Fantasy Football PREP: Running Backs, Minimize Risk & Maximize Gains
- iAmMizz!
- Sep 5, 2020
- 17 min read
If you read my 2019 Running Back Preview, you might remember that like most fantasy managers, the running back position is very important to me. All RB starters and most backups are usually gone by Round 5 or 6 in the leagues I'm in, sometimes sooner. Because of this, you have to target them early and make sure you don't miss on your selections. For me, that means avoid holdouts, injury red flags, and tandem backs in Rounds 1 and 2.
After your early target or two, you're going to want to load up on depth at this position. Key backups can quickly become sleepers due to injuries or trades (just look at this week, Leonard Fournette is on the move, Alvin Kamara is still in limbo, and Adrian Peterson and Lamar Miller were both released among others). Lower in the draft, you may even want to pick up a "handcuff" that you like (AKA a backup for a bell-cow RB like Ezekiel Elliott, who would only have value if the said starter missed time). My 2019 RB preview was titled "Draft Depth & Own the Waiver Wire" for a reason. 2020 is no different, in fact, the looming threat of Covid means you need even more depth and roster knowledge (when putting in waivers) than usual. This year I have a new motto when it comes to RB's, minimize risk and maximize gains.
Here are my seven major RB metrics for 2020:
Pre-Draft Rank (always)
Dual-Purpose Back? (especially in PPR leagues, know whether or not your RB is a factor in both the run and pass)
Touches Per Game (similar to targets for WR's, you want the RB's who dominate touch-counts whether on the ground, through the air, or both!)
Offensive Line Rank (O-Line is just as crucial for RB's as it is for QB's, maybe more)
Touchdowns (is your RB a factor in the red zone, especially on the goal line, or is there a power backup who constantly vultures away TD's)
Offensive/Team Efficiency (concerning the QB, coaching and unit as a whole... do they move the ball? Having a top RB is great, but if the team is down 30 most games then they probably won't run it much. This is a smaller concern but something to keep in mind)
Injury/Covid Risk (you always want to keep an eye on injury-prone players, but this season you need to keep an eye on irresponsible players as well. Players that break protocol could kill your fantasy season, so you might want to avoid character risks this season)
**ESPN's projected ranks will correspond to a 16-team draft and the score settings below:
ALL TD's: +6, Per Rush/Receiving Yard: +0.1, PPR: +0.5
Bonus- 200+rushing/receiving: +2, ALL 2PC's: +1
Negatives- Fumble: -0.5, Fumble Lost: -1.5
2020 Fantasy Football Previews: Quarterbacks, WR Top50, WR DeepDive, Tight Ends, D/ST+K
Before we get started, I'm going to reiterate our 2020 O-Line rankings from my QB breakdown, averaging late-Aug. projections from three experts (Sporting News, Establish the Run, and Huddle):
1. Saints (2.00 average)
2. Colts & Cowboys (2.67)
4. Ravens (5.00)
5. Raiders (6.00)
6. Steelers (6.33)
7. 49ers (7.00)
8. Packers (7.33)
9. Eagles (8.33) - injuries since
10. Browns (11.00)
11. Patriots (11.67)
12. Chiefs (13.33)
13. Bucs & Bills (16.00)
15. Chargers (16.33)
16. Titans (17.00)
17. Vikings (17.33)
18. Texans (18.00)
19. Cardinals (19.33)
20. Lions & Falcons (20.67)
22. Giants & Bears (22.00)
24. Panthers/Jags/Rams(22.33)
27. Broncos (23.33)
28. Jets (28.00)
29. Seahawks & W.F.T. (29.67)
31. Bengals (30.33)
32. Dolphins (31.33)
2020 Running Back Ranks
PLATINUM Draft Status (Proj. Round 1)
Key: Position Rank/Total Rank. Player Name, Team (projected points) [2019 position rank]
1/1. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers (288.9) [1]: (#1) The only running back to manage over 400 touches in 2019, CMC is the consensus number one overall pick. He is the straw that stirs the drink in Carolina, and you would be foolish to pass on him if you end up drafting first.
2/2. Saquon Barkley, Giants (259.7) [10]: (TARGET) I was in favor of drafting Saquon number one in 2019, but I was wrong. While McCaffrey's targets per game were at a 8.81, Barkley's were a 5.62. Saquon also averaged almost five less touches per game, and missed three important fantasy weeks due to an injury. There's no doubt that CMC is now the running back to draft first, but I still probably take Barkley second over Zeke because of his dual-threat ability.
