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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 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (20) runs against Chicago Bears strong safety Chris Prosinski (31) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (20) runs against Chicago Bears strong safety Chris Prosinski (31) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Devontae Booker-Denver Broncos

The Broncos want to go more run-heavy this year in the post-Peyton offense.  With Manning’s retirement and Brock Osweiler’s departure, the Broncos don’t have great QB options in Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian. Coach Gary Kubiak likes the run-first approach anyways, and he has long made fantasy football owners happy by feeding the ball to his running backs.

Last year, though, C.J. Anderson was a huge fantasy football bust, and Ronnie Hillman was inconsistent when he got playing time.  Both were drafted highly last year, but they struggled to get much going offensively as the Broncos leaned heavily on their defense. To help the Broncos running game get going in the right direction, Denver drafted Devontae Booker in the fourth round out of Utah in last year’s draft.

Booker has earned rave reviews all preseason and is emerging as the clear backup to C.J. Anderson. Booker could beat out Hillman with a strong preseason and earn some solid playing time if things go his way.  After Anderson’s disappointing 2015, Booker could be a breakout RB candidate if Anderson gets stuck in neutral again.

Right now, Booker is being drafted in the 15th round, but the buzz is starting to build. He’s the 56th RB coming off the board, but if he emerges as the #2 behind Anderson, you may need to stash him a little bit earlier.  If he des find a role in Kubiak’s offense, Booker could be the late-round breakout RB that makes the difference in your fantasy football league this season.

Next: Another late-round rookie with impact potential

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