As we get to the weeks that are usually past the trade deadline in dynasty leagues (I am in one without a trade deadline, which is fun, but crazy during the playoffs when teams get into arms races), it’s time to look ahead to next year and target speculative players to fill end of the bench spots when we are eliminated from the playoffs. We’ll go position-by-position over the next four weeks and separate players out into Snorkel, Scuba, and Submarine levels to serve dynasty players of all levels. Week 2: Running Backs
Snorkel
Jamaal Williams, GB - He should be rostered everywhere as a high-value handcuff, but you never know. The Packers can’t afford to keep both him and Aaron Jones, so Williams could get a promotion in size of role after he signs his next contract in 2021.
Gus Edwards, BAL - Edwards has proven himself as one of the more nimble power backs in the league and he could get an offer sheet as a restricted free agent next year if he’s not signed to a high-level tender, which would signify that he’s a big part of the Ravens plans next year.
LeVeon Bell, KC - Bell is probably rostered on name-brand value alone, but double-check. He’s not the back he was at his peak, but Bell is still good and versatile enough to play a fantasy-relevant role in the right spot next year.
Kalen Ballage, LAC - The Chargers might have a new regime in place next year, but if they don’t, Ballage is a strong candidate to be brought back and possibly occupy the #2 running back spot. The game has slowed down for him and his gifts were more apparent in recent games, including advanced skills as a receiver.
Lynn Bowden, MIA - The Dolphins backfield is still under construction, but Bowden made a splash in his first significant action last week and could play a hybrid WR/RB/QB role in the offense with an entire offseason of integration after being picked up via trade right before the season.
Anthony McFarland, PIT - James Conner is a free agent and Benny Snell is still the same low upside back despite reshaping his body in the offseason so that points to McFarland getting an extended shot to show why the team picked him in the fourth round. He is still not patient enough for his speed to come into play but could develop with a full offseason and more experience.
Darrynton Evans, TEN - The Titans said they had big plans for Evans, but a hamstring injury put those plans on hold. We might still see the third-round pick before the end of the season.
Rashaad Penny, SEA - Chris Carson is a free agent in 2021 and Rashaad Penny might be healthy from his 2019 knee injury by then.
KeShawn Vaughn, TB - Vaughn showed very little in his 2020 action to date and looked overwhelmed, but Leonard Fournette is a free agent, so a larger role is there for the taking in 2021.
La’Mical Perine, NYJ - Don’t forget about him just because he’s on injured reserve. There’s a chance that he’ll be the lead back Week 1 a la Myles Gaskin moving up the depth chart this offseason for Miami.
Scuba
DOnta Foreman, TEN - Foreman resurfaced this year and immediately became the backup to Derrick Henry on early downs while Darrynton Evans was Reserve/Injured list. Foreman is only 24 and looks like he has gotten back most if not all of the physical ability he possessed before his Achilles injury.
Eno Benjamin, ARI - Benjamin was a healthy scratch and below DJ Foster for snaps when Kenyan Drake went down, but with Drake a free agent next year, Benjamin could still find himself the No. 2 back when the 2021 season opens.
Ito Smith, ATL - Smith has played well recently and rekindled hope of him playing a stable role in this greatly unsettled backfield in 2021.
Mike Boone, MIN - Boone is going to be a restricted free agent next year and there was a rumor that he drew trade interest from unnamed teams last year. He could also get a chance to start before the end of the year if Dalvin Cook goes down and Alexander Mattison’s recovery from an appendectomy hits a snag.
JaMycal Hasty, SF - Raheem Mostert is the only top-four 49ers back under contract next year and Hasty looked like a natural fit in the Kyle Shanahan running game during his short audition before going on injured reserve this year.
Reggie Bonnafon, CAR - Bonnafon flashed a little before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and he could be the No. 2 back if the Panthers don’t bring back Mike Davis.
Submarine
J.J. Taylor, NE - James White is an unrestricted free agent next year, so Taylor has a shot to be the receiving back for the Patriots. He has already seen the field as an undrafted free agent in a good sign for his future.
Josh Adams, NYJ - Adams impressed during limited run with the Eagles a few years ago and he’s doing it again with the Jets. A big back with good burst, Adams could make a bigger impression before the end of the season if the Jets shut down Frank Gore.
Pete Guerriero, NYJ - The speedster was recently re-signed to the practice squad and the Jets have no long-term answer on the roster at running back.
TySon Williams, RB, BAL - The Matt Waldman favorite could be the Ravens #3 back if Mark Ingram isn’t brought back and Justice Hill has a poor camp next year.
