Targets and goal-line carries are the lifeblood of quality fantasy production at running back. 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
The Lions are the lone NFL team with three finishes of No.6 or better in HLO to start the season. Jahmyr Gibbs is a fantasy force with his elite market share of the backfield, Detroit's defense struggling, and HLO on his side. Gibbs' 35 PPR PPG is a full 7 PPG clear of any other running back, and 24 points in Week 2 was his "down" game. This is also a reminder that Sione Vaki is the clarified RB2 and is seeing a few critical snaps each week and performing well. Vaki might be the least known fantasy name with the highest upside this season.
Broncos
After a clunky Week 1, Denver is back to their strong HLO ways with No.4 and No.6 finishes the past two weeks. J.K. Dobbins is dominating the rushing market share when healthy, but RJ Harvey is Sean Payton's receiving back of choice. The split backfield leads to weekly frustration depending on the game script and how touches flow, but remember the macro upside of this backfield. If clarity appears through injury (Jonah Coleman out for a stretch, if one more occurs in the coming weeks, for example), elite upside remains.
Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has been a high-floor unit through three weeks, finishing the top half of HLO each week. Kenny Gainwell has not been as much of a thorn to Bucky Irving as Gainwell's 2025 career year and contract with Tampa Bay would indicate. Baker Mayfield potentially missing multiple weeks (or more) with an injured thumb presents a buying opportunity for Irving if Jalon Daniels struggles to run the offense.