Skip to main content

2 Running Back Bounce-Back Candidates (2022 Fantasy Football)

2 Running Back Bounce-Back Candidates (2022 Fantasy Football)

When drafting in fantasy football, there are many ways a player can not live up to expectation or Average Draft Position (ADP). These include injury, lack of volume, negative regression or simply less efficiency by that player compared to previous seasons.

However, there is always the chance that players can bounce back from these unfortunate consequences. Here are two running backs I believe have the potential to bounce back from their underwhelming seasons in 2021:

Fantasy Football Redraft Draft Kit

Saquon Barkley (RB – NYG)

Fantasy managers and all football fans know Saquon Barkley’s ability on the gridiron, especially after his 2,000 scrimmage yard rookie season he had four years ago. However, the former Penn State star has not only had trouble with staying away from injury since his rookie season, but he has struggled to produce elite fantasy numbers when on the field.

However, Saquon is now two years removed from his devastating ACL injury and finally has the chance to return to form for this upcoming season. Barkley was eighth amongst running backs with a 13.3% target share, and he should continue to be the bell cow, granted he stays healthy. The Giants scored the fewest TDs in the NFL with 24, which should increase with the rest of the offense back healthy and the addition of OT Evan Neal this past draft.

On top of this, the Giants have the easiest schedule in the NFL based on last year’s standings, with games against the Panthers, Bears, Jaguars, Seahawks, Texans, Lions and the rest of the NFC East twice a year. These games should produce a more positive game script for the Giants, thus giving Saquon the opportunity for more touches on the ground and in the short passing game. Things could not have been worse for the Giants and Barkley in 2021, and the offense should be due for massive positive regression. Saquon finally has a realistic possibility of returning to his days as an elite fantasy superstar.

Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)

The Eagles were as inconsistent as a team can get in 2021, as they went from one of the most pass-heavy teams during the first half of the season to having the highest rush rate across the whole league in the second half of the year.

This was due to a play caller change, as HC Nick Sirianni granted the play calling duties to OC Shane Steichen after the Eagles offense struggled under Sirianni’s pass-heavy play calling. Miles Sanders has always been an efficient and effective runner during his time with the Eagles, as he has averaged 5.4 yards per carry in his last two seasons with the Eagles. Despite this efficiency, the touches have not added up to make him an elite fantasy running back, as he has averaged less than 14 carries per game over the last two seasons. This comes with also not scoring a single rushing touchdown on the ground in 2021.

The supporting cast has improved drastically for Sanders since he arrived in Philadelphia. The Eagles acquired Pro Bowl WR A.J. Brown this past offseason and assembled the No. 1 ranked offensive line according to Pro Football Focus. If Sanders can continue his efficient rushing numbers and improves in the touchdown column, he could have the potential to bounce back as a solid option for fantasy managers that take the chance on him.


Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.

More Articles

RB3s with RB1 Potential (2024 Fantasy Football)

RB3s with RB1 Potential (2024 Fantasy Football)

fp-headshot by TJ Horgan | 3 min read
Best Ball Strategy & Advice: Draft Targets by Round (2024 Fantasy Football)

Best Ball Strategy & Advice: Draft Targets by Round (2024 Fantasy Football)

fp-headshot by Tera Roberts | 3 min read
NFL Draft Burning Questions: J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams (2024 Fantasy Football)

NFL Draft Burning Questions: J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams (2024 Fantasy Football)

fp-headshot by Joe Pepe | 3 min read
Thor Nystrom’s 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Running Backs

Thor Nystrom’s 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Running Backs

fp-headshot by Thor Nystrom | 1 min read

About Author

Hide

Current Article

2 min read

RB3s with RB1 Potential (2024 Fantasy Football)

Next Up - RB3s with RB1 Potential (2024 Fantasy Football)

Next Article