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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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Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015 St. Louis, MO, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Charles Sims (34) against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Charles Sims-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season, Charles Sims was the #22 ranked RB in standard scoring leagues ahead of Eddie Lacy, C.J. Anderson, T.J. Yeldon, and Karlos Williams.  Since he plays in Tampa Bay and in the shadow of Doug Martin, though, many owners don’t realize just how potent Sims potential is.

Sims totaled over 1,000 yards last year as the third-down back for the Bucs finishing with 529 yards on 107 carries and adding 561 yards and four touchdowns on his 51 catches. He definitely slots behind Martin for early-down work, but he was able to be enough of the offense to be a solid contributor even in a year where Martin played all 16 games finishing as the third highest scoring RB overall.

Martin struggled with injury the two previous seasons, and if he stumbles this year Sims could step into an even larger role.  There has been some buzz this offseason about Sims growing into a three-down back and getting more work, so keep an eye on his usage early in the season.  If he gets even more work, the dual-threat could be a breakout RB in an offense that should improve in its second year with Jameis Winston at QB.

Sims is currently being drafted in the 12th round as the 41st RB taken, but he definitely should be going higher than that.  He did have a minor ankle injury which kept him out of the Preseason Week 1 contest, but he’s back at practice and should be ready to roll for a good season. He could take a giant leap if he gets dramatically more playing time, but he at leas should be a RB3 in most formats instead of the RB5 range where he’s currently being drafted.

Next: Fresh blood for the reigning champs

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