Is Miles Sanders A Borderline Fantasy RB1 In PPR Formats? Fantasy Football Outlook

May 11, 2023

Newly acquired Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders is set to be the teams' lead runner, but will he post an RB1 season in PPR formats in his new offense? Read the 2023 fantasy football outlook.

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders had plenty of ups and downs through his first four NFL seasons, but he'll get a fresh start with the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

Coming off a career year, Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with Carolina, making him the 12th highest-paid running back based on average salary. Needless to say, Carolina expects him the be the lead back. However, it remains to be seen how that will translate to high-end fantasy football success.

Will Sanders be an RB1 in 2023 fantasy football? Let's dive in.

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Miles Sanders Career Review

Sanders has an impressive rookie season in 2019, rushing for 818 yards, catching 50 passes for 509 yards, and scoring six total touchdowns. His next two seasons saw him eclipse 750 yards again, but his reception totals dropped to 28 and 26 respectively and he went scoreless during the 2021 campaign.

In his 2022 contract year, Sanders rushed 259 times for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 20 receptions for 78 yards. Ultimately, Jalen Hurts' rushing prowess made him less likely to dump it down to running backs in the passing game, limiting Sanders' receiving upside.

Sanders has had seasonal PPR finishes as the RB15, RB44, RB23, and RB15 again over his career. That said, he's never posted an RB1 season, but he's been awfully close.

Miles Sanders 2023 Fantasy Outlook

Sanders could see more receiving work with a rookie Bryce Young under center, but his rushing efficiency and touchdown upside shouldn't come close to his 2022 season with Philadelphia. The Eagles had one of the best offenses in football, led by its elite offensive line. The threat of Jalen Hurts rushing and the big boys up front helped Sanders' efficiency on the ground and the high-powered offense gave Sanders easy touchdown opportunities.

The Panthers have a solid offensive line too, but the Panthers' having a rookie QB and mediocre group of receivers means teams won't be afraid to crowd the box. Ultimately, we shouldn't view Sanders as a bonafide RB1. Running backs on bad offenses struggle to provide weekly fantasy value unless they are true workhorse backs like Derrick Henry.

Sanders' Best Ball ADP is the RB17 spot, which feels appropriate. He should be expected to post at least an RB2 season and be a fixture in fantasy lineups, but proceed with caution when penciling him in for a high-end fantasy season at age-26.

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