Fantasy: Backup running back rankings for 2022 (Updated)

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Given the rate at which injuries strike the running back position, knowing who's next in line for carries is critical for fantasy owners.

Not all backup rushers are created equal, and though the league-winning potential of players like Kareem Hunt and Tony Pollard may appear obvious, many second-string ball carriers don't get the respect they deserve in fantasy drafts.

Here's how we're ranking the top reserve tailbacks, broken down into tiers:

Elite backup options

• RB1 upside if the starter is sidelined
• Stuck behind a more talented back
• Will offer RB2/flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Proven short-term starters

• RB1 upside if the starter is sidelined
• Stuck behind a more talented back
• Won't offer enough production unless the lead back gets injured

Chance to carve out bigger role

• Could rise to the top of the depth chart during the season
• Top-20 upside if the starter is sidelined
• Can provide flex value some weeks, even as a backup

High upside if healthy

• Currently recovering from an injury
• Behind a RB with high draft capital
• Can provide flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Tons of potential

• Top-24 upside if the starter is sidelined
• Should have a notable role behind lead back
• Can provide flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Unproven but enticing

• 2022 role yet to be determined
• Top-30 upside if starting at any point
• Workload questions due to crowded backfields

PPR specialists

• Limited upside as a fantasy insurance policy
• Unlikely to serve as a workhorse if the starter is injured
• Can offer flex value in PPR formats, even as a backup

Volume-dependent veterans

• Veteran backup
• Some doubt surrounding the ability to produce if called upon
• Would need the majority of touches to be fantasy relevant

Unclear situations

• Upside if a clear backup emerges and the starter is injured
• Value limited by the possibility of a committee replacement scenario
• Players to draft as bench stashes in final rounds

Deep targets

• Long shots with intriguing upside if injuries hit their backfield
• Have the skills to produce over short stretches
• Watchlist candidates who could turn into key waiver wire pickups

Free agents who could still be a factor