Fantasy Football Rankings: Big-name running backs to avoid in 2020

Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks

Current ADP: 3.04

On the surface, Chris Carson is one of the league’s best running backs. When he’s on the field, he’s a dominant force that strikes fear in opposing defenses. The problem is that he has a hard time staying on the field — or at least being healthy when he is.

Despite not missing many games since securing a prominent role in the Seattle Seahawks ground game, Carson has regularly been hurt. Then, his 2019 campaign to an abrupt end when he fractured his hip. While it’s likely that he’ll be ready to go when the 2020 season gets underway, it’s dangerous to bet on him staying healthy all year long.

Further hurting his chances is a Seattle backfield littered with talent. Behind Carson on the depth chart is former first-round pick Rashaad Penny, who is also regularly battling injuries but is exceptional when available. Next in line is Carlos Hyde, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season as the Houston Texans’ starter. There’s more talent further down, but you get the point.

While I’m obviously not rooting for this, the chances are good Carson gets hurt again in 2020. When that happens, someone like Penny, Hyde or even rookie Deejay Dallas will step up to fill his shoes. That’ll give one or more them the opportunity to earn touches, meaningless for Carson when he comes back.

No matter how you look at it, it’s not a good situation. It only worsens when you consider that the Seahawks will likely try to limit Russell Wilson less in 2020 with talented options like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett out wide.