Running backs are often viewed as the most valuable commodities in fantasy football but it’s important to note what type of league you’re in. Of course, guys like David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell are going to be primetime assets no matter what type of league you’re in but the running backs who can leak out and catch passes have surprising value. That’s especially true for point-per-reception leagues.
First and foremost, it is important to know what kind of fantasy league you play in and how the scoring system is setup. A big-bruising back like a LeGarrette Blount is worth more in a standard league where touchdowns are highly valued while a speedster with soft hands, similar to a Darren Sproles, has a much higher ceiling in PPR leagues because he’ll be catching a lot of passes. Sproles had 52 catches last year, which boils down to 3.25 per game. When you add in the yards, that could be close to a touchdown’s worth of points per week.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some running backs that are assets in PPR leagues. These following backs are more like Sproles than Blount, capable playmakers who use their hands often and well.
Theo Riddick
Detroit Lions
As a member of one of the most crowded backfields over the last few seasons, Riddick’s role in the offence is highly defined. His job is to catch passes. Over the last two seasons, Riddick has averaged 5.1 receptions per game. In 2016 Riddick set a career high in rushing yards with 357 and was on pace for over 1000 yards from scrimmage before injuries limited him to only ten games. Add in that Matt Stafford loves to dump it off to the back in the red zone makes Riddick is a PPR great fantasy option in 2017. Keep an eye on how Ameer Abdullah’s return impacts his role, but by all accounts, Riddick’s contributions are not expected to change.
Danny Woodhead
Baltimore Ravens
When healthy, Danny Woodhead is one of the best receiving running backs in the league. Focusing just on the seasons where Woodhead was healthy, his numbers speak volumes to how valuable he is in a PPR league. In 2015, in a half-point PPR league, Woodhead finished with 203.1 fantasy points, making him a top-12 back. In 2013, Woodhead finished with 185.4 points, which ranked him in the top-20. The fact Woodhead is a being drafted on average in the ninth round is criminal, as he should easily surpass 160 fantasy points and may once again be a top-24 back.
Ty Montgomery
Green Bay Packers
Drafted as a wide receiver, Montgomery made the transition to running back last season. The transition went surprisingly smooth. What makes Montgomery such a valuable receiving asset and great PPR player is the quality of his hands and route running abilities. Montgomery showed off these skills by posting back-to-back double-digit reception games last season. A playmaker out of the backfield, Montgomery averaged 5.9 yards per carry and ran for three touchdowns. Though he likely won’t get the total touches to warrant an early pick, he is a great flex option in PPR leagues.
Bilal Powell
New York Jets
Ranking fourth in receptions for running backs last year, Powell could very well improve on the 58 he recorded in 2016. The quarterback situation in New York is amongst the worst in the league, which surprisingly may benefit Powell. As the Jets overall are spread thinly on offence, relying on Powell as a check-down option is a must. Powell started four games last season. In those four games, he averaged 5.25 receptions, which over a full season puts him on pace for a total of 84, which would have led all running backs in the NFL last season. Expecting 84 this year is a little too optimistic, but somewhere around 68 is definitely in the realm of possibilities.
Duke Johnson
Cleveland Browns
With Cleveland’s quarterback situation looking quite dire, having a reliable check down back is a necessity. That is where Duke Johnson comes in. Johnson does not handle much of the rushing duties but has developed into a reliable receiving back, catching 114 passes in just two NFL seasons. Johnson’s biggest drawback is his very low touchdown rates, scoring just three touchdowns on 291 total touches in his NFL career. Still, he has value in PPR league’s and should be on a roster.
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