Running back is by far the most scarce position in fantasy football. RBs are the most injury-prone, the most streaky, and the most dependent on their team’s offensive scheme than any other position in the game. It is very hard to consistently find and scope out elite running backs in fantasy football, and the truth is very few fantasy football managers can do it well.
4 Upside Metrics to Look for in Running Backs
To improve your chances of success, focusing on key upside metrics is essential. Here are four metrics to think about when considering drafting, starting, claiming, or trading for a new running back:
Touches
Touches are absolutely critical in a running back’s fantasy production. After all, running back is a very volume-heavy position in football. This metric combines all the opportunities a running back has to handle the ball, including both rushes and receptions. The more touches a player gets, the greater the potential for accumulating yards and scoring touchdowns.
Historically, elite fantasy running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry have commanded a high volume of touches, leading to consistent and high-level production. When evaluating running backs, prioritize those who are expected to see a significant workload. This often correlates with their role in the offense and their team’s reliance on the run game.
Christian McCaffrey led all running backs in touches last season with 339. He also finished as the fantasy RB1.
Snap Percentage
This also ties back to the fact that a running back’s success in fantasy football is largely dependent on their volume. Snap percentage measures the proportion of offensive plays a running back is on the field. A higher snap percentage indicates a greater opportunity to touch the ball and contribute to the offense.
Running backs who are on the field more often are likely trusted by their coaches, not only for rushing plays but also in passing situations. For instance, Alvin Kamara’s high snap percentage over the years has made him a fantasy staple due to his dual-threat ability. Monitoring snap percentage helps fantasy owners identify running backs who have the trust of their coaching staff and are integral to their team’s offensive strategy.
Kyren Williams finished third in snap percentage last season. He also finished as the fantasy RB3.
Yards After Contact per Attempt (YAC/Att)
This stat is pretty self-explanatory. Yards after contact per attempt is a crucial metric that showcases a running back’s ability to generate yardage even when facing defensive resistance. This metric is indicative of a player’s strength, balance, and determination. Running backs who excel in YAC/Att can turn minimal gains into significant plays, enhancing their fantasy value.
Nick Chubb has historically been a prime example of a back who thrives after initial contact, consistently ranking among the league leaders in this category. When evaluating running backs, those with high YAC/Att are valuable as they can maximize every touch and offer high upside potential. It is also worth noting that this stat can be extra beneficial when targeting your second and third running backs, as these players have more potential to explode on any given week.
De’Von Achane ranked fifth in YAC/Att last season with 3.0. He also finished last year’s fantasy season as the RB5.
Targets
In today’s NFL, running backs who are involved in the passing game have a distinct advantage in PPR formats. Targets reflect the share of passing targets a running back receives.
Backs with more targets, such as Austin Ekeler, provide a safe floor due to their involvement in the passing game and add explosive upside with their ability to create big plays. Evaluating targets is essential for identifying dual-threat running backs who can contribute both on the ground and through the air.
Breece Hall led all running backs last season with 95 targets. He finished as the fantasy RB6.
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