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.
Note: See the table of all teams' HLO rankings at the bottom of this article.
The Good
49ers
Christian McCaffrey has been an elite fantasy wide receiver with his production through the air alone this season, masking his lack of goal-line opportunities through the opening month. The 49ers have 52 running back targets (13 per game). The next highest team is Cleveland with 34. There is already an 18-target gap for second place. As a result, San Francisco has No. 1, No. 2, and No. 2 finishes already in weekly HLO scores and is a full 3.0 weighted HLO points on a per-game basis, clear of the field. Christian McCaffrey has an easy equation to finish as RB1 overall this season.
Packers
The Green Bay defense flourished for the opening two games of the season, but the HLO lagged as a result. With the Packers involved in more high-scoring affairs, their HLO has surged to No. 3 and No. 1 weekly finishes of late. Josh Jacobs has benefited heavily. The clarity of the RB2 role with Emanuel Wilson clarifying the position in recent weeks is also noteworthy as Green Bay enters its Week 5 bye. Fantasy teams should seek out Wilson for a roster spot once Green Bay returns from its bye in Week 6.
Ravens
Baltimore's season outlook is worrisome with its 1-3 record and Lamar Jackson sustaining a hamstring injury in the Week 4 blowout to Kansas City. However, the porous defense and negative game scripts have aided their HLO of late, specifically Justice Hill. When Baltimore is in trail or catch-up mode, Justice Hill rises in snaps, routes, and fantasy relevance. Case in point is Hill's near-30-point fantasy effort in Week 4. With bye weeks arriving in fantasy and Baltimore's defense less healthy than at the start of the season, Justice Hill is a viable RB2-flex option if in a pinch at the position.
