Fantasy Football: Top 15 Running Backs to Target in 2019
By Cullen Jekel
FANTASY FOOTBALL RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET IN 2019
NUMBER 9 – JOE MIXON
Joe Mixon might be the least exciting name on this list, and that may be because of his employer, the woeful Cincinnati Bengals. Despite being overshadowed in the offense by superstar wide receiver A.J. Green, Mixon deserves to be included in the conversation when it comes to top all-around running backs. And that’s why he squeaks into the Top 10.
On a 2018 Bengals team that went 6-10, Mixon started 13 games while appearing in 14. During that time, he rushed for almost five yards-per-carry while accumulating 1,168 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
He put up solid receiving numbers out of the backfield, too, increasing on his stellar rookie season. From quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Jeff Driskel, Mixon caught 43 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown.
In the offseason, the Bengals finally–finally–moved on from head coach Marvin Lewis, replacing him with Zac Taylor, a 36-year-old who spent the last two seasons on staff with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay. The hope for Cincinnati is that they just landed what essentially is McVay 2.0, a savvy offensive-minded head coach who can unlock an offense’s potential.
If that happens, and Mixon can stay on the field for the bulk of the 16-week fantasy football season, look out. Right now, Joe Mixon is a running back I’d suggest taking at or near the top of the second round. If Taylor proves an outstanding hire, drafting Mixon at that point will turn into incredible value.