Green Bay Packers 2015 predictions: Eddie Lacy

The Green Bay Packers are now days away from opening their preseason schedule against the New England Patriots, so with real football nearly upon us, it’s time to continue with our offensive projections for 2015. Eddie Lacy entered training camp with the Green Bay Packers looking large, which isn’t a bad thing, and I’m expecting the reliable running back to balance this offense perfectly while taking a small step forward himself.

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Earlier in this series, I forecasted the 2015 outputs of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and projected starting tight end Richard Rodgers. A theme developed across the majority of these pass-catchers that should bode well for the Green Bay Packers, but may limit their fantasy football ceilings. With an offense now less reliant on a two-man show at receiver, some balance is expected to emerge. I don’t expect this to impact Eddie Lacy, however, as I see his usage increasing from 2014.

Games & Carries: 16,

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Lacy believes in the value of relaxation throughout the offseason. Relation doesn’t mean a less taxing workout in this situation, it means pure rest. Given Lacy’s running style and dependability when the lights come on, I’m perfectly fine with that. His potential for concussion issues continue to worry me, but given his usage, I’m expecting a full slate of games.

His total carries will be the most important statistic of 2015 across this entire offense, because no other number will reveal the unit’s philosophy more. Lacy rushed just 15.4 times per game for 246 total carries in 2014, and I do understand that the Packers intentionally tried to build him towards a strong December and January. Needing to assert themselves in closer football games, however, especially on the road, Lacy needs to factor in more heavily. Another 2-3 carries per game is easily digestible, and his running style should thrive on a higher-usage workload.

Rushing Yards: 1,230

With an uptick in usage, I’m projecting Lacy to average 4.47 yards-per-carry en route to his first season of 1,200+ rushing yards. His ticket to greater yardage totals will be hitting the first hole with more immediacy, as Lacy has taken early steps on his heels in the past. Behind a strong offensive line with the proper opportunities, this yardage total should be easily attainable if he’s able to remain healthy.

Rushing Touchdowns: 10

After 11 rushing touchdowns as a rookie and nine in 2014, allow me to be bold and predict the only number in between. While Richard Rodgers is a tight end that I very much believe in, he’s not a touchdown hawk that will impact Lacy too greatly. Especially when the weather turns cold, the bowling ball out of the backfield will emerge as the primary offensive threat from ten yards and in. His touchdown reliability, along with his ability to avoid yardages losses, gives Lacy the safest potential floor of any top-5 running back in fantasy football.

Receiving: 35 receptions, 325 yards, 1 TD

Here’s an area where I’m expecting some regression from Lacy, but it won’t be crippling by any means. These numbers would put him more in line with his rookie season as I don’t see his 10.2 yards-per-reception from 2014 being very sustainable. Many of those passes were quick dump-offs from Aaron Rodgers into the open field, and I see his receiving yardage being more hard-fought this coming season. In this situation, like we saw with the receivers, Lacy will lose some targets due to the improved talent of the group. Again, that’s not a bad thing if you’re the Green Bay Packers.

Next: Packers WR battle heating up in camp

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