Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings):
Adrian Peterson is returning after missing most of the 2014 season due to suspension. Now the best running back in the NFL wants to prove he still has some juice left. Peterson is 30 and his peak is definitely behind him. His 2012 2,000 yard season also sets the precedent that he will be declining every season after. In 2013 he ran for 1,266 yards and 2 less touchdowns and in his first/only game of the 2014 season he ran for 75 yards on 21 carries with 0 touchdowns and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. That was against the Rams and Cordarrelle Patterson had more rushing yards than the star running back. Peterson however is still a top 5 running back and that is extremely hard to find this season.
Le'Veon Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers):
Bell's suspension lowers his ADP but not enough for him to miss the first round entirely. Bell was the second most impressive running back in 2014 and won many owners their first fantasy championships. Bell's primary drawback is his price. The fact that you may lose two games to begin your fantasy season just because you drafted this guy has bad omen written all over it. Let's also remember that the best blocker on their offensive line Maurkice Pouncey will be out until past week 10 so this should hinder the offense's performance somewhat. Bell is an extremely talented running back who can become a fantasy stud and lucrative trade bait however he should fall short of last year's totals.
Eddie Lacy (Green Bay Packers):
Lacy has put on some weight and muscle this offseason. He will likely have more carries thanks in part to the Jordy Nelson injury; Aaron Rodgers will be less likely to air it out without his favorite target on the field. The Packers are destined to use Lacy more effectively than they did last year giving him plenty of opportunities for big plays. With the Packers less likely to throw the ball Lacy should be in for a career year.
Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs):
Charles is one of the top players in fantasy football however his consistency constantly frustrated owners to no end. Charles should catch a couple of more passes than the guys ahead of him on this list making him an ideal lead back for PPR leagues. The big question is can Andy Reid give Charles a consistent number of carries? Last season owners were gasping at how little Charles was being used however with a revamped passing game Charles's star should shine a little brighter.
Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks):
Lynch has been the most dependable running back over the last few years. A massive trade at the beginning of this offseason lands him at a crossroads. Without Max Unger the Seahawks are learning what is like to have their offense sputter. The offensive line has not been nearly as dependable as it has been in the seasons prior, this is bad news for Lynch. Defenses already stack the box against him whenever he is on the field and at 29 his NFL career is reaching its end. Another thing to pay attention to would be if the Seahawks sign Fred Jackson, who would certainly eat some of Lynch's carries. Lynch however will still find a way to score more fantasy points than any of the other running backs behind him so he is still a solid choice (middle/late) in the first round.
