RADIO
The initial weeks of the offseason are now behind us and player movement that transpired during the process of free agency has provided some players with pathways toward expanded production in their new environments. This includes Miles Sanders, David Montgomery, Samaje Perine, and Jamaal Williams who are among the backs that will be resurfacing in new landing spots.
Several other backs have been designated with franchise tags (Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard) – even though Barkley is not enamored with the idea of playing under the tag – while the future remains unsettled for several other backs (Austin Ekeler/Joe Mixon/Alvin Kamara/Ezekiel Elliott). All recent developments have coincided with the accelerated participation in best ball leagues as fantasy managers embrace the opportunity to construct rosters following the latest rises and declines in players' ADPs.
These alterations within the fantasy landscape have also been infused into the tiered rankings at RotoBaller, and this article will examine running backs who are contained in tiers 4-8. We will continually update our rankings in every format throughout the offseason and you can find a full breakdown of Tiers 1-3 here.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Running Back Best-Ball Rankings
Tier 4
Joe Mixon, Dalvin Cook, Jahmyr Gibbs, D'Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins, Miles Sanders, David Montgomery
Speculation has surged surrounding Mixon’s uncertain future with Cincinnati, even though Samaje Perine has relocated to Denver and the Bengals have yet to add another back during the offseason. Mixon’s numbers as a rusher diminished during 2022, although he also registered career-best results as a pass catcher.
Joe Mixon scored his 4th touchdown in the first half pic.twitter.com/cfCAc9tWHZ
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) November 6, 2022
His average of 15.0 attempts per game was the lowest since 2017, while his 58.1 yards per game average declined from the 75.8 per game that he attained from 2018-2021. Mixon did finish fifth overall in receptions (60/4.3 per game), and sixth in receiving yards (441/31.5 per game), while also rising to 10th in routes run (277).
Charges Being Refiled Against Joe Mixon https://t.co/2rcv1wTFEP
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) April 7
Mixon has been recharged with aggravated menace following an off-field incident, and his precarious situation could eventually fuel a significant drop in his ranking. It also creates risk in selecting him before his diminished ADP (72/RB26).
We have become accustomed to including Cook among the unquestioned RB1s in recent seasons, which was underscored by his ADPs from 2020-2022 (6/2/7). However, Cook’s status has become nebulous due to his February shoulder surgery and a 2022 season that contained a mixture of favorable numbers and results that were concerning.
| Year | Yards/Gm | Att/Gm | YAC/Att |
| 2018 | 55.9 | 12.1 | 2 |
| 2019 | 81.1 | 17.9 | 2.4 |
| 2020 | 111.2 | 22.3 | 2.4 |
| 2021 | 89.2 | 19.2 | 1.9 |
| 2022 | 69 | 15.5 | 1.8 |
Cook played in a career-high 17 games after failing to exceed 14 during the first five years of his career. He also assembled 1,135+ rushing yards for the fourth consecutive season while finishing sixth overall with 1,173.
Dalvin Cook is GONE 💨
81-yard touchdown.
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/kL7CDV0Jav
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) November 13, 2022
However, Cook’s averages of 69 yards/15.5 attempts per game were his lowest since 2018, while his average of 1.8 yards after contact per attempt established a career-low. The current array of questions surrounding Cook should motivate you to avoid selecting him until Round 5 of your drafts.
Gibbs accumulated 1,206 rushing yards on 232 attempts during his two seasons at Georgia Tech before entering the transfer portal in 2021. He transferred to Alabama and led the Crimson Tide in rushing attempts (151), rushing yards (926), and rushing touchdowns (7), as Gibbs also finished fifth among all backs in receptions (44), and soared to third in receiving yards (444) – which was the second consecutive year in which he eclipsed 440+.
2023 #NFLDraft prospect Jahmyr Gibbs accelerated to a max speed of 22.3 mph in only 5.5 seconds on this play. Elite play speed and acceleration. #ReelAnalytics pic.twitter.com/yc1x8X0oPU
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 1, 2023
Gibbs possesses the vision, agility, and explosiveness to function as a starter for fantasy managers, while his prowess as a pass catcher will accelerate his path toward consistent involvement as a receiving weapon. Gibbs’ ADP has elevated into Round 4 (47/RB18), and he could justify that optimism if he emerges in a favorable environment following the NFL Draft.
