Marlon Mack wasn’t talked about as one of the top fantasy backs in 2018. Yet, he certainly produced like one. After returning from injury, Mack toted the rock 218 times to the tune of 1,068 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in the final 13 games of the season (including the playoffs). After proving he could be the man, the third year back got high praise from GM Chris Ballard, “we think a lot of Marlon Mack,” he said. “We think he can play on all three downs. We think he can carry the load.” The Colts running back is one of fantasy’s biggest risers and could prove to be one of the bigger steals as a lead back in what should be one of the league’s most explosive offenses.
Not only did Ballard talk the talk when it came to their young back, he walked the walk when he passed on using the team’s lucrative cap space to sign the more talented Le’Veon Bell. The only thing that’s standing in the way of a Mack explosion is Frank Reich’s history of not leaning on a workhorse. In his last five seasons as either an offensive coordinator or head coach, Mack’s 195 carries is the most carries that he’s given to one back. That could show that Reich trusts Mack more than any other back that he’s coached, but he does still have to fend off the talented Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins, who averaged 5.6 YPC in limited action.
Mack slots right behind Derrick Henry at RB14 and checks in at No. 29 overall (+9 vs ECR) on our current Big Board.
