Making a List: Backup Running Backs

Ryan McDowell Posted On August 20, 2012

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I’m a list guy. I make “to do” lists, follow “honey do” lists, and will take time to read a top ten list of almost anything. This series of articles will bring you a top five ranking about a myriad of topics in the world of dynasty football.

As dynasty owners, it is relatively easy to manage the top of our rosters. An average team has a couple of every week starters, a few solid starters and several borderline starting level/depth players. Managing the bottom of your roster often takes more effort and attention as the news and opinions on these players are not always as mainstream as the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Arian Foster and Calvin Johnson. In this series of Making a List, I will take a deeper look at backup players who are worth holding in your dynasty league.

Over the past few years, we have seen great changes when it comes to the running back position in the National Football League and those changes have had a huge impact on our game of fantasy football. They make it very hard to determine a runner’s true value in relation to players at other positions.

The first change is that more and more, running backs are expected to be heavily involved in the passing game. A running back without receiving skills lacks the value of those who can catch the ball out of the backfield. With the growing popularity of point per reception (PPR) leagues, this plays a major role.

The other change that most teams have undergone is moving to a two running back committee, often referred to as RBBC. While this has lowered the value of many running backs who share carries, it has made the true bell cow back more valuable than ever. This epidemic of RBBC also can make it hard to determine who a team’s starter truly is, if there is one at all. For the purpose of this article, I am considering Washington, New Orleans, New England, Carolina and Buffalo as true running back by committee situations, and therefore have not included any of those players.

A backup running back has always been a hot commodity as owners work hard to “handcuff” their top draft picks in case of injury or other unforeseen circumstance. While this could be a good strategy in most cases, it is becoming more expensive to acquire that backup player due to the lack of top running backs. Many owners are satisfied to wait on running back and then use multiple upside backups to fill their running back stable.

Backup running backs often rise to the top position as starter for their team as other running backs deal with age or injury. Because of this, acquiring a young backup running back now could pay huge dividends down the road if you are patient enough to hold onto them.

Here are five backup running back to own in your dynasty league.

1. ) Ben Tate, RB HOU

Tate was drafted by the Texans in the second round out of Auburn and entered the league with injury concerns. With Houston needing a starting running back, he was a high rookie pick in the spring of 2010, but suffered a broken leg and a severe ankle injury, ending his rookie season before it began. This put great doubts in the minds of dynasty owners as to the relevance and role Tate would have for Houston. Tate quickly erased these concerns as he displayed electric running skills as he posted over 1,000 combined yards and scored four times, serving both as the backup and sometimes replacement for starting running back Arian Foster. Tate has two more years on his rookie contract and I see no reason for the Texans to let him go anytime soon. Foster has dealt with injuries and in today’s NFL, having two capable running backs is a must.

2.) Ryan Williams, RB ARZ

Much like Tate, Williams was a high rookie pick in both the NFL and dynasty leagues and saw his rookie season cut short due to injury. Williams right patellar tendon ruptured and he was placed on injured reserve, bringing his season to an end. By all accounts, he has recovered well from the gruesome injury and is expected to play a major role in the Cardinals running game this season. Starting running back Beanie Wells is also dealing with his own injuries and has only recently begun practicing. The team seems unsatisfied with Wells’ performance and ability to stay on the field, opening the door for Williams to get a good share of carries this year.

3.) Kendall Hunter, RB SF

Hunter is another young running back with a very good chance of eventually earning a shot at the starting job for his current team. Hunter had a relatively productive rookie season in 2011 with nearly 700 total yards and two touchdowns. While these numbers are not consistent enough to rely on him while he is backing up starter Frank Gore, they are encouraging enough for owners to hold tight to Hunter and place very good dynasty value on the second string back. In fact, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has already said that he expects Hunter to have a big year. With Gore nearing the age 30 cliff, San Francisco will look to decrease his touches, especially in games that are already in hand. Now is the time to acquire Hunter before his carries increase. In fact, in some leagues, I have paired Hunter with rookie LaMichael James, as I expect the pair to form a strong running back committee over the next few years.

4.) David Wilson, RB NYG

The New York Giants surprised many by selecting the former Hokie with the final pick in April’s draft, adding him to the running back depth chart, joining starter Ahmad Bradshaw and DJ Ware. Wilson has quickly impressed onlookers with his explosiveness and conditioning. While Bradshaw is entrenched in the starter’s role, expect Wilson to play a big part in the team’s offense. Bradshaw’s foot injuries are well known and if they flare up again, Wilson’s value will skyrocket. Despite being listed at number four on this list, Wilson has more dynasty value than any other running back on the list, or in football in general.

5.) Jacquizz Rodgers, RB ATL

This last spot is more about the starter than the backup. Rodgers posted modest statistics last season, playing behind both starter Michael Turner and fellow backup Jason Snelling. In his limited playing time, Rodgers did prove he can be an asset in the passing game, reeling in 21 receptions for nearly 200 yards and a score. There are reports that the Falcons plan to reduce Turner’s touches. In the short term, this means more snaps for both Snelling and Rodgers, but it’s Quizz who figures to play a long term role for Atlanta. Many question if the 5’6” back can carry the load. While that is yet to be seen, it is safe to assume that he can be one half of a dynamic backfield and a play making asset for your dynasty team.

Just missed: Isaiah Pead, STL; Mikel LeShoure, DET; Ronnie Hillman, DEN; Rashad Jennings, JAX; Michael Bush, CHI; Toby Gerhart, MIN; Peyton Hillis, KC

In the next Making a List, I’ll focus on backup wide receivers.

Follow Ryan McDowell on Twitter @RyanMc23.

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Ryan McDowell

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

In addition to his senior leadership role here at DLF, Ryan is also a husband, father of three and PE teacher. Ryan is the commissioner of multiple dynasty leagues, most notably the Kitchen Sink Dynasty Leagues. Here at DLF, Ryan’s focus is on identifying, monitoring and analyzing player value.