As NFL teams prep for their first games of the season, depth charts are in the middle of being finalized. While a majority of teams have clear-cut starters, some will look to go the committee route. How does this affect your fantasy lineups?
Workhorse backs like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott are not taken simply for their talent, but the amount of work they are guaranteed throughout the year. Committee running backs are tricky to evaluate given the uncertainty they have week-to-week. Let’s take a look at a few back up running backs who could find themselves as starters during the season.
Related: O-Lines are important for fantasy football. Here’s why.
4 backup running backs that could become starters
Phillip Lindsay – Denver Broncos
Since he first came into the league, all Phillip Lindsay has done is put up numbers. He beat out Royce Freeman for carries and ran for 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons. The Denver Broncos signed Melvin Gordon from the Los Angeles Chargers during the offseason relegating the Colorado alum to a backup role.
Gordon has only played a full 16-game season once in his career. That season was also the only time he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards. If Lindsay can continue to be consistent and produce in the passing game, he could overtake Gordon for the starting role.
Denver Head Coach Vic Fangio was recently quoted saying they will both have their fair share of playing time. What’s intriguing is that Gordon is being drafted four-to-five rounds ahead of Lindsay in PPR formats. Lindsay would be a good stash for later in the season as this Broncos offense continues to find their identity.
Zack Moss – Buffalo Bills
Zack Moss’ stock has risen lately as he continues to impress in training camp. Matt Parrino from New York Upstate noted that Zack Moss and Devin Singletary were equally effective during a recent scrimmage. Despite the short offseason, Moss is already making an impression and looking to crack into the starting lineup. At 228 pounds, the Bills may look to use him in goal line situations.
Moss had three seasons where he scored at least 10 touchdowns while at Utah. The Bills finished eighth in the NFL in rushing yards last season but were 18th in rushing TDs. There is an obvious need for them to improve their rushing efficiency in the red zone. Moss has been compared to Marshawn Lynch for his running style and looks to compliment the dynamic dual threat QB Josh Allen.
Antonio Gibson – Washington Football Team
I recently wrote a piece on Antonio Gibson after the dismissal of Derrius Guice from the Washington Football Team. Gibson is in the middle of a battle with Adrian Peterson, Bryce Love and JD McKissic for first-team reps. While he is the least experienced of the group, he also has the most potential if he can figure out how to be an NFL running back.
Gibson showed flashes of his athletic potential while at Memphis last season despite starting his college career at wide receiver. Midway through his senior year, Memphis moved Gibson to running back. He only had 33 rushing attempts, but scouts were impressed with his speed and pass catching ability.
Washington is a team that has needs at all positions and will be chasing points a lot this season. Gibson won’t be an every down back, but could be utilized in different packages and formations. Every time he gets the ball, he’s a threat to take it to the house with his 4.39 speed. As previously mentioned, Gibson will have to get first team reps and gain experience as the season goes along. If he can be consistent, he could eventually see a bigger role in the Washington offense.
Ke’Shawn Vaughn – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a splash in free agency this offseason when they signed Tom Brady and convinced Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement to join his former teammate. The Bucs then released Jameis Winston after he threw 30 interceptions to go along with his 30 touchdowns. The offensive philosophy with Brady under center will change slightly, but the passing game should still be the focal point.
As for the running back position, it looks like Ronald Jones will be the starter to begin the season. Jones split carries evenly last year with Peyton Barber. In this pass heavy offense, a receiving back like Ke’Shawn Vaughn could have opportunities to get on the field. Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said Vaughn will start the season as a kick returner meaning he won’t see immediate action.
However, the fact that Ronald Jones had to split carries with a less talented Barber last season means the organization is not all in on Jones. Vaughn is a better pass catching back and is also a slightly better blocker. Those two attributes should help him get on the field as the season progresses, especially on passing downs. Vaughn is not in a position to make an immediate impact, but at his ADP he could be worth a late round grab if you are looking for another RB to stash for later in the season.
