Here’s a prediction. Running back Jamaal Charles will not rush for 1,509 yards this season, as he did in 2012. He may not rush for much more than 1,000 yards.
But he still may gain close to 1,500 yards from scrimmage as a rusher and as a receiver. New Chiefs coach Andy Reid loves throwing to his backs, and Charles, who caught 35 passes for 236 yards last year, will more than double that this season based on what we’ve seen in training camp.
Charles splits out wide in some formations, and has caught the ball on screens as well as flares to the flats and on check-downs when receivers downfield are covered.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” Charles said. “And my future is bright. When my opportunity has come to catch the ball, I have to step up and do it. I love football, and now I love it even more because of the coach we have, with his confidence and his belief of me … I have to prove I’m up to high expectations.”
If history is a guide, LeSean McCoy averaged 17.5 carries and 3.8 catches in his last 27 games. That works out to 280 carries and 61 catches over a full season. We currently have Charles projected for 274 carries and 57 receptions. The Star is projecting at least 70 receptions. He's our #3 RB in PPR formats, but we wouldn't have any problem with an owner drafting him ahead of Arian Foster if they're worried about Foster's health/workload.
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