We at the moment are squarely in fantasy soccer draft season, which implies we have to know which backfields are probably the most fantasy pleasant to the backup operating backs throughout the league. Not all backfields and backups are created equally. Positive, any backup would see a rise in snaps if the starter had been to go down with an damage, however what number of of them can be in line for almost all of the snaps on a productive offense? That’s the query we’ll attempt to reply under.
Montgomery may begin video games because the lead again, however everyone knows who the highest fantasy again is in Detroit, as Jahmyr Gibbs is being chosen within the first spherical, whereas Montgomery goes within the fifth spherical. Gibbs completed as the highest PPR again within the league final season after Montgomery missed the final three video games. In fact, the difficulty with Montgomery is that you need to draft him pretty early as Gibbs’ fantasy backup. Sure, he might be helpful in fantasy with Gibbs there, but when Gibbs had been to overlook time, he would probably develop into a excessive upside should begin.
Saquon Barkley has quite a lot of put on and tear on his physique, particularly with 482 touches over the common season and playoffs final season. Shipley has proven flashes and seems to be the primary backup for Barkley. He may share some work with AJ Dillon, however he’s the participant I’d need if Barkley misses time. The Eagles offense, led by top-of-the-line offensive traces within the league, will elevate Shipley’s fantasy ceiling if he will get an opportunity.
Allgeier has confirmed he generally is a good fantasy again on this league, however he sadly has to compete with Bijan Robinson for the lead job. Robinson is nice and so long as he’s wholesome he’s the lead again, however any missed time would go to Allgeier. I additionally anticipate the Falcons to have a stronger offense underneath Michael Penix Jr. this season, elevating whoever is on the market.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
There was a gentle drumbeat for Charbonnet this preseason, as Kenneth Walker has been out with a foot damage. Walker did simply return to follow, however his historical past of accidents is regarding. Seattle might be extra run heavy this yr with Klint Kubiak put in at OC. Whoever can keep wholesome on this backfield ought to have good upside week in and week out.
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots
Henderson is a giant play ready to occur, however he’s nonetheless the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. Mike Vrabel and firm don’t need to give Henderson 20 touches a recreation in the event that they don’t must. However, he ought to see work behind Stevenson whereas probably working towards turning into the lead again.
Mason put up robust numbers in reduction of Christian McCaffrey late final season and parlayed these into a pleasant contract with the Vikings. He at present has veteran Aaron Jones forward of him, however Jones isn’t a 20-25 touches per recreation form of again. Mason ought to get work whereas ready within the wings for much more work if Jones had been to overlook time.
James Conner continues his late profession surge with the Cardinals, however there’s loads of motive to imagine he may falter on the ripe previous age of 30. The Cardinals have a great offensive line and the specter of Kyler Murray operating retains defenses from overcommitting to the operating again. And, Benson can be the lead and certain each down again if Conner had been to endure an damage.
Allen and Breece Corridor appear to be they’ll cut up work to start out the season. Meaning when you draft Allen, you don’t have to attend for a Corridor damage to presumably see some outcomes. This Jets group goes to run the ball a ton this yr.
James Cook dinner scored a whopping 16 speeding touchdowns final season. That quantity might be laborious to achieve once more, however we all know the Payments offense led by Josh Allen can transfer the ball and get into scoring place extra usually than different groups. Davis can be the lead and presumably three-down again if Cook dinner had been to overlook any time.
The acquisition of Brian Robinson from the Commanders is a little bit worrisome, however Guerendo remains to be the RB2 per beat author Matt Barrows and it is smart. Guerendo ran a 4.33 40 on the mix, whereas Robinson ran a 4.53. That doesn’t show Guerendo is a greater soccer participant, however Kyle Shanahan loves operating backs with pace. He turned UDFA Raheem Mostert and his 4.32 pace right into a weapon and certain would reasonably have the massive play means of Guerendo’s than the move-the-pile means of Robinson.
