Emerging Stars in Fantasy Football Running Back Scene
After yet another week of watching standout performances from players like Jonathan Taylor, Devon Ashen, and Jahmil Gibbs, it’s becoming clear—this is shaping up to be the year of the new running back in fantasy football.
This week also highlighted the emergence of Tre’Vayon Henderson, who, alongside Kyren Williams and Breece Hall, has made a significant impact among the top performers in Week 10. With this, the Patriots might finally have a valid reason to step away from Rhamondre Stephenson.
In Houston, rookie running back Woody Marks seems to be getting less attention as veteran Nick Chubb gains more ground. Chubb’s increasing role, especially noticeable in the last four games, may have contributed to his 80 percent snap share in Week 10. Yes, he was a key player in the passing game, particularly while the Texans were trailing. However, it’s also his ability to run with power between the tackles that appears to have solidified his position.
Marks averaged 4.5 yards per carry against a robust Jaguars run defense, showcasing his versatility and allowing for more inventive play-calling from the Texans. Some might say Chubb lacks finesse; when he’s on the field, defenses are likely anticipating a straightforward run. But Marks brings a different kind of strength and agility that gives the Texans more options—whether they throw inside, outside, or adjust based on the defense. It seems we’ve been waiting for a shift in Houston, and this might just be it. Marks is still available in about 40 percent of leagues on ESPN and Yahoo, so he could be worth picking up soon.
Finding Alternatives in the Running Back Pool
In leagues that are particularly deep or fiercely competitive, adding a starting running back can feel nearly impossible. Nonetheless, players like Emari DeMercado from Arizona could be a viable option. Trey Benson is expected to return from IR shortly, yet DeMercado has established himself as the Cardinals’ go-to pass-catching back, especially when it comes to late-game scenarios. He’s still facing less than 20% ownership across the league, making him a promising target.
There’s a memory of DeMercado’s fumble at the goal line in Week 5—definitely a missed opportunity. He was practically benched in Jonathan Gannon’s doghouse for a week after that, followed by an ankle injury. However, not only is he back, but his performance, racking up over 100 yards from scrimmage last week, suggests that this wasn’t a one-off. His role seems secure moving forward.
Acquiring depth at the running back position has never been trickier in fantasy football. If there’s a free agent available, you should pounce on them without hesitation. If this truly is the year of the running back, your championship dreams may very well depend on it.
