Erik Smith’s RB Rankings
- As I discussed on the What We Saw Podcast, running back performance in 2022 is very similar to last year. One stand-out difference? The Houston Texans’ defense, which has allowed opposing running backs to top 30 PPR points four times already this season. That means both Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. are quality starts this week for a Commanders team that just knocked off the Eagles. The two running backs are splitting snaps while J.D. McKissic misses time with a neck injury, so as long as the veteran pass-catcher sits out this week, his more talented teammates can be considered RB2s in the league’s best possible matchup.
- It’s officially time to downgrade D’Andre Swift, as his snap counts have not recovered since his injury. Swift played just 30% of the snaps last week, and while it has trended up from his 16% share the week before, we still can’t trust him until he approaches 50%. Maybe this is the week that it happens, but until I see it, Swift is just a boom/bust RB2 on the road against a Giants team playing with confidence.
- Jerick McKinnon saw a 23% target share last week and is starting to see the backfield whittle down to just two options as Clyde Edwards-Helaire has faded into oblivion. McKinnon gets very little action on the ground, but with six catches in each of the past two weeks, he’s a fine bye-week fill-in for PPR managers.
- Keep an eye on the health of Gus Edwards, as Kenyan Drake has carved out a nice role for himself as the last man standing in Baltimore. A matchup against a Panthers team unlikely to stay competitive in Week 11 may provide another nice game script for Drake, who is a solid enough RB2 in most league types. An Edwards return, and the goalline threat that he represents, could put an end to Drake’s good times.
Green=Strong Starter, Yellow=Solid Starter, Red=Look for Better Options
RB Rankings