Top 100 Running Backs for Fantasy Football – 2026 Rankings

I do not like fantasy football rankings.

I said it last year. The year before that, the year before that… so on and so forth. Sure, rankings can be useful. The problem is how fantasy managers use them.

Far too often, we obsess over insignificant gaps between players while ignoring the drop-offs that actually matter. The difference between RB8 and RB12 is usually minimal. But the difference between the final running back in Tier 2 and the running back  in Tier 3? That’s a butterfly effect with potential season-long implications.

Tiers tell you when a position is about to dry up, when multiple comparable options remain, and when reaching a round for a player is completely reasonable. If three running backs are in the same tier, drafting RB8 over RB7 isn’t some hot take; it’s personal preference. But once that tier ends, the decision becomes much more meaningful.

Rankings tell you who comes next. Tiers tell you when it matters.

When it comes to running backs for fantasy… Volume… is… KING. I tend to gravitate towards getting away from aging backs with a lot of usage sooner than later. I’d rather get out a year too early versus a year too late, which usually means I’m lower than consensus on big names on the wrong side of their prime.

We’ll go position by position; quarterbacks have already dropped, and below are my Top 100 (ish) 2026 running back rankings, now in Glorious Technicolor!

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL

You could make an argument for about five guys (no burgers or fries) as the top fantasy option in 2026, but for me, for now, it’s Bijan Robinson. He’s a legitimate threat to reach 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards and is one of four backs to average over 4.50 yards per carry over the past three seasons (minimum 100 carries). The others are Jahmyr Gibbs, James Cook, and De’Von Achane (well, technically, Achane was at 4.47 in 2024, but we round up around here). I could pepper you with an array of stats that show Bijan’s awesomeness, but I think these two paint the perfect picture: Robinson averaged a league-best 3.06 yards after contact in 2025, and despite ranking fifth in carries, he was first in forced missed tackles. Fantasy points, rushing yards, yards per carry, receptions, and receiving yards have all gone up in all three years of his professional career. Bijan could have the type of fabled fantasy season that’ll be talked about for generations.

The addition of Brian Robinson Jr. to the backfield does nothing to impact the fantasy value of Bijan. It does raise an interesting question, though. What will the back of their jerseys look like? Bi. Robinson and Br. Robinson? Robinson and Robinson Jr? Will Bijan then make “Who’s your Daddy” jokes? These are the hard-hitting questions we should be asking.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET

If you were hungry for fantasy points from your running back in 2025, Jahmyr Gibbs fed you a diablo sauce-covered RB3 overall season with spike weeks that hit like that first sip of Baja Blast. Gibbs set a career-high 16% target share and handled over 50% of the team’s carries for the first time in his career. But the lows were low. Low, like biting into that Beefy 5-layer Burrito and realizing they’d added sour cream when you’d specifically asked them not to.

At first glance, his second half of the season looks a-ok.

Weeks 1-9

Weeks 10-17

Yeah, Gibbs’ efficiency and elusiveness increased from Week 10 onward. But if you dig a little deeper into the grade of the ground beef at Taco Bell, much of that can be attributed to two nuclear games against the Giants and Commanders, where he averaged a combined 12 yards per carry. Outside of those two games, Gibbs had just one game over 3.5 yards per carry. Don’t hear what I’m not saying, Gibbs is still a straight beast. But that drop in efficiency is certainly concerning.

The Lions hired Drew Petzing to take over the offense and shipped a disgruntled David Montgomery/Knuckles to Houston, replacing him with Isiah Pacheco (Sanic Hegehog)? I’m excited to see what Petzing does with this offense, as he’s been at the helm of top-10 running games in Arizona in two of the past three seasons. He’d likely have gone 3/3 had it not been for injuries to all the running backs in Arizona. Gibbs should easily be one of the first backs off the board, if not the first.

3. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND

You know that horse-drawing meme? The one where it starts off beautiful but ends looking like it was drawn by a four-year-old who just shotgunned a Wild Cherry Pepsi? That’s kind of what Jonathan Taylor’s season was, but better. Think more along the lines of it starting out as a drawing by Picasso and being finished by your local high school art teacher. JT was in early MVP talks after scoring three touchdowns in 50% of his games through the first 10 weeks, helping him produce seven games with 23 fantasy points. He set career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, in part because 60% of Daniel Jones’ passing attempts were nine yards or fewer (including behind the line of scrimmage). But Jones’ Week 14 season-ending injury derailed more than the Colts’ playoff hopes; it slammed shut the ceiling on what was shaping up to be a legendary fantasy season. Taylor was still solid down the stretch, but after scoring less than 18 points just five times through Week 13, he failed to surpass that mark in the five games after. Had Indiana Jones stayed healthy, JT likely would have carried fantasy teams straight through the playoffs, with his early-season dominance delivering them there. Jones is back in Indy, so the Colts’ quarterback situation is no longer in flux. Jones’ limited mobility could be a problem returning from injury, but I’m hoping it means more dumpoffs to JT. Taylor can put up RB1 numbers with just about anybody under center. If Jones stays healthy all season, JT is right back in the RB1 overall convo.

4. James Cook III, RB, BUF

James Cook heard what you said about touchdown regression. He said you can take it, shine it up real nice, TURN IT SIDEWAYS, AND…..

Anywho… the Bills back scored four fewer touchdowns than in 2024, but that doesn’t really matter when you get an additional 102 carries and two extra targets. He was one of just seven backs to average over five yards per carry, finishing as an RB1 for the third consecutive season and recording his second straight top-10 finish. Cook is the stud fantasy back nobody seems to want to draft come August and regrets the decision come September.

Tier 3: The “Skip Intro” Tier

You know the plot, just start them.

5. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC

Omarion Hampton was in line to become the next great rookie running back before suffering a sprained ankle that cost him nearly half the season. The former Tar Heel was on his way to his third straight 20-point game in Week 5 before leaving with the injury. Despite being eased back in upon his return, he finished the regular season strong. Hampton scored 14+ fantasy points in three of the Chargers’ final four regular-season games, even at less than 100%, and Kimani Vidal was involved.

If there wasn’t already enough to love about the former Tar Heel’s sophomore potential, he gets this guy as offensive coordinator.

ADD PICTURE OF HANDSOME FOOTBALL MAN

The guy who made dead bones rise with Raheem Mostert‘s 31-year-old breakout season in 2023. Despite McDaniel’s propensity to use a committee in the backfield, he showed he’s not afraid to feed a superstar bellcow volume, with De’Von Achane seeing nearly 60% of Miami’s carries in 2025. Hampton’s ceiling was already RB1 overall, but his floor gets an upgrade with McDaniel running the offense.

6. Kenneth Walker III, RB, KC

7. Jeremiyah Love, RB, ARI

Jeremiyah Love is the crown jewel of a down year at running back in the 2026 class. The Notre Dame product is as polished as they come — a true every-down back with the vision to hit the gap before it opens, the burst to take it the distance, and the pass-catching ability to make defensive coordinators miserable on third down. He’s not just a bellcow; he is THE bellcow, and should be a fantasy RB1 from the moment he steps on an NFL field.

Wait… what’s that? He got drafted by Arizona? Didn’t they sign Tyler Allgeier…and bring back James Conner…and already have Trey Benson?

Not great, Bob, indeed. Love’s ceiling is capped by landing in a potential four-back committee, but still the best option from this class and on the Cardinals’ roster. He could be undervalued in redraft, with a strong overcorrection putting him at the end of the second round or later. Love’s got the talent to overcome the situation and still put up a top 10 fantasy season.

