As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of new Philadelphia Eagles RB Rashaad Penny.
Rashaad Penny’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
If he can stay healthy, Penny has proven to be a dynamic rusher and fantasy asset. With that said, can he stay healthy? Because nothing in his past body of work suggests we should ever expect Penny to play an entire season.
Penny’s 14 games as a rookie were the most he’s played in a single year, but even that saw him require hand surgery before the season started, and a knee strain kept him out of two games. Then, in 2019, after sustaining a thigh strain, Penny tore his ACL late in the year against the Rams. He also missed the vast majority of 2020 as he recovered and came back to play a small role at the end of the year.
In 2021, Penny looked electric. It was his best season with 749 yards and six TDs on 119 carries, including an end-of-season stretch that saw him record four games of 130+ yards with six TDs in the last five games. But even that came after missing seven games due to a calf and hamstring injury.
Finally, in 2022, Penny suffered a broken tibia in the third quarter against the Saints in Week 5, ending his season and paving the way for Kenneth Walker III to take the lead role.
It’s a career of what-ifs for Penny. When on the field, he’s a weapon. When receiving 12 or more carries in his career (10), Penny has seven 100+ yard games with a low of 60, which came in Week 1 of 2022 against Denver. On average, he posted 122 rushing yards on 16.5 carries with 1.1 TDs and 21.15 PPR/game when seeing 12 or more rushes. That’s as good as it gets, but when will you see it again?
After hitting the open market, Penny quickly found a home as one of the first running backs to sign. Penny has reportedly signed a deal with the Eagles, which likely signals the end of Miles Sanders’ (UFA) time with the team.
So you’re telling me the player who, since 2021, sits No. 1 in yards per carry (6.2), yards after contact/attempt (4.6), RYOE/carry (+1.8). and rushing EPA (+21.9) gets to play behind the cheat code that is the Eagles’ offensive line? Consider me intrigued.
Rashaad Penny Fantasy Ranking
I’ve been very conservative regarding Penny, given the uncertain market and injury risk. While I’m still concerned from an injury standpoint, to say this is a boost to Penny’s dynasty stock is an understatement.
Sanders has been a solid fantasy asset over his stint with Philadelphia, but Penny is a better rusher in virtually every aspect. That’s not a slight on Sanders — it’s praise for Penny.
If you were able to snag Penny for a late 2023 third or fourth-round pick in a rookie draft, you came out on top. I would float these same trades out there but would consider slightly upping the price as I do believe Penny will thrive in Philadelphia in a backfield with Jalen Hurts, one of the best rushing QBs in the league.
While there are still a ton of balls up in the air and players yet to sign, Penny has moved up from his original rankings of a low-end RB4. When factoring in the landing spot, Penny is conservatively ranked as the RB30 in dynasty PPR leagues, as we do need to factor in age, injury risk, and lack of receiving upside.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Running Back
When it comes to Superflex rankings, where QBs see an increase in upside due to positional scarcity, Penny is the No. 97 overall player in our current rankings. However, from purely a 2023 aspect, you’re looking at more of a mid-RB2 outlook with legitimate low-end RB1 upside.
Penny will be splitting attempts with Kenneth Gainwell, but that will really show up in passing situations — something that doesn’t pop up a ton for Philadelphia, who were last in target share to RBs at 12.1% (61). But the volume share inside the 10-yard line is absurd.
While Hurts saw 26 carries inside the 10, Sanders also had 26, which resulted in eight touchdowns. Now you’re telling me that’s going to Penny? Sign me up. I will be actively trying to acquire Penny and hope the injury discount will still apply. His upside is simply too good to pass up, even if risks are involved.