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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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Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) participates in drills during day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) participates in drills during day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Jones-Washington Redskins

While there are definitely question marks with Matt Jones coming into the season, he won’t have to share the ball as much as Duke Johnson or Derrick Henry.  Jones enters the year as the clear #1 back in Washington after Alfred Morris moved on to Dallas this offseason.

Jones flashed tantalizing potential in his rookie year last year after being taken in the third round out of Florida. He finished the season with 490 yards on 144 carries and added 304 more yards on 19 catches. He missed some time due to injury, but when he was on the field, he has some impressive performances.  Anyone who played fantasy last season remembers his big week 2 when he broke out for 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against the Rams and added 23 yards on three catches.

Jones didn’t deliver like that ever week, though, and only averaged about 15 touches a game.  That number should go up this year as he steps in as Washington’s workhorse back. How successful he’ll be in that role remains to be seen, though, and he had a rough start to the Preseason managing just one yard on two carries. He has struggled with ball security at times as well fumbling four times in his limited action last year.

Even with those issues, Jones’ role as an every-down back should give him the chance to be a breakout RB this season. In fantasy drafts right now, Jones is going in the sixth round as the 24th RB off the board.  He definitely has RB2 potential if he dominates the Washington backfield and could even be an RB1 if he can solve his fumbling problems, stay healthy, and be more consistently excellent.

Next: Another RB with a chance to step up

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