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Football fans have seen this scenario plenty of times. A once dominant player that begins to regress is progressively reduced to a less prominent role in favor of a younger talent. While veteran running back Frank Gore has been steady as a fantasy weapon, his days of gashing opposing defensive lines appear to be behind him. Inevitably, this happens to all NFL players at some point, but it takes a truly vigilant fantasy owner to gauge when this changing of the guard will actually occur. While rookie running back Marlon Mack has not yet become the Colts featured back, he has made the most of his opportunities when they have come his way as both a fierce rusher and a potent pass catcher.
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Position: Running Back
Percent Owned On Fantasy Teams: (Yahoo Fantasy): 40%
Fantasy Points Total Thru Week 6 (Half PPR): Projected: 25.25 Actual: 29.90
While Mack may not be the unquestionable starter right now, his presence on the field when the Colts call a running play cannot be denied (on the field for 30 rush plays per game, 7th amongst running backs). When he has been given the opportunity to carry the football, he makes the most of his attempts as 16% of his carries have resulted in 15 rushing yards or more (5th amongst running backs). Although Mack may not be the most elusive back in the NFL (14.3% juke rate, 68th amongst running backs), he makes up for it with his strong vision and fearlessness when he finds a gap in the defensive line to pursue.
However, Mack is more than just a north to south running back. In fact, Mack has been vital in pass protection for the Colts, as he ranks 23rd amongst running backs in run blocking efficiency. Although this may seem insignificant from a fantasy perspective, Mack’s proven versatility in a variety of situations will ultimately garner him more playing time and therefore more touches as the season progresses.
Although Mack may not be a sure-fire starter right now, it seems inevitable that the virile rusher will get his chance as the consistent starter sooner rather than later. Although running back Robert Turbin has been the back up for Indianapolis for two years, he’s not nearly as explosive as Mack and is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, which should give Mack more touches behind Gore. For now, Mack is an intriguing flex play that flashes running back two potential going forward.
