We live in an era where the majority of the teams in the NFL are pass-first, but the crazy thing is; the top 5* passing teams didn’t make the playoffs and the top 5* rushing teams did. The teams around the league are starting to utilize running backs in different types of formations and schemes, but ultimately the prime goal is to set up the play-action. The running back position doesn’t last forever with repetitive hits over and over again. Therefore, in dynasty leagues, it is essential to target young backs with loads of potential. The NFL reloaded its talent in the position in 2017 and it will inevitably happen again. Over the next several articles we will touch on the RB to target in your upcoming dynasty drafts. Here is 70-61:
Also check out my 2020 QB Dynasty Rankings 1-11; 12-21; 22-34
70. Frank Gore
Frank Gore, 36, was the Bills starter for most of the year. He wasn’t the best back by far on their team. Devin Singletary ended up getting the majority of the snaps and was the faster, more explosive back. Gore may continue his career on the Bills as a mentor to Singletary, but he doesn’t provide anything fantasy-wise for owners anymore and should be avoided in dynasty league drafts.
69. LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy was released late in camp from the Buffalo Bills. The Kansas City Chiefs brought in the 11-year pro to take some snaps in their backfield. It was believed that “Shady” would be able to help the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl. They didn’t need him as McCoy was inactive for the Chiefs in the AFC championship game. I don’t have any interest in drafting McCoy in dynasty leagues as he will be a backup for the rest of his career.
68. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson led the Redskins in rushing in 2019 despite being 34 years old. Peterson has been a great addition for the Redskins as none of their other RB can seem to stay healthy. Peterson will most likely be the Redskins Week 1 starter in 2020. However, his years in the NFL are limited. I don’t think the carries he will get in 2020 will produce many fantasy points. He has been a great RB his whole career, but there is no need to target him in dynasty drafts.
67. Ito Smith
Ito Smith only played 7 games in 2019 for the Atlanta Falcons. He suffered a bad concussion that landed him on the IR. Smith didn’t overperform with the carries that he has had in his career. Smith averages just 3.8 yards per attempt. Despite being only 24 years old his concussions are a concern for me. I would like to see the Falcons bring in a RB in the 2020 NFL draft. I would consider Ito Smith a deep stash in dynasty leagues.
66. Matt Breida
Breida was in and out as the starting RB for the San Franciso 49ers. Breida started 5 of their 16 regular-season games in 2019. Before the season started, Breida was slated to be the feature back. With the emergence of Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert, on top of Breida’s nagging injuries, he fell deeper down the depth chart. Breida is only 24 but will be a restricted free agent in 2020. If he has a new home in 2020, there may be interest in drafting him. His dynasty value remains unknown if he stays within the 49ers crowded backfield.
65. Damien Harris
Damien Harris was selected by the New England Patriots in 2019. Harris would provide depth to the already full Patriots backfield. The Patriots already posses Sony Michel, James White, and Rex Burkhead on their roster. He was only given 4 opportunities in 2019 and I wouldn’t expect much to change in 2020. Harris is only in his 2nd year in the NFL, so there is still time for him to take over as a starter or a viable one-two punch with Michel. Still, there is too much risk for me to consider him in dynasty drafts.
64. Patrick Laird
Patrick Laird shared the backfield towards the end of the season with late-round draft pick Myles Gaskin. Laird was mainly a practice squad type back before the injuries to Gaskin, the off-field problems with Walton, and the disappointing performance of Kalen Ballage. With being the 4th option to start the season, Laird made the most of his opportunity getting double-digit carries five of his last six games. However, I do not expect Laird to see any significant touches for the upcoming 2020 season. The Dolphins have 3 first-round picks and with a talented RB class, I would expect them to use one of them for a franchise back.
63. Peyton Barber
Peyton Barber served as the 1B running back for the Buccaneers in 2019. Barber’s highest carry total was 23 and his lowest was 4. Barber is entering his 5th season and hasn’t been the back many fantasy owners wished he could be. This being said. I would not be surprised if Arians pursues a top RB in free agency, like Melvin Gordon? Or even draft a RB to get rid of this inconsistent stigma. Barber should be a late-round pick with little upside and why I have him ranked as my 63rd ranked RB in dynasty leagues.
62. Tarik Cohen
The Bears offense showed no hope in 2019. After being a fantasy-relevant RB in PPR leagues in 2018, Cohen may have been one of the biggest busts in 2019. Cohen never seemed to get going this year as the Bears struggled to get anyone going besides Allen Robinson. Coach Matt Nagy will continue to use Cohen for trick plays and weird formations, however, unless your league gives points for punt return yards, Cohen holds little value. Also, with the addition of David Montgomery, Cohen shouldn’t be considered heavily in dynasty drafts.
61. Darrell Henderson
The Rams wanted Darrell Henderson when they traded two 3rd round picks to move up for him. It is uncertain of how serious Gurley’s knee problems are but it can play a huge role in how Henderson sees the field in 2020. Henderson led the league in broken tackle rate in 2019. I love Henderson’s upside and he showed signs of stardom in 2019. The only reason I have Henderson at #61 is that he currently has Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown ahead of him. For dynasty drafts, I would be selecting Henderson every chance I had. Henderson still holds risk but his average draft position gives him much more reward in start-up leagues.
Don’t forget to check out my 2020 QB Dynasty Rankings 1-11  12-21 22-34
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