After recently evaluating value fantasy quarterbacks, now we’re on to running backs, which often are the driving force of a successful fantasy football season. Nothing is better than scooping up a player off of waivers or taking a flyer on a guy in the draft and having them return significant value. We’ve seen it with guys like James Conner in 2018 or James Robinson last year. Now I am not saying some of these guys will become RB1s, however, these are guys who can contribute to your fantasy roster and could be valuable throughout the season.
For the running back position, I decided I would stick with less than $10 dollar value, which starts at running back 33. Essentially these are RB3s that have some upside. Either way, some of these guys you will be able to draft for cheap, and then come Week 1 you can see what their workload may be like and go from there. I have also added the first four opponents for each player as this can help inform our decisions, especially on some of these bench stash-type players.
Once again I have decided to utilize the Fantasypros.com dollar value calculator for 12-team Half-PPR leagues. For those new to auction drafting or returning veterans, one thing that is always important to remember is that auction drafts can go completely different than expected. You may expect one player to go for said amount, but they end up going for much more. With that being said I still want to try to identify several players at each position that would essentially amount to a late-round flier pick in a redraft league. Ideally, you will be able to get these players on your fantasy roster for cheap and hope for a big return.
Melvin Gordon (RB, DEN) – $9
Initially, when I started this article rookie Javonte Williams was listed here, but Williams hype has pushed his dollar value to $13 (past my cut-off mark of $10). Williams is still a value at $13 as he should still be used, but Gordon is definitely one who still can contribute to your fantasy teams this year.
Now Gordon is 28 years old and very well could lose touches to Williams (or Williams could even take over that backfield at some point), but Gordon should have a few games left where he is fantasy relevant. Gordon finished as RB13 in 2020 and averaged 12.16 fantasy points a game (15 games). Early on in the season, I think you can roll with Gordon who brings flex appeal, and at this cost, you can part ways should Williams begin to take over.
Weeks 1-4 Schedule: New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens
Zach Moss (RB, BUF) $9
Buffalo’s running back room was less than desirable in 2020 for fantasy managers and may still not be the most desirable this season. In 2020, Moss had only 112 rushes for 481 yards and caught 14 passes for 95 yards. However, at his current price, he may be worth a shot in drafting him on your team with a chance at a bigger workload.
Currently ranked on Fantasypros ECR at RB36 you’re taking a shot here, but should he end up with the starting job and be more involved than last year you’re bound to capitalize on the late addition. He’s definitely one you will probably get an idea come week 1 on how this backfield will shake out and can make your decision on how to proceed from there.
Weeks 1-4 Schedule: Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, Washington Football Team, Houston Texans.
Trey Sermon (RB, SF) $7
The rookie joins a San Francisco running back group that has produced for fantasy in previous years. Sermon was drafted in the third round after the 49ers traded up. His current ECR is RB38 and he will be competing for touches with the likes of Raheem Mostert and Wayne Gallman.
In 2020, Mostert averaged approximately 11.46 fantasy points a game (8 games) in half-ppr leagues while Jeff Wilson Jr. averaged 11.32 (12 games). Jerick Mckinnon was the third running back who averaged 7.31 fantasy points a game. They had five running backs contribute to a total of 378 touches and 73 targets. With just three running backs currently looking to contribute, it’s possible Sermon begins to return value on the current dollar value. Definitely worth a late addition to your team to see how this 49ers backfield looks come 2021.
Weeks 1-4 Schedule: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks
Nyheim Hines (RB, IND) $5
Jonathan Taylor is garnering all the hype in the world entering 2021. However, Hines was involved in the offense quite a bit in 2020. Now Taylor was still finding himself and didn’t really get going until later in the season so it’s tough to project how involved Hines will be. However, with injuries to Wentz and Guard Quenton Nelson, the Colts may not be as effective on offense as we had initially hoped and may need to pass the ball more.
Hines rushed 89 times for 380 yards and 3 touchdowns and caught 63 of 76 targets for 482 yards and 4 touchdowns last season while finishing as the RB24. Sitting at ECR RB 45, Hines is one you can pick up fairly cheap and see how much he is involved come week 1.
Weeks 1-4 Schedule: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins.
Giovani Bernard (RB, TB) $2
Bernard is taking his talents to Tampa Bay and joins a fairly crowded backfield with Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette. However, Bernard brings something that was mostly lacking in 2020 which is his pass-catching abilities. In 2020, Tampa running backs saw 99 targets from Tom Brady, catching 69 of them for 432 yards and two touchdowns. Should Bernard jump right into the pass-catching back role, he may bring with him some fantasy value.
Weeks 1-4 Schedule: Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots
