Our goal with the Zero RB Watch List is to help you locate RB breakouts and waiver adds before they happen, but this column isn’t just for Zero RB owners. We’re just as focused on the high-profile backs. Understanding workloads is key to making tough redraft and dynasty trades.
The RotoViz Screener and NFL Stat Explorer provide a smorgasbord of data as we dive into the advanced stats for every team. Much of the focus is on how RBs score their points. We emphasize expected points (EP) and fantasy points over expectation (FPOE) to better understand each player’s fantasy volume. Being able to conceptualize the relationship between touches and fantasy points is the most important element of making good RB decisions, whether that’s start/sit or waiver pickups.
The Advanced Stats Explorer and the Stealing Signals tool provide a deep dive into how fantasy running backs score their points, and getting this crucial context can often be the difference between picking up the next league winner and wasting a roster spot. Metrics such as route participation, evasion rate, high-value touches, and green-zone carries translate directly into high expected point totals and big fantasy days.
This year we’re going to mix it up a bit, at least at the beginning of the year. My article will present the data on every backfield, along with some brief notes to help contextualize the numbers. Shawn will follow up with guidance on how to put these numbers to best use on your fantasy squads.