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Factoid

Pass-catching running backs

Receiving production key among running backs

With running backs, I think receiving production is playing more of a role now than it has in the past. There are a lot of coaches in the league right now who have a good feel for how to utilize running backs as pass catchers, with Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan and Bill Belichick leading the way.

Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara and LeVeon Bell all had big seasons last year, and receiving production was key for all of them. Christian McCaffrey caught 80 passes. David Johnson is back this year, and he’s a pass-catching nightmare.

Using standard scoring, 22 running backs in the last 10 years have totaled at least 75 points on pass plays. Six of those are guys from last year.

RUNNING BACKS RECEIVING PRODUCTION (last 10 years)
YearPlayer No Yds AvgTDPoints
2017Todd Gurley, LAR6478812.36114.8
2011Darren Sproles, N.O.867108.37113.0
2017Alvin Kamara, N.O.8182610.25112.6
2013Charles Clay, Mia.6975911.06111.9
2016David Johnson, Ariz.8087911.04111.9
2015Danny Woodhead, S.D.807559.46111.5
2013Jamaal Charles, K.C.706939.97111.3
2012Darren Sproles, N.O.756678.97108.7
2014Matt Forte, Chi.1028087.94104.8
2014LeVeon Bell, Pitt.8385410.33103.4
2013Danny Woodhead, N.E.766058.0696.5
2017Christian McCaffrey, Car.806518.1595.1
2011Ray Rice, Balt.767049.3388.4
2015Theo Riddick, Det.806978.7387.7
2017Duke Johnson, Clev.746939.4387.3
2016James White, N.E.605519.2585.1
2015Charles Sims, T.B.5156111.0480.1
2017LeVeon Bell, Pitt.856557.7277.5
2013Matt Forte, Chi.745948.0377.4
2009Ray Rice, Balt.787029.0176.2
2015Devonta Freeman, Atl.735787.9375.8
2017Chris Thompson, Wash.3951013.1475.0
2011Arian Foster, Hou.5361711.6273.7
2009Darren Sproles, S.D.4549711.0473.7
2016LeVeon Bell, Pitt.756168.2273.6
2015Shane Vereen, NYG594958.4473.5
2013Knowshon Moreno, Den.605489.1372.8
2010Matt Forte, Chi.5154710.7372.7
2013Darren Sproles, N.O.716048.5272.4
2010Arian Foster, Hou.666049.2272.4
2008Matt Forte, Chi.634777.6471.7
2017Melvin Gordon, LAC584768.2471.6
2010LeSean McCoy, Phil.785927.6271.2
2008Brian Westbrook, Phil.544027.4570.2

—Ian Allan

Fantasy Index