It happens every single year. You’re told that you need to get as many top-15 running backs as possible, because it’s a mess of timeshares after that. While I’m personally a fan of getting multiple top-15 running backs on your team, there’s nothing wrong with taking some shots on players who fall in drafts.
Find and analyze trades for your team with My Playbook 
The issue that most people make is simply looking for the guys who’ll get the most carries and selecting them, not thinking about what the potential upside is with those players. Volume is extremely important, obviously, but don’t go into your fantasy season thinking that Isaiah Crowell, Frank Gore, or C.J. Anderson has league-winning potential.
Today, we’ll be discussing the running backs being drafted outside the top-24 at their position who present RB1 upside without injury. These are the players who could potentially win you your league, because you’re getting first- or second-round value in the middle rounds of your draft.
Sony Michel (RB – NE) Current Cost: RB27
There are a lot of naysayers when it comes to Michel, especially after hearing that he had to have his knee drained during training camp, forcing him to miss a minimum of 10 days. I won’t lie to you, it’s not ideal, but you’re now getting a discount on a supremely gifted three-down running back. Keep in mind that Rex Burkhead is dealing with what they’re calling an “ongoing” knee issue that’s forced him to miss time. Michel was also one of the best pass-blockers in the draft, something that’s important to the Patriots, knowing that they lost Nate Solder and Cameron Fleming in free agency, and then just lost rookie first-round pick Isaiah Wynn for the season to an Achilles injury.
Marlon Mack (RB – IND) Current Cost: RB30
It’s not the greatest start to training camp for Mack, who had offseason shoulder surgery, and then suffered a pulled hamstring in the first week of preseason action. He’s likely out for the remainder of the preseason, but should have a leg-up on the starting job knowing that his backups are all late-round picks who’ll need to earn their snaps. While it’s very possible that this backfield is a timeshare situation, Mack’s current cost reflects that. His game-breaking potential should keep him on the field more often than not, and the Colts have dramatically changed the look of their offensive line this offseason. Mack isn’t for the feint of heart, but he does present what could be RB1 upside in an Andrew Luck-led offense.
Kerryon Johnson (RB – DET) Current Cost: RB33
When looking for a potential RB1, you need to find someone who can play on all three downs, which is why Johnson is the perfect target. While many seem to be concerned about LeGarrette Blount around the goal-line, my argument is that Blount on the field would make Jim Bob Cooter’s offense entirely too predictable. I’ve been on record as saying that he’s no lock to make the roster. Johnson was taken with a second-round pick, highlighting how badly the Lions felt they needed security at the position. While Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah are still in the mix, Johnson has looked phenomenal in the preseason, and the Lions will be looking for every reason to showcase their young talent. Again, he’s no guarantee with all the mouths there, but he doesn’t even need injury to hit RB1 status.
Jamaal Williams/Aaron Jones (RB – GB) Current Cost: RB37/RB42
When you’re the starting running back for the Packers, you have RB1 upside, especially when Aaron Rodgers is under center. Most will talk about Aaron Jones potentially taking over at some point, but Williams is the one who will be starting Week 1 and Week 2 while Jones is suspended, giving Williams a golden opportunity. Even with the incumbent Brett Hundley under center, Williams was the No. 9 running back from Week 10 through Week 17. While I’ve also included Jones in this article, Williams is the one who we know will get a crack. I’m not opposed to grabbing both of them at their current cost.
James White (RB – NE) Current Cost: RB57
I’m not going to sit here and tell you that White is a sure thing. Heck, his ADP tells you that he’s not. However, Dion Lewis was looked at as a change-of-pace running back prior to last year. He finished as the No. 5 running back from Week 10 through Week 17, showing what’s possible when given opportunity in the Patriots offense. White has simply been a pass-catcher over the last three seasons, but when he’s been called upon to handle a bigger workload, he’s played extremely well, especially during clutch time. Here’s White’s stats over the last two years in the playoffs: 21 carries for 89 yards (4.24 yards per carry) with five rushing touchdowns, 37 targets, 27 receptions for 209 yards, and three receiving touchdowns. So, in short, White has scored eight touchdowns in his last six playoff games. With all the receiving options behind Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan as question marks, White could make his mark in 2018.
Subscribe: iTunes | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | TuneIn | RSS
Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.
