Finally, we have the running backs who alternated time in lead dog duties. Keep in mind that in this study, “lead back” is not defined by opportunity but rather by output.
| Running Back Group | Team |
|---|---|
| Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman | Falcons |
| Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen | Bears |
| Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard | Bengals |
| Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson | Browns |
| Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick | Lions |
| James White, Dion Lewis, and Rex Burkhead | Patriots |
| Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara | Saints |
| Bilal Powell and Matt Forte | Jets |
| DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry | Titans |
An injury to Devonta Freeman in Atlanta compounded Tevin Coleman's usefulness in 2017. Though the middle of the season was dominated by Jordan Howard, the Bears got five useful weeks from rookie Tarik Cohen. Cohen was explosive as both a backfield runner and a pass catcher. The run-first and pass-first option in Chicago was seen similarly in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, and New Orleans.
Lesson: These backs offer a larger return on investment than players who must outplay the competition in front of them to earn an opportunity. By having a predetermined defined role in the offense, even if in a limited capacity, they have value on a fantasy roster. They also have the upside baked in to either take on a more prominent role through superior play or through missed time from a teammate. Not only could they be immensely useful in the future under a new set of circumstances, they can be completely useful in the present within their current roles.