Each season, new players become household names with their play on the gridiron. And with that, they become household names within the fantasy football community as well. Identifying potential diamonds in the rough, and ultimately hitting on those longshot picks, is one of the best feelings a fantasy manager can experience. Here are running backs our experts believe could elevate their game in 2022 and become forces to be reckoned with in fantasy.
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Breakout Running Back Candidates
Rhamondre Stevenson experienced a very successful rookie season that should not be overlooked. After fully escaping the Bill Belichick doghouse in Week 9, Stevenson earned top grades across the board. He was PFF’s third-highest-graded running back (84.2). Stevenson also ranked 13th in rushing yards and yards per route run (1.41). For fantasy, the rookie running back was the RB25 in total points scored, eight spots behind his backfield teammate Damien Harris.
– Andrew Erickson
Do not forget what this guy did at Clemson with Trevor Lawrence as his quarterback. During his final season as a Clemson Tiger, he led the country in receiving yards and ranked second in receptions among running backs. With an explosive pass-catching skill set and James Robinson rehabbing an injury, Travis Etienne checks off the requisite boxes of a fantasy RB poised to make noise in 2022.
– Andrew Erickson
There aren’t many true breakout candidates on the Las Vegas roster, so let’s go with the rookie running back from the University of Georgia, Zamir White. He’s a physical between-the-tackles banger who can wear down defenses, and he should be an effective goal-line back. The Raiders didn’t pick up RB Josh Jacobs‘ fifth-year option, so maybe they’ll flip the switch early and start giving White significant carries in 2022.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – which optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.
Expect the Packers to run the ball at a higher rate now that Davante Adams is gone. A.J. Dillon averaged 3.5 more carries per game than Aaron Jones over the last eight regular-season games they played together, and Dillon took over as Green Bay’s goal-line back late in the season. With a strong roster and a manageable schedule, the Packers should get plenty of run-friendly game scripts. Conditions are right for an A.J. Dillon breakthrough.
– Pat Fitzmaurice
Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson combined for 336 touches — third most among all RBs, 19.7 per game — when operating as the true lead back through 17 games. Cam Akers has a chance to capture that role in 2022.
– Andrew Erickson
We all know the Seahawks want to run the football (and frankly they have to), but Rashaad Penny‘s always struggled to stay on the field and Chris Carson is likely done. Kenneth Walker could see his role increase dramatically overnight and his downhill run style suits Pete Carroll’s desires.
– Joe Pisapia
If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, be sure to 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 Trade Analyzer – which allows you to instantly find out if a trade offer benefits you or your opponent – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.
