Running Backs are always a hot commodity early in fantasy football drafts. This year will be no different. But what if you decide to buck that trend in 2020? Say you’re picking at the end of the first and a combination of Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams is just too enticing to pass up. Let’s take a look at three running backs who can make that zero RB strategy payoff and end up league winners.
For this list, we’re going to look outside the top 20 running backs. Of course, if Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler are available you’ll make that move. We’re looking at running backs who have high enough ceilings to eclipse their average draft position. These aren’t safe picks across the board. Some of these guys have low floors. Just a note- we’ll be using fantasy pros consensus rankings as of July 31st, 2020.
Three Running Backs Who Can Help You Win Your Fantasy League
Best Bets
D’Andre Swift
Current Running Back Rank – 29
D’Andre Swift has the talent to be a true three-down running back. The situation he’s walking into in Detroit is not quite as good as his talent. The rookie running back will have to contend with incumbent Kerryon Johnson. Normally, you’d shy away somewhat from a team with a returning back but Johnson has missed large parts of the last two seasons with knee injuries. In addition Kerryon hasn’t been nearly as efficient as the team had hoped. Enter Swift. The Lions drafted Swift at the top of the second round this year to infuse some electricity into their offense. His last season at Georgia, Swift ran for 1216 yards and pulled down 24 catches. In the pre-draft process he ran a 4.48 forty and eclipsed ten feet in the broad jump. Explosive, productive, and an opportunity? Take the plunge.
Raheem Mostert
Current Running Back Rank – 25
After flashing a bit in 2018, Raheem Mostert burst onto the scene in 2019. Despite being credited with zero starts, Mostert recorded a total of 952 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns on only 151 touches. While his efficiency may come down a bit, he should see more touches in 2020. San Francisco traded Matt Breida to Miami. While they welcome back Jerick McKinnon, he hasn’t played in two seasons. Mostert’s rank does have risk baked in. Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson will still get touches in this backfield. Kyle Shanahan has always used multiple backs and that doesn’t appear to change anytime soon. That said, Mostert finished last season as RB20 in standard and RB26 in PPR. Take your chances that he’ll get an uptick in carries and make the most of them.
Opportunity Is There
Current Running Back Rank – 22
David Montgomery will likely be the workhorse in Chicago’s backfield this season. While he failed to impress in his rookie season, he still finished 22nd in standard and 24th in PPR scoring in 2019. If the Bears offense improves in 2020, it’s easy to see Montgomery having an uptick in production. You’re looking for a second-year leap here but even if he doesn’t have one, he’s still got a pretty safe floor. He’s not a sexy pick but his current ADP of 49.5 feels right.
Bonus Pick
Current Running Back Rank – N/A
Here’s your curveball, dart throw, deep sleeper, I-may-be-delusional, hot take, late-round flier. This is as much about Damien Harris’ potential opportunity as it is his talent. Patriots starting running back Sony Michel had surgery on his foot in May. There are questions about his availability for training camp. Harris was New England’s third-round pick in 2019 and is primed to take advantage of this opportunity. He started over fellow 2019 draftee Josh Jacobs at Alabama so talent is not a concern. If Harris takes advantage of Michel’s potential absence, he has an RB2 ceiling. An RB2 ceiling for a guy that is currently going undrafted? Yes, please.
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