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Running Backs to Avoid (2023 Fantasy Football)

Running Backs to Avoid (2023 Fantasy Football)

The running-back position has undergone a bit of a renaissance. Eight running backs received at least 250 carries in 2022. While committee backfields are still popular, the position has more quality depth than it has since the position’s golden years in the early 2000s.

Despite this, there is still a bit of positional roulette to be played with running backs for fantasy purposes. The “cliff” for RBs seems to come suddenly. Knowing when to stay away from a player is important. 

Today, we are going to look at five running backs I am avoiding right now in drafts. While there are a few names on this list whose status could change, very few of these players will find their way onto my rosters in 2023. They each have concerns or a red flag. Some have had offseason changes to their respective situations. Others have external factors that could affect their role.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Kit

Running Backs to Avoid (2023)

Here are running backs I’m avoiding.

Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)

Kamara’s legal woes, stemming from an incident at the 2022 Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, loom large. A suspension seems likely. Even without that, however, his days as an RB1 are behind him.

Over Kamara’s career, his receiving role has been his bread and butter as a fantasy running back. That has changed over the last two seasons. His 11% target share in 2023 was a career low, and he continued a downward trend in raw targets for the second year in a row.

Kamara was already left without a significant red-zone role. The Saints have added the reigning NFL rushing touchdown leader Jamaal Williams to the mix. To further complicate things, New Orleans drafted Kendre Miller in the third round – significant capital for a running back. Putting all of that together, Kamara is the most obvious running back to avoid for 2023. 

Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)

Avoiding running backs coming off an injury is a process I’ve followed, so, despite the positive reports regarding Hall’s rehab, he is someone to steer clear of this year. If you are still inclined to consider him at his late-2nd Round ADP, there are some other contextual points to consider.

The Jets have Michael Carter and Zonovon Knight on the roster. They also drafted Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round, making for a crowded backfield. The Jets were linked to Jahmyr Gibbs during the draft process as well. It would make a lot of sense for New York to ease Hall back into things, which makes him a risky investment as your RB1.

Travis Etienne (RB – JAC)

A big part of Etienne’s appeal last year was the lack of competition in Jacksonville’s backfield. He enjoyed a 90% snap share for a lot of the season, ranking fifth in the league in carries inside the 10-yard line. Despite that, Etienne only averaged 15 touches per game and scored just five touchdowns.

Now, Etienne will have to contend with Tank Bigsby, who Jacksonville took in the third round. While Etienne’s usage as a receiver will still be a selling point, his overall touches should take a hit this year. He is going in the 2nd Round of PPR drafts. That’s probably a round too high.

Dalvin Cook (RB – MIN)

With the latest reports being that Minnesota is looking to move on from Cook, he is someone to avoid. Cook could end up in a cherry spot like Buffalo or Kansas City, where his fantasy value wouldn’t take a massive hit. He could also end up in a timeshare situation in a bad offense.

Either way, Cook has had over 1,500 touches so far in his career. His yards per carry has been on the decline for three straight seasons. The uncertainty about where he winds up playing combined with the decline in overall production doesn’t bode well. Stay away, as Cook could soon hit the cliff.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB – FA), Leonard Fournette (RB – FA)

I am going to get out in front of this and suggest avoiding both Elliott and Fournette for fantasy this year. Barring the perfect backfield scenario, neither are likely to live up to the helium a signing would give them. Let your league mates draft them a round or two ahead of where they should go. Focus instead on running backs that have a solidified role.

Draft Wizard

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Jason Kamlowsky is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Jason, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @JasonKamlowsky.

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