Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has a chance to solidify himself as a top-10 fantasy football running back in the 2014 NFL season. According to Pro-Football-Reference, Murray finished the 2012 season as the 27th ranked running back. After a spectacular showing in 2013, the running back finished the year as the seventh ranked back in the league. That was a major leap in production for Murray. If he can stay healthy, then he shouldn’t have any problem keeping himself in the top 10 in the upcoming season.
The Cowboys coaching staff has already said that they want to lean on the running game more this year than in previous years. Clearly the team is comfortable with expanding Murray’s role a little bit, which could benefit the offense as a whole and take some heat off of Tony Romo.
Fantasy owners should head into drafts valuing Murray as a late first round pick. He could be viewed as a risky RB-1. However, a gamble on this player may pay off immensely in the long run. He is a player who is totally worth taking a chance on.
ESPN Dallas is speculating that Murray will receive more than 250 carries this season, which would easily surpass his career high, which came in 2013, where he had 217 carries. The fact that Murray is also a reliable pass catcher only increases his fantasy value, especially in PPR leagues.
All signs point towards Murray having a career year and fantasy owners should strike the iron while it’s hot and key in on Murray.
Alexander Muir is a writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @AmuirAlex, “Like” him on Facebook or add him on your network on Google.
