In the NFL, the classic “bell‑cow” running back—who carries the ball in every play—has been replaced by a more flexible approach. Teams now favor a duo of backs, rotating the workload to keep players fresh and match up better against particular defenses.
What this means for fantasy owners
If you’re building a fantasy line‑up, look past the names that dominate the media spotlight and focus on consistent workload. A tandem can still deliver big numbers and may even give you a steady hand to rely on during those weeks when owners miss a player on a bye or get injured.
1. Chiefs: Brashard Smith stepping into the spotlight
When the Chiefs began the season with running‑back Johnny Kemp and rookie Brashard Smith, they hoped Smith would rise quickly. Unfortunately, Smith was limited to just around 10 % of the snaps a week, and the run game didn’t hit the numbers Andy Reid expected. Kicking off with a Week 2 injury to starting back Kareem Hunt, Smith finds himself on the field more.
In the Sunday game, Smith ran 14 times for 81 scrimmage yards—35 % of the backfield’s snap share—when the Chiefs faced the Houston Texans. Even after Hunt returned, Smith continued to deliver. He’s shown speed and burst that could make him a solid backup on your roster, especially in PPR formats where his 5 receptions keep his value up.
2. Detroit Lions: Gibbs and Montgomery
The Lions opened the season by pairing Jahmyr Gibbs with veteran David Montgomery. Gibbs immediately proved his mettle, while Montgomery’s experience kept the background solid. The partnership gave Detroit a flexible option to use the younger player in short‑route passing plays and the veteran on more traditional rushing sets.
3. Tennessee Titans: Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard
Tennessee coach Mike McCoy has kept his 1‑Bend plan, using Spears and Pollard together. Spears, now fully healthy, played nineteen carries in a week‑long outing against the Patriots and averaged 4.4 yards per rush—crafting a 50/50 split that outperformed Pollard’s output that game. He also caught three passes on four targets, giving him added value in pass‑reception points.
If the Titans’ offensive line stays shaky, the duo of backs will likely share offensive duties more evenly. Even on a tough schedule, Spears’ agility and pockets on the ball keep him a viable option for fantasy teams that need a safety valve.
Quick takeaways for your lineup
- Look for strike‑rate backs that get a lot of touches.
- Swap a high‑touch starter for a solid backup if you’re concerned about injuries or bye weeks.
- Tandem systems can hit deep: both Smith and Spears were producing quantity and quality scores.
Betting, bet types & fantasy lessons
Many fantasy owners double‑check their line‑ups against betting lines for games that have high injury risk for key backs. If a first‑round pick suddenly goes in for a game, swapping in the reliable backup can save your season.
Bottom line
The NFL’s run game is evolving: coaches are now favoring versatile tandems over single “bell‑cow” stars. For fantasy managers, this shift means more flexibility in finding players who are consistent, productive, and can step up when the big names go to the bench or land on the sidelines. Keep an eye on our picks—Smith, Spears, Gibbs, Montgomery—and you’ll find value in both your starters and your bench.
Source: New York Post
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