7 Backup Running Backs Who Might Be Better Than the Starter

Roy Helu, Oakland Raiders

Speaking of efficient pass-catching backs, Roy Helu ranked fifth in Reception NEP per target (0.50) among the 46 backs to see at least 30 targets.

Helu isn't known as a solid runner, but with Washington last season, he maintained a Rushing NEP of 1.67 on 40 carries, good for a 0.04 per-carry average. Teammate Alfred Morris lost 0.04 points per carry on 265 attempts, totaling a Rushing NEP of -11.86 on the year.

In the same offense, Helu was the more efficient rusher, though on drastically different samples. He owned a Success Rate of 45.00%, so he wasn't exactly relying on big plays but rather moving the NEP sticks at a solid rate.

Latavius Murray has plenty of upside, but he wasn't much more efficient than Helu was last year. Even with a breakout game against the Chiefs, including a significant boost to his NEP on a 90-yard touchdown run -- who expects to score on a play from their own 10? -- Murray mustered a Rushing NEP of 4.09 on 82 carries, 0.05 per rush.

Murray's Reception NEP per target of 0.27 doesn't compare well to Helu's (0.50), and nothing in Murray's small sample indicates that he's the clear top option over Helu, which is why Helu might be the best back in Oakland.