Running Backs With The Best Matchups In 2020
by Alan Seslowsky

Fantasy players understand that the running back position greatly depends on opportunity. A running back that we can project for 20+ touches on a weekly basis usually can be ranked as an RB1 option in 12-team leagues. Since this strategy is well understood by your leaguemates, we need to find an additional edge when choosing which RBs to draft. One of RosterWatch’s proprietary tools we supply to our Pro Subscribers is our strength of schedule rankings. RosterWatch does not use “fantasy points allowed” from the previous year to determine our strength of schedule ranks. Too many key variables change from year to year like coaching, personnel, and scheme. We use a secret sauce that contains ingredients like scouting metrics that RosterWatch collected during the pre-draft process, grades from advanced analytics sites like Pro Football Focus, and key metrics from data providers like Sports Info Solutions. All of this plus additional finely calibrated data points go into yielding our strength of schedule rankings. Below is a list of three RBs that RosterWatch is giving a slight boost to, based on their projected strength of schedule. 

Le’Veon Bell (New York Jets)

Le’Veon Bell is one of those round four-ish RBs that nobody is excited to draft. Ever since arriving in NY, his relationship with Head Coach Adam Gase has been lukewarm at best. Bell struggled to find running room in 2019 with a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. Bell still managed to avoid being a complete bust last season by catching 66 passes. All of that said, the Jets have the “easiest” projected schedule versus the run this season. The matchups are a little bumpy to start the season, but heading into week five, Bell looks primed to help fantasy owners win their leagues. RosterWatch Co-Founder Alex Dunlap, is advising our listeners to keep Bell in mind as a buy, after week four. 

 

Damien Harris (New England Patriots)

The Patriots have the second easiest schedule against the run this season. Damien Harris represents excellent value in drafts this offseason. Harris is a player you can easily get in the last couple of rounds of most drafts. Damien Harris’ mid-July ADP of RB62 is a screaming opportunity. The updated version of the RosterWatch Ultimate Draft Cheat Sheet will make sure we get Harris. Friend of RosterWatch, The Podfather Matt Kelley, often says a savvy fantasy football strategy is to draft the Patriot’s RB that is the cheapest. It should also be noted that New England has the best “fast-start” schedule facing Miami, Seattle, Las Vegas, and Kansas City. All are top 12 matchups. 

 

Jordan Howard (Miami Dolphins)

The third best strength of schedule belongs to Miami. After a tough week one matchup with New England, their opponents soften up with Buffalo and Jacksonville. Howard is looking like one of the best RB values in fantasy right now at his 9th round ADP. RosterWatch senior analyst, The Trashman, recently wrote about Jordan Howard, as one of his best RB “steals” for 2020. Though Howard has been a poor pass catcher throughout his career, he has averaged 8 TDs a season over the last four years. New teammate, Matt Brieda, has been efficient as a runner but has averaged only 3 TDs per season in his career. It is fair to project Jordan Howard as the top option when Miami gets in close. Jordan Howard’s projectable workload along with Miami having the third easiest strength of schedule warrants a slight boost to his ranking.