Both Pro Football Reference’s season finder, since 2000, only six other running backs have finished their respective rookie seasons with at least 170 carries, 45 receptions, 1,200 total yards, and 8 total touchdowns.

Though there are some forgettable names on that list, the remaining group is nothing short of impressive.

While box scores can be useful, we here at numberFire like to dig deeper. Our Bell’s main competition will come from newly-signed LeGarrette Blount. While a similar situation could play itself out regarding short-yardage work in Pittsburgh, Blount hasn't proven his ability to catch passes, which should keep him off the field in certain situations – particularly if the Steelers do indeed run more no-huddle.

According to numberFire's Fantasy Football Rankings, we have Le’Veon Bell as the RB6, while Gio Bernard comes in at RB11. According to Fantasy Football Calculator average draft position data, in PPR leagues, Bell and Bernard are being drafted as the RB10 and RB11 respectively.

It appears, as of right now, that Bell provides to the better fantasy option due to his well-rounded game and lower level of competition for touches. And while both Bell and Bernard could end up as viable fantasy options in 2014, history tells us that running backs who flourish in their rookie seasons aren't necessarily guaranteed to improve exponentially in Year 2. My recommendation: temper expectations.