Right now, we’re in the midst of fantasy football draft season. It’s crucial to figure out which backfields are the most favorable for fantasy points compared to backup running backs across the league. Not every backfield, or backup, is on equal footing. While we often see backups step up when starters are injured, the real question is how many are positioned to play significant snaps in a productive offense.
Take Montgomery, for example. He might start as the primary back, but we all know that Detroit’s top fantasy asset is Gibbs, who was picked in the first round while Montgomery went later in the fifth. Last season, Gibbs was the leading PPR player after Montgomery missed the last three games. The catch with Montgomery is, well, he has to be drafted as Gibbs’ backup fairly early. He could be handy, sure, but if Gibbs is sidelined, Montgomery’s value is likely to drop.
Then there’s Saquon Barkley, whose body has taken quite the beating—482 touches during the regular season and playoffs last year. Shipley has shown some flashes and seems to be Barkley’s standout backup. He shared carries with AJ Dillon, but if Barkley were to miss any games, Shipley would be my go-to. With one of the league’s best offensive lines supporting him, being part of the Eagles’ offense could elevate Shipley’s fantasy potential significantly.
Allgeier has shown he can perform well in fantasy, but he’s stuck competing with Bijan Robinson for the lead role. Robinson is impressive, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s the one to watch. However, if he misses time, Allgeier will surely benefit. The Falcons are looking to strengthen their offensive game this season, especially under the guidance of Michael Penix Jr.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
This preseason has been notable with Kenneth Walker sidelined due to a foot injury. While Walker has recently returned to practice, his injury history is worrisome. With Klint Kubiak now the offensive coordinator, Seattle plans to run more heavily this year. Anyone who stays healthy in this backfield could see their value rise.
Trevion Henderson, Patriots
Henderson is a player with big potential, though he’s currently playing backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. The coaching staff seems cautious about involving Henderson unless absolutely necessary. However, he’s working towards becoming the lead back, and he should be getting some opportunities behind Stevenson.
Mason stepped up significantly for Christian McCaffrey late last season, showcasing strong performance when it was needed the most. Right now, he’s behind veteran Aaron Jones, who isn’t likely to handle 20-25 touches per game at this stage. Mason’s going to need to stay ready for when more opportunities arise if Jones is out.
James Connor is still making strides in his late career with the Cardinals, but at 30 years old, there are valid concerns about his durability. The offensive line has some strength, and Kyler Murray’s run threat helps keep defenses honest. If Benson leads the pack and Connor gets injured, it could really change the dynamics.
It appears that Allen and Brace Hall are set to share the workload at the season’s start. If you picked Allen, you shouldn’t fret too much about Hall’s previous injuries affecting your outcomes. The Jets have a clear intent to run the ball a lot this year.
James Cook had an impressive 16 rushing touchdowns last season. While replicating that figure might be tough, it’s evident that the Bills’ offense, led by Josh Allen, tends to move the ball effectively more often than others. If Cook misses any time, Davis likely becomes the lead, which could change the landscape considerably.
The addition of Brian Robinson from the Commanders is a bit concerning, but he’s still seen as an RB2 by beat writer Matt Burrows. That perspective makes sense. Galend posted a 4.33 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, whereas Robinson clocked in at 4.53. This doesn’t necessarily mean Galend is the superior player, but Kyle Shanahan tends to favor speed in his running strategy. He turned UDFA Raheem Mostert, known for his speed, into a significant asset and may end up valuing Galend’s skills over Robinson’s capabilities.
