Rashaad Penny (RB, PHI): 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~121 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~139

ANALYSIS:  Philadelphia Eagles running backs Rashaad Penny and D'Andre Swift have each been prolific in small sample sizes since being drafted in the 2018 and 2020 classes, respectively. But both have failed to secure big-time workloads thanks to injury concerns. Now, the two explosive RBs are set to be in the same backfield for last year's NFC Champions.

The Eagles' offensive line unit is largely viewed as the best in the NFL, so one or both of these ball carriers could have mega-upside in 2023.

In 42 career games over five seasons, Penny has compiled 1,918 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 337 attempts. The former San Diego State Aztec averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2021 and 6.1 yards per carry in 2022 and is arguably the most explosive runner in the NFL. His 5.7 career rushing average is impressive, but he's missed almost as many games (40) as he's played in.

Penny suffered a hand fracture, ACL tear, broken fibula (last season), and several hamstring and knee strains all before the age of 28. The Eagles brought in Penny on a one-year, $1.35 million deal, so they're clearly comfortable with his injury risk at cost.

The workhorse running back role is almost extinct in the NFL, and the Eagles will split the running back work between the two backs and even mix in Kenneth Gainwell. Ultimately, Penny will likely assume the early-down and short-yardage back role, while Swift gets the bulk of the receiving work on third downs and in hurry-up offense situations.

If Penny can stay healthy, he makes for a better standard league option. He has just 27 career receptions and Swift, who is best suited for PPR formats, is a far superior receiver. If either has to miss time with an injury, the other back will have nuclear upside with additional touches.

While the committee situation with Penny, Swift, and Gainwell is less than ideal, the Eagles' running game is so strong that all three backs are worth rostering for fantasy. Even if one of the three gets injured, the other two could both be weekly starters for your fantasy team.

More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers

Pat Freiermuth (TE, PIT) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 66% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is the TE10 for the year, averaging 7.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. While the Steelers' passing attack has been inconsistent this season, the veteran tight end has played well lately. He has five receiving […]

Mike Fanelli 2 months ago

Jalen McMillan (WR, TB) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 54% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has been one of the top pass catchers in fantasy football lately. The rookie wide receiver is the WR10 over the past four weeks, averaging 4.8 receptions on 6.3 targets for 60.5 receiving yards and […]

Mike Fanelli 2 months ago

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, NO) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: New Orleans Saints Clyde Edwards-Helaire recently joined the team after spending his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Furthermore, he made his team and season debut in the week 17 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran running back had […]

Mike Fanelli 2 months ago

Julius Chestnut (RB, TEN) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut has had little fantasy football impact this season. The veteran running back is the RB101 for the year, averaging 0.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he got some work on offense last week in […]

Mike Fanelli 2 months ago

Trey Benson (RB, ARI) – Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 18

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 19% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson has missed the past two games because of an ankle injury. Hopefully, the rookie running back can play in Sunday’s season finale against the San Francisco 49ers. The Cardinals could be without James Conner in Week […]

Mike Fanelli 2 months ago