Swift was selected as an RB1 during the 2022 draft process (ADP 14/RB8), but his eventual numbers were the lowest of his career in multiple categories. He played in a career-high 14 games but registered a career-low 42% snap share. He was also limited to 99 rushing attempts (7.1 per game), and 542 rushing yards (38.7 per game) which failed to match his numbers during 2022 (151 carries/11.6 per game), (617 yards/47.5 per game).
Another Jamaal Williams goal line TD ...
Sorry D'Andre Swift managers 😬pic.twitter.com/mXZy7HmKB6
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 4, 2022
Swift’s season-long totals in targets (70/5.0 per game), receptions (48/3.4 per game), and receiving yardage (389/27.8 per game) were also below his numbers during 2021 (78 targets/6.0 per game), (62 receptions/4.8 per game), (452 receiving yards/34.8 per game). The arrival of David Montgomery ensures that the constraints that were placed on Swift’s workload last season will remain intact. That should encourage you to avoid selecting Swift at his current ADP (44/RB15).
Dobbins’ protracted knee issues delayed his season debut in 2022 while also limiting him to intermittent involvement during much of the year. However, his late-season statistical eruption served as a reminder that he remains capable of operating as an RB2 for fantasy managers. Dobbins’ emerged in Week 3 following a lengthy recovery from his torn ACL and accumulated 35 attempts (8.8 per game) and 123 rushing yards (30.8 per game) from Weeks 3-6.
| Weeks 14-17 | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm | YAC |
| J.K. Dobbins | 397 | 99.3 | 57 | 14.3 | 212 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 394 | 98.5 | 74 | 18.5 | 223 |
| Derrick Henry | 351 | 117 | 61 | 20.3 | 237 |
| Cam Akers | 348 | 87 | 66 | 16.5 | 188 |
| Nick Chubb | 329 | 82.3 | 73 | 18.3 | 221 |
| Travis Etienne | 326 | 81.5 | 67 | 16.8 | 226 |
| Miles Sanders | 312 | 78 | 61 | 15.3 | 138 |
| James Conner | 306 | 76.5 | 62 | 15.5 | 188 |
| Josh Jacobs | 305 | 76.3 | 81 | 20.3 | 184 |
| Tyler Allgeier | 296 | 98.7 | 55 | 18.3 | 215 |
He sustained a new issue with his knee in Week 6 which led to his placement on injured reserve. However, Dobbins resurfaced in Week 14 and accumulated a league-high 397 yards (99.3 per game) from 14-17.
J.K. Dobbins follows up a 44-yard run with a @Ravens TD!
📺: #BALvsPIT on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/R8oapqsCVs pic.twitter.com/kqKuySwbpp— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2022
Dobbins’ effectiveness as the season neared its conclusion is encouraging. He will also function as the Ravens’ most critical backfield weapon during their transition from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman to Todd Monken.
Sanders will resurface in Carolina after signing a four-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers. This has ignited a rise in his 2023 outlook after his final season with Philadelphia provided a mix of career-best results as a rusher with his evaporated usage as a receiving back. Sanders finished fifth in rushing yardage (1,269/74.6 per game), second in yards before contact (837), fourth in red zone carries (49), and seventh in rushing touchdowns (11) while eclipsing his previous career-highs in each category.
Miles Sanders TOUCHDOWN. Eagles strike first.
📺: #DALvsPHI on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/exBLpcJhjS pic.twitter.com/6gXvetX1Zy— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2022
He was also relegated to career lows in targets (26/1.5 per game), 20 receptions (1.2 per game), and 78 receiving yards (4.6 per game). However, Sanders should function as Carolina’s primary back, which should propel him to a sizable workload. That makes him a compelling option at his Round 7 ADP (80/RB29).
Montgomery averaged 229 carries (15.3 per game), and 902 yards (60.2 per game) during his four seasons with the Bears while leading Chicago’s backfield in both categories during every year of his tenure. That includes the team-high totals that he attained during 2022 (201 attempts/12.6 per game), (801 yards/50.1 per game).
Adding to our offense 💪
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 17, 2023
Montgomery signed a three-year $18 million contract with NFC North rival Detroit and should commandeer a workload that is similar to the team’s deployment of Jamaal Williams in 2022. Williams secured a 40% snap share while finishing among the top 10 in attempts, and rushing yardage while leading all backs in red zone carries. D'Andre Swift will also enter into the equation although he will operate with restrictions on his workload. His involvement should not impede Montgomery from approaching RB2 output for fantasy managers.
