"For a few notable examples, in 2021, Rashaad Penny came out of nowhere to be the No. 1 running back (117.4 fantasy points) from Week 13 forward. In 2022, Jerick McKinnon was the No. 2 running back in fantasy points (124.6) from that same week forward. And as recently as 2024, Tyjae Spears and Jerome Ford, both available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues when the fantasy playoffs began, scored the ninth- (62.1) and 18th-most (44.7) points over the season's final four weeks."
"Who might be this year's Penny, McKinnon or Spears? To find the answer, I asked each of our fantasy football analysts -- Stephania Bell, Matt Bowen, Mike Clay, Daniel Dopp, Tyler Fulghum, Eric Karabell, Liz Loza, Eric Moody and Field Yates -- as well as contributing my own pick. Every player discussed below is available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues and is worth stashing today due to his possessing the upside to carry a fantasy team during the upcoming playoffs."
Late-season running back breakouts can determine fantasy playoff outcomes, with past examples including Rashaad Penny (2021), Jerick McKinnon (2022), Tyjae Spears and Jerome Ford (2024). Nine fantasy analysts identified several understudy running backs who are available in more than 50% of ESPN leagues and possess the upside to carry teams during the playoffs. The recommendations prioritize players by number of analyst votes and include brief outlooks for each candidate. Players such as Gainwell stand out as immediate stash targets, especially if primary backs sustain injuries or continue to underperform late in the regular season. Managers are encouraged to pick up these high-upside backs now to secure late-season depth and potential fantasy championship performances.
Read at ESPN.com
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