Fantasy RBs: What to Look For (Best Receiving RBs)

Running backs are going to be your most consistent players throughout your fantasy season. That is why it is imperative that you spend much of your draft preparation focusing on them.

If you’re in a PPR league, every reception counts. So, while debating between players with similar rushing statistics, you can make the best pick by asking the following three questions:

1) How many targets did this RB receive in 2008 (or 3 year average if you think 2008 was an aberration)?
2) What kind of offense does this RB play in?
3) What is his competition like? Who is in on 3rd downs?
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1. You all know that Brian Westbrook and Reggie Bush are huge in the passing attack. But who are three other guys to look at in your draft that may receive a good amount of looks based on previous history?

Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers)

In a down receiving year in 2008, he had 43 catches on 66 targets.  It was obvious that Gore was not utilized like he should have been in Mike Martz’s offense; so expect a few more dump-offs in this much more conservative, Jimmy Raye offense.

Perhaps bump Frank Gore up a spot ahead of the likes of Clinton Portis or DeAngelo Williams.

Projection: 57 catches, 562 yards

Derrick Ward (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Ward’s 55 targets ranked just outside of the top 15 in 2008, in semi-limited time. Well-known for having secure hands, Ward moves into a platoon where he expects to see more than half the carries for the Bucs.

The best part about his platoon with Earnest Graham is that Ward may stay in for a good amount of 3rd downs because of his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Whether Freeman or Leftwich wins the QB spot, they will be relying on Ward to make plays for what I believe will be an otherwise stagnant offense.

Projection: 48 catches, 492 yards

Leon Washington (New York Jets)

Granted, he does not see the bulk of the carries; but even in limited time, he produced. Unlike Ward, Washington was in the top 15 in targets in 2008, and caught 47 passes.

Leon’s got breakaway speed and can be a lethal threat in the offense that figures to be a more conservative, run-heavy offense because of new Head Coach Rex Ryan.

If Mark Sanchez wins the QB job, Washington will play an important role in his development.

Projection: 49 catches, 423 yards

2. The offense that a RB plays in can be just as important as the player’s ability. In Indianapolis, Edgerrin James was always a threat to catch passes out of the backfield. In fact, he averaged over 50 catches per year through seven seasons (including an injury-plagued 2001).

In Arizona, he averaged 25 catches from 2006-08. Here are three RBs whose offense could generate a great amount of catches:

Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins)

Perhaps he wasn’t underutilized in the passing game in 2008, but he does figure to be on the field more often with Ricky Williams being less active.

With the weak-armed Chad Pennington as his QB, Ronnie Brown could see his catches increase substantially.

Projection: 51 catches, 631 yards

Rookies LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) and Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts)

McCoy’s hands may have been the best in the 2009 draft (even better than WR Darrius Heyward-Bey). Donald Brown is not far behind. Both of these RB’s could generate a lot of targets through the air based on their offenses (Philly-WCO, Indy-PMO [Peyton Manning offense]).

Projections: McCoy: 35 catches, 310 yards. Brown: 27 catches, 246 yards

3. Competition is inevitable at the position. Most teams have third down backs to replace their starters. The third down back is either a better receiving option (3rd and medium-longs) or a short-distance banger.

Here, though, are teams who don’t have a “third down back” to steal receptions away from the studs:

- San Francisco 49ers (Gore will handle most third downs; better receiving threat than Glenn Coffee)

- St. Louis Rams (Steven Jackson ditto, better receiver than Michael Pittman or Kenneth Darby)

- Jacksonville Jaguars (At least for the time being, Jones-Drew is their one and only)

- Houston Texans (Slaton is the man. Expect a huge receiving year)

- Detroit Lions (Kevin Smith handles all duties…though, will the offense be on the field long enough to record receptions and carries with any consistency?)

While I feel that it may be worthwhile to stretch a few picks for these RBs, keep in mind not to go crazy. In standard leagues, I would take these guys over players with similar rushing statistics. However, in PPR leagues, these are the real steals of the draft.

Remember, if at all possible, get your hands on the running backs with hands.

*The above article was written by Bruno Boys Guest Columnist, Jacob Lerman. Jacob is the owner of his own fantasy sports blog, Fantasy Free Stylin’ in which he covers all fantasy sports. Please leave your feedback for Jacob in the comment section below.*

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