ESPN Fantasy Analysts provides fantasy football draft strategy and overviews for each major position. Be sure to check them all out: Quarterback | running backwards | Wide Receivers (Thursday) | Tight ends (Friday).
As the NFL evolved into a pass-first league, the running back position underwent an amazing transformation. Small size backs with receiving pieces that can operate in space are becoming increasingly valuable. Thus, the need for diverse skill sets has led to a proliferation of backroom fields for commission. In addition, the market for regional offices has shifted with many big-name vets being pushed out of high-volume positions. These openings, in turn, created huge opportunities for younger (and less experienced) players.
Fantasy football managers now need to consider many factors when crafting their approach to the position. But since nothing is static and each season brings its own complexities, I’ve outlined a spot-on primer. Let’s dig deeper.
Undo draft strategy
I’m excited about the Anchor-RB, which is a middle ground between the RB’s aggressive approach and the RB’s zero-profile approach. This strategy calls for choosing a running back in the first or second round, stopping off position until the “dead zone” RB (usually rounds 4-6) before choosing RB2, and then drafting the semi-nest RB3 to double the number of rounds (8-11). Using this method provides fantasy managers with flexibility, allowing them to prioritize elite players in other positions rather than attach huge venture capital to the volatile RB landscape.
It is, of course, not a foolproof game plan, but when examining last year’s Average Draft Placement (ADP) there is evidence that it can be a success. Saquon Barkley (RB5 in fantasy score), Nick Chubb (RB6) and Aaron Jones (RB9) were all second-round picks who made the Top 12 artists in 2022. Additionally, Josh Jacobs (RB3) and Miles Sanders (RB15 ) Devin Singletary (RB23) Each dead zone was picking an ROI. Finally, Tony Pollard (RB8), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB13) and Kenneth Walker III (RB15) were selected outside the top 85 players overall.
Accurately hitting each round is impossible. But Anchor-RB allows managers to invest in WRs, TEs, and QBs, which increases the odds that these players can make up for any return “mistakes.”
The most important events of 2023
The recreated RB Room in Philadelphia
The Eagles never stopped getting busy, making big moves during free agency and the NFL Draft. The team has let Miles Sanders move on, despite his career efforts in 2022, and has instead invested in Rashad Penny. When healthy, these former Seahawk linebackers are some of the most explosive defenders in the league (5.7 yards per carry). Unfortunately, he has only managed 18 games over the past three seasons.
Many assumed that this would spur Philly to draft a provincial law. GM Howie Roseman had different ideas, however, trading for D’Andre Swift on the third day. Swift has certainly dealt with his fair share of injuries, although they have been less severe than Penny’s. The former lion is the preferred candidate for the background leadership and is expected to be among the top 25 choices for the position. Penny, on the other hand, is more of an RB3 in the top 35 group.
Question marks in Denver
Javonte Williams, the popular second-year breakout favorite last season, suffered a season-ending right knee injury in Week 4. Williams continues to rehabilitate multiple ligament tears, but the timing of his return in 2023 remains in question. To combat this problem, Denver added Samaje Perine in free agency. The former Bengal has emerged as a capable backup, recording 38 grabs (tied for 19th among RBs) and four TDs (tied for 5th among RBs) in 2022. Williams’ health will greatly affect the fantasy values of both running backs.
Tony Pollardpromotion
Maybe the Dallas Cowboys Copper started with fantasy play? Because apparently they’ve seen what fantasy football heads have been yelling about for years. After Ezekiel Elliott recorded a career-low 3.8 YPC, the Cowboys fired him, ostensibly promoting Pollard to the driving role.
Pollard recorded 1,378 scrimmage yards while averaging 14.5 touches per game and closed out 2022 as the RB8 for the Fantasy. The 26-year-old had ankle surgery in January but is expected to be fit for training camp. With a bit of depth behind him, Pollard is entering the fifth year inside the top 12 fantasy players at the position.
Austin, thank youThe future is in Los Angeles
Eck sent shock waves through the fantasy community in March when it was reported that he had requested (and received) permission to seek a deal. Entering the final year of his deal, Ekeler owes $6.25 million. As of now, they will have no choice but to stay in Los Angeles The Chargers look set to enter 2023 with their current RB room, adding just two free agents (Tyler Hoosman and Elijah Dotson), both of whom will do so. Compete to form the team. Accordingly, Ekeler remains a top three overall pick for fantasy purposes.
Looks like Joe Mixon resides in Cincinnati
Speculation surrounding Mixon’s future with the Bengals has been swirling for months. The team hasn’t done much to suggest, however, that it’s moving on from Mixon. Sensei added Chase Brown in the fifth round of the draft. The 23-year-old rookie has an upside but doesn’t challenge Mixon for touches in his first season. Consider the vet in your RB1/RB2 fantasy bubble for now.
Smashing RB layers
All RBs are a rare commodity—without much relative longevity—in today’s NFL. This reality is reflected in the virtual game, creating many levels within the center. At the top, there are only two people: Christian McCaffrey and Austin Eckler. This is the only pair of players I would consider picking before a wide receiver.
The next group is five deep: Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, Bijan Robinson, Josh Jacobs and Derek Henry. Each of these players plans to run all over the place, which requires early picking in the imagination. Of those names, I’m most excited about Robinson. However, a healthy Taylor paired with Anthony Richardson on offense Colts coach Shane Steichen definitely screams on the rebound.
My third division takes out the top 11 players in the position: Tony Pollard, Nick Chupp, Travis Etienne Jr. and Ramondry Stevenson. As previously discussed, Pollard is preparing for increased opportunities and subsequent production. Plus, Stevenson is building on his sophomore effort (RB13 overall) with Damien Harris out to Buffalo.
After that, he became a cadre of common backcourts and players returning from injury. The characters of Kenneth Walker III appear as a fashionable dead zone. Miles Sanders could be a solid size for the second year in a row. Jahmer Gibbs’ receptive chops provide fantasy directors the rise of the RB2. Ultimately, however, sifting through the fourth levels and beyond requires tracking boot camp updates and listening to the drum beats.
potential penetration
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
Cook posted the highest breakaway run average (12.1%) and an electric 5.3 true yards per carry (second among RBs) last season. His natural hands and advanced road tree are lauded, for Cook personalities such as the Bills’ 1A to thrive alongside the aforementioned Harris. The departure of Devin Singletary puts the second-year player in for consistent double-digit touchdowns in one of the most explosive offenses in the league.
Rashad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Arizona product featured throughout 2022, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game in Weeks 10-17. A skilled player skilled with eagle-eye vision in the open field, White figures post steady numbers despite playing on what is potentially an ineffective offense. He goes along with no fewer than 16 touches per contest with the departure of Leonard Fournette and a few other competition on the roster.
Devon Aschan, right linebacker, Miami Dolphins
Clear bullish breakouts are Bijan Robinson and Jahmer Gibbs. Devon Ashani is more of a sleeper pick. A Texas A&M track standout, the former Aggie is the jacket (4.32 seconds 40-yard dash). He also has remarkable vision and an undeniably elusive dexterity, which makes him a nightmare to be contained in space. He’ll start behind Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr., but given the vets’ ages and injury histories, Achane could emerge as a fantasy star in the long run.
Possible concerns
Bryce Hall, RB, New York Jets
Most of my concerns center around players coming back from injury. As we discussed previously, Javonte Williams’ health is one of the biggest mysteries of the season. On the other hand, Hall is expected to be ready for the season opener. However, an athlete’s return to sports is different from an athlete’s return to a target level of performance. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hull started the season slowly, which is why I ranked him just outside my top 15 players in position.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
The Florida product immediately dominated the Texans’ backfield, getting a chance share of 73.8% (sixth by RB) while passing 100 total yards in six out of 13 games in 2022. Unfortunately, an ankle injury suffered in Week 11 resulting in to derail Pearce. While he expects to fully recover by the fall, a lot has changed within the organization. From the coaching staff to the QB to the arrival of Devin Singletary, the specifics of Pierce’s role have yet to come into focus. His strength and ability to break a tackle can be relied upon, but his overall size may suffer.
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