3/3. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys (269.7) [4]: (TARGET) Being that I was strongly considering Elliott for a number two overall rank, he obviously gets the nod from me at three. Zeke just checks all the boxes; top-ranked offensive line, not usually injured, great offensive unit around him, second most touches in 2019 behind McCaffrey, 14/2 total TD to lost fumble ratio (last season). The only issue with the Cowboys' bell-cow is that he's not much of a receiver.
4/4. Dalvin Cook, Vikings (256.7) [5]: (AVOID) I've been wary of Cook pretty much every season since he's been in the league. The more his draft stock goes up, the more I worry. Great play-making talent when he's on the field, but generally too big of an injury risk at number four. Also not crazy about this offensive line or the depth of this offensive unit in 2020, although the latter could work in Cook's favor.
5/5. Alvin Kamara, Saints (251.8) [13]: (TARGET) Kamara is coming off a down-season. His yards per game were low, his TD's were low, his overall touch count did not compare to other top RB's. One major part of this is that Latavius Murray pillages stats from Kamara. Two things I really like about the Saints number one though; maybe the top O-Line in football, and third in receptions for RB's (dual-threat). The contract issue seems to have been fast-tracked, so I expect Kamara to rebound big in 2020 (especially if he ends up playing for his money).
6/7. Derrick Henry, Titans (238.3) [3]: (TARGET) I'm not sure if you can expect Henry to repeat third in RB points and 102.67 rush yards per game, but you know that the Titans' are going to do everything in their power to get him there. I like that Henry's body seems sturdy and built to last, and you know he'll get a ton of touches and red zone runs. In terms of the minimize risk strategy, you can't ask for much more than that.
7/8. Miles Sanders, Eagles (221.8) [15]: (AVOID) So many fantasy analysts are high on Sanders heading into this season, but I'm not so sure (and I drafted him last year). He's been injured most of camp, Philly's O-Line has lost multiple players in preseason (including top-rated guard Brandon Brooks), and Eagles' HC Doug Pederson is notorious for splitting snaps between multiple RB's. Boston Scott and Corey Clement will get utilized more than people think.
8/9. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs (217.7) [N/A]: (RED-ALERT SLEEPER) C.E.H. became a sleeper the minute Damien Williams opted out. When Kansas City made no move to replace him, the rookie ventured into red-alert status. I would draft him ahead of Sanders and Cook, and maybe even Kamara. Just think of it like this, Williams was a journeyman before he joined the Chiefs. Edwards-Helaire on the other hand is a top prospect... CHING-CHING!
9/10. Josh Jacobs, Raiders (220.6) [17]: (TARGET) I feel way more confident about this group of top 10 RB's than the 2019 group (David Johnson, Le'Veon, Gurley...), and Jacobs is another that I would be pleased with. Vegas has an underrated O-Line, and Jacobs is a tough runner who was third in rush yards per game as a rookie. Word is he may get the ball even more in 2020, both on the ground and through the air, so perhaps his value could increase.
10/11. Nick Chubb, Browns (224.2) [7]: (UNSURE) I have to admit, I was totally wrong about Chubb in 2019. I thought the Browns poor offensive line plus the eventual Kareem Hunt handcuff would be enough to short-circuit him, but it didn't. Chubb was fourth in touches and second in rush yards per game behind Henry. He even ran at a 5.01 clip per carry. Chubb has turned me into a believer, especially with an improved blocking unit in front of him, but will a full season of Hunt paired with him limit his success?
11/12. Kenyan Drake, Cardinals (218.1) [16]: (AVOID) Drake has been missing practices in a walking boot, but both Kliff Kingsbury and Kenyan himself have said that there's no reason to be concerned. The former Miami Dolphin had a break-through in Arizona's system during the second half of 2019, scoring a 39.1 and 31.9 in Weeks 15 and 16. His numbers may have been more matchup-centric than talent-based though. Playing within an offense known for passing the ball to the many weapons around him, I'm not sure Drake deserves a RB11 rank. Don't hate the player, but this draft status turns me off, similar to Sanders.
12/13. Aaron Jones, Packers (217.1) [2]: (UNSURE) I'm not even a Packers fan and the AJ Dillon draft choice pisses me off. It just feels like Green Bay is messing with a good thing, or perhaps they are preparing for when they let Jones test free agency in 2021. Either way I still like Jones on this run-first Packers team (since LaFleur has taken over) right now. My only concern is that he reached second in points last season by scoring 19 total touchdowns, and Dillon could take away from his 2020 total as a power-runner in goal line situations.
