Over the last few years, I’ve developed some top-secret tools that I’ve used behind the scenes to help with my own fantasy football rankings. After discussing with editor Jon Impemba, we decided to declassify these sensitive materials for Fantasy Alarm members. We’ve already shared the Target Totem Pole, which helps to not only rank wide receivers in terms of targets but also displays our confidence in their spot on the pecking order. Now we are getting into the Running Back Questionnaire. Let me break down what this sensitive information includes then we’ll give the chart and provide some notes.

 

 

2022 Fantasy Football Running Back Questionnaire 

Running back these days isn’t just one role - most depth charts aren’t linear. After much discussion, we’ve essentially broken down the position into five different scenarios.

First Down - This is the “starter”. There are only so many touches in a given game so being the first guy to go out to start the game or to start each drive is key

Pass Down - Most of us play some PPR formats so these are seriously high leverage snaps. Some teams use the same guy, some teams have a dedicated pass-down back.

Short/Goal Line - Touchdowns are worth points in every format so being the goal line back is always going to be a high leverage situation as well.

Two-Minute Drill - This is different from “pass down” though these players often overlap. In a two-minute drill, you not only want your best players in but they need to be well-rounded as there is no time to substitute. They need to be able to pass block and they need to know all the audibles. 

Late Lead - This is a scenario where you are eating clock, trying to seal the game. Some teams might use the starter all the way through like the Steelers did last year with Najee Harris. Some teams might bring in a backup to spread the touches around.
Clearly, some of these roles are better for fantasy football than others but they call be meaningful. For instance, many thought Antonio Gibson last year would be an every-down player given that he was the best rusher and played wide receiver in college. But it turned out that he couldn’t be trusted in pass blocking so JD McKissic got to run two-minute drills, where he even stayed in the game when they got down to the goal line and scored at times, like the first game against the Giants. 

This chart helps us visualize not only who will get those crucial roles but who might gain a bigger role if someone gets hurt. You might not agree with me on the roles or the placement for all players and that’s okay - use that to your advantage and target the players YOU like. But without further ado, here is the chart.

Fantasy Football Running Back Notes


Arizona Cardinals - There are rumors that Darrell Williams could get cut, meaning Eno Benjamin could get that pass-work role. 

Atlanta Falcons - Damien Williams could factor in so keep him on your radar.

Baltimore Ravens - Gus Edwards will start the season on the PUP list and miss a minimum of four games but should have a role upon his return. Tyler Badie is the best bet after Dobbins

Buffalo Bills - Devin Singletary is the start but James Cook hinted he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team, whether that is running back or receiver. 

Carolina Panthers - CMC is the guy but D’Onta Foreman filled in valiantly for Derrick Henry last year when he was hurt. 

Chicago Bears - David Montgomery looks good here with green across the board but a mobile QB coupled with rumors that Khalil Herbert could rotate in pours some cold water on that.

Cincinnati Bengals - Chris Evans has impressed in camp and also ran back a kick return in the preseason.

Cleveland Browns - Kareem Hunt is reportedly unhappy with his contract situation and potentially seeking a trade.

Dallas Cowboys - There are rumors that Tony Pollard could play some slot receiver this year with their lack of depth there. The injury to Tyron Smith hurts everyone.

Denver Broncos - Melvin Gordon himself said that Javonte Williams has taken hold of the starting job.

Detroit Lions - Swift is the guy but they clearly have an affinity for their spiritual leader, Jamaal Williams.

Green Bay Packers - We figured it would skew Aaron Jones in passing and AJ Dillon for run work but Aaron Rodgers recently said “both could catch 50 passes”.

Houston Texans - Dameon Pierce gaining a lot of steam but Rex Burkhead on pass downs and Marlon Mack on run downs are both capable players.

Indianapolis Colts - Jonathan Taylor is the man but Nyheim Hines quietly had more targets than him last season.

Jacksonville Jaguars - They seem to want James Robinson to “start” but he might not even be ready for week 1. Could be Etienne's time right away.

Kansas City Chiefs - EVERYONE is buzzing about Isaiah Pacheco.

Los Angeles Chargers - Austin Ekeler has never had a 1,000-yard rushing season. That opens a door for either Isaiah Spiller or Joshua Kelley. 

Los Angeles Rams - Cam Akers is the guy but there is some buzz that Darrell Henderson will play his share. A sneaky Zero RB target for sure. 

Las Vegas Raiders - Kenyan Drake has been released and Ameer Abdullah has reportedly won the “James White” role in McDaniels’s offense.

Miami Dolphins - With Mike McDaniel bringing his offense along with tackle Terron Amstead, whoever wins this role could be a monster. My money (and the Dolphins) is on Chase Edmonds.

Minnesota Vikings - Usually we know the deal - Dalvin Cook is the guy and Alexander Mattison is the pure handcuff. But the emergence of Kene Nwangwu has muddied that some.

New England Patriots - This is normally a split backfield but now it’s more split than ever. Harris and Stevenson are competing for the early down role with Montgomery and Strong in the mix for the James White role.

New Orleans Saints - If Alvin Kamara doesn’t get suspended, he could be the steal of the draft. If he does, Mark Ingram could put in work for those games.

New York Giants - Matt Breida may be one of the more valuable handcuffs if you are into that.

New York Jets - Reports are that Michael Carter is still the starter but it’s hard not to get excited about the upside of Breece Hall.

Philadelphia Eagles - Jalen Hurts is the real problem here. Any sort of split between Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott further confounds that. Sanders has been efficient but he needs pass and goal-line work for real upside. 

Pittsburgh Steelers - Eddie Faulkner says they want to try to limit Najee Harris’s touches but he’s clearly the best back they have. Jaylen Warring has gotten a little off-season hype.

San Fransico 49ers - Elijah Mitchell is the guy you want. Fullback Kyle Juszcyk quietly gets more pass snaps than any running back but that’s mostly for blocking purposes.

Seattle Seahawks - With Kenneth Walker having late hernia surgery, Rashaad Penny has become a sneaky play.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Leonard Fournette is your starter. Rookie Rachaad White has become an interesting stash though if he can carve out pass-down work.

Tennessee Titans - Can Derrick Henry take a step forward in the passing game, as he started to last season? Or will a guy like Hassan Haskins factor in?

Washington Commanders - it’s fitting that this team is last because it’s the juiciest one. We expected J.D. McKissic to factor in on pass downs. We did NOT expect rookie Brian Robinson to potentially make a run at the starting job of Antonio Gibson. But that seems to be what’s happening. Watch this one closely. 

Subscribe to our Quick Out Fantasy Football Channels below!

Spotify

Apple

Stitcher


 

 

Fantasy Alarm is the home of all things Fantasy Sports. Bringing you the best Fantasy Football content all year long. Be sure to also check out the best fantasy promo codes on offer today!
 Related Articles: