NFL Running Back Predictions, 2015

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1. If Adrian Peterson returns to the Minnesota Vikings he’ll break the single season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson.

The great rusher Adrian Peterson may have a dry mouth from the amount of spit he has bestowed on the Vikings’ organization to get a trade, but I’m sure his mouth will find enough lubrication to kiss them when he breaks the single season record.

Adrian Peterson (OchoCinco News Network)

Courtesy: OchoCinco News Network

Why? It’s simple. Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, Peterson’s replacements last year, had 30.8% of the total offensive yards for the Vikings in ‘14. Peterson should get at least 31% of the Vikings offensive in ‘15. Compare that to Demarco Murray, who had 36.89% of the Cowboys total yards last year … and who came 261 yards away from breaking Dickerson’s record.

In 2012—with 348 carries—Peterson came 9 yards short of setting the record. That’s 45 fewer carries than Murray had the entire ’14 season. If Peterson had 45 more carries he would have ended the 2012 year with 2367 rushing yards and a record.

It would be crazy to believe that the Vikings organization won’t use Murray and his back-breaking 393-carry season to motivate a disgruntled ‘All Damn Day’ Peterson.

Is that to bold to state?

2. DeAngelo Williams will lead running backs in touchdowns this season.

Courtesy: yahoo.sports.com

Courtesy: yahoo.sports.com

Le’Veon Bell picked the worst year to get caught with a Blount. He’s going to be suspended for 3 games, while Ex-Panther Williams will tote for the Steelers while Bell is out.

Why will Williams lead all running backs? Williams has a lot of juice in the tank. He’ll channel into his younger self ala ’08 when he had 18 touchdowns. Last season, Marshawn ‘Don’t Fine Me, Boss’ Lynch led all running backs with 17 touchdowns.

Williams can achieve by being the touchdown vulture of Bell’s nightmares. Last season, the Viking’s Matt Asiata was the nightmarish vulture with 10 touchdowns. The starter, McKinnon, had 0. I believe the Steelers loaded offense will get in the Red Zone more often than the Patriots’ footballs get tested for air pressure.

Even though Williams is coming off a season full of injuries, he’s getting a 3-game advantage … and without having a Jonathan Stewart breathing down his neck. Bell and the Steelers learned that Bell isn’t as invincible. After receiving a low hit to the knee he was forced to miss games including the playoff game against the Ravens. The Steelers won’t let Bell get into another injury predicament. Pittsburgh has a qualified backup who’ll be able to share in injury-prone yardage.

I think Williams, showing flashes of his old self, will be Le’Veon Bell’s nightmare. He’ll have Bell and his Fantasy Football owners screaming: “Why, Le’Von, couldn’t you have had your weed delivered like every other person making NFL money?”

3. McFadden will be a Top 5 running back if he’s declared the starter in Game One of the regular season.

Cowboys_McFadden_Foot_Jone_r600x400

Courtesy: wholehogsports.com

Everyone reading this may think this is my worst prediction. But let’s consider the massive hole Murray left in the ‘Boy’s offense—a hole that can’t be filled by most players. That hole may need reconstructive surgery to repair.

McFadden is in line to fill Murray’s 2261 yards of total offense. Jerry Jones allowed Murray to play after breaking his hand (surgery required); and he didn’t use back-up, Joseph Randle, who averaged 6.7 rushing yards per attempt last year.

McFadden’s total offensive touches could increase 2.4 times from last year’s, and that possibility will turn him into the power back of Jerry Jones’ dream. Last year, Jerry Jones didn’t have a problem watching his star rusher (in his final contract year) rush 80 more times than LeSean Mccoy. Considering that he’s gotten himself a 2-year contract with Dallas, I’ll bet he’s an expendable back who’ll be pushed to the limit.

McFadden will show that he’s ready to bloom “Sooner” than later. He’ll fill the Murray’s void and become one of NFL’s Top 5 rushers.

 

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