In the world of fantasy football world, the term "vulture" has risen to new heights thanks to the growing popularity of multi-running back systems. 

Philadelphia has the best system on paper with DeMarco Murray, Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles. That spells nightmares for fantasy owners, but more importantly, serves as much needed relief for each runner. With a trio like that, it's not hard to imagine Murray getting the yards, Sproles getting the receptions and Matthews getting the touchdowns...

or vice versa.

That speaks to how versatile each of the three players are in their own way.

The numbers suggest Murray is the better option on goal-to-go situations and short-yardage situations, but it makes a lot of sense for the Eagles to utilize their depth. In a way, resembling the effect Chris Polk had on LeSean McCoy towards the end of last season. Polk had three carries on first and goal from less than six yards out; he scored on all but one of those touches. In total, he was 3-for-5 on first and goal. 

Those carries not only benefitted the team, but helped McCoy avoid some additional pounding in the trenches. 

Murray was the definition of a workhorse in 2014 for the Dallas Cowboys. He got about two years worth of touches in his career season. In comparison, Matthews came into the league one year before Murray and has seven more games played than him. Yet, Murray has totaled 11 more carries and about 30 more receptions than Matthews has overall. 

It also makes a lot of sense for the Eagles to monitor the touches Murray gets, more so in those short yardage situations.

There’s no doubt that he will be the catalyst for Philadelphia’s offense, but looking ahead, he’s the one guy out of the three running backs who has the capability of being a franchise player. Rather than ride Murray into the ground like Dallas did, the Eagles are fortunate enough to have not one, but two sets of Pro Bowl-level legs behind him that can take some hits away from each other.

Conor Orr of NFL.com recently looked into this same situation. An excerpt from his article:

“It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that Chip Kelly signed two very good running backs this offseason for a reason. Based on Kelly's perception of value, Murray would seem to be the workhorse, but it wouldn't surprise us in the least if Mathews is favored at the goal line. Kelly is all about minimizing risk, and while Murray's fumble total has risen steadily over the years, Mathews' has declined.”

The biggest takeaway from that is ‘minimizing risk.’ That’s exactly why it makes so much sense for the Eagles. Perhaps that’s why Murray decided on coming to the City of Brotherly Love; I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in the possibility of playing somewhere where you’re still ‘the guy’ but also have the opportunity to extend your career by a little bit thanks to the depth. 

When the Eagles line up for first and goal, it could be Murray who comes out... it could be Matthews... or it could be Sproles. Heck, if the Eagles carry four backs, it could even Matthew Tucker. That's how talented the Eagles backfield is. 

All of that talent should add up to success on the ground for Philadelphia all while saving each individual some extra hits. 

Kyle Phillippi is the Philadelphia Eagles beat writer for About.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @Kyle_Phillippi. Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page!