Tier 5
Javonte Williams, James Conner, Cam Akers, James Cook, Khalil Herbert, Tyler Allgeier, Dameon Pierce, Isiah Pacheco, Alvin Kamara, Rachaad White
Enthusiasm for Williams reached its peak during the early weeks of the 2022 draft season as fantasy managers were incentivized to secure Williams as an RB1 (14/RB8). This was a byproduct of Melvin Gordon's prospective entrance into free agency. However, Gordon eventually re-signed with Denver. which destined Williams to a production-inhibiting rotation.
Williams secured a 54% snap share and averaged 11.8 attempts/51.0 rushing yards/5.5 targets per game, before sustaining the season-ending knee injury (torn ACL/torn LCL) that has impacted his outlook for 2023. The timeline for Williams’ return remains uncertain while former Bengal Samaje Perine is also primed to confiscate an ongoing role in the Broncos’ backfield. These concerning factors present risk for anyone who selects Williams at his declining ADP (67/RB24).
Conner operated as Arizona’s lead back during 2022 (183 carries/14.1 per game), (782 rushing yards/60.2 per game). Multiple health issues (chest/ribs/shin) sidelined him during four matchups, which added to the burgeoning history of injuries during his career. He will turn 28 in May and is entering the second year of a three-year contract – with a 2023 base salary that is fully guaranteed.
Despite his current status as the Cardinals’ unquestioned RB1, his outlook could still be altered due to Arizona’s massive offseason transformation. New general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon will initiate changes in the composition and utilization of their personnel, which could include the addition of significant competition into their backfield equation during the upcoming weeks. That should motivate you to avoid selecting Conner until Round 7 of your drafts.
MAKE IT 3️⃣ TDs FROM 3️⃣!
📺 @thereal_cam3 | @Nickelodeon pic.twitter.com/pZKQaEi2tU
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) December 25, 2022
Anyone who had Akers contained on their rosters during 2022 experienced a mercurial journey as his unpredictable usage created fluctuating output. Akers accumulated 12+ attempts during four of his first eight games. However, he also failed to exceed eight carries in three contests from Weeks 4-10 and was relegated to healthy scratch status in two games during that sequence.
| Weeks 4-10 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm | BT | YAC |
| Cam Akers | 32 | 4.0 | 71 | 17.8 | 1 | 60 |
His season was resuscitated by a statistical ascension that vaulted him into the league lead in rushing yards (512/85.3 per game) from Weeks 13-18, while he was also fifth in point-per-game scoring (16.8).
| Weeks 13-18 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm | BT | YAC |
| Cam Akers | 104 | 17.3 | 512 | 85.3 | 19 | 257 |
Akers is advancing through April with Kyren Williams directly below him on the depth chart and should emerge as the Rams’ lead back following the team’s offseason roster reconstruction. He will commandeer a sizable workload if that transpires, which justifies his selection during Round 5 of your drafts.
Cook’s ADP rose to Round 9 following the 2022 NFL Draft, due to anticipation that his versatility and home run capabilities would launch him into a sizable role in the Bills’ backfield. Cook only operated with a 16.9% snap share from Weeks 1-12 before his share rose to 42.8% from Weeks 13-18. He was also limited to 3.5 carries/19 yards per game from Weeks 3-10 but averaged 7.8 attempts/48.8 yards per game from Weeks 11-16.
James Cook touchdown! @BuffaloBills take a 21-10 lead. @thegreat__4
📺: #BUFvsCHI on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/GpUr7UISpf pic.twitter.com/26bCAucqJC— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2022
Cook was targeted on 28.1% of his routes but trailed Devin Singletary in targets (52/32), receptions (38-21), and receiving yards (280/180). Cook’s 5.98% target share should expand following Singletary’s departure for Houston, although the arrival of former Patriot Damien Harris will impact Cook’s involvement as a rusher. That leaves Cook’s ADP properly placed in Round 8 (89/RB30).
Herbert averaged 6.5 attempts/41.5 yards per game in Weeks 1-2 before his numbers improved considerably from Weeks 3-10. Herbert was 10th in rushing yardage (560/70 per game) during that sequence while vaulting to seventh in yards after contact (366). He encountered a hip injury that sidelined him until Week 16, but still finished second in yards after contact per attempt (2.5) from Weeks 1-18, and finished third in Football Outsiders, DVOA (Defense-Adjusted Over Average).
