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 is 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
- 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
Saints
Alvin Kamara has been an elite fantasy producer since his return in Week 4. Only Christian McCaffrey has more fantasy points over the span, and Kamara has more than 15 points in eight of nine games. Kamara's upside has been aided greatly by the now No.1 HLO ranking for New Orleans on the season. The Saints have finished 15th or better every week Kamara has been active.
Dolphins
Miami had a blip down game for HLO in Week 12, but they were right back to a strong HLO team in the blowout win over Washington in Week 13. Raheem Mostert was the strong RB1 in the first half and transitioned to De'Von Achane with more work in the second half. The Dolphins have two fantasy starters in their backfield and have been HLO No.10 or better in 7 of 10 recent weeks.
Jets
While goal-line opportunities have eluded the Jets (No.32 in the NFL), with their negative game scripts, they are No.2 in running back targets. Their monthly HLO ranking improved over the first 12 weeks, and they posted another strong result in Week 13. Breece Hall can survive and even thrive without goal-line carries due to the receiving floor and ceiling. Dalvin Cook has looked less sluggish in recent weeks and sits in the clear RB2 position if Hall misses time in the final month.