Running backs are seen as the fuel of most fantasy teams, as it's a very difficult position to fill with elite talent, since there are so few elite running backs. This rings even more true in 2012 when the league has become so pass happy, coupled with the dreaded running back by committee, that the days of the 300+ carry backs are quickly fading.
Still, there are a handful of running backs that can and will be consistent threats for your fantasy team in 2012. Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray is one of them.
Per Fake Teams, SB Nation's fantasy blog, Murray is ranked as the No. 8 running back in 2012, for fantasy purposes. Fake Teams puts him in the second tier of running backs, with the likes of Chris Johnson, Darren McFadden and Jamaal Charles -- very, very good backs.
Here's what Mike Gallagher, who put together the rankings for Fake Teams, had to say about Murray.
Murray is on the rise. His broken foot was never really a concern, but at least it's reassuring to see he's claiming to be fully recovered. All signs point to him being featured and former first-round pick Felix Jones looks to be no more than a handcuff. Felix Jones is also expected to be used as a return which solidifies Murray even more.
If you're going to be a Murray owner, you might as well take a flyer on Jones as a handcuff, as Gallagher points out.
Still, Murray is ranked among the league's very best backs, and will almost certainly be off your league's draft board by the end of the second round. If, for whatever reason, he's still there as you enter round three or later, be sure to pick him up and don't look back.