All offseason, Colts HC Frank Reich and GM Chris Ballard praised Marlon Mack as their “featured back.” They proceeded to back those words up, passing on 2019’s rookie RBs and signing only Spencer “Mediocre” Ware in Free Agency. As such, Mack ownws prime fantasy real-estate as a high-usage RB in one of the league’s Top-7 overall offenses, and needs to be treated as such.
Upon returning in Week 6 from injury last year, Mack rode this gig to the 8th most FPs among RBs. This already-potent offense only got more explosive with the addition of speedy rookie WR Parris Campbell, and Mack now drips in low-end RB1 upside for 2019.
Despite a committee-plagued past, Reich actually rode Mack in a semi-workhorse role in 2018, feeding him the 5th most attempts from Week 6 on. In this span, Mack rewarded the team with the seventh most rush yards (785) including second most through the playoffs (979), plus the second most TDs (10) and most first down rushes (57).
Reich is well aware, noting: “We just got so much better in the run game as the year went on. A lot of that obviously started up front, but Marlon kind of hit a groove and was doing his thing. So we just look to continue to build that with Marlon.”
Moreso, the team was 10-0 whenever Mack logged 14 or more touches, and 0-3 when not. Game flow will still play a minor role, as Nyheim Hines should maintain receiving involvement, especially when the team is trailing. Still, Mack’s set-up is ripe for Top-10 fantasy RB production, and should now be targeted at the tail end of Round 2. He’s ranked 22 overall on my latest 2019 Fantasy Big Board.
