Once running backs turn 30, we often put them out to pasture and try to pretend they don’t exist. In most cases, that’s probably the correct approach. Then there are players like Frank Gore who just don’t die. Mark Ingram appears to be on that same trajectory. Ingram deserves WAY more respect in terms of fantasy and is being ranked far too low heading into the 2020 season.
Ingram, 30, was terrific was Baltimore a year ago. Ingram rushed for over 1,000 yards with a 5.0 YPC mark and 10 touchdowns. He also added 5 receiving touchdowns as well. Look, some of that efficiency came because of the creative Ravens offense. There’s still no denying how much better Baltimore looked when Ingram was on the field.
Ingram got hurt during a Week 16 game against Cleveland. One of the things not mentioned in Baltimore’s playoff loss to Tennessee was Ingram being a shell of himself. Ingram had 6 carries for 22 yards and the rest of the offense looked completely lost. Elite running backs can provide an enormous boost to their quarterback. Ingram is one of those guys. Lamar Jackson once again looked lost in the playoffs. Some of it has to do with Ingram not being there when it counted.
Baltimore admitted they did not expect to get JK Dobbins in the second round. Many are people are worried about Ingram’s fantasy production. Don’t be. Consider the 2020 season a passing of the torch. You’re not benching a 5.0 YPC running back who has gotten the job done. Dobbins will get some touches but Ingram will be the lead back this year. Next year… that’s a much different story. Then it’s the Dobbins show.
Mark Ingram is being ranked far too low. We’re talking about a Ravens team that is run first and a great defense that will often give them leads. You can bookmark Ingram for 200 carries and in an offense that is going to score. He also showed he can get easy receiving touchdowns too. In the link I posted above, he’s ranked one spot ahead of Le’Veon Bell. That’s a JOKE!
In a redraft league, I’ll gladly take Ingram ahead of guys like Melvin Gordon, Leonard Fournette, Todd Gurley, and David Johnson. I often begrudge Ingram for not performing like he should have his first 3 years coming in as a first round pick from Bama. NOW? Ingram is absolutley more talented than all of them and is in a much better situation for fantasy.
Fantasy is all about getting bang for your buck while not having to pay for it. Ingram has been that guy pretty much every single year. Ingram was an elite fantasy running back last year. Players are overlooked for a lot of reasons. Ingram might be older but lets not forget, the Saints never ran him into the ground with massive workloads. For 2020, I’ll take my shot on Ingram. Next year? Different story.
