☝️ 5 RBs who could challenge CMC/Ekeler

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It's The Touchdown Press Newsletter. Your #1 source for all things fantasy football, DFS, and sports betting, along with 10,000+ fellow degenerates.

It’s Saturday, the day to put off that housework and bury yourself in fantasy football content for half the day!

Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

• Why JT can return to the top 👑 

• Derrick Henry’s path to glory 🏆

• Etienne’s offensive prowess 🐆 

• Headlines from the NFL 🏈 

Jonathan Taylor (IND), ADP 17.6, RB5:

He was RB1 in 2021, so why not again?

Last season was disappointing, but the numbers from 2021 give us some hope that he can still return to the glory:

• 1st in TDs (20)

• 1st in rush yards (1,811)

• 1st in fantasy PPG (21.9)

• 3rd in yards per touch (5.8)

He was also first among all running backs in juke rate, evaded tackles, and breakaway runs.

Of course we’re chasing those studlike numbers again!

His 2022 regression may have been the result of the Colts being a poor offense rather than a knock on JT himself.

Shane Steichen’s schemes in Philadelphia were effective for the ground game as the Eagles ran for 2,509 yards and a whopping 32 TDs.

Jalen Hurts had some, but 18 of them still went to the RBs. For comparison, JT only scored 4 times last year.

Anthony Richardson is considered super mobile, and he’ll have defenders on their toes, which will help Taylor get free.

But he’s a rookie, which may lead them to lean on their run game. If so, JT could return to his ‘21 form.

Saquon Barkley (NYG), ADP 18.9, RB6:

A healthy Saquon makes the Giants’ offense go.

We saw it last year, when he finished:

• 6th in evaded tackles (86)

• 2nd in breakaway runs (18)

• 5th in yards created (1,014)

• 5th in fantasy points per game (17.8)

He produced on the back of the no. 3 opportunity share (80.1%) and the 5th best target share (17.2%)

There really isn’t any serious touch competition in that backfield. Matt Breida is the closest thing to an established guy, but he shouldn’t scare away any fantasy owners.

The big issue to consider is the possible holdout. Barkley believes he deserves a new contract and the Giants have been reluctant to give it to him.

The latest is that their best offer may not be good enough.

It’s not ideal for anyone having a fantasy draft.

But the production will be there if he’s on the field.

According to Sports Medical Analyst @SportMDAnalysis, Barkley’s injury pattern is not necessarily recurring and he should be ready to go at a healthy clip.

I’m buying him this year, and wouldn’t be at all surprised if he ends up RB1.

At the very least, Barkley won’t fall far off his pace from ‘22, so I’m grabbing his PrizePicks OVER of 1,025.5 rush yards.

Derrick Henry (TEN), ADP 23.8, RB8:

Big Dog’s 83% opportunity share is both the reason he’s on this list and the reason many might’ve left him off.

He had 349 carries (1st) and added 33 receptions in ‘22.

For a guy who’s 6’3”, 247 lbs, and runs like a freight train, that kind of load may lead to problems for the 29-year-old.

However, he’s undeniably one of the best backs in the league since 2019. Since then he’s finished as RB4, RB3, and RB4 in fantasy points per game.

He was on his way to a monster year in 2021, averaging 24.2(!) over the first 8 games before an injury.

Even if his total reception number isn’t head-turning, he is an efficient receiver when called on:

• 9th in catch rate (80.5%)

• 1st in yards per route run (3.02)

• 1st in yards per reception (12.1)

He was also 5th in evaded tackles (88) and 3rd in yards created (1,087) while carrying the ball vs. the 3rd-highest stacked front rate (26.6%).

And let’s be honest, who hasn’t enjoyed watching clips of this guy absolutely trucking defenders?

If Henry stays healthy, he’ll be in the fantasy RB1 conversation, at least for another year or two.

Tony Pollard (DAL), ADP 21.1, RB7:

Pollard is finally about to get his shot at the Cowboys’ backfield without having to share it with Ezekiel Elliott.

He was RB8 in fantasy points per game in ‘22 (15.6), but that was on just a 48.1% opportunity share (34th).

With the chances predicted to skyrocket, Pollard will have more of a shot to showcase his elite athletic skills:

• 5th in yards per touch (5.9)

• 2nd in yards per reception (9.5)

• 4th in yards per route run (1.82)

• 4th in breakaway run rate (8.8%)

• 8th in yards created per touch (3.30)

As for his injury from last season, it seems as though there’s no need for us nerds to worry.

He said as recently as June that he wasn’t really limited any longer, and he should be 100% ready to go by the time Dallas camp opens.

We’re all excited to see what happens without Zeke.

Travis Etienne, (JAX), ADP 41.4, RB14:

Etienne is part of an offense that I believe is in the midst of a huge upward trend, with a QB climbing toward the height of his powers and a list of incredible skill position players that now includes Calvin Ridley.

ETN himself was great last year:

• 10th in yards per touch (5.7)

• 5th in yards per reception (9)

• 12th in breakaway run rate (7.3%)

He scored 5 TDs which ranked 31st, but the opportunity share hints that he could be due for an uptick in that area.

While the Jags did draft rookie Tank Bigsby, he does not have the same receiving chops that ETN has. He caught 35 balls for 316 receiving yards in 2022.

With the continued development of Lawrence, those numbers could potentially climb, although there are a lot of mouths to feed down there.

In summary, this offense has yet to peak. Etienne has the skill set to be a true workhorse on all three downs, and RB1 is not out of the question.

👋 10-Year Vet Jackson Says Goodbye

📈 Titans’ Phenom TE Improving in ALL PHASES

🤬 Ekeler Cussin’ Mad About Contract

🌵 Hope in the Desert: QB Aims to Play Opener

👎 Barkley’s Week 1 Availability in Jeopardy

😱 Raider Jacobs Threatens Holdout as Deadline Looms

✍️ Jets Lock Up DT: Massive $96M Deal

🦁 Lions GM Raves About Elite Dual-Threat Weapon

🚔 Legal Issues Threaten Washington Commanders Sale

😳 Mahomes Hypes Teammate Toney as Elite

Have a great rest of your weekend, fantasy fans!

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