Fantasy Football Draft Strategy 2015: Dallas Cowboys, Several Other Teams Make Important Moves For RBs

The 2015 season is upon us, and final cuts and roster moves that seem minor may actually have a big impact on fantasy football owners. Several name running backs were either released or changed teams. Below, you will find the player that moved and how to read his new situation.

Montee Ball, FA (ADP: 184)

Ball was a borderline first-round pick last year, and now he is a free agent. C.J. Anderson grabbed that job with both hands last year when he got his shot, and Ronnie Hillman was more than capable before an injury ruined his season. Ball has never looked explosive, and the Broncos backfield is deep.

Isaiah Crowell Has The Browns' Backfield

Obviously, he shouldn't be drafted at all any more, and he can be safely ignored even if he is picked up elsewhere. Let him prove it. Hillman becomes a clear handcuff to Anderson, and he should be expected to contribute on a weekly basis. If Anderson goes down, Hillman is a good RB2.

Terrance West, Titans (ADP: 201)

This is a tough situation to read. West looked like he had a line on some playing time with Browns coaches appearing unhappy with all the backs in camp. It eventually leaked that Isaiah Crowell would be the guy, but rookie Duke Johnson has a concussion right now, so West should've been in the mix.

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Not so. He's been dealt to Tennessee now, and it may actually improve his stock. Rookie David Cobb-who has been touted by SWN-is on injured reserve/designated to return, solidifying Bishop Sankey's job. That is, unless he stinks. Now West is in town; he was Cleveland's leading rusher in 2014 and could very well run by Sankey. West is a wise speculative add if you're carrying a backup defense or a low-end handcuff.

David Cobb, Titans (ADP: 143)

Cobb looked like a fun rookie to add based on his situation, but now drafting him in redraft leagues is useless. He can still offer value in keeper leagues, but don't expect anything. West is a decent running back, and Sankey could still improve. The path to playing time is suddenly treacherous for Cobb. 

Christine Michael, Cowboys (ADP: 315)

This move is interesting. ESPN Dallas is reporting that the Cowboys traded for Michael to add depth behind Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, but he has greater pedigree than Randle-the presumed starter-and a long track record in college of success. He also starred at Texas A&M, so he's a brand name in Texas.

There's not a lot of faith in any of the backs-Randle, McFadden, Lance Dunbar-in Dallas' backfield right now, so it wouldn't be shocking if Michael breezed past them. At the same time he was never able to overtake Robert Turbin in Seattle, so it could amount to nothing.

For now, don't add Michael. But if he shows burst in Week 1 don't be afraid to spend a chunk of your FAAB budget.

Daniel "Boom" Herron, Colts (ADP: 248)

Herron was a nice surprise last season when he got a chance to start in place of Trent Richardson, and figured to be a clear backup to Frank Gore in 2015. He got hurt in the preseason though, and has been placed on the waived/injured list. If he clears waivers, he'll head to injured reserve and he could miss the whole season.

He's clearly no longer draftable; Gore owners looking for a handcuff will turn to Josh Robinson. Vick Ballard is hurt right now as well.

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