The running back position is arguably the most important in fantasy football.
Given the NFL has become mostly a passing league, there is more depth at wide receiver–which also has a larger talent pool–and quarterback, making it imperative for owners to find quality in the backfield.
Not to mention, there appears to be a lack of quality depth at running back this season. Guys like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott are bell cows because of their volume and ability to find pay dirt. But those players are in a tier of their own in terms of consistently productive fantasy commodities.
That being said, there is always value to be found. Here are five currently undervalued fantasy football running backs based on average draft position (ADP).
5. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs
Is it really fair to label a potential first-rounder undervalued? It might be, considering how fantasy analysts are salivating over Edwards-Helaire's fit with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chiefs made the former LSU star the final pick of the first round this past April, with head coach Andy Reid comparing Edwards-Helaire to another great running back he coached: Brian Westbrook.
Indeed, Edwards-Helaire figures to play a major role in the ground game as well as the passing game. He rushed for 1,414 yards and 16 touchdowns on 6.6 yards per carry last season at LSU while also hauling in 55 receptions for 453 yards.
Edwards-Helaire will also be the feature back, considering Damien Williams opted out of playing due to concerns regarding COVID-19.
Peter King: “Clyde Edwards-Helaire got the first 4 snaps in 11-on-11.” I’d say Andy has big plans for the kid 👀 pic.twitter.com/LiCMFFMgwJ
— CHIEFS HIGHLIGHTS (@ChiefsHighlight) August 21, 2020
In other words, Edwards-Helaire should see tons of volume for one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league. The last Chiefs running back to experience something similar was Kareem Hunt in 2017, when he was one of the top backs in fantasy.
So yes, Edwards-Helaire is technically undervalued based on his RB9 ranking, per FantasyPros. This places him below Miles Sanders (will he get the same volume?) and Alvin Kamara (how healthy is he?). He might very well be a top-two back at the end of the season.
4. David Johnson, Houston Texans
Fans who have owned Johnson the past few years are probably saying: “What?”
Johnson has been one of the most overvalued running backs in fantasy football the past few years due to injuries and ineffectiveness on the ground. However, he is likely to be a major focal point for Houston's offense.
The Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Johnson, depriving Deshaun Watson of one of the best receivers in football. Houston signed Randall Cobb to hold down the slot while also trading for Brandin Cooks, but it would not be a surprise to see Johnson get plenty involved in the passing game.
In fact, Johnson actually had 36 receptions in his first six games before eventually grabbing the bench behind Kenyan Drake. Moreover, Watson completed 54 passes to his running backs last season even with Hopkins on the field.
Johnson's injuries and underwhelming YPC the last few years might give owners pause, but he has one of the top fantasy football ADP values. Johnson is ranked as RB22, per FantasyPros, below backs who will split carries (Melvin Gordon and Jonathan Taylor) and a relative unknown (because of health) commodity in Todd Gurley.
3. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers
Mostert had a bit of a tense contract dispute with the San Francisco 49ers this summer, but the two sides have since resolved the issue. Now, he is ready to ball.
The 28-year-old was one of the most effective weapons in the Niners' run-heavy scheme, rushing for 772 yards and eight touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry. But he was also an explosive receiver out of the backfield, averaging 12.9 yards per reception while adding another pair of scores through the air.
There are reasons to be concerned about Mostert splitting carries with Tevin Coleman, particularly in the backfield. But was among the most productive RBs in terms of points per touch, and figures to get more volume especially with Matt Breida out of the picture.
Mostert is currently going as RB28 and 64th overall, per FantasyPros. This places him in the sixth round in 12-team leagues, which seems like excellent value for a guy who can be a legitimate RB2 in fantasy this year.
2. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
It is no secret the Ravens will run the ball quite often with their zone and read-option schemes.
Everyone figures to get touches in Baltimore's backfield, but it is possible Dobbins emerges as the top back.
The former Ohio State star was one of the best pure runners in this past draft class. Dobbins rushed for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry, and he also chipped in 23 receptions for 247 yards and two more scores.
There is a reason the Ravens went with a running back in the second round. As good as Mark Ingram was last year, he is now on the wrong side of 30, and has a history of injuries in his career.
Dobbins is also looking like he will be a tough cover for linebackers.
J.K. Dobbins caught this. pic.twitter.com/pXFCwdEnNt
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 23, 2020
The Ravens could use more downfield options, and perhaps Dobbins will be a weapon out of the slot, in addition to getting carries.
Dobbins is currently RB33 and 91st overall, per FantasyPros. But considering the success rookie running backs have had in recent years as well as his fit in Baltimore's scheme, Dobbins might be one of the most underrated fantasy football running back in 2020.
1. James White, New England Patriots
White might be the most valuable sleeper in PPR leagues.
The 28-year-old was once again one of Tom Brady's most valuable receivers in 2019, racking up 72 receptions for 645 yards and five touchdowns. Yet, there is reason to believe White could be even more productive this year.
As good as White has been as a receiving back, he is also averaging a respectable 4.1 yards per carry for this career. White's ability to churn out yards on the ground or in the passing game could make him the ideal back for incoming quarterback Cam Newton, who excels with run-pass option schemes.
Then there's this tidbit: White was the most prolific running back in terms of points per touch for the second straight season in 2019, according to NFL.com.
The Patriots are likely to mix things up quite a bit in 2020, but their pass-catching group remains mostly unchanged from the year before. That could mean another big year for White, who has immense FLEX value.
White is currently RB31 and 81st overall, per FantasyPros. There is no way he should be a borderline seventh-round pick, especially in PPR leagues.
Owners looking to add a third back early would do well to grab White, who very well might have one of the top fantasy football ADP values at any position.
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