NFL fantasy diamonds for 2022 - Running backs

J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins tore his ACL in the Baltimore Ravens' final preseason game ahead of the 2021 NFL season. However, this was by far not the only injury that the team was dealing with. The top-3 RBs on that roster missed the entire season and were dealing with multiple injuries on the O-line. Lamar Jackson was out for the final five games and overall the Ravens were number one by a wide margin in adjusted games lost (to injury), according to Football Outsiders.

Why is this relevant? Well, a lot of the arguments out there about the uptick in pass-play percentage for Baltimore, yards per carry, etc. They don’t take into account what that team wanted to be offensively.

Looking at the 2019 and 2020 NFL campaigns, the Ravens were easily number one in total rushing yards (as the only team above 3,000 in each of those) and YPC at 5.5. A lot of that has to do with Lamar being a dynamic space player himself, but he also opened up nice lanes on the inside give, as teams had to account for him pulling the ball. Dobbins was particularly impressive in the chances he was given.

Dobbins battled for carries early on as a rookie in the 2020 NFL season. However, the flashes he showed combined with Mark Ingram missing time with an injury, got him onto the field for extended time. That year, Dobbins averaged six yards per carry and from week eight on, he was the RB12 in fantasy, despite only averaging 12 touches per contest.

He was already the primary goal-line and passing down option as a rookie and didn’t fumble the ball once. Dobbins has the acceleration to be a threat to the edge on toss plays and swing passes, but he also showed the ability to be more patient between the tackles and make subtle moves in tight areas. He was thus able to bleed out runs.

The Ravens got back All-Pro level left tackle Ronnie Stanley, upgraded at center and right tackle and diversified their portfolio at tight-end. Along with Mark Andrews, they have one of the best blockers at the position in Nick Boyle, who is back in the lineup. They also have two rookies who can be threats catching the ball on the move, added to a healthy Lamar Jackson drawing eyes.

They have a healthy and upgraded defense to help them stay ahead in contests and stick with game-plans that emphasize controlling the clock. Dobbins remains the likely option if they are down and in faster-paced situations and there’s so many factors that should have people excited.

I understand the risk here, but that’s already baked into his ADP, and I’m more than willing to take it for my likely FLEX.