A RB target has, on average, been worth 2.45 more PPR points than a RB carry over the past 3 seasons.
So finding RBs that project for a bunch of targets – even if they don’t get many carries – can be a cheat code in PPR drafts.
You know the RBs near the top of fantasy drafts who will pile up targets. (And if you don’t, you can always check out our award-winning projections.)
But here are 5 guys going later in drafts that have a chance to rack up receptions and return big value in PPR leagues.
Gainwell looked like a strong pass-catching prospect coming into the league last year. He caught 51 balls for 610 yards (12.0 YPC) and 3 TDs in his 2019 redshirt freshman season at Memphis. (Gainwell opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns.) He played 25% of his snaps in the slot or out wide in 2019, flashing WR-quality route-running chops on tape. Gainwell ranked 4th among 108 qualifying RBs in Pro Football Focus’ receiving grades.
Then came a promising rookie season as a receiver: 33 catches on 50 targets for 253 yards and 1 TD. All 4 marks led Eagles RBs. And the targets, catches and yards ranked top 34 among RBs league-wide.
Gainwell did it despite the Eagles turning into 1 of the league’s run-heaviest offenses over the final 11 weeks of the season. Gainwell averaged just 2.7 targets and 1.8 catches per game over that stretch. But when Philly was more pass leaning over the first 6 weeks, he averaged 3.8 targets and 2.5 catches per game.
We’ll see which version of the Eagles offense we get in 2022, but we’re expecting at least a bit more passing after the big trade for WR A.J. Brown. That’d be good news for Gainwell, who looks like Philly’s best pass-catching RB. He earned a 73.6 Pro Football Focus receiving grade last year (12th among 49 qualifying RBs), compared to Miles Sanders’ 65.7 and Boston Scott’s 62.3.