I’m monitoring the position battles below as part of the Free Fantasy Football Almanac updates. If you’ve purchased the book, follow the instructions to access these updates.
Chase Edmonds vs Raheem Mostert vs Sony Michel vs Myles Gaskin
There’s a new offense in Miami this season. There will be two backs that factor into fantasy football this year. I see this as two sub-battles: Raheem Morris v Myles Gaskin and Chase Edmonds v Sony Michel. My bet is on Mostert to win out over Gaskin as we enter the offseason. Edmonds v Michel is too close to call for me at this point.
Breece Hall vs Michael Carter
Breece Hall is being drafted as though he will dominate carries in the Jets backfield. I don’t think that is going to be the case. I think the Jets want to use the versatile Michael Carter across formations. This is less of a battle to me so much as it’s a curiosity of work split. I’m guessing Carter will have nice value in PPR formats.
Damien Williams vs Tyler Allgeier
If you’re in a dynasty league,, I’d roll the dice on Allgeier, who has a slow 40 time, but looks like he can be affective between the tackles in the NFL. In one year leagues, this is a toss up for me. Williams is underrated across the league and could win significant touches. Stay tuned in training camp.
Ken Walker III vs Rashaad Penny vs Chris Carson
It’s looking like Chris Carson’s return to the NFL will be delayed and starting the season on the PUP list isn’t out of the question. That leaves Rashaad Penny, a former Seahawk 1st round pick vs Ken Walker III, the 2022 2nd round pick. The assumption across fantasy leagues is that Walker will easily win the job. I’m not convinced. Don’t count out Penny OR Carson
Marlon Mack vs Rex Burkhead vs Dameon Pierce
Marlon Mack isn’t the sexiest fantasy football running back this season. Dameon Pierce is already rising up draft boards. Rex Burkhead returns this season after leading the Texans backfield late in 2021. I think this will be Mack’s backfield in 2022, but this could easily turn into a three-RB committee.
Dontrell Hillard vs Hassan Haskins
The battle to be Derrick Henry’s backup isn’t getting much attention, but as we saw during the fantasy football playoffs, the primary Titans backup can have significant value if Henry goes down with injury.
Clyde Edwards-Heliare vs Ronald Jones
The ADP for both Jones and CEH is surprisingly low to me. I think this is because fantasy players don’t know what to make of this competition or a new-look Chiefs offense in general. My feeling is that if Darrel Williams can produce 1,000 yards and 8 TDs in a backup role, then CEH and Ronald Jones could certainly both be productive.
Kenyan Drake vs Brandon Bolden vs Zamir White
Josh McDaniels has a history of using three or four backs depending on matchup, so I think we’ll see a bit from all of these players. The primary pass-catching back should have nice value in PPR formats. I think White will be on the outside looking in, so at this point, this battle comes down to Boldon vs Drake for me.
Brian Robinson vs Antonio Gibson
Brian Robinson’s tape impressed me. I think Gibson’s job is safe, but Brian Robinson could eat into carries as early as this season. Dyansty players should be watching the rookie’s development closely.
Khalil Herbert vs David Montgomery
As far as I have seen, the assumption is that David Montgomery is going to moonwalk his way into a 3-down back role in 2022. I don’t see it happening. Khalil Herbert looked like the superior back when he was called upon and the Bears offensive scheme will have enough space for two backs. It also wouldn’t shock me for Herbert to win the job entirely.
Alexander Mattison vs Ty Chandler
Dalvin Cook’s job is secure, but we’ve seen Mattison contribute to fantasy rosters if (when) Cook misses games. I give the early edge to Mattison, but the new coaching scheme might prefer Chandler as training camp progresses.
Keaontay Ingram vs Eno Benjamin
Both of these backs are afterthoughts according to current ADP, but one of these guys should have occasional flex value. I like Ingram, but Eno Benjamin does have skills and was productive in limited action. Chase Edmonds and James Conner produced well together. I expect one of these guys to assume Edmonds’ vacated role of complimentary back for the Cardinals in 2022.
Darrell Henderson vs Kyren Williams
This job is definitely Henderson’s to lose. I would be surprised if Williams makes any fantasy impact this year and think he’s there more to provide a safety net in the coming years.