RUNNING BACKS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detroit Lions

 

Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs was taken number 12 overall in this year's NFL Draft and is set to lead the Lions backfield this upcoming season, however Detroit also signed free agent David Montgomery in the off-season from the Chicago Bears. The expectation is for Gibbs to lead the way, with Montgomery picking up all the extra work which could include a share in goal line carries. 

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New Orleans Saints

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Alvin Kamara is still one of the best in the business, but his draft stock took a hit as he'll begin the season serving a three-game suspension making way for free agent pick up Jamaal Williams to lead the Saints backfield during that span. Williams is not the all-purpose performer that Kamara is but he's more than capable as he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns last year. When Kamara returns, he'll reassume his starting role, but Williams will see touches and could be a threat to Kamara's goal line carries. 

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Washington Commanders 

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The Commanders have a solidified one to punch in Running Backs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson. Robinson is the team's primary runner who should see around 65% of the workload. Meanwhile Antonio Gibson is readily available to pick up all the work that Robinson leaves behind and has added value in PPR Leagues. 

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Miami Dolphins

 

The Dolphins backfield seems to be firmly in place led by Raheem Mostert with back up Jeff Wilson Jr. in tow to handle all the clean up work. The Dolphins offense is expected to manufacture a lot of scoring opportunities, so it will be wise for owners to grab both Mostert and Wilson Jr. since they both have a legitimate injury history. 

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Baltimore Ravens

 

Seems like this has been a recurring thing over the past few years when breaking down the Ravens backfield. J.K. Dobbins is returning from off season surgery and likely will have his volume monitored to begin the season until he's at full strength. Leaving the usual suspects of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill along with free agent pick up Melvin Gordon.

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New York Jets

 

Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall present owners with a very complex situation. Both Cook (shoulder) and Hall (ACL) are returning from injuries last season. Cook's shoulder injury was less serious and he's expected to start the season in a more featured role allowing Hall time to regain his confidence, so that these talented Running Backs can share the workload. 

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Buffalo Bills 

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In Buffalo second year running back James Cook is slated to take over as the team's starter. Cook definitely has all purpose ability and could thrive in the Bills offense but he'll need to stay healthy for the entire season and potentially could be affected by the presence of veterans Damien Harris and Latavius Murray who are both a threat to Cook for goal line carries. 

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Denver Broncos

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Denver running back Javonte Williams should be close to if not 100% when the Regular Season begins. Williams tore his ACL in week 4 of last season. As long as he's healthy, he'll certainly have fantasy value as an all-purpose back but Denver has a new Head Coach and play caller in Sean Payton whose known to utilize a two running back system. Free agent pickup Samaje Perine could see a meaningful amount of work to help keep Williams fresh early on and throughout the season.

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Kansas City Chiefs

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The Clyde Edwards Helaire show appears to have run its course in Kansas City. At least according to the Chiefs depth chart, second year Running Back Isaiah Pacheco will get the starting job with backup Jerrick McKinnon looking to thrive in his hybrid role, making Pacheco and McKinnon a dangerous and must grab duo in Kansas City. 

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Las Vegas Raiders

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Last year's rushing yardage leader Josh Jacobs Is still holding out for a new contract. Head coach Josh McDaniel has already said that Jacobs will be the workhorse again once he rejoins the team. Until then you can expect for the Raiders to run some form of a committee with second year running back Zamir White first in line to receive the bulk of the work.

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Philadelphia Eagles

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The Eagles backfield appears to be up for grabs at the moment as the team has not designated an outright starter. But newly acquired free agent D'Andre Swift has the most talent in terms of overall skill set and should assume the starting role at some point. Even with that being the case, Philadelphia is notorious for rotating Running Backs and so Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott and newcomer Rashad Penny could all factor in at some point. 

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New England Patriots

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Even though New England recently signed running back Ezekiel Elliott, Rhamondre Stevenson remains the teams unquestioned starter. Elliot isn't a threat to Stevenson's PPR value but could take away meaningful carries in short yardage situations and around the goal line if that ends up being his primary role. 

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Indianapolis Colts

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2021 rushing yard leader Jonathan Taylor is also holding out of training camp. Taylor is on the tail end of dealing with his knee issue but most notably is holding out for a new contract. There doesn't seem to be much movement right now but if Taylor returns he will eventually see the bulk of carries like normal. Until Taylor returns, Zach Moss will handle the majority of running back duties. 

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Carolina Panthers

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The Panthers completely revamped their offense in the off-season including signing free agent Running Back Miles Sanders from the Philadelphia Eagles. Carolina has a rookie Quarterback and so the running game will be a focal point and should afford Sanders ample opportunity to be fantasy relevant. Backups Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear loom in the background eager for touches. 

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Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Running Back Tony Pollard comes into the season with huge expectations now that former starter Ezekiel Elliott is gone. Pollard is bouncing back from a broken leg and high ankle sprain that he suffered this past January. When he's a full go, he's expected to carry the full workload but grabbing rookie Running Back Deuce Vaughn as an insurance policy is a good idea. 

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Green Bay Packers

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With new starter Jordan Love under center for Green Bay this season you can expect the duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to absorb a lot of the workload. Jones is the higher ranked player due to his pass catching ability and open field elusiveness. But Dillion certainly has value as an elite shortage yard runner especially around the goal line where he could dominate those carries.

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San Francisco 49ers 

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Christian McCaffrey is fully healthy and set to lead the 49ers backfield this year but the immense workload can be a lot to handle and McCaffrey has struggled with some injury setbacks during his career, making backup Running Back Elijah Mitchell a must have as a handcuff. Mitchell has had some early fantasy success in his career but has been mired by injuries as well. 

 

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