart, but as the season goes on the Raiders  could try to mix in the rookie more.  He comes from a pass-heavy scheme in college, so he could be a third-down contributor as well.

Washington is currently being drafted in the closing rounds of standard leagues as the 55th running back taken.  He is gathering momentum as a sleeper, but don’t overpay for him since his early-season work could be limited.  If he does get touches, though, he’s set up to be a breakout RB, so stash him on your roster with a late-round pick if you can.

Next: Will opportunity knock?

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