13/14. Joe Mixon, Bengals (209.7) [12]: (PPR TARGET) Mixon was more likely holding out than having migraines this preseason, but since he got paid things should be fine now. Possibly the most wasted talent in the NFL, the Bengals RB has dual-threat ability and a high touch count. If only his offensive line wasn't still so terrible! I'll probably avoid Mixon during Burrow's rookie campaign, just to feel things out before jumping into the deep in, but you could do worse at RB13.
14/15. Austin Ekeler, Chargers (205.5) [6]: (RED-ALERT SLEEPER) One of the main reasons I pass on Mixon is that Austin Ekeler is sitting right behind him. In half or full PPR's, I would consider drafting Ek top 10. I love this RB in 2020. The Chargers will run the ball a ton behind Tyrod Taylor and maybe Herbert down the line, and Justin Jackson is really the only other rusher of consequence on this roster. Ekeler will also dominate out of the backfield, as possibly the closest thing to McCaffrey that isn't named Christian. He had 92 receptions last season and 62.06 receiving yards per game. Keep in mind that Melvin Gordon stole rushing touches/TD's from Ek in 2019 too, and he still finished sixth in points for all running backs.
GOLD Draft Status (Proj. Round 2-4)
15/39. Chris Carson, Seahawks (205.1) [11]: (TARGET) Although Carson's had injury issues in the past, and a hip concern now, he's still probably the best option out of this second plateau. Seattle likes to run the ball, and Carson is the clear number one with only Carlos Hyde healthy on the roster behind him. He ranked sixth in touches in 2019.
16/40. David Johnson, Texans (204.3) [38]: (BUST) Who knows what this rushing attack will be like in 2020, but I'd rather take a chance on third down back Duke Johnson Jr. than David. This offensive line stinks and D.J. has been trending downward for years now.
17/43. Todd Gurley II, Falcons (198.8) [14]: (RISKY SLEEPER) Was not a fan of Gurley last season, and he's still a HUGE injury risk, but it's hard to deny that the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year isn't a steal this low in the order. He's a candidate for a major bounce-back with the Falcons unit, so long as he can stay on the field.
18/44. Melvin Gordon, Broncos (176.3) [23]: (BUST) Phillip Lindsay is still a talented running back who may challenge Gordon for RB1 duties in Denver, and supposedly the recent acquisition is having trouble getting acclimated to the Rocky Mountain altitude.
19/45. James Conner, Steelers (173.3) [33]: (SLEEPER) Last year Conner was rated far too high, and many fell for the let down by drafting him (myself included). At this status, Conner becomes a sleeper again. The Pittsburgh O-Line is still one of the better ones in football, and with Big Ben back this offense should be less anemic (AKA no more stacked box from the opposing defense).
20/46. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (170.3) [N/A]: (RED-ALERT SLEEPER) Marlon Mack failed to stand out behind a top-ranked blocking unit last year, and so Indianapolis wisely replaced him. Jonathan Taylor is an experienced college rusher who many believe is ready for the NFL level. He's a bell-cow type, not necessarily a big-time receiver, but expect him to win the battle for touches as the season goes on. Behind this OL, he might just be the top RB sleeper in 2020.
21/47. Cam Akers, Rams (160.1) [N/A]: (BUST) Akers and Malcolm Brown have been taking first team reps for the Rams, but this is a shared backfield I want no part of with an offensive line that looked totally shot last season.
22/48. Le'Veon Bell, Jets (171.8) [18]: (PPR SLEEPER) I would avoid Le'Veon in non-PPR leagues. The Jets have given every indication that Frank Gore and others will spell Bell this season to help manage his workload. As a receiver however, he could still hold a ton of value as the NY WR unit has become the walking wounding this Summer. Bell had 5.2 targets per game in 2019, which ranked 10th for all RB's, a number that could certainly rise even higher.
23/49. Raheem Mostert, 49ers (151.3) [24]: (TARGET) You want Kyle Shanahan's half-backs, history tells us that. Right now Mostert is the first down back in San Francisco. Some may feel Tevin Coleman offers more, but why not draft both? With Matt Breida off the roster and Jerick McKinnon no guarantee to log snaps, the Niners' top two are both viable options.
24/56. Devin Singletary, Bills (158.6) [32]: (UNSURE) It just feels like Buffalo isn't thrilled about Devin Singletary. Even though he ran for 5.13 yards per carry during his rookie campaign, the Bills drafted Zack Moss this Spring. Moss is more of the first down bruiser, so Singletary's value could become severely diminished if he starts missing out on goal line carries and overall touches.
