LeSean McCoy's Fantasy Trade Value, Season Projections and More

It has been a strange season for running backs in fantasy, with many of the perceived top players under performing through the first three weeks.

Eddie Lacy currently has 13.10 points. Jamaal Charles has missed time and registered a staggering 4.60 points. Doug Martin had a similar situation to Charles, compiling just 1.60 points thus far.

LeSean McCoy has been no exception, despite the Philadelphia Eagles back having two consistent weeks to start the year. Against two porous defenses in the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts, McCoy tallied 217 total yards and a touchdown.

Prior to Week 4 last season, McCoy not only had two 100-yard rushing performances, but had over 150 yards on the ground twice. Despite the ugly Week 3, McCoy doesn't believe he's slumping, per the NFL's official account:

Needless to say, McCoy clearly believes otherwise. Clearly, McCoy believes otherwise. As for his fantasy owners, this RB1 raised some serious red flags.

His 22 yards on 19 carries against the Washington Redskins was concerning, along with the potential concussion during the game. That's an average of 1.1 yards per carry, a shocking number for owners who took him between No. 1 or 3 in nearly every draft.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Moving forward, McCoy has several opportunities to earn back the trust of owners. This weekend presents another tough test against the San Francisco 49ers' No. 6 rush defense, but the future looks much brighter.

The St. Louis Rams and New York Giants have been gashed by running backs, with both teams rankings 29th and 24th in rushing yards allowed, respectively. Here's a look at updated projections for McCoy's 2014 season:

Carries	Rush Yds	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds	Rec. TD	Total Points
240	1,325	7	35	440	3	236.5

This season hasn't gone to plan for owners of McCoy, but there is too much talent to not see him turn the corner. Ahead of the Week 7 bye, McCoy should look resurgent against the Rams and Giants, carrying fantasy teams.

He remains a high-end RB1, meaning there should be no reason to trade him at this point. Unless DeMarco Murray, Andrew Luck or Julio Jones are in the package, biting on a deal likely won't pay off.

His value is still high, but those looking to make a trade for McCoy might be able to acquire him at a slightly reduced price. An 0-3 owner might deal him out of desperation, but there is no need to sell on a No. 1 back this early.

After all, the end of the season Philly faces the Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys twice. Those who plan on making a playoff run will flourish as he exploits those matchups before and during the postseason.

At this point, owners should still trust McCoy and tab him as the No. 1 running back regardless of the matchup. In a year where anything is possible in fantasy football, expect McCoy to break the mold and begin carrying fantasy teams on his back.

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