The running back position is integral to dynasty success. Whether preferring the workhorse and stud strategy or siding with the weekly search for streaming options, running backs have arguably the biggest weekly swings depending on their high-leverage opportunities, offensive line play, and injuries on the depth chart. Here are the key takeaways and projections for the rest of the season:
The Rise of the Rookies
Ashton Jeanty was the presumptive clear starter for Week 1, but Omarion Hampton quickly joined Jeanty with lineup viability as Najee Harris' July 4th eye injury cleared Hampton's pathway for Week 1. Harris also sustained a season-ending injury shortly after returning to the lineup. Hampton has since sustained a short-term IR visit with an ankle injury, but was an auto-start option before his departure.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was another quick riser among the rookie running backs as Brian Robinson Jr. was traded from Washington before Week 1. Austin Ekeler sustained an early-season injury to end his year, and Croskey-Merritt has been rising in prominence ever since. Croskey-Merritt crested in Week 5 with a 70% rushing share and 39% route share, the best combination of the season. Croskey-Merritt has never had more lineup confidence than now.
Quinshon Judkins was a wildcard with his legal situation in the offseason and remained unsigned by Cleveland for a concerning period of time. That concern was quickly vanquished as Judkins signed and made his debut, albeit a few days late, seizing the lead job from Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. Since then, Judkins has turned into a foundation back and auto-start lineup status. There is a legitimate argument for Judkins to be RB5 in dynasty, behind (in some order) Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Ashton Jeanty, and Omarion Hampton. Judkins' age and immediate production have appeal compared to De'Von Achane and Jonathan Taylor in some cases, especially rebuilding teams.
TreVeyon Henderson's rise has been an uneven road through September, as Rhamondre Stevenson has had multiple games with fumbles, and Antonio Gibson was the preferred option for an uptick in opportunities. The team also returned to Stevenson quickly despite a long history of fumbles from Stevenson, and one of Henderson's superpowers is ball security during his collegiate career. Week 5 was the turning point for Henderson and the Patriots' depth chart as Antonio Gibson sustained a season-ending injury. New England is down to Stevenson and Henderson, notably on the depth chart. Expect Henderson to be a sturdy flex or RB2 with upside going forward.
Cam Skattebo is another quick riser among the rookies. Tyrone Tracy Jr. was the clear starter until an injury pushed the lead role to Skattebo, who has been a weekly starter with strong utilization. The wildcard is that Tracy is off the injury report and is expected to play in Week 6. While most assume Skattebo already had the lead job when Tracy was injured, Tracy was the clear starter, then was injured, and Skattebo took over. There is a decent chance that Tracy will return to the lead role or form a committee to cloud the depth chart.
Rookies who are still simmering include RJ Harvey (Denver RB2), Kyle Monangai (Chicago RB2), Woody Marks (Houston RB2, pushing for RB1), and Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville RB2/3). Wildcards include DJ Giddens (Colts RB2/3, monitor Ameer Abdullah here), Tahj Brooks (Cincinnati RB3), Brashard Smith (Kansas City RB3), and Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh RB3), Trevor Etienne (Carolina RB3).
Clarified Starting Opportunities
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