Los Angeles Rams: Is Todd Gurley a fantasy football sleeper?
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley’s fantasy football status has been muted, but he could be due for a breakout season
The Todd Gurley fantasy football value meter has been set on “wait and see”. But the 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year could be in for a better 2017.
Gurley’s 2016 struggles are well-documented. His 3.18 yards per carry in 2016 ranked as the fifth-worst average among running backs with at least 275 carries in a season, Pro Football Focus reported (h/t Turf Show Times). Fifth-worst. Ever.
And after leading the league with the highest percentage of runs of 25 yards or more in 2015, Gurley ranked dead last in 2016 with zero. Gurley averaged more than 125 yards per game in his first four starts in the NFL in 2015. He’s had one 100-yard game in his last 24 starts, NFL.com reports:
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
"No other running back since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger has played all of his team’s games and averaged as many carries per game as Gurley (17.4) without reaching 100 rushing yards at least once in a season, per NFL Research."
First-year Rams head coach Sean McVay has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. He developed that reputation during his three years as Washington Redskins offensive coordinator. Last year, however, running back Matt Jones ended up on the bench at midseason. Undrafted free agent Robert Kelley replaced him.
Chris Thompson served as the Redskins’ third-down back. The Rams seemingly have their own third-down option in Lance Dunbar. The Rams are not the Redskins. Second-year quarterback Jared Goff is not yet in Kirk Cousins’ class. Los Angeles’ wide receivers must prove themselves, while Washington’s already have achieved status.
Gurley ranks as the Rams’ most potent offensive weapon. McVay will take advantage of that. Also, McVay recently told ESPN LA that Gurley’s pass-catching skills are better than many believe.
"“I think he’s a much more complete back than people realize,” McVay said. “This guy’s got some subtleties and some nuances in the pass game that allow you to utilize him in a variety of ways.”"
Free agent left tackle Andrew Whitworth bolsters a revamped offensive line. McVay’s scheme takes a lot of the guesswork out of the quarterback’s hands.
Next: NFL Power Rankings 2017: Training camp edition
All that adds to the Gurley fantasy value meter. He likely will be a second- or third-round selection in most leagues. However, he could reward those bold enough to consider a first-round slot for him.