Overvalued and Undervalued Fantasy Football Running Backs

Based on ESPN Fantasy’s Average Draft Position, we’ll be looking at the top 3 running backs who are undervalued and overvalued based on their position against other players of the same position.

Overvalued Running Backs:

Joe Mixon (ADP: RB14 ) – Joe Mixon is one of the leading spots on our players to avoid for the last couple seasons. Mixon enters the season full of hope and thinking this year will be the year he finally becomes an elite fantasy back and end up being disappointed. With Giovanni Bernard out of the picture, we are a bit more hopeful this go around for Mixon to succeed, but adding him to this list to not be burned once again. 

Najee Harris (ADP: RB11) – The rookie out of Alabama enters his first year just outside of the top in fantasy projections which is something for him to feel proud of. We whole-heartedly agree that Harris will be a great running back, but in a couple years time. Harris will start his career with one of the league’s lower end offensive lines and an aging Big Ben under center. This isn’t a very promising start and we think there are several candidates who have justified why they should be in the top 10 or at least above Harris for the 2021 season. 

Austin Ekeler (ADP: RB7) – Austin Ekeler has been a pleasant surprise over the last few seasons for the Chargers. We love watching Ekeler play and show improvement every season, he and the rest of the Chargers have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch. Ekeler’s injury recovery is going to be the biggest setback from making him one of the elite backs in the league this season. Ekeler slowed down a little bit last year when playing and we think he will be better for the 2nd half of the season, but overall not in the top core of backs when needing them for the entire season.

Undervalued Running Backs:

Antonio Gibson (ADP: RB12) – After an impressive rookie season, Gibson is looking to capitalize on his performance in year 2. With new addition Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, this should give Washington a veteran presence which is exactly what they need to help take them to the next level. Someone who will get the job done and give the offense more touches that they need for more potential scoring opportunities. With this being the case, Gibson should see a significant increase in red zone touches this season. 

Mike Davis (ADP: RB27) – Davis filled in right where Christian McCaffrey left off for the Carolina Panthers. Davis stepped right up to the plate and eased the disappointment in Panthers fans when CMC went down. Davis joined the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason who needed a running back after Gurley’s fall to mediocrity. With Matt Ryan’s favorite target gone, we expect Atlanta to shift more to a rushing attack with the addition of Mike Davis. Atlanta will still be one of the pass heavier teams, but Mike Davis should help revitalize a rushing attack that has seen better days. 

Tevin Coleman (ADP: RB52) – Coleman will compete for the starting job in New York with rookie Michael Carter. Carter is expected to be the #1 back in New York, but Coleman still holds significant value when competing for touches. Coleman served on a committee in San Francisco and was a trendy streamer when healthy. Coleman is worth a last round pick if available or an early waiver wire pickup as he is being significantly undervalued.