Fantasy Court: The Case for De’Von Achane in 2024 (Fantasy Football)
This article is part of the annual Fantasy Court series. Be sure to check out The Case AGAINST De’Von Achance by Joe Belder for the opposing view.
Opening Statement
Your Honor, esteemed members of the jury, and fellow fantasy football court members, today I stand before you to present a compelling case in favor of the electrifying De’Von Achane, a name that should be etched into the minds of every astute fantasy manager. In a world where split backfields are the norm, game-breaking upside, efficiency, and strategic fit dictate the path to victory. I believe Achane is the missing piece in your championship puzzle and that he has the chance to showcase all of these factors this year.
As we examine the evidence, I will showcase three critical factors: efficiency, scheme, and Achane’s offseason transformation. These pillars will reveal why De’Von Achane is not just a worthy addition to your fantasy roster but a player poised to exceed all expectations.
Efficiency in a Split Backfield World
De’Von Achane enters his sophomore season with a reputation for making every touch count. His rookie year was a masterclass in efficiency, where he consistently turned limited opportunities into explosive plays. In a league where the split backfield is increasingly the norm, Achane’s ability to thrive with fewer touches is not just a luxury but a necessity.
Last year, Achane averaged an impressive 7.9 yards per carry and consistently broke away for long runs. His ability to maximize every opportunity was evident in his breakaway percentage — calculated as the yards gained on runs over 15 yards divided by his total rushing yards — which stood at an incredible 54%. Among running backs with at least 70 touches in a season over the past five years, this is the highest percentage recorded.
Another metric the defense would like to bring forward is that of points per opportunity (PPO). PPO is calculated by taking fantasy points and dividing them by total touches. This metric is invaluable when trying to identify efficient fantasy running backs in a league that continues to see teams sharing the running back workload. Last year we saw Achane rack up an insane 1.08 PPO, which again, among running backs with at least 70 touches over the past five years, is higher than the next running back by 0.16!
Top 12 in PPO Over the Past Five Seasons
| Year | Player | FPPG | YPA | PPO |
| 2023 | De’Von Achane | 12.76 | 7.88 | 1.08 |
| 2020 | J.K. Dobbins | 9.30 | 6.01 | 0.92 |
| 2023 | Raheem Mostert | 14.25 | 4.84 | 0.91 |
| 2021 | Rashaad Penny | 11.39 | 6.29 | 0.91 |
| 2020 | Nick Chubb | 15.39 | 5.62 | 0.90 |
| 2019 | Raheem Mostert | 8.68 | 5.64 | 0.86 |
| 2021 | Damien Harris | 12.53 | 4.60 | 0.85 |
| 2020 | Alvin Kamara | 15.25 | 4.98 | 0.85 |
| 2021 | Boston Scott | 8.38 | 4.29 | 0.84 |
| 2021 | Jonathan Taylor | 17.71 | 5.45 | 0.81 |
| 2021 | Kareem Hunt | 9.95 | 4.95 | 0.80 |
| 2019 | Aaron Jones | 14.05 | 4.59 | 0.79 |
As seen in the table above, Achane outpaces the second-best running back in yards per attempt (YPA) by over a full yard, and although the defense does not anticipate his efficiency to stay here while getting an increased workload, we do note that a small dip will still have him at a historic rate. If you take a look at the table you will see Jonathan Taylor and his incredible 2021 season where he averaged 5.45 YPA and 0.81 PPO. De’Von Achane can have a decrease in his efficiency by over two yards per carry and still outgain what Taylor was able to do in that historic season. Needless to say, if you want to win a fantasy championship, upside is key, and Achane has it in spades.
Considering the NFL’s landscape, where committees dominate the backfield, players like Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler have proven that you don’t need to be a workhorse to be a fantasy star — you just need to be efficient. Achane’s rookie numbers suggest that he’s cut from the same cloth, making him an invaluable asset in today’s fantasy game.
Achane in the Dolphins’ Scheme
The Dolphins’ offense, under the guidance of Mike McDaniel, is one that thrives on speed, versatility, and quick decision-making. De’Von Achane is a tailor-made fit for this scheme, which values outside zone runs, play-action, and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers in space.
