Late-Round Running Backs Who Win Leagues

Look back at any championship roster and you will usually find a running back who cost almost nothing — a late-round pick or a Week 2 waiver claim who inherited a workload. You cannot predict the injury that opens the door, but you can make sure you are standing next to the right door.

The handcuff worth owning

The most valuable late back is the clear second in a backfield with a heavily-used starter. He is one snap from a three-down role, and in most leagues he is free. Prioritize the backup whose team has no third option over a standalone flyer with a defined ceiling.

• Target the backup behind a high-volume starter, not the third man in a committee.
• Prefer backs on run-leaning offenses; the vacated role is bigger when it opens.
• A pass-catching second back has standalone value even before an injury.

Draft one or two of these late, and watch the early waiver wire for the role that changes in the first fortnight. That is where leagues are quietly won.