Around the NFL

August 26, 2022

Dameon Pierce

Rookie comes up big again for Texans

It's looking more and more likely that Dameon Pierce is going to be the best of the rookies, and probably a really good running back right out of the box. He’s going to be the starter right away in Houston, and he’s very impressive.

Pierce carried 5 times for 49 yards in his preseason debut, and he had a similar kind of game last night. They played him for a series, and he banged out 37 yards on 6 carries, capped by a 1-yard touchdown. It seems like he falls forward for a few extra yards on every carry. He’s good.

Pierce lasted until the fourth round in the draft, which is looking silly now. I think that’s stemming largely from him being underused at Florida.

Last night’s game, by the way, featured another back who was underused in college. To me, Jordan Mason (lightly used at Georgia Tech) looks like he might be better than either of the running backs the 49ers have drafted with third-round picks the last two years.

With Pierce, I think we’re past the point of being able to call him a sleeper. He’s not making it out of the third rounds in fantasy drafts, and I think we’ll seem him going in the second.

It’s rare for lightly-regarded rookie running backs to have big seasons, but it does happen occasionally. In the last 20 years, 38 rookie running backs have finished with top-20 numbers. Five of those players were drafted after the first three rounds.

TOP-20 ROOKIE RUNNING BACKS (last 20 years)
Year	Player	Rd	Run	Rec	Total	TD	PPR	Rk
2018	Saquon Barkley, NYG	1	1,307	721	2,028	15	385.8	2
2016	Ezekiel Elliott, Dall.	1	1,631	363	1,994	16	327.4	2
2017	Alvin Kamara, N.O.	3	728	826	1,554	14	322.4	3
2002	Clinton Portis, Den.	2	1,508	364	1,872	17	322.2	7
2012	Doug Martin, T.B.	1	1,454	472	1,926	12	313.6	2
2008	Matt Forte, Chi.	2	1,238	477	1,715	12	306.5	2
2021	Najee Harris, Pitt.	1	1,200	467	1,667	10	300.7	3
2017	Kareem Hunt, K.C.	3	1,327	455	1,782	11	297.2	4
2006	Maurice Jones-Drew, Jac.	2	941	436	1,377	16	279.7	8
2008	Steve Slaton, Hou.	3	1,282	377	1,659	10	275.9	7
2006	Reggie Bush, N.O.	1	565	742	1,307	9	272.7	9
2012	• Alfred Morris, Was.	6	1,613	77	1,690	13	258.0	7
2007	Adrian Peterson, Min.	1	1,341	268	1,609	13	257.9	5
2020	Jonathan Taylor, Ind.	2	1,169	299	1,468	12	254.8	6
2012	Trent Richardson, Cle.	1	950	367	1,317	12	254.7	8
2020	• James Robinson, Jac.	FA	1,070	344	1,414	10	252.4	7
2008	Chris Johnson, Ten.	1	1,228	260	1,488	10	251.8	11
2013	Eddie Lacy, G.B.	2	1,178	257	1,435	11	244.5	8
2003	• Domanick Williams, Hou.	4	1,031	351	1,382	8	233.2	14
2016	• Jordan Howard, Chi.	5	1,313	298	1,611	7	232.1	10
2017	Christian McCaffrey, Car.	1	435	651	1,086	7	230.6	9
2017	Leonard Fournette, Jac.	1	1,040	302	1,342	10	230.2	10
2006	Joseph Addai, Ind.	1	1,081	325	1,406	8	228.6	13
2013	Giovani Bernard, Cin.	2	695	514	1,209	8	224.9	13
2018	• Phillip Lindsay, Den.	FA	1,037	241	1,278	10	222.8	13
2019	Miles Sanders, Phil.	2	818	509	1,327	6	220.7	15
2013	LeVeon Bell, Pitt.	2	860	399	1,259	8	218.9	15
2015	David Johnson, Ariz.	3	581	457	1,038	13	217.8	7
2014	Jeremy Hill, Cin.	2	1,124	215	1,339	9	214.9	10
2008	Kevin Smith, Det.	3	976	286	1,262	8	213.2	17
2015	Todd Gurley, St.L.	1	1,106	188	1,294	10	210.4	9
2021	Javonte Williams, Den.	2	903	316	1,219	7	206.9	17
2020	Antonio Gibson, Was.	3	795	247	1,042	11	206.2	14
2010	Jahvid Best, Det.	1	555	487	1,042	6	198.2	20
2009	Knowshon Moreno, Den.	1	947	213	1,160	9	198.0	18
2007	Marshawn Lynch, Buff.	1	1,115	184	1,299	7	196.3	16
2018	Nick Chubb, Cle.	2	996	149	1,145	10	194.5	17
2020	D'Andre Swift, Det.	2	521	357	878	10	193.8	16

If we lower the bar a little, half of the last 24 running backs who ranked in the top 30 (but outside the top 20) have been guys selected after the third round.

