Fantasy Football FYI at Running Back (2022)

October 1, 2022 Les Maynard
Fantasy Football FYI Week 4 Running Backs 2022

Welcome to Fantasy Football FYI at Running Back!

So far, Fantasy Football 2022 has made a case for drafting Zero RB in 2023, but that’s an article for another day. Aside from Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley, it’s safe to say RBs in the 1st two rounds have either busted or been inconsistent at best. Rather than do an add/drop, I want to discuss safe or high-floor running backs to consider while waiting for your studs to come around. This list will not include RB handcuffs like Khalil Herbert or Alexander Mattison, who are up next due to injuries to starters. 

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs

Those who drafted CEH are enjoying the steal. He is currently tied for 4th RB in ½-PPR Fantasy Points Per Game (FPTS/G) after being drafted as the consensus RB27. Yet despite scoring double-digit FPTS in every game this season, he is still only Expert Consensus Rank (ECR) RB27 and considered a sell-high candidate. Where many view his lack of usage (22 carries through three games) as a sign of concern, I see a high floor and opportunity for growth. CEH’s involvement in the passing game has increased weekly, providing him a floor of 12 touches/game. Jerrick Mckinnon’s involvement has increased lately, but he’s not a threat to take lead-back duties due to his poor pass-blocking. Prof Football Focus (PFF) grades CEH’s Pass Blocking at 91.1 and McKinnon’s at 25.9, meaning he is more valuable in passing situations. Patrick Mahomes and the KC offense value this as they pass 62% of the time. With this and the lack of involvement from Isaiah Pacheco and Ronald Jones Jr., I see CEH’s usage increasing as the season progress. 

Cordarelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons

I admit that Cordarelle Patterson was so consistent on my Do Not Draft list I can’t even tell you what round he was going in. A 31yr-old RB/WR combo on a terrible Falcons team with a bad Offensive Line is likely to be in a negative game script all season. I couldn’t see the upside. However, after three weeks, Patterson is tied with CEH for 5th (15.7) in RB FPTS/G. What’s even more impressive is that he’s 3rd in total Rushing Yards (302), trailing only Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley. Despite a 28th PFF-ranked Offensive Line, Patterson is 3rd in the league in Yards per Attempt (YPA) at 6.2 and 7.0 Yards per Reception. With Damien Williams on IR until Week 5 and rookie Tyler Allgeier failing to establish himself in the running or passing game, Cordarelle possesses the perfect combination of opportunity with double-digit touches per game and big-play ability. 

Damien Harris/Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

I’m lumping these teammates together based on similarities in capability, usage, and outlook. Ranked ECR RB 32 and 33, respectively, Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris are truly a 1A/1B duo for the Patriots. They have similar rushing attempts and Yards Per Attempt: Harris (35 and 4.6), Stevenson (29 and 5.0). The important thing here is recognizing the opportunity both RBs have, especially considering the injury to Mac Jones. The Patriots are ranked 23rd in Passing Play Percentage (55.7%) with Mac Jones in the line-up, which will decrease while Brian Hoyer starts in his place. They also have the 7th-rated Offensive Line in the NFL and 10th best in Run Blocking. Committing to the run more may not be a bad thing considering their next four games are against opponents who rank at the bottom in the league for Run Defense with the Packers, Lions, Browns, and Bears. Harris and Stevenson should be in your starting line-ups, as RB3/FLEX plays. 

Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions

I said I wouldn’t include handcuffs, but Jamaal Williams does not fall into that category. Williams averaged double-digit touches (13) and FPTS/G (10.5) before D’Andre Swift got injured. He is currently 1st among RBs with 11 rushing attempts inside the 20-yard line and 2nd with attempts inside five yards. He also ties Nick Chubb with four Red Zone (RZ) TDs behind Detroit’s 3rd-ranked O-line, meaning he’s converting these attempts at a high rate. Craig Reynolds is no threat to get meaningful touches, and Williams will continue to have a significant role in the offense when Swift returns due to his RZ efficiency and Pass Blocking (82.6 vs. Swift’s 62.2). Those with Williams on their roster have a high-floor/high-ceiling RB going forward, especially with Swift’s injury history.

Thanks for reading our first Fantasy Football FYI at Running Back!

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About Les Maynard 17 Articles
Fantasy Football Average Joe turned Writer and Podcast Personality. Fortunate to link with the experts at Fantasy In Frames to deliver stats-based content giving you an edge in your leagues. Avid Obstacle Course Race runner and that penchant for risk and upside is evident in my recommendations. Follow me on Twitter @SpectacularLes
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