The most important and valuable position in fantasy football is running back, even after years of NFL teams devaluing specific backs once they realized how replaceable they are and what similar production comes from different players.
Their fantasy value comes from the fact that a small number of backs are given hugely valuable roles where they see very high volumes. These backs stand out against the vast mass of the league where volume is split across multiple players.
The key of course is identifying the valuable ones. Lots of theories and processes float about concerning which backs do what. Many of them are entirely mistaken or built on confusion, lies and untruths.
This series of articles is an attempt to shine a light on how various teams really do use their backs and what we can surmise about them going forwards.
Houston Texans
The Texans under Bill O’Brien have fairly consistently used multiple backs in similar ways. That changed a little in 2019 when they acquired Duke Johnson.
Plenty of commentators thought that Johnson might be used as he was in college when he was a do-it-all back renowned for running between the tackles even with his smaller frame.
But in reality, Johnson was still used as a third down/receiving back.
As you can see in the chart there was a clear split between Carlos Hyde and Johnson in rushing/passing volume. Johnson also had an iron grip on later-down targets.
Ahhh is now the time to sell Derrick Henry??
With the money he’s likely to command, I highly doubt the NYG spend that type of capital for a backup to Barkley.