But I think Pierce is going to play too well to be just a top-30 back. I think he’s going in the top 20 (and maybe even up in the top 10).

OTHERS IN THE TOP 30 (last 20 years)
Year	Player	Rd	Run	Rec	Total	TD	PPR	Rk
2004	Kevin Jones, Det.	1	1,133	180	1,313	6	195.3	21
2019	Josh Jacobs, Oak.	1	1,150	166	1,316	7	193.6	21
2013	• Zac Stacy, St.L.	5	973	141	1,114	8	185.4	21
2005	Cadillac Williams, T.B.	1	1,178	81	1,259	6	181.9	21
2020	Clyde Edwards-Helaire, K.C.	1	803	297	1,100	5	176.0	22
2005	Ronnie Brown, Mia.	1	907	232	1,139	5	175.9	23
2019	David Montgomery, Chi.	3	889	185	1,074	7	174.4	24
2011	• Roy Helu, Was.	4	640	379	1,019	3	168.9	25
2020	J.K. Dobbins, Balt.	2	805	120	925	9	168.5	24
2013	• Andre Ellington, Ariz.	6	652	371	1,023	4	165.3	26
2021	• Elijah Mitchell, S.F.	6	963	137	1,100	6	165.0	26
2015	Duke Johnson, Cle.	3	379	534	913	2	164.3	24
2018	• Nyheim Hines, Ind.	4	314	425	739	4	160.9	28
2006	Laurence Maroney, N.E.	1	745	194	939	7	157.9	27
2021	• Michael Carter, NYJ	4	639	325	964	4	156.4	29
2015	T.J. Yeldon, Jac.	2	740	279	1,019	3	155.9	28
2017	• Tarik Cohen, Chi.	4	370	353	723	4	154.4	28
2015	• Javorius Allen, Balt.	4	514	353	867	3	149.7	29
2016	• Devontae Booker, Den.	4	612	265	877	5	148.7	29
2015	• Jeremy Langford, Chi.	4	537	279	816	7	147.6	30
2011	DeMarco Murray, Dall.	3	897	183	1,080	2	146.0	30
2014	• Branden Oliver, S.D.	FA	582	271	853	4	145.3	26
2014	• Andre Williams, NYG	4	721	130	851	7	145.1	27
2014	Tre Mason, St.L.	3	765	148	913	5	137.3	30

—Ian Allan

Dameon Pierce

Older

Newer

My dad and I have subscribed since I was 10 years old and I am 38 now. We canʼt go a season without it.

Trevor T. Sparks, Nev.

You guys are great - if you look at my account, I believe I have been a subscriber for around 20 years! Unfortunately, a few years ago a couple of other owners found the same publication (they didnʼt get it from me; I always disguised the sheets while at the draft!)

Michael B. St. Charles, Mo.

I have purchased your magazine since my first fantasy football season ever 12 season ago and love the insight you offer. Thank you for the great service, I look forward to many many more years of enjoying your subscription!

Paul L. Mequon, Wisc.

The magazine is exactly the same as last year, which is perfect. Boys, we have a chance to repeat in the 33rd year of the NWFFL. I am counting on you to help pull it off. FI has been a league staple for decades, one of my guys has every edition. A few years ago, we devised a clever way to use one of your lists to draft a team for an absent owner, the sob won it all. We love you guys. Peace!

Glenn S. Olympia, Wash.

Hi, received my copy over the weekend and I think it's the best work you guys have done (I've been reading your publication since 1988). The writing is terrific and full of good humor, along with more substance than anybody else has.

Keep up the great work!

John L. Madison, Wis.

I'm in 3 leagues. All have different formats. I bought one magazine, the same magazine for 30 years. I keep the Fantasy Football Index handy and refer back to your preseason reports throughout the season to help me evaluate roster moves in every format. This week I'm in two championship games and a semifinal. Did I tell you I'm in three leagues? Three playoff teams! Best fantasy season ever. Thank you.

Henry G. Bartlett, Ill.

Thanks for another great season of Fantasy Index, you avoid group-think and form your own opinions, and always have. I've been using your products since 1992, and you've always been a cut above the rest.

Rob D. Wellington, Fla.

Thank you for all you do and what your team does. Been playing since mid 90s and your mag has been there every year. The mailer I get with the questions on the front is what I consider the beginning of the fantasy football season. Get the updates and listen to the podcast. I write a weekly column for the newspaper I work at and always appreciate the work you put in to produce as much as you do. Just a fan saying thanks and will keep up with you and the site through the season.

Jason C. Tulsa, Okla.

A little feedback from a long time customer.

Our fantasy pool is entering its 25^th year and I have used multiple books and on-line tools over the years.

I have locked on to Fantasy Index as my go to for the last 5 years and have won the pool 3 of those years and finished no lower than 4^th.

Interesting to see how much more accurate you were at the end of the year compared to other books my competitors used.

