MarShawn Lloyd among 3 biggest NFC North RB fantasy bargains

Running backs frequently make or break fantasy seasons. Drafting one bargain improves playoff odds. Drafting two improves title odds. Here are three of the biggest RB fantasy bargains in the NFC North based on average draft position (ADP).

Choosing between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in Minnesota’s backfield is like choosing between an expired chocolate bar and a sugar-free cheesecake: maybe good enough to try, but probably not good enough to finish. Jones will turn 32 in December and appears to be breaking down. Mason has been more than solid, but he hasn’t been a weekly bell cow since high school.

With neither guy a good bet to remain in Minnesota after this season, sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne looks increasingly appealing, especially at his RB66 ADP. He was a workhorse at Wake Forest and caught 50 passes in his final 22 games. He’s built like De’Von Achane and runs almost as fast. Keep Claiborne in mind for your final-round pick.

MarShawn Lloyd (RB64 ADP) is another great get, especially with Josh Jacobs’ availability in the murky area between “maybe available to start the year” and “at risk of missing significant time.” Regardless, Lloyd was a 2024 third-round pick who, at minimum, would serve as Jacobs’ handcuff if healthy. That assignment could grow into a more active 1B role.

I hesitate to write this because I publicly warned readers the previous two summers to fade Isiah Pacheco after his 342-touch (including the playoffs) 2023 campaign. Historically, seventh-round picks cannot sustain that level of usage and productivity. But he’s now in an ideal situation fantasy-wise, operating behind Jahmyr Gibbs, and with only Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors breathing down his neck. Pacheco is worth a gamble at his RB47 ADP.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: MarShawn Lloyd among 3 biggest NFC North RB fantasy bargains