Overview

The Running Back Evaluation Model is the position-specific model used by Historical Intelligence to evaluate completed NFL regular seasons for running backs.

Rather than relying on a single statistic or fantasy outcome, the model evaluates multiple complementary dimensions of running back performance. Every completed season is measured using the same analytical framework before being compared with the historical population of NFL running back seasons.

Why a Position-Specific Model

Running backs contribute in ways that differ fundamentally from every other offensive position.

Their overall value is influenced not only by rushing production, but also by receiving involvement, explosive playmaking and their ability to command a meaningful share of their team's offensive workload.

For this reason, Fantasy Mate evaluates running backs using a dedicated analytical model rather than adapting the models used for other positions.

The Six Categories

• Role
• Rushing Efficiency
• Receiving
• Big Play Ability
• Dominance
• Production

Each category measures a different aspect of a completed season. Together they describe how the season was built, while the Overall Score summarises the complete profile.

Role

Role measures the player's involvement within his team's offensive structure.

A high Role score indicates that the player consistently occupied an important position within his offence. It should be interpreted alongside the other categories rather than as a standalone measure of quality.

Rushing Efficiency

Rushing Efficiency evaluates how effectively the player converted rushing opportunities into productive rushing performance.

It distinguishes players who consistently maximise their opportunities from those who rely primarily on workload.

Receiving

Receiving evaluates the player's contribution to the passing game.

A high Receiving score indicates meaningful involvement and effectiveness as a receiver throughout the completed season.

Big Play Ability

Big Play Ability evaluates the player's capacity to generate explosive offensive plays.

A strong score indicates that explosive production was an important component of the player's season.

Dominance

Dominance evaluates the extent to which the player carried his team's offensive backfield responsibilities.

A high Dominance score indicates that the player consistently represented a central part of his team's running back usage.

Production

Production evaluates the player's overall offensive output during the completed season.

Production is interpreted together with the other categories rather than in isolation.

Why the Categories Are Separate

Two running backs may achieve similar overall evaluations through very different profiles.

One player may dominate through workload and production, while another may rely on exceptional efficiency and explosive plays.

Separating these dimensions allows Fantasy Mate to explain how a completed season was built instead of simply describing the final result.

Relationship with Rushing Intelligence

The Running Back Evaluation Model belongs to Historical Intelligence and evaluates completed regular seasons.

Rushing Intelligence is a separate in-season analytical system with different objectives, methodology and comparison framework. Although both focus on running backs, they answer different questions and should not be interpreted interchangeably.

Public Transparency

Fantasy Mate explains what each category measures, why it exists and how it should be interpreted.

The exact statistical construction, weighting methodology, transformations and implementation remain proprietary.