Fantasy Running Backs Advice
by Brandon of RotoPicks.com
Years ago, running backs used to be the most reliable and lethal position in fantasy football. However, in recent years offensive philosophies have gravitated toward the passing game, and many teams implemented coach Mike Shanahan's "running back by committee" strategy (aka: RBBC) (a team would split carries between two or three backs). These changes rocked the fantasy world, and now fantasy owners must be aware of five different types of ball carriers.
The Workhorse
The workhorse back is the classic back that longtime fantasy owners get misty over. Workhorses get the vast majority of a team's carries, gobble up yardage, catch passes and most importantly score TDs on the goalline. These RBs are scarce, and usually the league has no more than six or so at any given time. Because workhorses have so many opportunities to score fantasy points, they're a smart start in any format as they offer:
- 20 to 25 carries per game
- Always a threat to post a 100 yard game
- Effective pass catchers
- Get goalline carries
Feature Back/Starter/1st and 2nd Down Back
The feature back is a downgraded version of the workhorse. Usually he'll get the majority of his team's carries (often on 1st and 2nd downs) and solid yardage. However, the feature back may lose carries to a backup for several reasons. He may not be an ideal pass catcher or blocker for 3rd downs; he may get subbed out in favor of a bulkier goalline back; or he may not have the stamina to handle a workhorse's load. These backs generally offer:
- 15 to 20 carries per game
- Good for 75+ yards
- May lack receiving ability, the ideal size for goalline work, or stamina
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Timeshare Back
The timeshare back splits carries almost evenly with another RB on the team. He might be capable of producing workhorse numbers, but his situation limits him to average amounts of carries and yardage. Timeshares arise for many reasons: equal talent levels among RBs, dynamic rushing attacks (one speed back, one power), conservative coaching, etc. The wisest time to start a timeshare back is when his counterpart is injured, struggling, or ill-suited for the matchup. This type of ball carrier generally offers you:
- 10 to 15 carries per game
- 50 to 70 yards
- May be involved in the goalline offense or passing game
Pass Catcher/3rd Down Back
The pass catching back is typically a backup who plays in passing situations. He's usually speedy, small, and a solid route-runner. These RBs may not even get carries, but they can score plenty of points by catching passes and adding on yardage. The major downside to pass catchers is that they get minimal carries, low yardage, and almost no goalline carries. Probably a guy you look at using during a bye week for season leagues or in the last round of a weekly snake draft league as a reserve. This RB generally offers:
- 0 to 5 carries per game
- 2 to 8 catches per game
- 20 to 50 yards on average
- Few opportunities to score TDs
Goalline Back
The goalline back is typically a bruising runner who comes in on short yardage situations. He may only get two carries in a game, but both could land him in the endzone. The risk/reward selection among RBs. This type of rusher is very predictable in what he offers:
- 1 to 5 carries per game
- 0 to 15 yards on average
- Rarely involved in the passing game
Basic RB Advice
Start RBs in run-oriented offenses. This is a no-brainer, but your best chance of getting points is to select a RB from one of the few teams that commit to the run on a weekly basis. The NFL is currently a pass-happy league, and many offensive coordinators are comfortable with abandoning the run, even if they have a capable RB.
Be wary of good RBs on bad teams. Rams RB Steven Jackson could've been a fantasy beast during his career, but his team's situation crippled him. The Rams often fell behind early and abandoned the running game to play catch up. Even when Jackson received carries, he typically drew the defense's full attention, as the Rams anemic pass offense scared no one. If you know your RB's team will get slaughtered on Sunday, reconsider starting him. Otherwise, he might spend the entire game passblocking or facing a nine-man box.
Value RBs who can catch the ball. Stuck choosing between two seemingly equal RBs? Check and see if one of them is a factor in the passing game. Some backs aren't even on the field on passing downs, while others catch at least three or four balls every week. Four catches is two extra points, and that's not even factoring in the receiving yardage.
Salary Strategy: Picking Sleeper RB's
Let's say you're scraping for a cheap RB who will fit under your salary cap. It's likely that the best options will be backups, so you'll have to choose between timeshare guys, pass catchers, and goalline backs. The high risk, high reward play is the goalline back-if he punches in a TD, there's 6 points. Timeshare guys might be a safer bet in terms of yardage, but the cheap ones may be lucky to gain 50 total yards. And while pass catchers benefit from PPR, remember that it would require twelve catches to match the 6 points that a goalline back can garner in one carry.
Snake Draft Strategy: Grab RBs Early
There are usually only a handful of workhorse RBs in the league, so you'd be wise to grab one with an early round pick. In mid-rounds, look for feature backs who either get goalline carries or soft matchups. Sure-fire RBs go quickly, so don't wait too long on them.
Pick 'em Strategy: RBs over WRs and TEs, but not QBs
If a high tier offers a choice between RBs and WR/TEs, the safest bet is a consistent workhorse or feature RB. WR and TE tend to be boom or bust positions, so there is generally more risk with them. Although RBs are safer picks than most, it's a stretch to take them above a QB, especially in higher tiers.
As for the lower tiers, it's often best to avoid RBs. Lower tiers typically offer timeshare RBs, which means you'll have to hope for a TD or a slew of catches to crack double digits. Use your judgment, but in these lower tiers, you're better off picking a WR with upside.
If you liked this article, you might also be interested in reading another article I wrote called How to Spot Fantasy Football Sleepers.
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