David Montgomery's departure for Detroit appeared to position Herbert for an extensive workload before D'Onta Foreman secured a one-year deal with Chicago in March. Herbert and Foreman will share opportunities, but Herbert should still operate with a respectable workload. That makes him an enticing option at his Round 8 ADP (90/RB31).
Allgeier finished second among members of the 2022 rookie class with 1,035 rushing yards (64.7 per game) which also placed him 13th overall. Allgeier was also 12th in yards before contact (609), and 11th in yards after contact per attempt (2.0), during that sequence. He also vaulted to third overall in both rushing yards (711/ 79 per game) and yards after contact (485), from Weeks 9-18, while assembling league-highs in rushing yards 431 yards (107.8 per game) and yards after contact (314), from Weeks 15-18.
This rookie can RUN
📺 FOX || NFL+ pic.twitter.com/TOxhoQOcJg
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 1, 2023
Allgeier’s statistical surge cemented his role as Atlanta’s primary back, as Cordarrelle Patterson averaged 9.6 attempts/39.4 yards per game from Weeks 9-18. The sizable workload that Allgeier commandeered could be reduced if the Falcons seize another back during the NFL Draft. However, he will outperform the expectations of his ADP (69/RB25) if he retains lead-back responsibilities.
Still thinking about this run by Dameon Pierce pic.twitter.com/J9T8WOIBEp
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) November 4, 2022
Pierce was the seventh back to be selected during last year’s NFL Draft following a collegiate career in which he was woefully underutilized. However, his workload was not an obstacle during his rookie season, as Pierce soared to third in attempts from Weeks 2-10 (154/19.3 per game). He also rose to fifth in yardage (739/92.4 per game), while finishing seventh in broken tackles (26) and eighth in yards after contact (391) during that span.
| Weeks 2-10 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm | BT | YAC |
| Derrick Henry | 181 | 22.7 | 841 | 105.1 | 30 | 579 |
| Saquon Barkley | 180 | 22.5 | 767 | 95.9 | 30 | 470 |
| Dameon Pierce | 154 | 19.3 | 739 | 92.4 | 26 | 391 |
| Josh Jacobs | 149 | 18.7 | 764 | 95.5 | 42 | 484 |
| Nick Chubb | 138 | 17.3 | 763 | 95.4 | 29 | 512 |
| Miles Sanders | 130 | 16.3 | 614 | 76.8 | 20 | 286 |
| Travis Etienne | 127 | 14.1 | 678 | 75.3 | 27 | 319 |
| Aaron Jones | 126 | 14 | 689 | 76.6 | 35 | 419 |
| Dalvin Cook | 125 | 15.6 | 637 | 79.6 | 23 | 322 |
| Joe Mixon | 124 | 15.5 | 503 | 62.9 | 15 | 267 |
Pierce was also second in attempts (40), and fifth in yardage (151), from Weeks 13-14, before an ankle injury led to his placement on injured reserve. The Texans signed Devin Singletary to a one-year contract, but Singletary’s presence should not deter you from pursuing Pierce in Round 6 of your drafts.
Tyler Badie, Trestan Ebner, and Brittain Brown were included among the 23 backs who were selected before Pacheco during the 2022 NFL Draft. Pacheco was also limited to a 15.6% snap share while averaging 5.5 attempts/27.4 rushing yards per game from Weeks 1-8, including five games in which he failed to generate 10 yards.
However, Pacheco’s propensity to inject explosiveness into Kansas City’s rushing attack propelled him to a 45.2% snap share from Weeks 10-18, while he finished 13th in rushing attempts (126/14.0 per game), and vaulted to fifth in yardage (633/73 per game). He is currently unchallenged as Kansas City’s primary rusher and is primed to ascend into RB2 territory if the Chiefs do not add formidable competition for carries during the upcoming months.
Kamara was a top-four draft selection during the 2021 draft season (RB3) after he averaged a league-high 22.4 points per game and assembled a career-high 932 rushing yards (62.1 per game) during 2020. He also led all backs in receptions (83/5.5 per game), and receiving yards (756/50.4 per game), and stockpiled a league-best 21 total touchdowns.
