We are now squarely in fantasy football draft season, which means we need to know which backfields are the most fantasy friendly to the backup running backs across the league. Not all backfields and backups are created equally. Sure, any backup would see an increase in snaps if the starter were to go down with an injury, but how many of them would be in line for the majority of the snaps on a productive offense? That’s the question we’ll try to answer below.
Montgomery might start games as the lead back, but we all know who the top fantasy back is in Detroit, as Jahmyr Gibbs is being selected in the first round, while Montgomery goes in the fifth round. Gibbs finished as the top PPR back in the league last season after Montgomery missed the last three games. Of course, the trouble with Montgomery is that you have to draft him fairly early as Gibbs’ fantasy backup. Yes, he can be useful in fantasy with Gibbs there, but if Gibbs were to miss time, he would likely become a high upside must start.
Saquon Barkley has a lot of wear and tear on his body, especially with 482 touches over the regular season and playoffs last season. Shipley has shown flashes and appears to be the main backup for Barkley. He could share some work with AJ Dillon, but he is the player I’d want if Barkley misses time. The Eagles offense, led by one of the best offensive lines in the league, will elevate Shipley’s fantasy ceiling if he gets a chance.
Allgeier has proven he can be a good fantasy back in this league, but he unfortunately has to compete with Bijan Robinson for the lead job. Robinson is great and as long as he’s healthy he’s the lead back, but any missed time would go to Allgeier. I also expect the Falcons to have a stronger offense under Michael Penix Jr. this season, elevating whoever is out there.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
There has been a steady drumbeat for Charbonnet this preseason, as Kenneth Walker has been out with a foot injury. Walker did just return to practice, but his history of injuries is concerning. Seattle will be more run heavy this year with Klint Kubiak installed at OC. Whoever can stay healthy in this backfield should have good upside week in and week out.
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
Henderson is a big play waiting to happen, but he’s still the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. Mike Vrabel and company don’t want to give Henderson 20 touches a game if they don’t have to. But, he should see work behind Stevenson while likely working toward becoming the lead back.
Mason put up strong numbers in relief of Christian McCaffrey late last season and parlayed those into a nice contract with the Vikings. He currently has veteran Aaron Jones ahead of him, but Jones isn’t a 20-25 touches per game kind of back. Mason should get work while waiting in the wings for even more work if Jones were to miss time.
James Conner continues his late career surge with the Cardinals, but there is plenty of reason to believe he could falter at the ripe old age of 30. The Cardinals have a good offensive line and the threat of Kyler Murray running keeps defenses from overcommitting to the running back. And, Benson would be the lead and likely every down back if Conner were to suffer an injury.
Allen and Breece Hall look like they’ll split work to start the season. That means if you draft Allen, you don’t have to wait for a Hall injury to possibly see some results. This Jets team is going to run the ball a ton this year.
James Cook scored a whopping 16 rushing touchdowns last season. That number will be hard to reach again, but we know the Bills offense led by Josh Allen can move the ball and get into scoring position more often than other teams. Davis would be the lead and possibly three-down back if Cook were to miss any time.
The acquisition of Brian Robinson from the Commanders is a little worrisome, but Guerendo is still the RB2 per beat writer Matt Barrows and it makes sense. Guerendo ran a 4.33 40 at the combine, while Robinson ran a 4.53. That doesn’t prove Guerendo is a better football player, but Kyle Shanahan loves running backs with speed. He turned UDFA Raheem Mostert and his 4.32 speed into a weapon and likely would rather have the big play ability of Guerendo’s than the move-the-pile ability of Robinson.
