Miami Dolphins RB De’Von Achane had an erratic rookie season but undeniably showcased incredible upside and talent. With increased usage likely on tap for his sophomore campaign, should he be a priority second-round target for fantasy football managers in Best Ball drafts?
De’Von Achane’s 2024 Fantasy Outlook
If you rostered Achane in fantasy last season, were you happy with the results? While Achane proved without a shadow of a doubt that he’s really good at football, he actually wasn’t that helpful for fantasy managers.
De’Von Achane stiff-armed his own offensive lineman 👀💪 pic.twitter.com/Dl0il9UCx7
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 12, 2023
Achane made his presence known with his 51.3-point Week 3 performance against the Denver Broncos. Throughout the season, he added in another four games of 20+ fantasy points.
So, Achane was an elite RB1 five times, winning at least one matchup for his fantasy managers by himself. He also played in just 11 games, in four of which he scored single-digit points and twice more with only 12-13 points.
Let’s focus on the good first: Achane led the NFL with 7.7 yards per touch. He was the single most efficient running back in the league, averaging 1.36 fantasy points per opportunity (carries + targets).
Achane’s rushes went for 15+ yards at the highest rate in the league (12.6%). His yards created per touch and evaded tackles per touch both ranked inside the top five as well.
Should You Draft Achane in 2024 Best Ball Leagues?
Achane is entering the 2024 season priced as a mid-range RB1. Part of that is due to the lack of reliable options atop the running back position, but part of it is his combination of situation and talent.
Achane plays in one of the most explosive offenses in the league. At 188 pounds, he’s never going to be a 300-touch back, but he also doesn’t have to be to be effective for fantasy football.
I believe we are entering a new era of running back production in the NFL. It is one where backs historically viewed as undersized can be high-end fantasy assets without massive volume based on their teams putting them in advantageous situations.
If there is one coach I have the utmost confidence in to put his players in the best position to succeed, it’s Mike McDaniel.
The Dolphins can easily get out of RB Raheem Mostert’s contract with barely any dead cap. However, I do think they will bring him back. Even so, Mostert will be 32 years old this season and hasn’t exactly been the pinnacle of health throughout his career.
Mostert will likely be the official starter once again, but I fully expect Achene’s touch count to increase. He saw just a 40.6% opportunity share last season. That should easily be around 50-55% in 2024.
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With more volume will inevitably come a drop in efficiency. However, a drop was always to be expected, as Achane was never going to average 7.8 yards per carry again. He can average 5.5 yards per carry and still be an RB1 in fantasy.
Achane is entering his sophomore season, a year in which many players make significant leaps. I am more than willing to buy into a 22-year-old talented running back in a great situation in 2024 Best Ball drafts.
