Marlon Mack

Week 2 at Tennessee Titans

Marlon Mack had a great start to the season, rushing for 174 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, including a 63-yard run that showed impressive burst and balance. Mack looks like he’s going to be a bell-cow for the Colts on the ground. His only downside is a lack of activity in the passing game, which limits his upside. He should still be valuable in most leagues as a solid RB2 however, particularly in standard formats.

This week, Mack faces a tough Titans defense that held the Browns to a mere 13 points last week. However, the Titans did give up 4.4 yards per carry to Nick Chubb and if the Colts can keep the game close, Mack could be in for another production outing. If the Titans get away from them however, Mack’s risk-factor is that he doesn’t wind up with enough carries to have a repeat performance. Still, we have him ranked as a steady RB2 option due to his workload potential and high floor.

Fantasy Upside

Marlon Mack had a breakout season in his second year. He missed four games, but he was productive when he was on the field. He averaged 84.25 yards from scrimmage per game and scored 10 touchdowns. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry behind an improved offensive line that featured rookie All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson. While not used extensively in the passing game, he was targeted 26 times and isn’t a liability on passing downs. He’s a key cog in a fantastic Colts offense that was fifth in the league in points per game last season, and seventh in total yards per game.

Fantasy Downside

Mack missed four games and was nicked up for much of the season with nagging injuries. The Colts also have a dynamic pass-catching back in Nyheim Hines, who will limit Mack’s opportunities in the passing game. Spencer Ware was added to the roster in free agency, so it’s possible the Colts employ a committee approach to the backfield. One season does not a career make, and Mack will need to prove he can be productive in multiple years to earn status as a top fantasy back.

2019 Bottom Line

With Andrew Luck returned to form and an emerging Colts offense, Mack should continue to thrive as the primary ball-carrier. Improved offensive line play and a schedule that features the Falcons, Raiders and Chiefs – ranked 28th, 22nd and 31st in rushing yards per attempt allowed last season, respectively – over the first five games of the season could have Mack off to a hot start. He’s well-worth his ADP at the back of the third round in 12-team leagues, and we have him ranked as an RB2 in all league formats.

Week 17 at Tennessee Titans

The Colts offensive starters, if healthy, will play a full 60 minutes in Week 17 in what has turned into a play-in game against the Titans. Indianapolis is a 3-point road favorite with an implied team total of 23.25 points. That should lead to positive game script for the Colts running game against the toughest opponent in the league in aFPA to RBs. Mack has gone four consecutive games without more than one reception, relegating him to low-end RB2/FLEX status, likely needing a touchdown to bolster his weekly fantasy line.