Fantasy: Backup running back rankings

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Given the rate at which injuries strike the running back position, knowing who's next in line for carries is critical for fantasy owners.

Not all backups are created equal, and though the league-winning potential of players like Kareem Hunt and Latavius Murray may be obvious, many second-string ball carriers aren't getting the respect they deserve in fantasy drafts.

Here's how we're ranking the top backup running backs, broken down into tiers:

More than a backup

• Top-five upside if Nick Chubb is injured
• Proven RB1 during time with Chiefs
• Could still provide RB2 production without starting

Elite options

• RB1 upside if starter is injured
• Stuck behind an established talent
• Will flirt with flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Don't give up on them yet

• Top-15 upside if starter is injured
• Currently in a committee with a more qualified teammate
• Can provide flex value most weeks, even as a backup

Underrated upside

• Top-20 upside if starter is injured
• Should have notable role behind a young lead back
• Can provide flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Wild cards

• Top-30 upside if starting at any point
• 2020 role yet to be determined
• Workload questions due to crowded backfield and/or limited college usage

PPR specialists

• Limited upside as a fantasy insurance policy
• Unlikely to serve as workhorse if starter is injured
• Can offer flex value in PPR formats, even as a backup

Unclear situations

• Major upside in quality offenses if clear backup emerges and starter is injured
• Value limited by possibility of committee replacement scenario
• When in doubt, choose the younger backup option here

Half-season split

• RB1 upside if Chris Carson is injured
• Likely to be a half-season split with Hyde opening as the backup and Penny taking over upon return to the lineup
• Hyde worth a late-round pick in re-draft; Penny a mid-season waiver pickup

Deep targets

• Risky options with intriguing upside if starter is injured
• Doubts surrounding hold on backup job or ability to produce if called upon
• Players to draft as bench stashes in final rounds

Not worth rostering

• Very little upside if starter is injured
• Unlikely to handle large workload due to presence of other backs
• Not worth a fantasy roster spot