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With the NFL Draft behind us, team depth charts are beginning to take shape. Now, we can start to identify which backfields have a one-man show versus those relying upon more of a committee approach.
This can be very valuable when identifying which running backs will provide more fantasy points in points-per-reception (PPR) leagues compared to standard leagues. In PPR leagues, one reception is worth one point, while in standard formats, receptions are not scored. A running back who is not only given early-down work but also third-down work can be a PPR cheat code. Nonetheless, even a very talented third-down back can have value as a weekly flex option in PPR while they are usually left on the bench in standard leagues.
By preparing early and understanding your own league scoring system, we can gain a significant advantage in our drafts this summer. In this piece, we’ll delve into which running backs will receive an emphasis on passing work but could also produce on the ground as well. Stay ahead of your league mates who might not pay attention to your league's unique scoring.
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Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White finished as the No. 4 back in PPR scoring but was the No. 8 in standard leagues last season. While this may seem like an easy out, as he is obviously a candidate to be useful in PPR, let's dig a little into his performance of the season and see why he was so valuable in this format.
On the surface, White was a three-down back in Tampa Bay, which provided him with numerous opportunities to get the ball in his hands. He finished with 64 receptions (fourth among RBs) and 272 rushing attempts (tied for second among RBs). White finished with an average of 19.8 touches per game, which placed him in the top 94% of running backs.
BAKER TO RACHAAD WHITE ✅
pic.twitter.com/H1GwCaBHuK— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) January 21, 2024
When targeted in the passing game, White posted a stellar 91.4% catch rate and saw 12.7% of team targets, which is one of the best numbers among running backs. This is especially worth noting as Tampa Bay has a star wideout in Mike Evans and a reliable No. 2 option in Chris Godwin. Baker Mayfield clearly values his running back in the passing game, and there has been no indication that it will not be the same in 2024.
In addition, White had at least four targets in half his games last season and had at least five targets in five of them. However, the problem was not getting the ball to White; it was what he did when he had it.
The 25-year-old averaged only 2.3 yards after contact and held a poor 86.8% positive run percentage. In addition, he had a -0.6 average depth per target and a 9.9% broken tackle rate. These stats are all significantly below average among running backs and considerably lowered his ceiling.
The Buccaneers also drafted Bucky Irving out of Oregon in the fourth round. While he may not immediately take snaps away from White, the team will monitor his performance through training camp, as it is clearly aware that White was not as efficient as it had hoped he would be last fall.
While the volume propelled White into RB1 status in PPR leagues, his rushing inefficiency lowered his ceiling. The Arizona State product is a safe bet for PPR leagues due to his involvement on all three downs, especially in the passing game, but he has less value in standard leagues due to his inability to produce compared to other running backs being drafted near him on the ground.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Warren operated in a split backfield with Najee Harris last season and is expected to do the same in 2024. Harris typically handled short-yardage situations, while Warren was deployed on passing downs, which greatly increased his value in PPR leagues.
The two operated in an almost split committee, with Harris seeing the slight majority in 583 snaps compared to Warren’s 526 total snaps.
Warren finished as the No. 22 RB in PPR and No. 30 in standard. The primary reason for this is that Warren placed in the top four among all running backs with 61 receptions, finishing just three behind the previously mentioned White.
However, unlike White, Warren performed very well when he got the ball, especially after the catch.
Jaylen Warren is the most underrated RB in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/CHaapfb55v
— Billy Hartford (@BudDupreeFan) June 5, 2024
The 25-year-old averaged 1.45 yards on every route and 8.4 yards after the catch. In addition, he averaged 3.0 yards after contact and held a stellar 30.9% broken tackle rate, which was the best among running backs.
Warren showcased his elite breakaway ability after the catch and could see even more passes his way as the Steelers will be without safety valve Diontae Johnson this season. He could produce as a solid RB2/flex option in PPR leagues this fall.
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
One of the best receiving running backs of the past decade could be a great value in PPR leagues.
After missing the first three weeks of the season due to a violation of the NFL personal conduct policy, Kamara finished as the No. 11 back in PPR but No. 24 in standard leagues, which is a significant drop-off.
First, Kamara totaled 75 receptions, which was second most, only one behind Breece Hall. Second, the entire New Orleans offense ran through Kamara last season.
The 28-year-old saw 14.8% of total team targets, 19.6 touches per game, and was targeted on 31.4% of his routes, which is significantly above the average running back mark last season.
Alvin Kamara PPR Fantasy Rankings - based on total points ⬇️💪🏻
2023: RB11 (missed 4 games)
2022: RB16 (missed 2 games)
2021: RB8 (missed 4 games)
2020: RB1 (missed 1 game)
2019: RB9 (missed 2 games)
2018: RB4 (missed 1 game)
2017: RB3 (No missed games)2024 ADP = RB15 - BUY‼️✅ pic.twitter.com/EnFycUaBx7
— PPRFantasyTips (@PPRFantasyTips) May 12, 2024
In addition, he held a stellar 87.2% catch rate and posted seven games with at least five receptions.
Even more importantly, the depth chart around him has stayed the same, suggesting that Kamara will be given similar opportunities in 2024. Behind him is Jamaal Williams, who will take goal-line attempts away (but not many), and second-year back Kendre Miller, who battled injuries during his rookie season and finished with just 117 yards on the ground last fall.
The wide receiver room outside of Chris Olave leaves a lot to be desired, which suggests that Kamara should continue to see a heavy dose of passes his way.
Do not look away from Kamara as he approaches age 30. He is still a workhorse, especially in the passing game, and will provide consistent weekly production in PPR.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
After one season in Foxborough, the former Ohio State Buckeye has returned home and will suit up for Big D again this fall. Elliott tallied 51 receptions last season, which placed him just one behind the top 10. However, I strongly believe that this season, Elliott will finish in at least the top 10 in total running back receptions and produce a strong season as a viable RB2, especially due to how the depth chart is currently shaking up. Elliott finished just out of the top 10 in receptions while primarily serving as a backup; now, he is shaping up to be a starter again.
Bill Belichick commented that Ezekiel
Elliott’s vision was evident on a couple cutback plays, and here is one example (14 yards, 2Q, 1:21) of what he was talking about. https://t.co/Mb9dKpX9Gg pic.twitter.com/kGfnzZQo2n— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 25, 2023
Currently, the Cowboys have one of the worst running back rooms in football, with Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Elliott, and Royce Freeman. Elliott is the only player in this room who has been a starter before and clearly has the team's trust. If he did not, the Cowboys would have either drafted a running back or left their depth chart the way it was.
In addition to being the goal-line and first-down running back, Elliott has been praised on numerous occasions by the Dallas coaching staff as an excellent pass-blocker, which is a good indicator that he will see the majority of third-down opportunities.
Do not let the narrative that Elliott is old and slow steer you away from taking him later in your drafts. He has the potential to be a three-down back in one of the best offenses in football. He could be a steal in PPR leagues, as he should see at least four targets his way every Sunday.
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