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 up and rolling and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of RB Samaje Perine.
Samaje Perine’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
As a backup RB who can fill in if there is an injury, Perine fits that role perfectly in the NFL. Unfortunately, that also means irregular fantasy upside since his touch volume is predicated on circumstances out of his control.
Nevertheless, 2022 was an improvement for Perine, as he had the best season since his rookie year back in 2017. Perine rushed 95 times for 394 yards with two touchdowns and caught 38 of his 51 targets for an additional 287 yards and four scores. His best stretch came in Weeks 11 through 13 when Joe Mixon was held out with a concussion.
During this time, Perine was a near-must start, scoring 30.2 PPR, 19.3 PPR, and 21.5 PPR, respectively, and averaging 16.7 rushes, 6.0 targets, 110 total yards, and 1.3 TDs per game as he beat up the Steelers, Titans, and Chiefs.
I have a hard time seeing Perine duplicate his success, as it took over 50 targets and six touchdowns. That’s one fewer than he had in his career total coming into 2022.
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However, Perine is a great complementary RB to have on a roster. He can do precisely what we saw in Cincy on any roster as a spell back with plus hands and can work in all three phases. He’s 27, which is somewhat younger than some might realize.
I think Perine landing with the Broncos on a two-year, $7.5 million deal with another $1 million in incentives was a fantastic move by the organization.
There have been very public remarks regarding the recovery and current health of Javonte Williams as he works back from a brutal knee injury that knocked him out last year.
Many are suggesting he is quite some time away from returning, and there is a legitimate chance we will see Perine starting in Week 1 at RB for the Broncos. This super-sub role fits Perine like a glove, and I believe he will find success in Denver so long as Russell Wilson and the offense can get their act together.
Samaje Perine’s Fantasy Ranking
Dynasty managers aren’t drafting or rostering Perine in the hopes of him becoming a weekly RB2. Most know what his role is in the league and for fantasy, which is reflected in his ranking. Currently, Perine is the RB56 in PPR formats and is the No. 181 overall in Superflex leagues, where QBs see an increase in value due to positional scarcity.
Perine will be productive in 2023 when the ball is in his hands, but that’s not saying a ton when compared to the rest of the fantasy landscape. He is a spot starter who, in the right matchup, delivers useable dynasty production to those who need a boost in deeper leagues but is not a viable weekly starter in 12-team or smaller leagues.
Perine is at risk by the incoming rookie class as it’s not overly difficult to find a running back that fits the same skill set but for less money, is younger, and owns more upside. However, the investment by the Broncos suggests the role should be safe for at least 2023.
While I do like the landing spot for Perine, this is an opportunity for some managers to look to move him if they want for a late third-round/early fourth-round pick for an upside dart throw like Israel Abanikanda, Evan Hull, Xavier Hutchinson, Charlie Jones, Puka Nacua, Jayden Reed, and Deuce Vaughn. Heck, don’t be shocked if Kayshon Boutte continues his slide and is in range.
My point is while Perine will be a reliable No. 2 in Denver, in the grand scheme of things, his value is minimal, and he is destined to return to the bench minus some spot-start work. For me, I would rather take a shot on a rookie with a good testing profile that could be a value for years to come rather than an RB at a replaceable position with a closing window of fantasy relevancy.