Fantasy: 3 running backs whose stock will rise in free agency

Almost every offseason comes with a batch of overqualified backup running backs hitting the free-agent market in hopes of landing a starting role elsewhere.

Such a move can result in a star being born, a player maxing out in a depth role, or, in some instances, injuries ending a season before it even begins, as we saw with Jerick McKinnon this past year.

In an effort to get ahead of the curve, here are three running backs who will see their fantasy value get a massive boost if they sign with the right team in free agency.

Tevin Coleman

While Le'Veon Bell is the biggest name among running backs looking for a new home, Coleman could really shine if he lands in the right situation.

Prior to 2018, Coleman was viewed as an explosive player who was capable of breaking open a game on any given touch. When Devonta Freeman was placed on injured reserve early in the season, Coleman was positioned to take over lead back duties in his contract year, and expectations hit a high point.

Unfortunately, the Falcons stumbled, as injuries on defense forced them into unfavorable game scripts for the running back.

And while many view Coleman's 800 rushing yards, 276 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns as a disappointment, it's clear the Falcons' lack of success contributed to his lower totals.

In Atlanta's seven victories, Coleman averaged:

• 13.1 touches per game
• 93.4 yards from scrimmage
• 0.7 touchdowns

If you remove the final two contests of the year in which he dealt with a groin injury, those numbers jump up to:

• 14.6 touches
• 109.8 yards from scrimmage
• 0.8 touchdowns

In comparison, his averages in the seven losses for which Freeman wasn't in the lineup:

• 12.6 touches
• 49.6 yards from scrimmage
• 0.3 touchdowns

Coleman has proven he can produce without a bell-cow workload, but a feature role on a winning team would put him in position to be a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside in fantasy.

Ideal fantasy landing spots: Chiefs, Eagles, Buccaneers

Mark Ingram

Prior to his suspension-shortened 2018 campaign, Ingram posted top-15 fantasy running back numbers in each of the previous four seasons.

Ingram was still productive upon returning from his ban, finishing as the RB21 over the final 12 outings. But it was clear Alvin Kamara usurped him as the true lead back in New Orleans.

It's possible the former Heisman Trophy winner could re-sign with the Saints, though, from a fantasy perspective, let's hope he's intrigued by the idea of getting a backfield to himself once again.

If he inks a deal with another team, Ingram will be leaving a high-powered offense that features one of the best lines in the NFL. But, for as good as the Saints are, the situation is not ideal for Ingram. Barring an injury, he's locked into a complementary role moving forward.

Ingram, who had over 250 touches, more than 1,300 yards from scrimmage, and at least 10 touchdowns in both 2016 and 2017, deserves one of the 32 starting jobs in the NFL.

If the Texans decide to move on from Lamar Miller this offseason, Ingram could offer a more consistent option as a north-south runner and capable pass-catcher who won't wear down every December. The Eagles are also an intriguing destination, as Ingram could slide in as the Jay Ajayi replacement. And don't forget a team like the Raiders, with their strong offensive line and Jon Gruden's old-school willingness to give heavy volume to the rushing attack.

Though he's a much different rusher, Ingram has similar upside to Coleman as an RB2 who can flirt with top-12 fantasy numbers in a system that requires him to champion the ground game.

Ideal fantasy landing spots: Texans, Eagles, Raiders

T.J. Yeldon

Unlike Coleman and Ingram, Yeldon likely won't be signing on to be the star of an offense in 2019. However, at 25 years old, it's still possible he could develop into a leading man.

Yeldon's had plenty of experience in a starting role over the last two seasons, filling in for the oft-injured Leonard Fournette.

With Fournette sidelined for the majority of the first half of the 2018 season, Yeldon posted the 10th-most fantasy points among running backs in standard leagues, eighth most in PPR formats.

Extrapolating his stats from those first eight weeks over a full 16-game campaign, Yeldon was on pace for 240 touches, 1,360 yards from scrimmage, and 12 total touchdowns. Those numbers would have kept him in the low-end RB1 range at the end of the season.

The return of Fournette and acquisition of Carlos Hyde at the trade deadline, along with a series of injuries on the offensive line, derailed Yeldon's production the rest of the way, but running back-needy teams would be wise to give the Alabama product a look in March.

Yeldon should come at a discount compared to some of the more high-profile free agents while still providing worthy backfield competition and an outside chance at stardom.

Ideal fantasy landing spots: Buccaneers, Texans, Jets