NFL Fantasy Football Profile: Darren McFadden of Dallas Cowboys

May 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) runs with the ball during OTAs at Dallas Cowboys Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

All the guy did was sign a contract. It’s highly doubtful Darren McFadden ever came in with the intention of replacing the reigning rushing champion on the Dallas Cowboys. Yet that is the situation he finds himself after DeMarco Murray departed for Philadelphia. Now McFadden is suddenly thrust into the responsibility of trying to not only become the starter, but carry the heavy workload Murray left behind. A workload that got the Cowboys to the playoffs.

The truly difficult part will be for NFL fantasy football owners. Do they play it safe and bring him onto their rosters as a backup or is he worth the gamble to become a starter?

2014 Production:

534 rushing yards
3.4 yards per carry
212 receiving yards
2 touchdowns
84.60 fantasy points

For a moment in time it looked like McFadden was going to be a stud for the Oakland Raiders, but constant injuries to his legs and feet seem to have taken away a good portion of the explosiveness that made him so great coming out of college. He hasn’t rushed for more than 4.0 yards per carry since 2011 and never scored more than five touchdowns in a season.

However, Cowboys fans are quick to point out that McFadden also has never run behind an offensive line like the one they have in Dallas. True, the unit proved itself among the best in pro football last season, headlined by Pro Bowl left tackle Tyrone Smith and Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin. Behind that beefy front, Murray amassed over 1,800 yards rushing and helped the team finally win the division after three-straight years of 8-8 near-misses.

That being said, Murray is younger and healthier compared to McFadden at this point. No position magnifies age and injury more than running backs. Even so, the benefit of a dynamic front and a fresh start in a new offense may be just the boost the former 1st round pick needed. It’s a long shot, but not crazy by any stretch.

Fantasy Points Projection: 165

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