10 Massively Underrated Running Backs

Pierre Thomas

Last year, Pierre Thomas finished with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage with 5 touchdowns and 77 receptions. In standard scoring leagues, he ended inside the top 25 at the position, and in PPR leagues, he finished even higher.

With the Darren Sproles and Lance Moore out of the picture, it’s reasonable to expect Thomas’ numbers to spike. While rookie Brandin Cooks may replace some of what Sproles and Moore did last year, there will be plenty leftover in both the passing and running game for Pierre to once again be a productive fantasy player.

Sproles and Moore had 108 receptions between them last year for a total of 1,061 yards, and if Thomas can even capture 10 percent of that production, he'll easily finish in the top 20 at the position, with potential for much more. Sean Payton’s distribution of carries tend to be muddled, but fellow running backs Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram pose little threat to Thomas’ third-down receiving duties. Thomas is being drafted as the 31st running back off the board according to FantasyFootballCalculator.com, but I'm fine with believing he can be a top 20 back.

By Joth Bhullar