Storyline: In 2014 which NFL divisions ranked at the top and bottom of the league in collective rushing? Here’s how things stacked up.
Which NFL division ran circles around the rest of the league? Which division can pride themselves for being the rushing yardage workhorse, the one who turned out to be the ‘fat kid’ in gym class?
This article gives a nod to divisions able to gain the most rushing yards during the 2014 season. We’ll look at the top 3 divisions and also at the one that finished dead last.
1. NFC WEST: (Seahawks, 49er’s, Cardinals, Rams)
Rushing Yards: 7,881
Courtesy: Fox Sports
This division led the NFL last year thanks to Lynch, Gore, Ellington, and Mason. The X-Factor that brought this division to the top was the rushing ability of two gifted QBs: the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson and the 49er’s Colin Kaepernick. These two players combined to add 1,488 yards to the division’s total. The NFC West had to resort to many more rushing attempts to make up for QB problems that arose during the season–like what happened to Bradford and Palmer (tearing ACLs).
Fantasy Tab: Frank Gore has more potential this year now that he’s a Colt. Bradshaw was able to catch 6 TD’s and rush for 2 more in his 10-game season last year. Trent Richardson and ‘The Fumble Master,’ Dan Herron, gave the Colts the scary reality of having an inconsistent RB in the backfield after Bradshaw’s injury. The Colts are desperate to make Gore the workhorse and he could easily become a better version of Ahmad Bradshaw this season.
2. AFC NORTH: (Steelers, Ravens, Bengals, Browns)
Rushing Yards: 7,646
Courtesy: zimbio.com
The lead rushers of this division included Bell, Forsett, Hill, and West. Forsett surprised many last year with 1,266 rushing yard–and those yards were much needed in his final contract year. This division could have been number one in the league if Johnny “Football” Manziel would have had a fraction of the success he had in college. But, ultimately, this division ranked 235 yards behind the NFC West.
Fantasy Tab: Justin Forsett could have a good year now that he’s under the command of Marc Trestman. Trestman helped get Bears RB, Matt Forte, 808 receiving yards last season. So it would be safe to say Justin Forsett’s 263 receiving yards last year will increase immensely. Forsett gained the faith of the Ravens organization last season, so he’ll get his shot to make a difference this year.
3. NFC EAST: (Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Redskins)
Rushing Yards: 7,640
Courtesy of: ESPN.com
The NFC East had some talented RBs leading the offensive charge last year in DeMarco Murray, McCoy, Williams, and Morris. Murray did a great job last year leading his division–and the league–with 1,845 rushing yards. If RG3 would have stayed healthy he could have helped his division become a more dominant rushing division.
Fantasy Tab: Joseph Randle will be a good pick in the draft. He’ll most likely be the starter sometime during the season and he’ll be running behind a strong Cowboys’ offensive line. The Cowboys created a massive void with the loss of DeMarco Murray to the Eagles. McFadden will have a hard time matching Murray’s 450 touch season, so don’t be surprised if he shares a large workload with Randle. McFadden’s history shows that he’s not a very durable player, so I would imagine he won’t be the Cowboys starter for very long, if at all.
8. AFC WEST: (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers)
Rushing Yards: 6,310
Courtesy: USA Today
The AFC west was the worst rushing division in the entire league. The four lead RBs were Charles, Anderson, McFadden, and Oliver. Charles was the only RB to get over 1,000 rushing yards (1,039). The main disappointment of the group was McFadden, with 534 yard, who was eventually replaced by Latavius Murray. The Charger’s rookie, Oliver, lead his team with 582 rushing yards after seeing his teammates face injuries at the RB position. RB injuries were a major setback throughout the season, and none of these teams had a QB who was capable of collecting yards on the ground.
The AFC West was like the overweight kid trying to sneak a candy bar into class.
Fantasy Tab: Melvin Gordon, Chargers rookie RB, could be one of the first rookie RBs to make a difference for their franchise. The Wisconsin product has been impressing the Chargers at OTAs. He’s making a case for being the lead RB in San Diego for the 2015 season. Mathews left for the Eagles and Oliver is entering his second season, so Gordon should be able to get his share of attention. Gordon could be a steal in your league if he’s overlooked.