Achane’s blazing speed and ability to accelerate through tight windows make him a perfect fit for the Dolphins’ offensive approach. Miami’s system is designed to exploit mismatches and create open lanes for runners who can hit top speed quickly — Achane does exactly that. His track-star speed is a weapon that the Dolphins deploy in a variety of ways, from outside runs to quick passes in the flat. Achane also ran 172 routes last year which equated to 15.6 routes per game and on those routes he saw 37 targets. That target rate puts Achane at a target per route run (TPRR) number of 21.5%. Achane getting the ball through the air is just another way for him to create space and find his running room to get massive gains.
Historically, running backs who fit well within their team’s scheme have outperformed their ADP, becoming league-winners for savvy fantasy managers. Think of Raheem Mostert’s success in San Francisco under a similar system or the way Shanahan’s schemes have maximized the talents of players like Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Or even better, look at what McDaniel was able to do for Mostert and Achane last year. You may have noticed in the table above that coming in third for PPO over the last five years was Mostert in 2023. This scheme creates fantasy points for athletic speedsters and Achane is poised to be a beneficiary of that again in his second season.
2️⃣8️⃣ days until Dolphins football is back!
Throwback to when De'Von Achane introduced himself to the world vs. Denver Broncos:
➖ 18 carries
➖ 203 yards
➖ 2 rushing touchdowns
➖ 30 receiving yards
➖ 2 receiving touchdowns💨 #GoFins pic.twitter.com/p5o0G3HbYe
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 11, 2024
The ways that Mike McDaniel gets Achane in space to use his speed and the creative ways he gets Achane the ball close to the goal line are evident in this cutup of him against the Denver Broncos. Achane has had an entire offseason to focus solely on football (he no longer runs track) and to get his body healthy and ready to carry a bigger load for the team.
Offseason Gains
We all know that the NFL is a league that demands durability and physicality. Recognizing this, De’Von Achane has taken significant steps in the offseason to prepare himself for the rigors of his second season after missing six games in his rookie year. Achane’s offseason has been marked by a commitment to adding muscle and bulking up to handle the increased workload that lies ahead.
This transformation is not merely cosmetic — it’s a strategic move designed to enhance his ability to withstand the physical toll of an NFL season. Achane’s added weight will allow him to handle more responsibility over the course of a grueling season. As the Dolphins eye a dynamic backfield, Achane’s offseason work is proof that he’s ready to take on a larger role. Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post reported in April that, “Achane appears to have added muscle to his frame through his workouts earlier this offseason.” Now that Achane no longer needs to maintain a slimmer build for track — likely a key factor in his incredible 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine — he can focus on adding weight to his frame, better preparing him to endure the demands of an NFL season.
To put it plainly, Achane is packing on the pounds and preparing for a bigger load in his sophomore season. This added bulk, combined with his natural speed and agility, positions him to be a more complete and reliable fantasy option than many of his peers.
Closing Statement
Ladies and gentlemen of the fantasy football jury, as we bring this case to a close, the defense rests with the utmost confidence in the potential of De’Von Achane. I have presented a case grounded in facts, one that emphasizes his unmatched efficiency, perfect fit within the Dolphins’ offensive scheme, and physical readiness to take on a larger role. These attributes position him not just as another draft pick but as a potential game-changer for your fantasy roster.
Now, the opposition may raise concerns about the addition of rookie Jaylen Wright, Achane’s ability to withstand a full 17-game season, and his current ADP. However, let us address these points clearly. Jaylen Wright, while talented, is an unproven rookie facing the same challenges any newcomer would in adapting to the NFL. Achane, on the other hand, has already demonstrated the efficiency and explosiveness needed to thrive.
Regarding concerns about Achane’s durability, his offseason focus on adding muscle directly counters this argument, making him better equipped to handle the physical toll of a full NFL season. And as for his ADP, consider it an opportunity to acquire a player with immense upside at a value price, he very well may be a first-round pick this time next year. The market may undervalue Achane, but savvy managers should see it as a chance to gain a competitive edge.
De’Von Achane is poised to shine in a split backfield, perfectly aligned with one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. His offseason dedication has set the stage for him to take on whatever workload comes his way, making him a true difference-maker who has game-breaking ability. Don’t overlook his ability to deliver big numbers for your fantasy team. Let your league-mates tremble when they see De’Von Achane lined up against them.
The defense implores you to weigh the overwhelming evidence in favor of De’Von Achane. When draft day arrives, remember the case I have laid out, and make the wise choice that could lead you to fantasy glory. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your attention and consideration. May your fantasy season be filled with victories and celebrations.