2015 Fantasy Football: Top 5 Players to Avoid
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) carries the ball past Dallas Cowboys defensive end George Selvie (99) and Josh Brent (95) during the first quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Joique Bell, RB, Detroit Lions
Just one month ago I had Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell within my top 20 fantasy running backs. Now, entering the third week of the 2015 NFL preseason, not only is Bell on the outside of my power rankings looking in — but he also finds himself near the top of my players to avoid this year.
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So what gives with the regression of his overall ranking?
A couple of things.
- Bell has yet to participate in a single contact drill at mini-camp or within the first few weeks of the preseason. It is said that he is still recovering from an operation that he recently had done.
- The Ameer Abdullah hype is real — and is warranted.
If your memory is keen on the fact that Bell produced the past two seasons, you’re right. If you assume he posted a healthy yards per carry average over that span, you’re wrong (3.9 each year).
With Ameer Abdullah likely taking at least a good portion of his snaps, and the injury concerns still lingering, think twice about drafting him as one of your two starting running backs in the first five or six rounds.
Next: Todd Gurley