4 Most Drastically Changed NFL Fantasy Backfields From Last Season
By Dan Israeli

Cover Photo: Getty Images
The NFL Draft and free agency are both in the rearview mirror, meaning rosters are mostly formed heading into the 2019 season. Still, with so much player movement this offseason, there are a ton of completely reshaped NFL backfields that could have a significant impact on the 2019 fantasy football season.
Based off signings, trades and draft picks, here are the four backfields in the NFL that underwent the biggest changes this offseason.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills made some significant upgrades on the offensive line, but they made a few noteworthy additions at RB as well. LeSean McCoy will likely still recieve most of the carries, but Buffalo added Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon this offseason. Additionally, the Bills drafted Devin Singletary in the third round, who could play a factor as well. With a revamped offensive line, and hopefully some improvement from Josh Allen in his second season, Buffalo's RBs could provide some value in 2019. However, with so many backs vying for touches, it could end up being a situation to avoid for fantasy purposes.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers' backfield really took a hit after Jerick McKinnon went down with an ACL injury prior to last season. Matt Breida did an admirable job filling in, though he's had injury issues of his own heading into the 2019 season. The 49ers bolstered their running back corps by signing Tevin Coleman, who figures to get plenty of touches. With McKinnon and Breida set to return, and Coleman now in San Francisco, the 49ers' backfield is looking quite crowded. While all three players are talented, it may be tough to predict which RB will get the most touches on a week-to-week basis, making this a backfield fantasy owners might want to avoid.
2. Chicago Bears
While the Chicago Bears shipped Jordan Howard to the Philadelphia Eagles, they also signed former Seattle Seahawks' RB Mike Davis to a two-year deal. Davis immediately developed buzz as a potential fantasy option, but his stock as an early-down back took a major hit when the Bears drafted Iowa State's David Montgomery in the third round. Montgomery has similar upside to Sanders, but will likely lose passing-down work to Tarik Cohen. Chicago's backfield is a little crowded, but it could provide significant value in 2019.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles backfield was a mess last season following Jay Ajayi's ACL injury. Even with Ajayi out of the picture, the Eagles' backfield still appears a little muddled. Josh Adams, along with fellow incumbents Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement, will face training camp compeition from Jordan Howard (acquired via trade) and second-round draft pick Miles Sanders. It's Sanders who holds the most upside as a potential every-down back, though with so many mouths to feed, it's tough to project which RB will be the most valuable.
Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.