8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF

It was yet another season with an avalanche of injuries for the 49ers, but somehow Christian McCaffrey was the lone fantasy-relevant player to stay healthy the entire season. That led to a YUGE workload, with a career-high in targets and over 100 catches for the first time since he joined San Francisco. CMC came within 100 yards of becoming the first player in NFL history with two 1,000 rushing/1,000 receiving yards. But he was not the same ole’ CMC. He ranked 39th in yards per carry among qualifying backs and 37th in explosive run rate. For context, Chris Rodriguez and Kimani Vidal were higher. McCaffrey turns 30 in June, but he’s the type of talent like Derrick Henry who can and likely will buck the trend of production dropoff over 30. He’s no longer efficient or explosive, but he has the pass-catching chops to continue to be an RB1 for multiple years. His ceiling isn’t what it once was, but he sure does have that same sky-high floor.

9. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, NO

I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong, and even though Travis Etienne Jr. (pronounced “Achane” (yes, actually)) finished as RB14 in points per game, I still think my process of fading him was the right one. Nobody could have seen Tank Bigsby‘s trade coming, and although ETN started the season en fuego, the same issues persisted. Etienne ranked 32nd in yards after contact, 27th in explosive run rate, and 22nd in yards per carry. So how’d he finish so high? Touchdowns, baby! Etienne had a career-high 13 touchdowns, with nearly half coming on another career-high of 6 touchdown receptions. Etienne came into the season with one career touchdown reception. Touchdowns are among the most volatile stats from year to year and nearly impossible to predict.

HOWEVER.

Etienne signed in one of the best possible scenarios for his fantasy value with the Saints. While Alvin Kamara recently restructured his contract and isn’t going anywhere, this isn’t the Kamara of even two years ago. I fully expect ETN to carry the majority of the load, and as we’ve seen with backs like Chase Brown and Kyren Williams, volume can make inefficient, non-explosive backs fantasy stalwarts.

10. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV

11. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI

The fabled curse of 370 did hit Saquon Barkley last season, but not as badly as you may think. His efficiency and explosiveness certainly weren’t the same. He ranked 20th among the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries in explosive run rate and 33rd with a 4.07 yards per carry, a far cry from 2nd in yards per carry and 4th in explosive run rate in 2024. But he was still a borderline RB1 and remained plenty involved in the offense, not missing a single game due to injury. I see him in the same boat as Derrick Henry: a back-end RB1 who will be drafted like a top-tier back, as in the past. If you can get him at an RB2 cost, I’m all for it. But the upside is no longer worth the first- or second-round price tag.

Tier 4: The Toy Story Tier

If they jump a tier, the buzz will last lightyears.

12. Javonte Williams, RB, DAL

Javonte Williams signed a one-year deal with Dallas and made the most of it. The former Bronco finished the season as the RB12, averaging 15.2 points per game, and had the third-highest yards after contact (2.91) among backs with at least 100 rushing attempts. Williams was one of the league’s hottest backs to start the season, scoring 19 or more points in four of his first five games. He didn’t reach that mark again after Week 5, but he was as consistent as a ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ tracklist, scoring 10+ points in all but three of his remaining starts. Williams is back with Dallas after signing a three-year, $24M deal this offseason. He’s proven to still have what it takes to be the ‘Boys bellcow and back-end RB1.

13. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ

Breece Hall is one of the most intriguing running backs heading into the 2026 offseason. The talent has always been there; he’s one of four running backs with at least 100 carries to have a 7% or higher explosive run rate. He’s been with the Jets. He has three straight seasons with over 1,300 total yards and is just two seasons removed from an RB2 overall finish. Gulp. He went back to the Jets. He’ll remain on “RB2 with upside” island.

14. Cam Skattebo, RB, NYG

Cam Skattebo (the equivalent of a slobbering English bulldog puppy) had his rookie season cut short due to injury, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a fan favorite. Skattebo had the fourth-highest yards after contact among running backs with at least 100 rush attempts at 2.8. The Giants’ offensive line improvements played a part, as did having Dart at quarterback.

Skatt somehow dodged all the potential elite backfieldmates who could have cratered his fantasy value this offseason. With an improved o-line and only Tyrone Tracy Jr./Devin Singletary in the way, Skattebo, if healthy, should provide RB1 numbers. But for now, he’s just outside RB1 land.

15. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL

Derrick Henry isn’t from this planet. I’m pretty sure he eats barbed wire and poops concrete. He’s an absolute monster who is still smashing through defenders into his mid-30s, and he’ll continue to do so until he says he’s done. King Henry finished the season as RB8 with a 5.2 yards per carry (3rd highest) and the 6.8% explosive run rate (7th). But he is slowing down slightly (please don’t tell him I said that). His 2.39 yards per carry were the fifth straight season in which the number declined, and his second straight season under three. He’s aging as gracefully as Vanna White, but I’m afraid I won’t be drafting him among the top 12 backs next season. I’m much more comfortable having him as my RB2.

16. Chase Brown, RB, CIN

Chase Brown is a great example of why it’s important not to get stuck in a take-lock. I was not in on Brown entering the season, at least where he was going at ADP. He’s been efficient and inexplosive over his career, propped up by volume. By midseason, it was evident that volume wasn’t going anywhere, and he added additional pass-game work to his repertoire. He still averaged just 4.39 yards per carry and had a 3.9% explosive run rate. However, he handled 61% of the team’s carries and set career highs with 69 catches, 89 targets, and five touchdowns. With the Bengals’ improved defense, there’s a chance the run game could be used more to grind out time late in a game they’re ahead. With no significant additions to the backfield, that likely means even more work for Brown.

17. De’Von Achane, RB, MIA

Tua’s gone. Waddle’s gone. Tyreek Hill is gone. De’Von Achane is the last weapon standing in Miami, and not one I want to invest a whole lot of draft capital in. Yes, he had a second consecutive top-five fantasy finish in 2025. Yes, Achane was the only running back in the NFL with a double-digit explosive run rate this season, handling a career-high 238 rushing attempts to reach 1350 rushing yards, his first 1,000-yard season. But there are serious concerns heading into 2026.

Mike McDaniel and his running-back-friendly offense are out the door, as is Tua Tagovailoa and his tendency to dump off passes (74% of his pass attempts were under nine yards). So much of Achane’s fantasy value comes from the passing game, where he’s averaged 72 catches, 540 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons.

The talent is elite and will remain so, but I’m afraid that Achane will be priced too high for my liking and carries a significant risk of being a bust in 2026. If he remains among the top 12 backs off the board, I won’t have a single share. I know the drop his harsh, but that offense is going to be so, so bad.

18. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR

I just don’t get Kyren Williams. He isn’t particularly efficient or explosive, yet somehow he ends up as an RB1 seemingly every season. Out of the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries in 2025, he was 11th in yards per carry and 1st in success rate, which is defined by how often the running back picks up positive yardage by converting downs. The thresholds are at least 40% on 1st down, 60% on 2nd down, and 100% on 3rd or 4th down. Guess who was second? Teammate Blake Corum. So is the success rate due to the scheme or the skill? That’s the hard part here, and at least to me, Corum looks like the much better back on the field. Williams ranked 21st in explosive run rate (Corum 6th) and 25th in missed force tackles per attempt to Corum’s 11th. The one critical stat Williams did best Corum in was yards after contact per attempt (Williams 18th, Corum 25th). Williams has shown me enough where I can no longer fade him at all costs, but I wouldn’t pay an RB1 price tag for him, especially the way Corum played down the stretch.

Tier 5: The GigaPet Tier

Vintage studs and hungry pups who need just a little hourly care.

19. David Montgomery, RB, HOU

Despite not missing a game for the first time in his career, David Montgomery had career lows in carries (158) and rushing yards (716), clearly taking a backseat in what once was a nearly 50/50 split backfield. The usage led to Monty’s exit from Detroit, and it’s sad that “Sonic and Knuckles” is no more, but Monty’s arrow is pointing straight up. Traded to the Texans, he’ll form a 1-2 punch with Woody Marks that likely sees at minimum 50% of the work for Montgomery, and the goal line touches as well. I don’t want him as my RB1, but I’d be more than happy to have Monty as an RB2.

