Fantasy Football Rankings 2017, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 59-57

Today in our list of fantasy football’s top 101 PPR players of 2017 we see two running backs who aren’t starters but shouldn’t be consider ‘backups’ either.

In today’s NFL, most teams no longer rely on one running back to touch the ball 20+ times a game. Instead, a majority of teams use multiple running backs to operate their offense. There are plenty of running backs who aren’t first on the depth chart but still manage to touch the ball over 10 times a game.

Today’s list provides two running backs who aren’t starters but still could be starters on your fantasy football team.

To be clear, the top 101 PPR players are for re-draft leagues only. Here’s a look at players ranked No. 59-57:

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) catches a touchdown pass over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Josh Gordy (27) during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

59. Martavis Bryant, WR – Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2015, Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant broke out with 50 receptions, 765 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games. If you averaged those numbers out across an entire 16-game regular season, Bryant would have finished with 73 receptions, 1,113 yards and nine touchdowns. This is why many expected Bryant to be a fantasy stud in 2016. Unfortunately, Bryant was suspended for the entire season after he repeatedly violated the league’s substance abuse policy.

Going into 2017, Bryant should regain his role as the Steelers No. 2 wide receiver opposite of Antonio Brown. Obviously there is risk here but if Bryant can keep his nose clean, he could be a WR2 in the Steelers pass-happy offense.

Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) runs past San Francisco 49ers free safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

58. Tevin Coleman, RB – Atlanta Falcons

Despite missing three games in 2016, Falcons running back Tevin Coleman still managed to be a top-19 PPR running back. In those 13 games he averaged 11.5 touches and 104 yards per game. On most teams, Coleman would be a starting running back. On the Falcons, Coleman will continue to work behind Devonta Freeman.

Must Read: NFL 2017: Ranking the 30 Best Wide Receivers

Despite being Freeman’s “backup” Coleman should average 10-12 touches per game. He has standalone value as a RB2/3 but he also carries immense upside. If Freeman misses extended time with an injury, Coleman would be a RB1.

Jan 1, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the 2nd quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports /

57. Bilal Powell, RB – New York Jets

Last season I was on the Bilal Powell bandwagon but his season didn’t exactly turn out the way I expected. The Jets, for whatever reason, elected to run Matt Forte into the ground and left Powell on the sidelines for the majority of games. Between Weeks 1-13, Powell only averaged slightly over seven touches per game. In Week 14 Forte injured his knee and it allowed Powell to carry the load for the rest of the season. Over the final four games, Powell looked great.

Next: Fantasy Football Rankings, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 62-60

Between Weeks 14-17 Powell averaged 26 touches and 138 yards per game. He managed to score 22+ PPR points in three out of those four games. Going into 2017, the Jets are expected to make the Jets backfield a true running back by committee. I anticipate the committee to be mostly 50/50 to start the season. However, as the season progresses I believe the younger and more explosive Powell to lead the backfield in touches while finishing the season with 50+ receptions.

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