How will these 3 NFL backfields translate to fantasy?

2. Miami Dolphins

We we march toward Week 1, the Miami Dolphins currently sit with three notable running backs on their depth chart: Kenyan Drake, Frank Gore and rookie Kalen Ballage.

To conclude 2017, Drake had a solid running as the lead guy, averaging 18 carries per game over his last five.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Drake and Gore are listed on the unofficial team depth chart as co-starters.

In Week 1 of the preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dolphins let the rookie Ballage run with it, carrying the ball 10 times for 37 yards and catching three passes for 23 yards.

Unfortunately, though, he did lose a fumble—not good. Also, Ballage faced some heat at practice from quarterback Ryan Tannehill after failing to pick up a block, according to Salguero. He will need to clean that up, no doubt.

Even with that, Ballage should still be considered the long-term favorite to be the starting back. With Gore and Drake round his value will take a definite hit, but Ballage is better built for what it means to be a lead back.

Drake works well as third-down guy, but being able to handle 20 touches or more per game seems unlikely.

Gore doesn’t really factor in too much. This is reminiscent of Arian Foster’s role with the team a few years ago when Jay Ajayi was still in town, minus the whole retiring thing.

As of now, Drake is going in the fourth-round of 12-team PPR drafts, Gore in the 13th and Ballage in the 14th.

Verdict: Avoid Gore. Drafting Drake is fine, but make sure to handcuff Ballage as he should see more and more reps as the season lingers on.