Kamara averaged 897.5 rushing yards (64.1 per game) in 2021-2022, but his involvement as a pass catcher declined (52 receptions/3.7 per game),(464 yards/33.2 yards per game). He was also limited to just four touchdowns in 2022. His outlook now contains an unwanted blend of declining usage and a looming possibility of suspension. That should encourage you to avoid him despite his plunging ADP (99/RB34).
White was infused into a Buccaneer backfield that also contained Leonard Fournette as a rookie. This constrained White’s snap share (39%), as he accumulated 129 carries (7.6 per game), and 481 rushing yards (28.3 per game). However, his workload expanded from Weeks 10-17, as White generated 349 yards (49.9 per game) on 87 attempts (12.4 per game).
WE’RE SCORING TOO MUCH!
rachaad white punches it in for the touchdown 💪 pic.twitter.com/5NZqfv48Qb
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 26, 2022
White did finish second among all backs in receptions (30/5.0 per game) from Weeks 12-17, and was seventh in targets (33 targets/5.5 per game) and routes run (105) during that span.
| Weeks 12-17 | Rec | Rec/Gm | Targets | Targ/Gm | Routes |
| Austin Ekeler | 34 | 5.7 | 40 | 6.7 | 99 |
| Rachaad White | 30 | 5 | 33 | 5.5 | 105 |
| Leonard Fournette | 29 | 5.8 | 32 | 6.4 | 93 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 28 | 4,7 | 38 | 6.3 | 119 |
| Jerick McKinnon | 28 | 4.7 | 34 | 5.7 | 106 |
| Saquon Barkley | 26 | 4.3 | 35 | 5.8 | 126 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 23 | 3.8 | 34 | 5.7 | 120 |
| James Conner | 22 | 4.4 | 26 | 5.2 | 113 |
| D'Andre Swift | 21 | 3.5 | 36 | 6 | 84 |
| Tony Pollard | 18 | 3.6 | 23 | 4.6 | 73 |
| Josh Jacobs | 17 | 2.8 | 20 | 3.3 | 103 |
Fournette also finished third in receptions 29/5.8 per game) and fourth in receiving yards (204/40.8 per game) during that sequence, but his release has positioned White to seize an expanded workload. However, it would problematic for White’s outlook if the Buccaneers secure a back on day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Tier 6
Brian Robinson Jr., Zach Charbonnet, Rashaad Penny, A.J. Dillon, Jamaal Williams, Kenneth Gainwell, Antonio Gibson, Damien Harris, Alexander Mattison, Elijah Mitchell, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr.
LOOK at this run by Brian Robinson Jr. Comes to a near complete stop at the line of scrimmage, works through an arm tackle, forces a corner off balance and then gains three bonus yards after getting walloped. A physical masterpiece pic.twitter.com/tKg8Ay9H0X
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) November 28, 2022
Robinson was on the reserve/non-football injury list from Weeks 1-4 after being shot during an attempted robbery. However, he still finished fifth in attempts (205/17.1 per game, and 11th in rushing yardage (797/66.4 per game), from Weeks 5-17.
| Weeks 5-17 | Attempts | Att/Gm | Yards | YardsGm | YAC |
| Josh Jacobs | 253 | 21.1 | 1272 | 106 | 808 |
| Derrick Henry | 243 | 22.1 | 1123 | 102.1 | 773 |
| Saquon Barkley | 211 | 17.6 | 849 | 70.8 | 436 |
| Nick Chubb | 209 | 17.4 | 989 | 82.4 | 659 |
| Brian Robinson | 205 | 17.1 | 797 | 66.4 | 494 |
| Najee Harris | 191 | 15.9 | 752 | 62.7 | 494 |
| Dalvin Cook | 190 | 15.8 | 857 | 71.4 | 467 |
| D'Onta Foreman | 186 | 15.5 | 830 | 69.2 | 505 |
| Kenneth Walker | 184 | 16.7 | 878 | 79.8 | 442 |
| Jamaal Williams | 184 | 15.3 | 718 | 59.8 | 462 |
He was also ninth in yards after contact (494), and 18th in red zone attempts (24) during that span. Washington’s transition from Scott Turner to Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator should not alter Robinson’s status as the Commanders’ lead back.
The 6’0”, 220-pound Charbonnet’s three-down potential has elevated his ADP to the third highest among all rookies. He accumulated 566 carries, 3,346 yards, and 39 rushing touchdowns during his collegiate career which includes the 398 attempts/2,496 yards/27 touchdowns that he registered following his transfer from Michigan to UCLA.
