The Philadelphia Eagles‘ running back competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines heading into the new season.
With Miles Sanders taking his talents to Carolina, there will be plenty of touches to go around in the Eagles’ backfield in 2023.
As training camp unfolds, the battle for the starting running back spot and valuable playing time is heating up. D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny are the favorites to watch, with Kenneth Gainwell offering additional depth and experience to the Eagles’ backfield
As the season progresses and roles are defined, the Eagles’ running back situation will undoubtedly provide intrigue for Philly fans and fantasy football owners.
Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders and a potential fantasy football gem among the top running backs on the Eagles’ depth chart.
Rashaad Penny — Favorite To Be The Lead Back
Acquired by the Eagles in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, Rashaad Penny is looking to revitalize his career in Philadelphia. Injuries have hindered Penny’s progress in recent years, but he has shown glimpses of his potential when healthy.
Last season, Penny led the NFL in yards per carry, averaging a healthy 6.1 yards per tote. He was especially dominant against the Swift and the Detroit Lions, racking up 151 rush yards and two touchdowns. However, Penny’s season was cut short after just five games
If he can regain his form and stay on the field, Penny could be a valuable asset to the Eagles’ running back stable.
D’Andre Swift — Versatile Pass-Catcher & Change-Of-Pace Back
D’Andre Swift enters the Eagles’ running back competition as one of the favorites to secure the starting role.
When it comes to pure athleticism, Swift is undoubtedly the most talented of the ball carriers in the Eagles’ running back room. The former standout from Georgia displayed his versatility and explosiveness during his time with the Lions but injuries ultimately slowed him down in the Motor City.
Swift is known for his excellent vision, quick cuts, and reliable hands as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
At the very least, Swift will be a versatile pass-catcher out of the backfield in Philadelphia, as head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson look to limit his workload, especially early in the season.
While it seems likely that he will split touches with Penny, Swift could be the go-to option for the Eagles’ ground game before the end of the season.
Kenneth Gainwell — Reliable Three-Down Back With Playoff Experience
The Eagles selected Kenneth Gainwell in the 2021 NFL Draft and the young running back of coming off of an impressive postseason run.
Last season, Gainwell fell out of the Eagles’ running back rotation, finishing with just 240 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. However, he took a step forward during the NFL Playoffs, racking up 181 rushing yards on the Eagles’ road to the Super Bowl.
Known for his impressive burst and ability to make defenders miss, Gainwell has quickly become a fan-favorite in Philadelphia. His skill set as a dual-threat back adds another dimension to the Eagles’ offense, making him a strong contender for significant playing time if either Penny or Swift goes down with an injury.
Best Fantasy Football Option
The best fantasy football option among the Eagles’ running backs might come down to whether you are in a PPR league.
If so, Swift is by far the best candidate out of the group but his value could be diminished in non-PPR leagues if he doesn’t secure a lion’s share of the workload. Meanwhile, Penny could steal early down and goal-line work, making him a potential sleeper in non-PPR leagues.
PPR Leagues: D’Andre Swift
For fantasy football enthusiasts looking to capitalize on the Eagles’ running back situation, D’Andre Swift stands out as the top option, especially in PPR leagues.
With his proven ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver, Swift has a higher floor in terms of fantasy points. If he secures the starting role and stays healthy, he could provide consistent production throughout the season in what should be a top-tier Eagles’ offense.
Non-PPR Leagues: Rashaad Penny
In non-PPR leagues, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Rashaad Penny as well.
As a veteran with breakout potential, Penny could be a valuable late-round steal for an Eagles team that historically hasn’t thrown the ball to its backs out of the backfield under head coach Nick Sirianni. In leagues that don’t award points for receptions, Penny’s value could be even higher, especially if he secures a role in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