25/57. David Montgomery, Bears (158.7) [25]: (BUST) Montgomery's groin injury placed him on the shelf for 2-4 weeks back around August 27, so he's unlikely to play Week 1. Even when he does return, the Bears offensive line doesn't offer the second-year pro much assistance, as the unit has seemingly gotten worse since 2019 (and it wasn't great to begin with). If you're going to target any Chicago RB this season, it should probably be Tarik Cohen, and only in PPR leagues.
26/58. D'Andre Swift, Lions (160.9) [N/A]: (SLEEPER) Recent reports have the star prospect on track for Week 1. He'll start out in a platoon with Kerryon Johnson, but the job is Swift's to win, should he rise to the occasion. This isn't a tremendous situation for the Georgia product, but Detroit did make attempts to improve their offensive line this offseason, and with Stafford back the Lions' offense should be loads more efficient in 2020.
27/59. Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers (125.8) [9]: (RED-ALERT SLEEPER) Leonard Fournette hit the jackpot when the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars released him. Now he's with Tom Brady and the jacked up Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So long as Fournette averages more carries than Ronald Jones, he should be a able to make a comeback just down the road in Florida.
28/60. Mark Ingram II, Ravens (147.7) [8]: (UNSURE) The J.K. Dobbins draft selection throws Mark Ingram's 2020 status into question. If the rookie impresses, will Ingram quickly become a backup in Baltimore? Either way, he'll certainly lose carries, and he only averaged 13.47 in 2019 to begin with. The Ravens also lost future Hall of Fame guard, Marshal Yanda.
SILVER Draft Status (Proj. Round 5-7)
29/70. Kareem Hunt, Browns (151.5) [51]: (UNSURE) The silver draft status contains most of the top handcuffs and tandems in football, and there are few more talented than Kareem Hunt. Unfortunately for Hunt, he's on a roster with Nick Chubb, who was third in rushing attempts per game in 2019. Hunt offers more value as a pass-catcher in PPR leagues, and he could become a sleeper if he can find a consistent role in this crowded offense.
30/71. Kerryon Johnson, Lions (137.6) [52]: (BUST) Kerryon's job is definitely in doubt in Detroit with Swift on the roster. Johnson only ran at a 3.57 yard clip last year, and he offers little in the passing game. The oft-injured Lions RB is probably running out of chances in this town.
31/72. Phillip Lindsay, Broncos (139.3) [19]: (SLEEPER) Don't get me wrong, Melvin Gordon's insertion into the Broncos' backfield hurts Lindsay a ton, but the tenacious back is probably one of the best handcuffs in the league should MGIII struggle.
32/85. Jordan Howard, Dolphins (138.2) [41]: (BUST) It's unclear who will start in Miami, but Howard's running style doesn't fit behind an offensive line this poor.
33/86. J.K. Dobbins, Ravens (120.8) [N/A]: (UNSURE) Dobbins could easily become a sleeper if he overtakes Ingram, but I feel like it will be more of a split-back situation in Baltimore, which doesn't necessarily bode well for a rookie who lacks experience on a championship contender.
34/87. Zack Moss, Bills (117) [N/A]: (SLEEPER) The rookie out of Utah should handle the early downs for Buffalo, and more importantly, the goal line touches. As a touchdown threat in a solid offense, Moss carries immediate fantasy value.
35/88. Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers (144.5) [26]: (AVOID) Ro-Jo should still garner a role in this offense, but how much fantasy value is even possible with Fournette handling early downs, and LeSean McCoy poised to steal away some third down sets.
36/89. Matt Breida, Dolphins (118.9) [45]: (TARGET) Not sure if Matt Breida will be very successful on the Dolphins, but if I were to choose between him and Howard, I would definitely prefer the speedier RB. He has playmaking ability, and some skill as a pass-catcher.
37/90. Tarik Cohen, Bears (142.2) [36]: (PPR SLEEPER) Cohen will be the lead back in Chicago until Montgomery returns, so in some ways he's an early season sleeper in general. He is certainly a sleeper in PPR leagues though, which I recommend drafting him in.
38/91. Alexander Mattison, Vikings (91) [59]: (HANDCUFF) Playing behind a rusher that has spent a lot of time on the IL early in his career, Mattison is usually one of the first handcuffs off the board. Unless Cook misses time however, he's virtually unplayable.