Zach Charbonnet is NOT easy to take down 😳
Charbonnet led the entire PAC-12 in rushing yards last season with 1,359.
Don’t SLEEP on the UCLA RB. pic.twitter.com/oLOMSTh69w
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 16, 2023
Charbonnet also collected 61 receptions/518 receiving yards as a Bruin and has demonstrated his ability to perform effectively in pass protection. His ADP (97/RB33) could rise significantly if he is seized during Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Penny was 11th overall in rushing yardage from Weeks 1-4 (292/73 per game) and seventh in yards after contact (201). A fractured fibula abruptly ended his season in Week 5, which extended his burgeoning list of health issues that have sidelined Penny for a whopping 40 games since his 2018 rookie season.
Rashaad Penny, 11 games, from Week 13, 2021 to Week 5, 2022.
95.6 yards per game.
17 game pace: 1,626 yards and 12 touchdowns.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) March 3, 2023
Penny’s track record of injuries is offset by his ability to accumulate yardage when he is on the field. He has relocated to Philadelphia where he should share opportunities with Kenneth Gainwell unless the Eagles' backfield is reshaped following the NFL Draft.
Josh Jacobs, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Tony Pollard were among the backs that remained available when Dillon was drafted as an RB2 during the 2022 draft season (52/RB19). However, 31 backs are being selected before him in current drafts, which is a byproduct of his statistical decline during 2022.
Dillon‘s average of 9.0 points per game registered a slight decrease when contrasted with his average during 2021 (9.9) as did his per-game averages in rushing attempts (11.0/10.9), and rushing yardage (47.2/45.3). Dillon’s 49.1% snap share also trailed the 57.6% share that was secured by Aaron Jones, whose continued presence maintains a ceiling on Dillon’s usage.
With this touchdown, Jamaal Williams passes Barry Sanders as the franchise single season touchdown leader with 17!#BYUFootball | #LionsPride pic.twitter.com/WyMnzZkN1A
— Cougs in the Pros 🤙🏼 (@BYUpros) January 9, 2023
Williams was entrusted with the most extensive workload of his career during 2022 while finishing seventh in rushing attempts (262/15.4 per game), and 10th in rushing yardage (1,066/62.7 per game). He also stockpiled a league-high 58 carries inside the red zone, and capitalized on his opportunities by assembling a league-best 17 rushing touchdowns.
| Week 1-18 | Inside 20 | Inside 10 | Inside 5 |
| Jamaal Williams | 58 | 45 | 33 |
| Kenneth Walker | 51 | 16 | 10 |
| Austin Ekeler | 51 | 24 | 11 |
| Miles Sanders | 49 | 26 | 14 |
| Josh Jacobs | 43 | 23 | 12 |
| Travis Etienne | 43 | 22 | 13 |
| Dalvin Cook | 42 | 24 | 17 |
| Najee Harris | 42 | 22 | 12 |
| Nick Chubb | 41 | 20 | 12 |
| Derrick Henry | 40 | 17 | 15 |
| Tyler Allgeier | 39 | 17 | 10 |
| Weeks 1-18 | Attempts | Yards | TDs |
| Derrick Henry | 349 | 1538 | 13 |
| Josh Jacobs | 340 | 1653 | 12 |
| Nick Chubb | 302 | 1525 | 12 |
| Saquon Barkley | 295 | 1312 | 10 |
| Najee Harris | 272 | 1034 | 7 |
| Dalvin Cook | 264 | 1173 | 8 |
| Jamaal Williams | 262 | 1066 | 17 |
| Miles Sanders | 259 | 1269 | 11 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 231 | 876 | 12 |
| Kenneth Walker | 228 | 1050 | 9 |
Williams will resurface in New Orleans after signing a three-year, $12 million deal with the Saints. He should be the beneficiary of a respectable workload, and his touches would increase significantly if the looming ramifications of Kamara’s altercation during 2022 ultimately result in a suspension.
Gainwell led Philadelphia’s backfield in targets (29/1.7), receptions (23/1.4 per game), and receiving yards (169/9.9 per game) in 2022, although he failed to finish among the top 40 at his position in all three categories. However, he now enters his third season with an opportunity to solidify his presence as a consistent pass-catching weapon. The departure of Miles Sanders has also created a path for Gainwell to operate in a rotation with Penny in Philadelphia’s reshaped backfield, although that scenario would change if the Eagles seize a back during the NFL Draft.
