5 Backfields You Don’t Want To Touch In Fantasy Football

If this were the 2009 season, the Oakland Raiders would have two Pro Bowl-caliber running backs in Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, but in 2014, both players have serious question marks. McFadden's proneness to injuries makes him less attractive than Jones-Drew, but Jones-Drew doesn't have much in the tank after over 1,800 career carries. Third-string RB Latavius Murray also could push for some carries with his speed.

The Patriots backfield can be impossible to predict, but it's likely that Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will once again provide their 1-2 punch. When Ridley is not fumbling the ball and in Bill Belichick's dog house, he is a solid No. 2 running back, but his fumbling problems could cost him the starting job. Vereen is also a good option, but doesn't get enough carries to give anyone confidence in starting him.

Ray Rice had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career last season, and a potential suspension due to off-field issues is cause for concern. For Pierce, who is coming off a shoulder operation, he has also been a disappointment. The highly touted backup produced only two touchdowns, and didn't have a 70-yard game last season. Behind Baltimore's poor offensive line, expect more struggles from the running game in 2014.

After having a great season with the Denver Broncos, Knowshon Moreno (pictured) now joins possibly the team with the worst offensive line in the NFL. With four new projected starters heading into next season, Moreno won't have the luxury that he had with the Broncos and QB Peyton Manning. Behind him are busts in Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas, who each had poor production last season.

Even with the loss of Darren Sproles to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New Orleans Saints' backfield will again have uncertainty. With three quality running backs, it will be impossible to predict who will have an impact each game. Mark Ingram has been a disappointment so far, but is the projected starter. Beteran Pierre Thomas and promising youngster Khiry Robinson are each capable of being a starter week in and week out.