Targets and goal-line carries are the lifeblood of quality fantasy production for the running back position. The starting role and receiving a high volume of carries are nice, but not near the end zone makes those touches empty-calorie opportunities. In short, they do not mean much. However, being a starter and high-volume back generally points to receiving more targets and goal-line chances for high fantasy-scoring plays. This weekly feature analyzes all 32 NFL depth charts for underrated and overrated running backs.
- Current RK: Team Ranking in Expected High-Leverage Opportunity PPR Points
- Prev: Overall Ranking from Last Week
- HLO: High-Leverage Opportunity Score Average Per Week
- GL: Rank in Goal-Line Carries (Inside the Five-Yard-Line)
- TGT: Rank in Team Running Back Targets
The Good
Jets
While the Jets struggled to a loss to the offensively-challenged Broncos in the rain this week, they have been an elite HLO offense through the opening month. Every week, they have finished in the top half of the HLO scores. There is a question about Breece Hall's workload after his Week 4 dud, but this was after three quality games in a row from Hall. Plus, Hall still had 56% of the rushing share in the backfield and more than double the routes of Braelon Allen this week. The sky is not falling for Hall, and both have league-winning potential, considering the strong HLO of the offense.
Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has morphed into more of a committee in their backfield in recent weeks. Bucky Irving's dynamic cuts and speed are an upgrade over Rachaad White, and the rookie has forced his way into the starting rotation with White. They already have three weekly HLO finishes of No.7 or better in the opening month and are in the top 10 in goal-line and target categories. Irving has strong upside if White were to miss time or if Irving's rise in market share continues.
Panthers
Carolina is the biggest riser of the week, finishing No.1 in Week 4 and nearly doubling their weekly average from the first three games. Chuba Hubbard has been outstanding, with Andy Dalton stabilizing the offense. After a horrific No.31 finish in Week 1, Carolina has been in the top half of the NFL in HLO the past three games. Jonathon Brooks will likely be a factor in the backfield and is looming to make his debut in the coming weeks. Hubbard is tough to keep out of lineups until then with a quality HLO environment and little challenge from Miles Sanders.
Bengals
Cincinnati has three top 12 finishes under their belt already in weekly HLO, including No.6 and No.5 finishes the past two weeks. Chase Brown elevated his backfield market share in Week 4, but Moss still has the edge overall. Monitor Brown in future weeks, but Moss is the only viable fantasy lineup option for now.