Gibson averaged 13.3 carries per game as Washington’s primary rusher from Weeks 1-4, but that average dropped to 8.8 per game after Robinson entered the equation in Week 5. Gibson eventually finished second to Robinson in attempts (149) and rushing yardage (546), as his per-game averages plummeted in comparison to his results from 2021 (16.6/9.9 carries), (64.8/36.4 yards). However, he did secure career highs in targets (58/3.9 per game), receptions (46/3.1 per game), and receiving yards (353/23.5 per game), and could commandeer a role as the primary pass-catcher in a backfield that no longer contains J.D. McKissic.
Damien Harris puts the @Patriots back in front 👀
📺: #NEvsGB on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/YPHqeLC4zg pic.twitter.com/qjOpAIeMY7— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
Harris finished 10th in rushing yardage during 2021 (926/61.9 per game), while finishing fourth in red zone carries (46), and second in touchdowns (15). However, he was sidelined for six contests during 2022 (hamstring/illness/thigh) as Rhamondre Stevenson soared atop New England’s depth chart. Harris later departed after four seasons with the Patriots and signed a one-year deal with Buffalo. This positions him to share touches with James Cook while accumulating carries on early downs and inside the red zone. That elevates him into consideration when your drafts enter Round 9.
Mattison has averaged 6.8 attempts/28.3 rushing yards/1.4 targets per game during his four seasons in Minnesota. However, it is his continual proximity to a mammoth workload during any absence by Dalvin Cook that has provided the appeal of including Mattison on rosters during his tenure with the Vikings.
The Vikings score first in London!
Alexander Mattison with the tea after the TD 🫖
(via @vikings)pic.twitter.com/4nW2B4tL8m
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 2, 2022
Mattison signed a two-year, $7 million contract in March, and could soon secure the most extensive role of his career if Cook is traded or released. His Round 10 ADP (116/RB38) would also surge if that scenario transpires.
Mitchell entered Week 1 as San Francisco’s lead back but sustained a knee injury after just 17 snaps. He did not resurface until Week 10 but surprisingly accumulated a team-high 18 rushing attempts despite the presence of Christian McCaffrey. However, Mitchell suffered a second knee issue in Week 12 which resulted in a second placement on injured reserve. Mitchell has earned Kyle Shanahan’s trust but will remain behind McCaffrey on the 49ers’ depth chart. His track record of health issues should keep him available until Round 12 of your drafts.
Legendary run by Raheem Mostertpic.twitter.com/NaGlj7xM6H
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) December 18, 2022
Mostert just turned 31 but his accomplishments during 2022 should not be summarily dismissed. His 1,595 total yards placed him seventh overall while he also established career highs in attempts (181/11.3 per game), rushing yards (891/55.7 per game), and targets (42/2.6 per game) and tied for ninth in yards after contact per attempt (2.1).
Mostert also played in 16 matchups while working in a rotation with Jeff Wilson Jr. Miami has yet to secure another back during the offseason, but Mostert’s involvement would be impacted if the Dolphins make a significant addition to the depth chart.
The arrival of another back during the NFL Draft could also modify Wilson’s workload, as he is currently positioned to join Mostert in a rotation that is comparable to his involvement last season. He attained a 53.2% snap share from Weeks 9-18 after the Dolphins secured him via trade with San Francisco. Wilson also averaged 10.5 carries/49.0 yards per game during that sequence, while averaging 9.8 points per game. His Round 18 ADP would rise if the Dolphins’ depth chart remains unchanged.
Tiers 7-8
D'Onta Foreman, Jaylen Warren, Zach Evans, Samaje Perine, Ezekiel Elliott Cordarrelle Patterson, Devon Achane, Devin Singletary, Chuba Hubbard, Leonard Fournette, Kareem Hunt, Jerome Ford, Kendre Miller, Tyjae Spears, DeeJay Dallas, Jerick McKinnon, Zamir White, James Robinson, Tank Bigsby, Israel Abanikanda, Roschon Johnson, Chris Evans, Michael Carter, Joshua Kelley, Pierre Strong Jr., Gus Edwards
The backs that are contained in tiers 7 and 8 are located between RB46-RB69 in our rankings. However, the NFL Draft will have a monumental impact on the fantasy landscape while other developments during the upcoming weeks will also have an impact on the outlook for many of these backs.
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