10 Massively Underrated Running Backs

Jonathan Stewart

Normally we advise avoiding muddy situations for your fantasy running backs, but in this case, the Carolina Panthers' confusion is your clarity. Oft-injured punchline Jonathan Stewart is – reportedly – healthy for the first time in years, and will step back into a team where the most legitimate pass-catcher is likely veteran tight end Greg Olsen. It’s not hard to imagine a scenario in which the Panthers go very run-heavy, maximizing Stewart and aging teammate DeAngelo Williams (who put together a paltry -6.52 Rushing Net Expected Points in 2013) as their primary driving forces on offense.

There's almost certainly a prominent role waiting for Stewart, but we shouldn’t be concerned about him needing massive volume to be useful. Over his first four (relatively) healthy years in the NFL, he averaged only 181 rushes, but 6.10 Rushing NEP per season, which would have been good for a 10th-place ranking among running backs with 150 or more carries in 2013. Add into this Stewart’s well above-average pass-catching ability, which has achieved him an average of 11.57 Reception NEP per season (17th among 2013 running backs), and you have a dangerous, multi-talented weapon for quarterback Cam Newton and head coach Ron Rivera to utilize.

The question on Stewart has never been talent; it’s always been durability. If he can stay healthy this season, his current late 12th-round cost is a steal. Being drafted outside the top 50 at running back, he has top 20 upside.

By Joe Redemann