20. D’Andre Swift, RB, CHI

In the words of Nick Pollack, “Swift Doesn’t Miss.” D’Andre Swift has never finished outside the top 24 running backs in points per game and finished as RB17 in 2025 despite sharing a backfield with a capable runner in Caleb Williams and a promising rookie in Kyle Monangai. Swift ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry and yards per reception and in the top five in yards after the catch per reception. His skill set makes him useful in fantasy even with a partial workload, and Swift likely heads into 2026 underrated once again. Be like Swift. Don’t miss on D’Andre.

21. Jadarian Price, RB, SEA

Another big-time riser thanks to a near-perfect landing spot, Jadarian Price finds himself in Seattle to replace the departed Kenneth Walker. With no timeline available for the return of Zach Charbonnet from a torn ACL, Price’s competitors for touches are currently Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Price is a lot like his former backfield mate Jeremiyah Love, but as my buddy Brett Ford likes to say, maybe more of a “sugar-free” version. Still pretty good, just not like the real thing. Price has incredible vision and elusiveness, but a limited passing game. His biggest knock is holding onto the ball: he lost three fumbles in 2025, all three inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. If Love’s touches are nerfed by the four-headed monster in the desert, Price could be a sneaky candidate for the top fantasy rookie from this class in 2026. He should be FLEX viable from day one.

22. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB

Josh Jacobs had another RB1 season, but it was heavily inflated by touchdowns. Jacobs’ inefficiency was masked by the scores, averaging under 4 yards per carry for the third time in his career. Among the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries, Jacobs ranked 22nd in explosive run rate and 35th in yards per carry. Teetering toward the dreaded 28-year age cliff, with a heavy reliance on touchdowns and only playing a full season twice, unless he can be had at an RB2 price tag, I’m likely avoiding Jacobs this season.

Tier 6: The “Area 51” Tier

There’s definitely something there, but will it stay hidden from the public?

23. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, NE

If you read any of my work last season, you know how much I love TreVeyon Henderson‘s skill set. His frustrating usage in 2025 was a flame-throwing display every time he took a 50+ rushing touchdown to the house. But I fear that Rhamondre Stevenson isn’t going away anytime soon. Stevenson was actually the more explosive runner of the two and forced more missed tackles. Stevenson was also the better pass catcher, with higher yards per route run and yards after contact. Hendo was plenty good, as evidenced by his 5.6 explosive run rate and #1 yards before contact. That boy is fast. But Stevenson is signed through 2028 and the apple of Mike Vrabel‘s eye. His presence caps Henderson’s top-10 potential.

24. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, JAC

Bhayshul Tuten made a few horns toot when Tank Bigsby was traded to the Eagles, which I get. He had some splash plays and looked as if he could take over the backfield at times. But at the end of the season, the numbers were not great, Bob. Tuten ranked 33rd in yards per carry and 43rd in explosive run rate, and was slightly better but nothing special in forced missed tackles (15th) and yards after contact (14th). Etienne departed for Nola and Tuten is coming off the draft as the lead back for the Jags, but as hard as I tried, I couldn’t fit him into the current top 20. That’s not a knock on Tuten; I think he’s in a similar tier to the DMonts and DSwifts of the world. But I can’t push him ahead of them yet.

25. Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE

Quinshon Judkins had the fourth-lowest yards per carry, ranked 40th in explosive run rate, and had just one game with over 100 rushing yards. But I’m not ready to give up on him just yet. As disheartening as the Browns’ pass game was, teams loaded up against the run when they played Cleveland. Judkins ranked 46th of 49 in yards before contact (min 100 carries) and had the highest stuff rate in the NFL. He faced 7+ men in the box at the highest rate in the NFL (95%) and was one of five backs who faced a stacked box 54% or more of their carries. He was finally starting to get more involved in the passing game before suffering a gruesome dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in December. As awful as that sounds, it was a best-case scenario injury-wise, as he’s expected to be ready for Week 1 of 2026. If Judkins can get a little more room to work with, he can put up solid RB2 numbers.

