The role of the running back has undergone substantial changes in the fast-evolving NFL landscape. With the advent of spread offenses, the emphasis on versatility has increased, leading to a heightened role for RBs in the passing game. This strategic shift in real games profoundly influences fantasy football dynamics, especially in PPR leagues, making pass-catching RBs valuable assets.
Targeting Pass-catching RBs in Your Fantasy Football Leagues
The modern NFL emphasizes versatility, making dual-threat running backs particularly valuable. A detailed look at the numbers shows the advantage of targeting RBs with receiving skills in fantasy drafts. Here are two areas in particular that the top fantasy running backs consistently possess:
Target Volume and Reception Consistency: Data over recent seasons indicate that RBs with an average of five or more targets per game consistently perform better in fantasy football leagues. For example, during the last NFL season, RBs who met this target threshold, such as Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson, scored significantly higher in PPR formats than those with fewer targets.
Yards After Catch (YAC): RBs who excel in YAC turn routine catches into big plays, thus significantly boosting their fantasy value. High YAC numbers often correlate with better fantasy outcomes due to the additional scoring opportunities they present.
Read more about metrics to look for when targeting running backs here.
Christian McCaffrey: The Perfect Example
During Christain McCaffrey’s 2022 season, despite changing teams (from Carolina to San Fransisco), McCaffrey’s role as a dual-threat back kept his fantasy output high. He finished the season with over 1,000 rushing yards and added 741 receiving yards on 85 receptions. His performance represents just exactly how high the ceiling of versatile RBs is in fantasy football, even when switching from a poor team to a good team mid-season.
Draft Strategy
When planning for fantasy football drafts, several strategic factors must be considered to effectively leverage the value of pass-catching RBs. Identifying teams that integrate their RBs into the passing game can provide a competitive edge. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, known for their innovative offensive schemes, often utilize RBs as key components of their passing attack. Fantasy managers should prioritize players in such systems.
This would make someone like Isiah Pacheco more valuable of a fantasy player than someone like Kenneth Walker III, even though many (including myself) believe Walker III to be a better football player
Drafting RBs who not only have a high floor due to their consistent target share but also possess the potential for explosive plays is a winning strategy. Players involved in screen-plays or those who are primary check-down options in pass-first offenses often offer both security and high-point potential.
While the upside of selecting pass-catching RBs is considerable, it’s essential to also consider the potential risks.
The nature of a pass-catching RB’s role can lead to increased exposure to hits, potentially elevating the risk of injuries. This increased risk factor must be weighed, especially for RBs who are heavily utilized in both the running and passing games.
RBs on teams that frequently trail in games might see more passing work, which can lead to variability in fantasy output. This dependency on game script introduces an element of unpredictability, necessitating careful player evaluation based on expected team performance.
Additional Considerations for Fantasy Football Managers
Offensive Line Play: The effectiveness of the offensive line not only impacts the traditional running game but also affects how often RBs are used in passing situations. Poor line play might force RBs into more blocking duties or quick dump-off passes, which can alter expected fantasy outcomes.
Quarterback Tendencies: Quarterbacks who tend to check down to RBs or operate in systems that encourage short passing games can significantly boost the value of pass-catching backs. Monitoring quarterback changes and their styles can provide insights into potential RB targets for fantasy drafts.
Defensive Matchups: Evaluating weekly defensive matchups is crucial, as some defenses are particularly vulnerable to pass-catching RBs. Exploiting these matchups throughout the season can offer significant advantages.
By integrating these insights and strategies, fantasy football managers can effectively target and utilize pass-catching RBs, maximizing their performance potential in PPR leagues. The key is to blend comprehensive analysis with strategic drafting to capitalize on the evolving role of running backs in the NFL.