{
  "id": 1728224,
  "title": "Fantasy Football: 10 notable backfields with 2 RBs competing — and who the stats point us to",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/fantasy-football-10-notable-backfields-with-2-rbs-competing-and-who",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T14:43:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/fantasy/article/fantasy-football-10-notable-backfields-with-2-rbs-competing--and-who-the-stats-point-us-to-144311375.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the realm of fantasy football, a running back without a split backfield is considered the ideal scenario. However, in today's NFL, it's quite common for a team's room to be divided between their starting and second-tier running backs. A recent analysis by Joel Smyth identifies ten notable backfields with two RBs competing for work. The key statistics to consider include MTF/att (missed tackles forced per attempt), YAC/att (yards after contact per attempt), Success% (percentage of successful plays based on down and distance), PB Grade (pass blocking grade via PFF), and YPRR (yards per route run, indicating efficiency as a receiver out of the backfield).\n\nThe Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield has drawn significant attention, with both running backs boasting top-10 success rates, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Chris Rodriguez Jr., the second option, has never had more than five receptions in a season, giving Tuten, the first option, a slight edge in the passing game. However, Rodriguez's floor remains uncertain, placing his fantasy value between a high-end RB2 and a regular flex play.\n\nThe Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield consists of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, both exhibiting nearly equal roles. Warren's pass-blocking grade is notably higher, while Dowdle benefits from Aaron Rodgers' tendencies, potentially boosting Irving's overall fantasy performance. The numbers suggest a near-even split in rushing work, making both RBs viable options for a majority of fantasy leagues.",
  "summary": "Fantasy football analyst Joel Smyth breaks down some noteworthy backfields for 2026 drafts.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ten notable backfields with two RBs competing identified",
    "Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield highlighted for success rates",
    "Pittsburgh Steelers' backfield features nearly equal roles"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "2026 Fantasy Football: Panthers' backfield, rookie and veteran WRs among biggest ADP risers and fallers as of August 18",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/2026-fantasy-football-panthers-backfield-rookie-and-veteran-wrs-among",
        "published": "2026-08-18T14:37:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}