Navigating the Uncertainties of Fantasy Football Running Backs

Seattle Seahawks' Kenneth Walker III

Walker was a fantasy sensation in Week 7, averaging an impressive 20.0 fantasy points per game (0.5 PPR). However, over the next six weeks, his performance took a dip, ranking as the RB31 with 9.7 fpg. Despite this, his usage has actually increased, with his RB rush share rising from 73% to 80%. But his efficiency and scoring have suffered, averaging just 3.0 YPC and scoring only one touchdown in the last five games, despite a favorable RB schedule. Seattle's offense has struggled in goal-to-go situations, ranking 32nd in EPA/play. Yet, Walker still has the 10th-most carries inside the 5-yard line this season, despite missing two games. Charbonnet has a low Utilization Score over the last four. While it's been a frustrating stretch for his fantasy managers, there's reason to believe more production is on the way. Walker is due for touchdown regression, and a better Seattle defense will help with game scripts. The offensive line remains a concern, but there's no need to panic overly.

Walker's journey shows the ups and downs in fantasy football. One week he's a star, and the next, he faces challenges. It's important to analyze these fluctuations and understand the underlying factors. His consistent usage inside the 5-yard line gives hope for a comeback, but the team's offensive issues need to be addressed.

New York Jets' Breece Hall

Last week was a tough one for Breece Hall. He lost a touchdown to Isaiah Davis and saw his snap share drop to 61%. His target share and route participation also hit season lows at 2.6% and 51% respectively, while playing through knee swelling that forced him to leave the game briefly. He also committed two fumbles, losing one, and has now had four fumbles in the last five games. He hasn't had a run for 20 yards in the last six games, despite being less explosive a year after knee surgery. Facing a tough Seattle defense that's been a top-five unit since trading for Ernest Jones, Hall is playing injured on an awful offense and losing work to multiple backs.

Hall's situation highlights the importance of staying healthy in fantasy football. Even with his talent, injuries and setbacks can derail a player's performance. His reduced usage and fumbling issues are cause for concern, and it's unclear when he'll be able to get back on track. Fantasy managers need to be cautious when relying on players with injury concerns.

Los Angeles Rams' Kyren Williams

Fantasy managers were worried about Kyren Williams after he fumbled four times in a four-game stretch. Blake Corum then took over, with high snap share, rush share, and route participation. Williams also saw only one target in the last three games.

But a closer look at the box score reveals some hope. Williams didn't touch the ball in the first quarter due to the Rams' limited plays. In the second half, he saw 14 of 17 RB carries, including both attempts inside the 10 and the lone RB target. Corum's usage was boosted by one extended drive. Williams didn't fumble and had a season-high in rushing yards and YPC, punching in a short score. Corum doesn't have a run longer than 12 yards this season, and Williams remains the Rams' workhorse back. He needs to maintain ball security, but his role is clear.

Minnesota Vikings' Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones fumbled twice last week, losing one and giving him four fumbles in the last three games. He also failed to secure a touchdown catch and had a season-low five carries, just one more than Cam Akers. After fumbling twice in the first quarter, he saw only one rush attempt the rest of the game. His snap share dropped to 51% and his RB rush share to 45.5%, although he did catch the game-winning touchdown.

Jones' fumbling issues are a cause for concern. Despite having the seventh-most carries inside the 10-yard line, he ranks 41st in rushing scores this season. He's due for touchdown regression, and there's now a risk he loses goal-line work. Akers has looked better since joining Minnesota, and Jones' usage trend is a worry.

Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor has been the RB28 with 10.0 fpg in the last three games, causing some panic among his fantasy managers. He's lost three rushing scores to his quarterback, but his role remains solid. He's seen 63 of 64 RB opportunities in the last three games and is due for touchdown regression. Among 28 running backs with at least five rush attempts inside the 10-yard line since Week 9, Taylor is one of only two without a rushing score. But he has an NFL-high 22 carries inside the red zone over the last month, including four inside the five, so more touchdowns are on the way.

Taylor will continue to face challenges with Anthony Richardson starting, but his usage remains strong. Fantasy managers shouldn't panic about his recent stretch and should trust his role in the offense.