NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Aug 13, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) evades a tackle from New York Jets free safety Calvin Pryor (25) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah

Another NFC North rookie to watch is Ameer Abdullah, though I’m sure you are already familiar with him after his scintillating run in his first preseason game. Few players have the kind of agility Abdullah possesses, and he’s also good in the passing game, which is important for a running back in the Lions offense.

The Lions have basically made it clear that it’s Joique Bell’s job to lose, and I’m willing to bet that he will lose it. If Abdullah can win the job, 1,500 yards from scrimmage isn’t out of the realm of reason in the Lions high-powered offense. He is a prime Rookie of the Year candidate, and those chances only increase if he takes returns with wide receiver Jeremy Ross cut.

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