Running backs continue to hold a prominent position in the realm of fantasy football. Despite the perception of an increased number of elite quarterbacks and wide receivers, the supply of consistent and dependable running backs is on the decline. This emphasizes the significance of identifying value at the running back position in fantasy football. To assist you in this endeavor, I will be closely examining several backfields each week based on recent trends and new information.

Uncover the Hidden Gems in Fantasy Football Running Backs

Kansas City Chiefs

Isiah Pacheco was recently activated from the Injured Reserve list and is set to make his return against the Panthers in Week 12. During the eight games he missed, veteran Kareem Hunt served as the Chiefs' RB1, averaging 14.2 fantasy points per game. It remains uncertain whether Pacheco will immediately assume a full workload upon his return. My speculation is that the Chiefs will gradually ease him back in. Given their 9-1 record and secure position in the playoffs, there is little risk of them jeopardizing Pacheco's health. This presents a dilemma for fantasy managers as they must decide whether to start Pacheco next week. While I would start him, I would move Hunt to the bench and temper my expectations for Pacheco until he fully recovers.The Chiefs' running back situation is a complex one, with Hunt having proven his effectiveness in relief. This adds an element of uncertainty for fantasy owners who need to carefully manage their rosters.

Minnesota Vikings

Cam Akers has quietly emerged as a more prominent figure in the Vikings' offense over the past few weeks. He has had back-to-back games with double-digit carries and has overtaken Ty Chandler as the No. 2 running back. Starter Aaron Jones still leads in touches when healthy, but his production has been lackluster. Since Week 8, Jones has averaged only 3.5 yards per carry and has failed to score a touchdown. There is a possibility that he is not at 100% health. Akers, on the other hand, has not been more efficient but did manage to score a touchdown on Sunday.Looking ahead, there are concerns about Jones' ability to maintain his early-season production in a 60/40 split with Akers. The Vikings' offense as a whole has shown some regression this month. As a result, I would continue to start Jones but lower my expectations for him and view him as a low-end RB2/high-end FLEX. Given his name value and volume numbers, he could be a solid player to trade away if the league's deadline has not passed. Akers, on the other hand, is worth adding on waivers as he appears to be guaranteed 10-12 touches per week, although he does not have much standalone value.

Denver Broncos

The hope we had for Audric Estimé last week was quickly dashed as the Broncos seem to be following a pure hot-hand approach in their backfield. On Sunday, Estimé played just 13 snaps compared to Javonte Williams' 32 and scored only four fantasy points. Williams, on the other hand, had a productive day, converting 13 touches into 87 yards and a touchdown. Jaleel McLaughlin has been somewhat phased out of the offense due to Estimé's increased usage, with only 12 total snaps in the last two weeks.If the Broncos continue with this unpredictable running back rotation, it is advisable to stay away from starting any of the players involved. While there is a chance of a spike week from Williams or Estimé if they are the starters, the risk of inconsistency is too high. It is better to wait for more information to determine whether Estimé's recent volume increase is a one-time occurrence or a sign of a more stable role.

Miami Dolphins

There was a period when it seemed like Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane would share carries similar to last year for the Dolphins. From Weeks 7 to 9, Mostert had 30 carries compared to Achane's 37. However, two weeks later, it is clear that Achane was simply dealing with a concussion recovery as he has rendered Mostert irrelevant in fantasy.Mostert has failed to gain positive rushing yards in the past two games, while Achane has averaged almost 20 touches per game. In fact, Mostert has become the Dolphins' No. 3 running back behind Jaylen Wright, who has 10 carries during this time.I fully expect Achane to remain the clear No. 1 in the backfield as the Dolphins strive for a playoff berth. He can be considered a legitimate top-five running back option due to his combination of passing-game work and upside. Mostert and Wright still have value as insurance options for Achane, but they are not worth starting in any format.

Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb has been somewhat underwhelming in fantasy since his return from injury about a month ago. He has scored only one touchdown and is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry, failing to reach double-digit fantasy points in any game. Chubb also seems to be affected by the game script - on Sunday, when the Browns were trailing significantly against the Saints, Jerome Ford played 19 more snaps than Chubb. The Browns have a challenging schedule ahead, playing every other team in their division at least once, as well as facing the Chiefs, Broncos, and Dolphins. This suggests that they may continue to rely on a pass-first approach, which benefits Ford.I am comfortable benching Chubb in fantasy. He is clearly not his pre-injury self, and his lack of pass-catching ability makes him somewhat touchdown-dependent. Given my lack of confidence in the Browns' offense to consistently score touchdowns, Chubb is better suited as a depth option on your fantasy team. Ford is worth adding to your roster as he could potentially become a FLEX play in PPR leagues, but neither player has a high upside.