39/92. Tevin Coleman, 49ers (116) [37]: (SLEEPER) Like I said before, Coleman and Mostert should both be considered RB's to have in 2020. This 49ers unit runs like a locomotive, and Coleman is the better pass-catcher of the two.
40/93. James White, Patriots (129) [22]: (PPR SLEEPER) Nobody really knows for sure who will take over the Patriots backfield in 2020, but one thing's for certain, James White will be a PPR menace as always for Cam Newton and Josh McDaniels.
41/103. Darrell Henderson Jr., Rams (115.5) [96]: (AVOID) Darrell Henderson's recent injury has dropped him down to third on the depth chart in Los Angeles, he has no value as of now.
42/104. Latavius Murray, Saints (118.9) [29]: (VULTURE) Latavius Murray has become a touchdown vulture later in his career, but with Alvin Kamara threatening to hold out, Murray could become a whole new species of vulture in 2020. It's unlikely Kamara misses time, but expect Murray to gain a lot of draft attention anyway.
43/105. Marlon Mack, Colts (123.6) [20]: (BUST) Mack had his opportunity last season, and he didn't take it. He may not hold much value in 2020 if Jonathan Taylor takes over the early downs and Nyheim Hines remains a factor in the passing game.
BRONZE Draft Status (Proj. Round 8-10)
44/128. Tony Pollard, Cowboys (93.6) [50]: (HANDCUFF) I would only draft Pollard in deeper leagues when you already have Elliott, the Cowboys star doesn't miss too much time and Pollard doesn't get many opportunities. He acts solely as an injury handcuff.
45/129. Sony Michel, Patriots (78.3) [28]: (BUST) Lamar Miller's release is fantastic news for Sony Michel, but I still doubt his value. Michel only ran for 3.69 yards per carry in 2019. His lackluster elusiveness was only average behind a stacked Patriots' O-Line, so I can't imagine it will be better behind an aging one. Damien Harris and James White should also factor for touches.
46/130. Devine Ozigbo, Jaguars (72.6) [123]: (UNSURE) Ozigbo is now the number one running back in Jacksonville with Fournette gone and Armstrong out, but does he really hold any value? Or is he just some sort of placeholder running behind a subpar line.
47/131. Ryquell Armstrong, Jaguars (95.6) [76]: (AVOID) Armstrong is currently listed as OUT with a possibly Covid-related illness.
48/132. Duke Johnson, Texans (114.5) [31]: (SLEEPER) Duke Johnson can really flourish in PPR leagues, but I think there's a chance he could be a sleeper either way. The shotgun-style back fits this offense much better than David Johnson, who has struggled with injuries the past few years.
49/133. Damien Harris, Patriots (90.9) [140]: (AVOID) Damien Harris might get more burn this season, but there's too much going on in this New England RB room as usual.
50/139. Antonio Gibson, W.F.T. (158) [N/A]: (PPR SLEEPER) I'm not sure how often Gibson will run the ball, but it sounds like he'll be used heavily in the passing game. Ron Rivera compared Gibson to Christian McCaffrey, which may be a bit farfetched, but it still makes him worth a late draft pick in deeper formats.
51/140. Chase Edmonds, Cardinals (72.8) [54]: (HANDCUFF) Edmonds has value when he plays, but this offense barely runs the ball so the backup only has value if Drake is out.
52/141. Adrian Peterson, Free Agent (N/A) [30]: (WATCH LIST) Recently released, the legendary rusher only has value again if someone picks him up.
53/142. Chris Thompson, Jaguars (98.9) [55]: (PPR SLEEPER) It's easy to forget that Chris Thompson signed with the Jags this offseason, but he's now the most experienced back on the roster. More of a pass-catcher throughout his career, Thompson continuously holds value in PPR leagues, but does he have an opportunity to shine with Fournette cut.
54/143. Nyheim Hines, Colts (111) [44]: (AVOID) If you're really desperate for points in a PPR format, Hines might supply a couple catches per game, but that's about it after dropping to third on the Colts depth chart.
55/155. Justin Jackson, Chargers (104.8) [91]: (HANDCUFF) Assuming the rookie Joshua Kelley doesn't steal carries, Jackson may get some early down touches this season, but I see Ekeler as more of a all-purpose back myself.
56/156. Boston Scott, Eagles (114.2) [49]: (PPR SLEEPER) Everyone expects Miles Sanders to become the 4-down back in Philly, but are they overlooking Boston Scott?
