Finding the right running backs in fantasy football could be stressful for owners this season. Which backs will be an asset to your team this upcoming season?
Fantasy Football season is around the corner, and owners across the country are beginning to create their mock drafts. In 2021, quarterbacks dominated the gridiron in the fantasy gridiron. Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Tom Brady finished at the top of the points category – but where did the running backs finish?
A decrease in the desire to pound the rock has affected the production rushers across the league. As experts sift through the list of available tailbacks, here are some that will be assets and picks you can take to the bank in 2022.
Fantasy Football Running Back No.3: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Kevin Stefanski and his staff are facing an uphill battle this season. Acquiring Deshaun Watson during the off-season fed the franchise hope for months – hope that was crushed by a lengthy suspension. 11 games were the result of the Watson trials, leaving Cleveland without their star for more than half of the season. Without their veteran quarterback, Nick Chubb will carry his team.
Production has not been an issue for Chubb. His numbers on the ground remain consistent – reminding owners of his ability to score points. In 2019, No. 24 finished the regular season with 1,494 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns. Success continued to find Chubb as his career progressed. His 5.5 yards per carry ranked sixth among active rushers.
Translating efficiency to points comes easy for the bruiser. His 14 fantasy points per game finished 7th in the category against other rushers. An increased workload will cause numbers to rise even higher – making him the perfect fantasy RB.
Fantasy Football Running Back No.2: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Finding a rusher who contributes as a receiver is beneficial for franchises and fantasy owners. Making plays from out of the backfield is a habit for the New Orleans Saints leading rusher. A decrease in production knocked Alvin Kamara off the fantasy grid last season. A felony battery assault charge sidelined the RB for six games. His motivation to get back on track will benefit owners who draft him.
On the gridiron, Kamara has proven that he is worth the draft pick. His 4,238 career yards rushing has helped No. 41 become an elite back. Finding success as a receiver has helped the offense stay relevant during the past seasons. An 8.7 yards per catch average always makes Kamara a threat.
Recording a 1,000-yard season is still a goal for Kamara, but it has not stopped his fantasy production. His 187.7 fantasy points ranked 9th among rushers last season. If Alvin Kamara can complete the season, he could be worth the high pick his reputation will require.
Fantasy Football Running Back No.1: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Ending the regular season as the leading rusher gave Indianapolis’ rusher notoriety last season. A new quarterback at the helm will force offensive coordinator Marcus Brady to rely on his veteran rusher for a consecutive season.
Jonathan Taylor has shown that he can create magical moments when given the opportunity. His 18 touchdowns and 1,811 yards rushing finished first in both categories. Another dominant season could make Taylor the most valuable fantasy player of 2022
Fantasy points came easy for the league’s most productive rusher last season. His 333.1 points at the end of the season finished 7th among all players in 2021. Taylor’s 19.4 points per game average will provide more than enough help for owners who rely on active tailbacks to lead them to victory.
Drafting the right rusher can be the difference between winning and losing your Fantasy Football Championship. If owners use their picks correctly, they will have an impressive season.