Having it in a format that allows me to work the forecasts to match our scoring system and then receive updates as the season approaches is invaluable. Whoever your sources are for the forecasts are the best. Hang on to them. Thanks for the help!!

Peter M. London, Ontario, Canada

I did receive the updated draft ranking from you guys in plenty of time for my draft that night. My draft report gave me an A+ and predicted me to go 14-0 and win my league! I just want to say thank you for the excellent customer service that your company provided me. When I first started playing fantasy football more than 15 years ago, I used to buy as many fantasy football magazines as I could find. It wasnʼt long before I only purchased Fantasy Football Index each year. It is by far the most comprehensive, well written fantasy football magazine on the market. Also, I almost always rank in the top three in my fantasy football leagues, and won my league last year. Thank you to you and all of your great team. You have a customer for life!

Trey C. Fort Worth, Texas

Thank you for all the updates etc. In the last 14 or 15 years, we have placed in the top three 9 times winning it all 4 times. I have been a customer of yours for many years. Our success is partially due to luck, but I think your magazine with all of the good stuff has been a real contributing factor. Keep up the good work. Will be a customer until the time I can't read anymore.

Richard M. Imperial, Neb.

I just wanted to send everyone at Fantasy Football Index an apology. Since 2003 (Ricky Williams cover), I've protected my source of information and have gone out of my way to hide Fantasy Football Index from my leagues prying eyes. I've won championships in leagues and money playing Daily Fantasy and your Training Camp updates are the highlight of my summer and a recurring order for me every single season. I just wanted to Thank You and everyone there (customer service, the writers, janitors, secretaries and assistants) for your hard work and dedication.

You are appreciated and valued part of my Fantasy Football Operations department even if i never speak your name in fear that others in my league will discover the wondrous bounty of knowledge contained in your pages…

From the bottom of a champion's heart,

Dave M. Elma, N.Y.

I wanted to send a quick note and thank you for your great magazine! The information you provide, has allowed me to win my league 3 years in a row!

The payoff in the league is not bad, six hundred dollars to be exact, but it is those all important bragging rights that really make it fun!

I epically enjoyed this last issue because you included all the covers for the past 30 years, I did not buy 87, and 88, but all the rest I have purchased.

All I have to do is read and then plug and play, thanks again for doing all the work so I don't have to, except for cash the check of course! Lol.

I will be continue to purchase your magazine, and recommend it to others, although I don't like to give away my secret!

I typically don't write emails to magazines, but after 3 wins in a row, and others which I did not list, I felt like you would like to know.

Thanks again to you and your staff,

Darrell W. Holt, Mich.

I wanted to let you know I finished my season going 16-0 winning my league, breaking every record in our 19 year history along the way. A special thank you to FI for the insightful knowledge as it provided me much help along the way.

Ryan M. Lynnwood, Wash.

You guys do a great job. I got laughed at by a few people at the draft but they're not laughing now. I'm leading the league in record (8-1) and PF thus far.

John W. Aylett, Va.

And a side note… we've got a re-draft 16-team, 20 players drafted league (drafting water boys by the 17^th round) that I've won 2 years in a row. Nobody's ever done that in 21 years… using your cheat sheet. it's an old school league that used to draft out of piles of magazines.

Thanks again,

Todd S. Grand Junction, Colo.

This is my ninth year competing with my two very savey adult children and their 11 regulars to make it a 14 team draft with a $200 bid limit. Your SuperFanatic package has put me into the 6 team play- offs 4 out of the 8 years and there is no way I could compete with these guys without my cheat sheets! They still have no idea how I can be so lucky every year :-) Cheaters do prosper!!!!

Robert A.

I wanted to thank you for such an amazing product and your customer service. I ordered the wrong date for my update and called to correct the mistake. Your customer service person was very kind, helpful and took care of the issue immediately.

I have used your product for the past 18 years or so… Every now and then I will be tempted and look at what other magazines have to offer, quickly realizing no one comes close.

In addition to the magazine, I started buying the weekly updates years ago when my dad taught me a lesson. The draft came and dad was sitting in the 12 hole for his pick. He told me he felt very comfortable about who he was going to select but would not tell me who his prized gem was to be. I was doubtful. The pick? Priest Holmes (his first dynamite year). I remember telling my dad, "that is a decent pick but they plan to pull him at the goal line." Ever the teacher, dad explained he had purchased the Fantasy Football Index update and read Holmes would get the goal line carries. "Update?", I asked. That was 2002 and Holmes had 21 rushing TDs and Dad won the title! Lesson learned.

By the way, I have made the title game for the last 5 years in a row. Thanks for the detailed, hard work and an great product!

David R. Queen Creek, Ariz.

Fantasy Index

Customer Service

Around the NFL

Dameon Pierce

Today's Trivia

Mailbag

Member updates

Follow

Why Choose Fantasy Index?

Quick hits

Your Stuff

In-Depth

Resources

All Products

Help & Support

Fantasy Index

Customer Service

Customer Service