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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 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans with teammate San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans with teammate San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Melvin Gordon-San Diego Chargers

Melvin Gordon was dramatically over-drafted last season in fantasy football.  He was expected to step in as the starter in San Diego in his rookie year out of Wisconsin after the Chargers drafted him with the #15 overall pick.  However, he never looked ready to make the leap to the pros and was extremely ineffective running for 641 yards and no rushing TDs on 184 carries and adding 192 yards on 33 catches but also failing to find the end zone as a receiver.

Gordon is a much more affordable option this year at the end of the seventh round right now according to his ADP, and you can get him as the 25th running back to come off the board.  At that price, Gordon is worth taking since he could be set up for a bounce back season.

According to all the reports out of San Diego’s training camp, Gordon has looked much better this preseason and seems to be much more comfortable in the Chargers offense.  He looked good in Preseason Week 1 picking up 12 yards on his three carries and adding a 44-yard touchdown reception.  Since he didn’t get into the end zone his entire rookie season, it was a solid step forward for Gordon.

While you definitely don’t want to get fooled again by Gordon and pay too high a price, getting him as your third RB could be an investment that pays off.  He’ll have to share some playing time with receiver-out-of-the-backfield specialist Danny Woodhead, but Gordon could be a breakout RB in his sophomore year making him a mid-round value with a high ceiling.

Next: A RB who seems to always be on this list

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