We spent so much time this offseason discussing how good the Dallas Cowboys offensive line was - and how it was going to get better with the addition of La'El Collins - that we all just assumed the team's running game would be just fine without DeMarco Murray. Our assumptions may have been a bit off.
Joseph Randle was anointed the starter this offseason and received ample opportunity to show off his stuff this year. Although he had his moments - such as a three-touchdown game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 - and although the Cowboys rank seventh in rushing yards per game (127.7), Randle has been inconsistent and much less explosive than Dallas had hoped for. Turns out that replacing the NFL's leading rusher is harder than we thought.
To shake things up, Dallas inserted Collins into the starting lineup and made a change at running back. Although this may be good for the team, it's a frustrating move for fantasy football owners who don't know if they should latch onto Randle, Darren McFadden or Christine Michael.
"Many eager eyes awaited Sunday's usage pattern for young, upside-laden Cowboys runners Joseph Randle and Christine Michael," ESPN Fantasy Insider Eric Karabell wrote. "So naturally it was veteran McFadden exploding for 152 rushing yards after Randle left with a back injury. Michael ran for 18 yards. Yawn. Nobody should use a Cowboys running back in Week 8 against Seattle, but for the rest of the season I'll still choose Randle. I'll ignore the brittle McFadden no matter how good his offensive line is and enough about the overhyped Michael already."
Overall, Randle has carried the ball 76 times for 315 yards (4.1 YPC) and four touchdowns to lead Dallas' backfield. Despite his lack of big plays and up-and-down production so far, he does seem to be the safest choice. McFadden has failed to crack 4.0 YPC since 2012 before this season and Michael was never able to make his mark after being selected by Seattle in the second round two years ago.
Randle may not be the ideal option for your fantasy team - especially after seeing just two carries this past week - but he may be Dallas' most productive back when all is said and done.
