FOLLOW@cimini

– Fred Jackson- Age has always been a negative when a running back eclipses 30. For Jackson this trend has been correct the past couple of seasons. Once an out of nowhere fantasy stud he has dipped back into the unwanted running back. Injuries have held him back but 2014 could be an upswing for Jackson. His mileage is still low even for his age. Buffalo was one of the first teams to do a time share backfield even as far back as Willis McGahee and Marshawn Lynch. Owners of CJ Spiller know that his work load is as sporadic as it gets. Jackson could surprise some especially in the touchdown category, if the Bills offense maneuvers well.

– Stephan Taylor- Arizona has never been a haven for running backs. They’ve tried over the years with Thomas Jones, Emmitt Smith, Edgerrin James, Beanie Wells, Michael Pittman, and Rashad Mendenhall. An odd mix of drafted backs and second stop running backs. All struggled and have left the Cardinals dependent yet again in the backfield. This year they’re set to entrust their young backs in Andre Ellington and Taylor. Ellington seems destined for a breakout year but Taylor will get a sustained share of carries.

-Vick Ballard- The Colts likely would have saved themselves a first round pick if Ballard did not get hurt last season. Injuries at running back caused the Colts to reach for Trent Richardson. At first people were stunned at how quick the Browns let Richardson go. After a handful of games it was evident why they did so. Ballard is listed as the second back on paper, but may surge past Richardson if he continues to struggle.

– Lamar Miller- Some backs are system backs. Knowshown Moreno is going to have to prove the skeptics wrong. He had a great year for Denver a season ago and got the paycheck he wanted from Miami. The first portion of his rookie contract with Denver left a lot to be desired though. Miller is in the same situation that Moreno was in Denver. He has had the opportunities as a young back but didn’t cash in. His rookie deal still has two years left on it but he needs to show this year if he can cut it. If not Miami may cut him and draft a young back to build off of in 2015.

Others: Jonathan Stewart, Ka’Deem Carey, Terrance West, Ronnie Hillman, Shane Vereen, Khiry Robinson, Andre Williams, Bilal Powell, MJD, LeGarrette Blount, Mike James, and Bishop Sankey