Stevenson, Pacheco look to surprise
Boom
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England: Most fantasy football veterans could see this one coming at the end of last season.
During Stevenson last six games when he played with Damien Harris in the 2021 season, Stevenson had more rushing touches (78 to 66) and more yards (396 to 309). The only advantage went to Harris on scoring touchdowns (6 to 4).
Plus, camp speculation has Stevenson taking over the third-down passing game role with the retirement of James White and the departure of Brandon Bolden.
Heading into the weekend according to FantasyPros ECR, I would rather draft Stevenson as the 34th running back off the board instead of taking Harris at 26.
Bust
James Conner, Arizona: In Conner’s five-year career, he has never played a complete season.
Last year he played a career-high 15 games and had the most touches he’s recorded since his breakout in year 2. After his big year in 2018, the next season was marred with injuries as he only played 10 games.
Eno Benjamin and journeyman Darrel Williams may be called into action more than the Cardinals’ coaches would like this season which means Conner’s chances of repeating another big season are slim.
Sleeper
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City: The seventh-round draft pick has impressed coaches and his fellow teammates during training camp and has emerged as the RB2 behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Pacheco checks in at 5-foot-10 and 216 pounds and brings an added feature with his speed (4.37 40). He reminds the Kansas City coaches of Kareem Hunt, but I think he’s more in the Terrell Davis mold (hits the holes quickly, gets small through the hole and then out with acceleration).
CEH has not be able to put a claim to the Chiefs’ coveted No. 1 running back spot in his two seasons, and any early season boom plays from Pacheco may push CEH out the door.
I’ll take the future KC No. 1 RB who is being drafted as the 78th running back, according to FantasyPros ECR.
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