Erik Smith’s RB Rankings
- Breece Hall has been trending upward over the first four weeks of his rookie season, and both his usage and performance indicate a player that could break out sooner rather than later. Hall’s snap shares from Week 1 to Week 4: 45%, 27%, 51%, 66%. Hall’s target shares by week: 16%, 2%, 23%, 18%. His Week 2 performance looks like the outlier, as Hall has drawn six or more targets in each of his other three games and sneakily ranks as the RB19 on the season. His upside may ultimately be tied to that of his quarterback, Zach Wilson, but Hall is showcasing the passing game involvement that very few rookies are able to flash this early in their careers. While Miami has been stout against the run in 2022, they have allowed the fourth-most targets and the fifth-most receptions to opposing running backs on the season. Hall is firmly in the RB2 territory in Week 5, with upside for more.
- There are four defenses that are head and shoulders above the competition at allowing PPR points to opposing running backs: The Texans, Lions, Seahawks, and Chargers. That means we have a plethora of startable options this week, starting with James Robinson and Travis Etienne Jr. against a Texans defense that has allowed six touchdowns to go along with 5.0 yards per carry in 2022. Obviously Robinson has upside, and even Etienne could be started in a plus matchup as a pass-catcher playing on 37%-51% of the Jaguars’ snaps.
- The Lions have given up a staggering eight rushing touchdowns on the year, and face a New England offense just dying to run the heck out of the ball. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson are both top-25 options on their TD potential alone, and Stevenson’s pass-catching role provides some safety even if the Patriots fall behind to this juggernaut Lions offense.
- Seattle is allowing 5.3 yards per carry with the combination of six receptions per game, making them an all-around attractive option for your running backs to face. Keep a close eye on the health of Mark Ingram II, as the Saints just lost Latavius Murray from their practice squad to the Broncos. Ingram and Murray combined for all but two snaps last week, and if Alvin Kamara misses this week there is a solid matchup awaiting. You could do worse for a desperation RB2 option if injuries have wrecked your team.
- Finally, the Chargers are allowing a jaw-dropping 6.1 yards per carry this year, though their offense has managed to help insulate them in games as teams have attempted the sixth-fewest rushing attempts against Los Angeles. The Browns will probably run the ball regardless of the score, however, so in addition to the no-doubt option in Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt slots in as a respectable RB2 option with solid upside.
Green=Strong Starter, Yellow=Solid Starter, Red=Look for Better Options
RB Rankings