During the NFL off-season, there was a lot of discussion on how running backs have been devalued by teams in recent contract negotiations and how they are used in offensive schemes. However, every year running backs on several teams are an integral part of success for an offense.
Year after year, we always see our fantasy leagues taken down by a late-round stellar pick or an incredible mid-season pickup to help propel them to the championship. As we move into the typical Fantasy Playoffs period for most leagues, PennStakes.com – your source for Pennsylvania sports betting - utilized FantasyData.com to compile the current fantasy rankings of RBs after Week 13 of play in a standard points per reception (PPR) league. We then found the ADP fantasy rankings for a standard PPR league prior to the season.
Here is who is carrying the load. (Note: RBs were only included if they were in the Top 60 in original ADP rankings).
Top Performing Fantasy Running Backs
Sophomore Season Going Well for Warren
Pittsburgh Steelers second-year running back Jaylen Warren rounds out the list at No. 5, tied with Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs. Before the season, Warren had an average fantasy position around 45th. Now, as the league enters Week 14, his current fantasy ranking among players is 24th, a huge 21 spot jump. Warren's fantasy points per game: 11.5.
This season, the former Oklahoma State star has 102 carries for 601 yards (5.9 per carry) with three touchdowns, which has been a boost to the Steelers’ Super Bowl odds. As a receiver, he has 38 catches for 243 yards and no TDs. He had two games of more than 100 yards in mid-November and had a score in each. He was particularly effective in a nine carry, 129-yard performance in a 13-10 road loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 19.
The Steelers (7-5) will host the dreadful New England Patriots (2-10) Thursday night 7 (Amazon Prime Video). Over at ESPN BET PA, Pittsburgh is a six-point, -280 moneyline favorite over the Patriots (+230). And get this? The game has a crazy-low over-under total of 29.5 points.
