The Baltimore Ravens made several changes to their running back unit in the offseason. They moved on from J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in free agency. Baltimore added Derrick Henry to replace them as the team’s early downs running back.
Justice Hill is the only other running back on the active roster, with Keaton Mitchell on the physically unable to perform list (PUP). While the former Oklahoma State star has never had more than 387 rushing yards in any season in his career, Hill’s fantasy value comes in the passing game.
However, should fantasy players make the veteran their top waiver wire priority at the running back position? Let’s dive into it.
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Should I Pick Up Justice Hill?
Hill had 8.5 half-point PPR fantasy points in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, only 2.1 fewer than Henry despite having 12 fewer rushing attempts and zero touchdowns. However, Hill was outstanding in the passing game, totaling six receptions for 52 receiving yards.
Fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised to see the veteran have a fantasy-relevant role. Head coach John Harbaugh said Hill would play a lot during training camp. He should continue to see meaningful volume in the passing game, with the Ravens having limited playmakers at the wide receiver position.
#Ravens HC John Harbaugh on Justice Hill:
“He is a high-caliber running back… I think he’s gonna play a lot.”
Harbaugh has an 85% reliability rating on usage/workload coachspeak pic.twitter.com/yvg904IGR1
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) August 1, 2024
The former Oklahoma State star is my top waiver-wire target at the running back position if Jordan Mason isn’t available. However, which other running backs should fantasy players consider adding after Week 1?
Other Running Back Waiver Wire Targets
Alexander Mattison was the Las Vegas Raiders’ pass-catching running back against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had four receptions for 43 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 1, scoring 14.2 half-point PPR fantasy points. By comparison, Zamir White had only two receptions for two yards, scoring 3.6 fantasy points in the loss.
Alexander Mattison goes 31 yards for the @Raiders first TD of 2024!
📺: #LVvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/TZJ9X8R9Cm— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
While White got most of the work on the ground, the Raiders clearly favor Mattison in the passing game. Las Vegas will find themselves chasing points most of the year, giving the veteran running back fantasy value, especially in PPR leagues.
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