What It Means:

One of the better football analysts in Chicago, Durkin notes that head coach John Fox's teams have only once had a running back log 60 percent of the carries, and fifth-round power back Jordan Howard "closely resembles the physical profile Fox looks for at the position." Durkin anticipates Jeremy Langford opening the season atop the depth chart, but foresees the Bears "(riding) the hot hand on game day."

Our algorithms still project Langford as the clear starter for now, putting him as our 17th-best running back in fantasy heading into training camp. We allot him 212 carries for 880 yards and 4.29 rushing touchdowns, to go with 42 receptions and 387 receiving yards and 1.89 receiving touchdowns. Howard looms, though, as our 47th-best fantasy option at the position. We peg him for 93 rushes for 356 yards and 2.37 scores on the ground, as well as 36 receptions for 310 yards and 1.17 receiving touchdowns.