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You can count on back up running backs making a difference in fantasy leagues this year, because they do every year. Sometimes backs that aren't even on a roster on week 1 will have fantasy value during the crucial fantasy playoff weeks. While it's hard to predict those names in advance, we can objectively look at the back up running back situations to assess the fantasy upside, likelihood of starter injury, and clarity on pecking order to get an idea of how likely each backfield is of producing a fantasy difference-maker. Below, the 32 backfields are ranked based on a combination of those factors to help with mid and late-round draft preparation.

While this exercise should not cause you to override your feelings about back ups to target, it should bring a few potential "perfect storm" situations and other useful fantasy takeaways to your attention:

• Atlanta - The Falcons regard Jacquizz Rodgers as a three-down back, Steven Jackson tends to get nicked up (not to mention he's 30), and the offense will create a lot of production for anyone who is back there.
• Detroit - The Lions will use their running back heavily as a receiver out of the backfield, Joique Bell is a quality all-around player, and Reggie Bush hasn't been the most durable over the years.

In addition, the Jets rate high because of high injury risk, low cost, and a clear target in drafts (Bilal Powell). Ben Tate could make your draft, but he could also be a frustrating "pick the wrong week" flex option all year if Arian Foster stays healthy. Fred Jackson is a lottery ticket with a similar cost and odds in Buffalo. Seattle and Washington are plug and play backfields, so taking the most talented backup (Christine Michael and Roy Helu) in the 15th round or later isn't a bad gamble. Chicago stands out as a situation with a reasonable draft cost solid offense, talented backup, and starter who has missed time in recent years. Oakland and Dallas are two of the most likely backup situations to yield a spot start or three, but are also hard to decipher right now. Philadelphia has high value, but Chris Polk is closing on Bryce Brown. New England and San Francisco are plug and play backfields that may lack RB1 upside from a temporary starter, but those backups also come dirt cheap.

Hope this chart helps you organize your running back end game: