Stream these running backs to carry you through the 2021 fantasy finish line

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 12: Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny (20) carries the ball during the NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans on December 12, 2021 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
By Brandon Howard
Dec 15, 2021

While Week 14 was the final week of byes in the NFL season, it’s important to continue scouring the waiver wire to find players capable of propelling your team to a big fantasy finish. At this juncture, we know who the top running backs are. But injuries to top backs and some unfavorable matchups make it difficult to project just how successful they’ll be in the coming weeks.

Advertisement

Streaming options in the backfield will be necessary as most leagues head into the playoffs. Thankfully, there are more than a few capable running backs available who could help your team to a favorable fantasy finish. While selecting a back to stream in the coming weeks, be sure to take these factors into consideration: Will he receive the workload necessary to put up respectable fantasy numbers? Is he a threat on the ground even when rushing lanes are clogged? Can he contribute in the passing game? And does his skill set allow him to transcend the matchups that lie ahead?

If the answer to the above four questions is yes, then you’re well on your way to finding a back capable of getting your fantasy team into the playoff mix.

Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Out of all the talented backs in the 2018 NFL Draft, Rashaad Penny was my No. 2 running back behind Saquon Barkley. Coming out of San Diego State, Penny made college football history as he eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards in 2017. In that same season, he tied an NCAA record by running for at least 200 yards in five consecutive contests. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, Penny was shifty and knew how to create rushing lanes for himself. He had a natural feel for finding the cutback, and his patience was outstanding. Unfortunately, much of what we came to love about him seemed to dissipate once he turned pro.

Following several knee injuries, Penny grew more timid and didn’t seem to explode through the hole the way he did in college. It was almost as if he no longer trusted what he saw. His play led to him subsequently being outplayed by less-talented backs like Chris Carson and Alex Collins. The only running back in Seattle’s running back stable who should be competing with Penny for carries is DeeJay Dallas, but it appears he’ll be used only to spell Penny when he needs a breather — and for good reason.

Advertisement

In Week 14 against the Texans, Penny ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns on just 16 carries. Pairing a legitimate talent at running back with a mobile quarterback like Russell Wilson means the rushing lanes will continue to be there for Penny. Defenses have to respect Wilson as a runner, which means they can’t sell out to stop the running back. Penny will indirectly benefit from this, and due to his superior vision and footwork, I would not be shocked to see him average over 100 yards and a touchdown over the remaining four games.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

If there’s one thing I love, it’s big backs who happen to be nimble. At 6-foot, 229 pounds, Stevenson is very light on his feet and can start and stop like a smaller back. He has very good contact balance, and it’s rare you see a solo tackle drop him to the ground. One reason we know he’ll continue to be on the field is that he’s very solid in pass protection and he has reliable hands out of the backfield. Damien Harris will likely continue to get eight to 12 touches a game while he continues to work his way back into the lineup following a hamstring strain, but Stevenson will be New England’s bell cow.

Two of the Patriots’ remaining four games are in Foxborough (they also play at Indianapolis and at Miami), which means it’s highly probable they’ll be playing in cooler temps during those two games. If that’s the case, look for Bill Belichick to implement a similar game plan to the one they used against the Bills last Monday. Even if New England passes with more regularity, Stevenson should still receive at least 20 carries in each contest.

The Patriots’ two away games are against the Colts and the Dolphins, both of which are teeming with great athletes at the second level of their defense. Still, expect New England to rely heavily on the run game through the final four-game stretch with Stevenson being the primary beneficiary.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

I’ve mentioned Kenneth Gainwell before and I’ll mention him again. He offers value not only as a runner but also as a receiver. In his final season at Memphis, Gainwell rushed for 1,459 yards and added 610 yards on 51 receptions. He’s your prototypical do-it-all back but has not gotten a ton of action during his rookie season in Philadelphia. Despite having just 83 total touches on the year, he’s tied with Boston Scott for the most touchdowns among Eagles running backs with four.

Advertisement

One thing that stands out about Gainwell is that he seems to understand the inner workings of each run play, particularly in the red zone. He knows what each player is doing, which enables him to set up his blocks and utilize his suddenness to weave through traffic. It’s clear that the Eagles trust him in that area of the field for that very reason. Gainwell also excels as a route runner thanks to his change of direction and ability to force defensive backs to open their hips to turn and run.

The Eagles’ remaining games are all against divisional foes: Washington, New York, Washington again and Dallas. Only one of those defenses has a defender capable of keeping up with Gainwell out of the backfield, and that’s Washington’s Jamin Davis. The two other teams are going to have a difficult time keeping up with Gainwell, so if the Eagles give him 10 to 12 touches per game, he could average a total of 80 yards per contest through the last four games.

D’Onta Foreman, RB, Tennessee Titans

During his time at the University of Texas, D’Onta Foreman flashed as a size-speed prospect who could potentially become a starting running back in the NFL. Many forget that in his final year as a Longhorn, Foreman eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark. The 6-foot-1, 237-pound back then went on to run a 4.46 40-yard dash. Despite his physical prowess, Foreman struggled to gain traction as a running back in the NFL. In his four years in the NFL, he has never surpassed 100 carries or 500 yards in a single season. So why should we have any faith in him now?

The answer is simple — opportunity. Foreman is finally being given an opportunity to carry the football at least 11 times a game since joining the Titans in Week 9. While his vision and ability to create when rushing lanes are clogged may be lacking, there will be at least two or three times a game when everything is blocked up perfectly and he’s able to get to the second level of the defense.

Once he breaks into the open field, he’s a load to stop and also has legitimate breakaway speed. Additionally, Tennessee’s remaining schedule shouldn’t scare anyone away from picking up Foreman. The Titans should be able to dominate the line of scrimmage against the Steelers and Texans in their final two away games, and their heavy run sets also bode well for having success at home against the 49ers and Dolphins.

(Photo of Rashaad Penny: Leslie Plaza Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.