57/157. AJ Dillon, Packers (59.3) [N/A]: (VULTURE) A new possible TD vulture has emerged in Green Bay, and his name is AJ Dillon. The power back is built like a tank, and there's a reason the Packers drafted him. Expect the rookie to get some goal line carries.
58/158. Joshua Kelley, Chargers (66.5) [N/A]: (WATCH LIST) Ekeler and Jackson remain positioned ahead of the rookie on the Chargers depth chart.
59/159. Benny Snell Jr., Steelers (76.6) [64]: (HANDCUFF) Benny Snell steals value from Conner, but I don't think he holds much of his own with the rookie McFarland and Jaylen Samuels also in the mix as backups.
60/160. Jerick McKinnon, 49ers (77.7) [DNP]: (WATCH LIST) We have no clue if McKinnon can even play football anymore after multiple career-altering injuries, let's take the wait-and-see approach before we go drafting him.
HONORABLE MENTIONS (Proj. Round 11-End of Draft)
61/199. Carlos Hyde, Seahawks (51.8) [27]: (WATCH LIST/SLEEPER) Hyde may be a RB worth stashing. Seattle likes to run a lot, so even with Carson they'll probably use the veteran as a reliever type. If Carson goes down though, Hyde could be money with the Seahawks.
62/200. Darrynton Evans, Titans (86.2) [N/A]: (HANDCUFF) The rookie will handle the backup duties in Tennessee, but Derrick Henry doesn't take much time off.
63/201. Darrel Williams, Chiefs (56.1) [61]: (HANDCUFF) The main backup behind Edwards-Helaire, but Darrel Williams power-back mentality doesn't really fit the Chiefs offense.
64/202. Anthony McFarland Jr., Steelers (49.8) [N/A]: (WATCH LIST) Another uncertain backfield, McFarland holds little fantasy value as a rookie unless a shakeup occurs.
65/203. Jamaal Williams, Packers (89.5) [34]: (AVOID) With Dillon now on the roster, Jamaal Williams may become an afterthought as the Packers RB3.
66/204. Lynn Bowden Jr., Dolphins (62.1) [N/A]: (PPR TARGET) It doesn't say much for Bowden that Vegas gave up on him this fast, but in this weak receiving core the PPR specialist could have some minor appeal for fantasy owners.
70/208. Gio Bernard, Bengals (73.1) [68]: (HANDCUFF) Bernard has only ever had value in PPR leagues, but he's still Mixon's main backup and deserves a mention.
72/235. Ito Smith, Falcons (49.8) [84]: (HANDCUFF) Gurley has had many injury-woes, so Ito Smith could become an important handcuff to have, so long as Brian Hill doesn't steal his job.
73/236. Bryce Love, W.F.T. (38.6) [DNP]: (WATCH LIST/SLEEPER) Washington looks to be going running back by committee with Ron Rivera talking up Love, McKissic, Peyton Barber, the rookie Antonio Gibson and pretty much anybody that touched the ball in camp. Week 1 will determine the truth, so stash Love or wait on the results.
74/237. Rashaad Penny, Seahawks (63) [56]: (WATCH LIST) Chances are the former Seahawks first round pick will go down as yet another recent bust in Seattle, with Carson and Hyde battling for snaps in front of him when he eventually returns from injury... but if fate would have him gain one more opportunity, it'll be all or nothing for Penny.
75/238. Malcolm Brown, Rams (34.1) [63]: (WATCH LIST) I doubt Malcolm Brown emerges as the starter in LA, but this Rams' situation is worth monitoring throughout the year.
83/276. Frank Gore, Jets (57.3) [47]: (WATCH LIST/SLEEPER) The talk around camp is that Gore has impressed more than Le'Veon Bell. The ageless wonder can still run and catch like a 25-year old, but will he actually be a factor in NY this season?
84/277. Dion Lewis, Giants (35.7) [67]: (HANDCUFF) Not sure if it would be Gallman or Lewis that benefits most if Saquon gets injured (most likely a platoon), but with the Joe Judge-Lewis Patriots' connection I'll wager they brought Dion in for a reason.
87/280. Mike Davis, Panthers (38) [117]: (HANDCUFF) The likeliest CMC #2 on the Panthers.
Unranked. Devonta Freeman, Free Agent (N/A) [21]: (WATCH LIST) Should the veteran sign late, possibly to replace an early injury, he'll become an immediate target on waivers.
As always, remember that no RB draft is usually perfect, you will likely face adversity at some point, especially with the Covid-19 threat. Scour the waiver wire, continue to add depth when you can, and never find yourself under-manned at running back.
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