5 Most Overrated Fantasy Football Running Backs

With the 2019 NFL regular season inching closer and closer, that means fantasy football will also be making its highly-anticipated return. And with players all over the country getting ready for their drafts, there's certainly guys already high on draft boards.

However, there's also some stars from 2018 fans should stay away from. In the backfield, we take a look at five running backs who are nothing short of overrated heading into the new year.

5. Le'Veon Bell

Divisional Round - Jacksonville Jaguars v Pittsburgh Steelers / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

After sitting out an entire season, and spending most of the time partying in Miami and on jet skis, can Le'Veon Bell really be trusted? No. 26, in his prime, was the best back in the game. But, contract issues caused so much drama for him off the field. Now that he's in New York, things are only about to get even more hectic with the media. Plus, he doesn't have Big Ben as his QB, he's got a young Sam Darnold. Bell will look to prove his doubters wrong, but he could be too risky of a play for this campaign.

4. James Conner

Los Angeles Chargers v Pittsburgh Steelers / Joe Sargent/Getty Images

James Conner took over as Pittsburgh's No. 1 running back last season and dominated in his new role. He made people forget all about Le'Veon Bell (see above). After rushing for 973 yards last year and adding 497 receiving yards (13 total touchdowns), Conner is expected to fly off draft boards in the first round. But, is he worth such a high pick? With both Bell and Antonio Brown gone, added pressure will be put on Big Ben Roethlisberger, Conner and others. Could it lead to Pittsburgh trying to overuse the former Pitt Panther? Potentially, which could spell trouble.

3. Dalvin Cook

Chicago Bears v Minnesota Vikings / Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Similar to Gurley, injury concerns remain for Dalvin Cook. He just hasn't been able to stay fully healthy since he arrived in the NFL. Many thought Minnesota's offense would take off when Kirk Cousins replaced Case Keenum as the starting QB, but that simply wasn't the case. Many have Cook as a projected early-round pick in fantasy drafts, but he's still got a lot to prove heading into his third NFL season.

2. Leonard Fournette

Jacksonville Jaguars v Miami Dolphins / Mark Brown/Getty Images

No one should be less excited about Nick Foles arriving to Jacksonville than Leonard Fournette. While the former LSU stud was the focus of the offense when the abysmal Blake Bortles was running the show, Foles is ready to take over the offense. The Jags will be ready to air the ball out with the Super Bowl winning quarterback now in town. This, in turn, could hurt Fournette's production/numbers.

1. Todd Gurley

Super Bowl LIII - New England Patriots v Los Angeles Rams / Al Bello/Getty Images

When healthy, no one can deny Todd Gurley is one of the best running backs in the game. However, his knee gave him major issues last season, preventing him from making a major difference in the postseason. With his knee condition, Gurley has tried downplaying the situation. However, you can't try and shove this kind of an injury away. It could very well limit Gurley next fall. Fantasy owners should be concerned.

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