With the NFL playoffs right around the corner, it’s time to dive into these 14 teams from a fantasy football perspective. For those playing in playoff fantasy leagues, let’s take a look at team backfields and how to approach them in various playoff fantasy formats. What is the playoff fantasy value of Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Leonard Fournette and Rachaad White?
Leonard Fournette and Rachaad White’s Fantasy Value
Entering the 2022 season, there was zero doubt as to Fournette’s status as the lead back. Nevertheless, White remained a popular late-round target because of the presumed potential of becoming the lead back in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Early in the season, Fournette dominated snaps, as expected. But as the season wore on, White carved out more and more of a role.
The problem was neither back was particularly effective. Of course, the offense certainly shoulders a large portion of the blame. Tom Brady is visibly declining (which is to be expected from a 45-year-old), and the offensive line deteriorated quickly.
Fournette and White both averaged 1.5 yards before contact. That number was 10th worst in the league amongst backs with at least 50 carries.
On top of that, both backs were two of the least efficient in the league, completely incapable of generating anything resembling a splash play. The two combined for just seven runs all season of 15+ yards. Both of their rates ranked outside the top 40.
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Despite all that, Fournette was actually worth his draft position. He averaged 15 PPR fantasy points per game, finishing as an RB1. His elite passing-game role helped, as he caught 72 passes for 519 yards, with a 12.6% target share (11th in the NFL).
As for White, it’s difficult to evaluate his full-season performance since he barely played for half the year. White’s role really began to increase in Week 10. From that point forward, he averaged 12.6 ppg. Despite never being as good as Fournette, those are usable numbers.
If you’re playing in a full-length playoff format where you can choose whoever you want to be on your roster, much like with their first-round opponent’s backfield, it’s both or neither.
The theory is the same as it is with the Cowboys. Do you think the Bucs can go on a run? If so, load up your roster with Bucs, including Fournette and White.
If you think the Bucs get bounced by the Cowboys, White is completely off the table. However, Fournette is at least worth consideration in one-and-done formats. He may be able to volume his way to RB1 numbers in a loss, which is exactly what you want.
Fantasy Outlook for Fournette and White in Wild Card Weekend
Looking purely at Wild Card Weekend, it’s not ideal for the Bucs’ backfield. The game environment will be excellent against an elite Cowboys offense that will keep the Buccaneers throwing. The bad news is that Dallas is really good against running backs.
The Cowboys allow the second-fewest fantasy points to RBs. Back in Week 1, when these teams first met, Fournette did run the ball 21 times for 127 yards. It was — by far — his best game of the season. He only had two catches for 10 yards, though. That’s another issue.
Dallas is quite good at defending running backs out of the backfield. Just 12.6% of their receiving yards allowed have gone to the position.
If you think the Cowboys are winning this game, it’s now or never to use one of the Bucs’ backs. White is a no-go. Despite his performances sans Fournette, it’s clear Tom Brady trusts Fournette far more.
Fournette is also the superior talent. I’m not sure if the “your turn/my turn” drive split between the two backs will continue. In the playoffs, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bucs lean on the veteran.
That makes Fournette a bit more compelling, especially in one-and-done formats. He’ll almost certainly be a contrarian play. Thus, if he works out, you can gain an advantage over your competitors.
Ultimately, with there being 12 teams playing on Wild Card Weekend, and six of them guaranteed to lose, I would lean toward not using Fournette and White in any fantasy format this weekend.
If you’re taking a shot on a Tampa Bay run in a full-length playoff format, then sure, put them on your roster. But you don’t need to necessarily start them. However, if you’re looking for a strong running back play on a team likely to lose, there are backs with better matchups and situations on teams more likely to lose than the Buccaneers.