High-Leverage Opportunities, Running Backs: Week 15

Targets and goal-line carries are the lifeblood of quality fantasy production for the running back position. The starting role and receiving a high volume of carries are nice, but not near the end zone makes those touches empty-calorie opportunities. In short, they do not mean much. However, being a starter and high-volume back generally points to receiving more targets and goal-line chances for high fantasy-scoring plays. This weekly feature analyzes all 32 NFL depth charts for underrated and overrated running backs.

• Current RK: Team Ranking in Expected High-Leverage Opportunity PPR Points
• Prev: Overall Ranking from Last Week
• HLO: High-Leverage Opportunity Score Average Per Week
• GL: Rank in Goal-Line Carries (Inside the Five-Yard-Line)
• TGT: Rank in Team Running Back Targets

The Good

Steelers

Pittsburgh is in the perfect spot to optimize the running back position. George Pickens missed last week and will likely miss more time, their lone notable passing game weapon on the outside. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren split the backfield, but both see strong usage within the committee as the Steelers can play low-scoring games and temper opposing offenses. They have been consistently on the rise in HLO, up to No.8 on the season and with three straight top-five weekly finishes. Harris and Warren are both lineup-viable in the playoffs but title-winning players if the other misses time.

Lions

Detroit has been one of the elite HLO teams when combined with their talent level. Similar to Pittsburgh, but a stronger version, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have 20-point upside in any game together but also league-winning upside with a clarified start without the other in the lineup. The Lions have three weekly finishes outside the top 12 all season.

Buccaneers

The Buccaneers, along with the Steelers, have been the strongest HLO team over the past month. Bucky Irving missed time in-game in Week 14, and Rachaad White surged to an elite game. This is another committee where the in-game upside is pronounced even if one running back misses a drive or two within the committee. Both are RB2 types for lineups with RB1 upside, which is notable as Bucky Irving is working through multiple injuries heading into the fantasy playoffs.