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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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Jul 30, 2016; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) participates in a drill during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) participates in a drill during training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Christine Michael-Seattle Seahawks

C-Mike’s year as a breakout RB seems to be on the horizon every year, but he hasn’t been able to make it happen yet despite getting some good opportunities to produce. Last year, Michael was sent from Seattle to Dallas in the preseason when the Cowboys were desperate for backfield help. Michael didn’t contribute much in Dallas and ultimate was cut and reacquired by the Seahawks.

Michael has been a fantasy football sleeper that has gotten a ton of attention since his raw talent is unquestionable there.  He has a rare blend of size and speed which gives him lots of promise.  However, he hasn’t realized that potential in part due to a lack of maturity. According to coach Pete Carroll that has changed some coming into this year which is why the Seahawks brought him back this offseason.

Michael finished the year with some nice games while Marshawn Lynch recovered for the playoffs. He ran for 102 yards on 17 carries in Week 17 against the Cardinals, and followed that up with 70 yards on 21 carries against the Vikings in the Wild Card Round.

Since Lynch retired this offseason, the Seahawks are planning on going with a combination of Michael and Thomas Rawls in the backfield.  Rawls will probably get the majority of the work, but Michael could be a real threat to be a breakout RB as well if this is the year he finally puts it together.  He opened the preseason with a strong game putting up 44 yards on seven carries.

Even with some hype, Michael is still going very late in most fantasy drafts.  If you take a flier on him in the closing rounds, you could end up with a breakout RB if he beats out Rawls for the job or even earns a 50-50 split. Any owner who has had Michael before knows there’s risk, but the upside is also very apparent.

Next: Could he earn enough time to be an every-week fantasy starter?

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