6 Back-Up Running Backs to Target in Fantasy Football

We're nearing the halfway point of the fantasy football regular season, and we've been subject to a wild first five weeks where Alfred Morris and Andre Brown have more points than Chris Johnson and Steven Jackson.

Needless to say, it's extremely possible to pinpoint a team's back-up running back who could end up becoming the feature back, and that's what I'm going to try to do in this slideshow.

With bye weeks underway and injuries occurring left and right, plenty of fantasy owners will be looking to add depth at the running back position.   

Here's a list of some back-up running backs who have a decent chance of taking over the feature back role on their respective teams.

Bilal Powell

Shonn Greene has been the most mediocre back in the NFL for awhile now, and it seems like Rex Ryan and the Jets' coaching staff has started to catch on. Against the 49ers, Powell got 32 snaps on offense while Greene only got 18.

With Greene's startlingly low 2.8 YPC this season, there's a good chance Powell will continue to get more time on the field. If he produces at even an average rate, the starting job could be his for the taking.   

Daryl Richardson

Richardson had a big game in Week 2 but has been relatively quiet since. Starter Steven Jackson has logged a lot of carries during his career though, and you never know when that wear and tear could finally take its toll.

Jackson missed some practice time early last week, and even though he hasn't missed any games yet, he only has 60 more rushing yards and has yet to get in the end zone. Richardson is worth keeping an eye on, and Jackson owners should probably add him as a handcuff if there's roster space available. 

Daniel Thomas

Reggie Bush, like McFadden, should not be trusted to stay healthy for an entire season. Bush was questionable for this week's game, and even though he played through his knee injury, his status is definitely something to monitor moving forward.

Even though Bush has been healthy so far, Thomas has still gotten 26 total carries through the three games he's played in. Although he's worthy of waiver-wire consideration, he may not even be the best option on his own team.   

Lamar Miller

Miller could be the second best player in Miami's backfield, and he actually already has more points through the first four weeks than Thomas.

He's a very sneaky pickup in deep leagues. Part of his value is due to the fact that Thomas is actually pretty injury-prone himself; he missed time last season with a hamstring injury and sat out Week 2 of this season.

Miller is averaging 5.5 YPC, and there's a definite chance that his role could increase.  

Joique Bell

The Lions' backfield is a bit of a mess right now, but Joique could turn out to be their biggest producer over the rest of this season.

Mikel Leshoure is the current starter, but he averaged just two YPC in Week 4 against the Vikings and lost a fumble. While Bell only got one carry in that game, he caught six passes for 72 yards, and he's shown some flashes of potential. Bell would be a good pickup in deep leagues if you're looking for a running back. 

Mike Goodson

He may look strong so far, but don't forget how injury-prone Darren McFadden is. Goodson is a strong runner who can explode through the line of scrimmage and get positive yardage.

Goodson is a must-have for McFadden owners, and all owners should take a long look at Goodson because the payoff could be huge later in the season.

Even if McFadden doesn't get hurt, he's averaging a pedestrian 3.5 YPC this year and Goodson could start to steal carries if McFadden doesn't start running better.