Dynasty Perspective Through Advanced Metrics: Running Backs

Fantasy football is a game decided by numbers. In this four-part series, I’ll be reviewing advanced player metrics via Player Profiler from the 2023 season, to understand the numbers behind the data, outline a contextual story and provide actionable advice in dynasty.

The second article in the series will focus on running back, analyzing metrics to give a true reflection of performance and expectations moving forward. The previous article on quarterback can be found here.

Jonathan Taylor, RB IND

• Fantasy Points Per Game: RB13
• Opportunity Share: RB17
• Fantasy Points Per Opportunity: RB29
• Target Share: RB36
• Yards Per Carry: RB29
• Yards Per Touch: RB25
• Breakaway Run Rate: RB37
• Yards Created Per Touch: RB31
• Defenders In The Box: RB49

One of the most polarizing players in dynasty football, Taylor has endured two injury-hit seasons on the bounce since his RB1 finish in 2021. Despite missing seven games through multiple injuries, he produced the RB13 finish in fantasy points per game. On the surface this looks solid, given the context of battling injuries and playing the majority of the year with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew. Further analysis shows Taylor was a volume running back, struggling with efficiency and explosiveness. His target share in the passing game was poor, despite playing with a pocket passer. In my view his least impressive metrics were the combination of RB37 in breakaway run rate despite being the RB49 for defenders in the box - lack of explosion in an optimal running environment.