PALLISTER: A baker’s dozen of fantasy running backs to watch in 2015

I put together a league this past season with a format that more closely resembles how the game is played on the NFL level these days.

The big difference between it and standard leagues is there was only one starting running back. The position is so volatile from year to year and is often an afterthought in a pass-happy league that it just makes sense to scale back so that your fantasy lineup looks more like an actual NFL lineup.

I think standard leagues should follow my lead and get with the times, but that’s a column for another day.

In this week’s positional review, a look at the baker’s dozen of running backs who surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and what you can expect from them in 2015.

1. DeMarco Murray: His pace slowed in the second half, but he led the league in rushing (1,845) and total yards (2,261). He’s likely to be the first running back taken in most drafts next year, although it’s important to remember that 2014 was the first time in his career he played 16 regular-season games. Also, keep in mind he’s a free agent. If he leaves the Cowboys, he’s also leaving the league’s best offensive line.

2. If Murray isn’t the first back taken, Le’Veon Bell will be. Bell’s knee injury doesn’t appear to be too serious, and he doesn’t turn 23 until the season is over. He was the best back in football in the second half of the season, and his pass-catching ability keeps him on the field. He finished only 46 yards behind Murray in total yards, and likely would have surpassed him had he not got knocked out of the Steelers’ Week 17 game.

3. Marshawn Lynch was a popular pick to hit the wall this season. Instead, he led the league in touchdowns (17) and his yards (1,306) and per-carry average (4.7) were the second-highest of his career. Having said that, 2015 will be the mercurial back’s ninth season, and there’s no guarantee he will still be playing in Seattle’s run-heavy attack.

4. Prediction: Matt Forte’s 2015 season will barely resemble his 2014 season. He will be less valuable in PPR leagues (he set a running back record with 102 this past season) but more valuable overall in standard leagues. The next Bears coach will not ignore the running game.

5. LeSean McCoy was actually fourth in the NFL in rushing (1,319), but he scored only five times and was relatively awful for the first half of the season. The Eagles need him to be a consistent force once again.

6. At some point, Jamaal Charles’ lack of volume will catch up to him. An elite fantasy back needs more than 13.7 carries per game. It’s not like he’s losing touches to Chiefs receivers.

7. Lack of volume is a concern for Eddie Lacy as well, but unlike Charles, he gets consistent goal-line carries for Green Bay, and he continues to improve in the passing game.

8. Arian Foster is a consistently productive dual threat when he’s on the field for the Texans. But when that will be and for how long on any given week have become dual concerns.

9. Justin Forsett came out of nowhere to lead the NFL in yards per carry (5.4) behind a Ravens offensive line that was considered the team’s Achilles’ Heel. It’s a great story, and there’s no way it happens again.

10. Alfred Morris suffered much the same fate as Forte — being underutilized by a stubborn coach on a bad team. He still managed his third-consecutive 1,000-yard season for the Redskins. He deserves more opportunities, both real and fantasy.

11. Jeremy Hill was a force for the Bengals down the stretch, gaining 395 yards in the final three games. It will be interesting to see how he is utilized next season with fellow young back Gio Bernard. How the Bengals backfield shapes up will be one of the top preseason storylines.

12. No one pays attention to the Dolphins, so it may surprise you that Lamar Miller actually lived up to the hype this season. His 97-yard touchdown run in the season finale capped a 1,099-yard campaign that could be the precursor to a seat at the big boy table.

13. I’ve been writing off Frank Gore since the second Bush administration. He averaged 4.3 yards per carry for the struggling 49ers, but 2015 will be his 11th season.