Top-12 Running Backs in Fantasy Football

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Knowing how to rank today’s players correctly could be the difference between winning your league and a last place punishment. Read on to find out more about the top-tier running backs in the league.

Today in 5 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

• 2024’s Top-12 Running Backs 👍

• Player analysis to help you make the best decisions ✅ 

• How to access the 2024 Draft Guide for FREE 🏆

• The latest news from around the NFL 🏈

RB1: Christian McCaffrey (SF), ADP 1.3

It’s tough to start this off with anyone other than CMC. He’s the consensus top fantasy back, and probably the number one pick in your league. He was fantasy’s top non-QB scorer across all formats in 2023.

Kyle Shanahan made some comments earlier this summer about easing his star RB’s workload. But, that doesn’t really concern me. McCaffrey heads into the season leading the league in:

• Snaps

• Route Participation

• Target Percentage

• Red Zone Touches

• Marriages to Olivia Culpo

So, even if his 24.5 PPR points per game comes down, there aren’t many guys that are safer picks, especially at running back.

RB2: Bijan Robinson (ATL), ADP 6.9

Yes, Bijan ranked just 17th in points per game last season. But there are too many good signs to ignore. Mainly that the usage issues that frustrated us last season should be long gone with the new coaching staff. Seriously, Arthur Smith allowed Bijan just 44% of the team’s rushes, and he was 32nd in red zone touches!

So, Zac Robinson’s fast, physical system will suit Bijan well. He’s a first round draft pick and he’ll finish far ahead of where he ended up last year.

RB3: Breece Hall (NYJ), ADP 8.1

If you were paying attention last season during the stretch run, then you know Breece is going to do big things this season. After Week 5 he averaged 20 touches per game as a true workhorse back for the Jets. He also led all RBS in targets and reception yards while finishing 3rd in yards per route run.

Maybe some of that receiving production comes down a bit with Aaron Rodgers running the offense. But, if that’s the case then Breece should have even more chances to flash his rushing skill. I think he breaks the 1,000-yard mark this season. The ceiling is as high as Rodgers.

RB4: Saquon Barkley (PHI), ADP 20.2

I’ve leapfrogged Saquon ahead of a couple of guys because I like his situation too much to let it go. With the Giants — an inferior offensive operation to the Eagles — Saquon has been a top-10 back in each of the last 2 seasons. He was 2nd in air yards in 2023 only to Christian McCaffrey.

Here’s the thought experiment that does it for me: we all know Saquon Barkley has far more talent than D’Andre Swift. Behind Philly’s top-notch offensive line, Swift outperformed Barkley in a few important efficiency metrics. The team still let Swift walk while paying Saquon a hefty contract. So, I think Saquon and the Eagles have the ability to supercharge each other. Draft him and ride the wave.

RB5: Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), ADP 13.0

Gibbs wasted no time getting a foothold in the league as a rookie, finishing as the RB8 in fantasy points per game and cracking the top 10 in a number of important fantasy metrics, including:

• 9th in target share (14.1%)

• 7th in true yards per carry (4.8)

• 8th in fantasy points per opportunity (0.96)

He finished miles ahead of any other running back in converting his air yards into real production too. But, he enters this season with a new level of comfort in the offense and a year of professional reps. So, with a year of experience under his belt, he’s a good pick toward the end of the first round.

RB6: Jonathan Taylor (IND), ADP 16.1

After all that contract nonsense at the start of the year, Taylor proved he could still be the dominant back he has been for so many seasons. Some of JT’s late season performances were especially encouraging. Especially his 27.6-point explosion in the regular-season finale against the Texans. Overall he was 12th in the NFL in fantasy points per game.

But, that number could rise even higher with Zack Moss out of town. JT owns the backfield again and should be back to bell-cow level work. With Anthony Richardson poised to take a step forward in development, Taylor is a solid pick for your RB1.

RB7: Kyren Williams (LAR), ADP 28.6

Sean McVay’s Rams have produced some truly good seasons from running backs. Think Todd Gurley back in the late 2010’s (it feels weird to say that). Kyren Williams could be the next great Rams’ fantasy performer.

