15 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions for the 2018 Season

Melvin Gordon Will Finish as a Top-3 Running Back

Why This Is Bold: Melvin Gordon is being selected as the RB7 in PPR formats, often going later than players like Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt.

Why This Will Happen: According to numberFire's expected points model, Gordon's never really been an overly efficient back, showing average per-rush marks in each of the last two years. His yards per carry average reflects that, too.

That doesn't mean he's a bad running back, especially considering the type of offensive line play he's dealt with. This offseason, the Chargers helped the line with the signing of Mike Pouncey, and that's after seeing improvement over the second half of 2018.

You could easily argue that Gordon's offensive situation is more attractive than what you'd get from David Johnson and Ezekiel Elliott, and the Chargers aren't shy to use Gordon heavily where it matters most: at the goal line. In 2017, only five running backs had more carries from within the opponent's five-yard line, while three had more attempts within the 10. Two years ago, in just 13 games, Gordon ranked third in goal-line rushes.

Beyond Gordon's rushing ability, head coach Anthony Lynn has discussed interest in using the back even more as a receiver this year. Fantasy owners should welcome that with open arms -- Gordon ranked in the top-10 in target share last season at the running back position, so any more love in the passing game would catapult him into truly elite usage.

And that's why he can be a top-three back in 2018.