Targets and goal-line carries are the lifeblood of quality fantasy production for the running back position. A starting role and a high-volume carry total are nice, but when those touches happen away from the end zone, they become empty-calorie opportunities. In short, they do not mean much. However, being a starter and a high-volume back generally points to more targets and goal-line chances, which can lead to high-scoring fantasy 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
Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs does not need much HLO help for an elite finish this season. David Montgomery is gone to Houston, and RB2 Sione Vaki did not play much, especially in the high-leverage moments. Detroit finished No.1 in weekly HLO with the most goal-line carries in the NFL. Gibbs has "run away with the RB1 overall finish" easily within his range of outcomes with HLO assistance like this. Reminder: Sione Vaki is available in plenty of leagues and had complete clarity over Jacob Saylors (who played on special teams) in Week 1.
Bengals
The Bengals had the best balance of elite HLO in the NFL for Week 1. Chase Brown, followed by Samaje Perine, is the same rotation from last year, when they also finished in the top 10 for the year. With a little better defense, Brown and the run game can be even more of an emphasis this season. Perine is one of the more underrated backup running backs with minimal name cache, but an elite situation.
Steelers
Despite adding Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard, and more enthusiasm for Roman Wilson this season, Aaron Rodgers continued to feed the running back position. Pittsburgh was No.2 in running back targets last season, with Rodgers consistently checking the ball down to Jaylen Warren and Kenny Gainwell. Week 1 was more of the same, as Pittsburgh was No.1 in running back targets. The split between Warren and newly acquired Rico Dowdle is frustrating for now, as it was nearly even, but clarity arose last season for fantasy impact at various points of the season. While both are low RB2 or flex types currently, if either misses time (or seizes control of the backfield as the hot hand), elite fantasy upside is present.