Williams finished number 1 in snap share and 4th in opportunity share among running backs. That steady work led to a 2nd-place 21.3 PPR points per game. The opportunity shouldn’t decline too much. His backup is Blake Corum, a talented but unproven rookie. So, target Williams as one of your guys and you won’t regret it.

RB8: Travis Etienne (JAX), ADP 43.6

I believe in Etienne even though he had a tough go of it down last season’s stretch. From Week 10 on, he only had one top-10 finish, and that came against the Panthers, who had already packed up their tent for the season.

But, Etienne’s talent remains and he has no serious touch competition on the Jags. He had the 6th-ranked opportunity share while Tank Bigsby didn’t establish himself the way that many people expected. I expect that backfield share to continue to look somewhat similar, keeping Etienne in the conversation as a top fantasy running back.

RB9: De’Von Achane (MIA), ADP 23.7

Achane was a track star in college and man did he let everyone see how those skills can cross over between sports. He finished number 1 in fantasy points per opportunity and 5th in fantasy points per game. He was the league leader in yards per touch at 7.7 as well as breakaway run rate at 12.6%.

Don’t worry too much about his platoon situation. Raheem Mostert was a great back last year as well, but he will almost certainly come down from those 21 touchdowns. So, grabbing Achane toward the end of the second round could work out quite well.

RB10: Derrick Henry (BAL), ADP 29.5

I love Derrick Henry. I love how he runs. I love how he breaks tackles. I love how he can breakaway. But, I’m slightly nervous about the durability of a guy in his 30s who has touched the football 300 times per year and runs like he’s trying to break through bricks.

Henry could be just what the Ravens need, though. That’s why they brought him in. They haven’t had a running back carry that kind of a load in a long time. So, if Henry can remain durable and keep on running the way he does, there's a lot of hope for his ceiling here.

RB11: Isiah Pacheco (KC), ADP 40.6

Watching Pacheco in the playoffs was really enjoyable because you could see how motivated he was. I want to see that guy playing for my fantasy team. While last year he was a solid RB2, I think his role could increase this year and he could take on more of a 3-down type of role for his offense. So far the Chiefs have declined to bring back 32-year-old Jerick McKinnon, and Pacheco already had enough of his team’s trust that he finished last season ranked 7th in red zone touches, leading to 9 TDs and a respectable 15.3 PPR points per game. He also ranked 11th in breakaway run rate. All things considered, this third year back looks poised to become even more of a fantasy mainstay with his wagon firmly attached to Patrick Mahomes.

RB12: James Cook (BUF), ADP 57.9

James Cook rounds out my top-12. Last season he barely snuck into the top 20 in fantasy points per game for Buffalo, coming on hot toward the end of the season. 6 of his final 10 games ended up as top-12 fantasy weeks.

Cook really makes his fantasy bones in the passing game. He was 6th in yards per route run and 2nd in yards per reception. He racked up a respectable 1,567 scrimmage yards for the Bills’ offense. He also proved capable of breaking tackles at a solid rate. But, his weakness is touchdown equity. That Bills offense is looking less crowded in 2024 though, so that may be an area of improvement.

😎 Michael Wilson Outshining Zay Jones at Cardinals Camp

⚡️ Jaret Patterson Surpasses Rookie Vidal in Chargers Camp

🏈 McConkey, Palmer, Chark Leading Chargers' WR Sets

🩼 Broncos RB Blake Watson Sidelined with Minor Injury

⚖️ Javonte Williams Sheds 11 Pounds for 2024 Season

🙄 Justin Fields Not Struggling with Consistency at Camp

🦬 Curtis Samuel Thriving in Multiple Roles for Bills

👏 Bills OC Praises Khalil Shakir’s Consistency

✍️ Steelers Place LB Cole Holcomb on Active/PUP List

Now go draft the correct RB for once this year. You’ll like it, I promise!

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