Tier 7: The “Is This a Pigeon?” Tier

You aren’t sure if they’re a superstar or role player, but you’re starting them.

26. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, TB

When one door closes, another opens, something something darkside…. Kenneth Gainwell caught 73 passes on his way to 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season on his way to free agency and eventually, Tampa Bay. I hate it for my boy Bucky Irving, but I LOVE it for Kenny. Gainwell should be in a favorable position for fantasy purposes thanks to his pass-catching chops. The coaching staff has been waxing poetic about Gainwell’s skill set and how it’s identical to Irving’s. Expect a full-blown committee, and if Irving fails to stay on the field, Kenny G could be one of the best draft values in 2026. That sweet, sweet sax-a-ma-phone music is a potential RB2 that can be drafted at FLEX pricing.

27. Rico Dowdle, RB, PIT

Rico Dowdle signed a 1-year “prove it” deal with the Panthers last offseason, and he proved it. He was a major part of the Panthers’ success and surprise playoff appearance, outperforming Chuba Hubbard in yards per carry, explosive run rate, forced-miss tackles, yards after contact per attempt, and the list goes on. It seems Dowdle wasn’t too happy with his questionable usage, per his social media posts after the playoff loss. Pittsburgh isn’t technically the situation I had hoped for, but it’ll do. While he’ll share the workload with Jaylen Warren, he’ll get plenty of run in Mike McCarthy‘s offense. I value Dowdle similarly to last season.

28. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT

Jaylen Warren ranked 13th in explosive run rate, sixth in yards after contact, and fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt. He’s involved in the passing game as well, averaging 46 catches over the past three seasons. But the addition of Rico Dowdle puts a rather large damper on Warren’s fantasy prospects for 2026. The move does more damage to Warren, who had the backfield all to himself for about 20 minutes when Kenneth Gainwell signed in Tampa. Warren should get plenty of work, but unless I can get him outside the top 25 backs, I’ll be avoiding him.

29. Rachaad White, RB, WAS

Rachaad White signed with the Commanders, which I LOVE for his fantasy viability. He’s easily the most talented back currently on the roster and could be a serviceable FLEX with RB2 upside if he commands the most touches in Washington. (Yeah, I did the thing. What of it.)

30. Bucky Irving, RB, TB

A lost season for Bucky Irving may have cost him more than just multiple games. It also cost him his role as the goal line back for the Bucs. He still showed flashes that made him one of the most dynamic rookies of 2024, but his struggles at the goal line opened the opportunity for Sean Tucker to steal the job, and he did. Irving ranked dead last in yards per carry among running backs with at least 100 carries and was seventh-worst in explosive run rate. The hopes of an offseason to get Irving healthy and the departure of White were the prerequisites for returning to form. Still, Tampa signed Kenneth Gainwell to replace him, planting a haymaker right to the gut of Bucky believers. Gainwell broke out bigly in Pittsburgh last season with 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season, and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him end the season with more snaps in the Bucs backfield than Irving. Instead of the recipe for a bounce-back third season, Irving sadly has all the ingredients for a lukewarm soup that tastes like disappointment. That aroma of dismay lingering in the air is quickly shifting to straight-up poop soup. As of now, my dear Bucky is a full fade for me in 2026. He ironically drops one spot behind former teammate Rachaad White.

Tier 8: The “Oops!… I Did It Again” Tier

You lose all your senses and can’t stop drafting these guys.

31. Blake Corum, RB, LAR

Blake Corum. Fifth-highest yards per carry. Sixth-highest explosive run rate. Second-highest success rate. Still playing second fiddle to Kyren Williams. He started to see more work down the stretch, but until he supplants Williams on the depth chart, he’s a risky FLEX at best. He’s arguably the top handcuff heading into 2026.

32. Jordan Mason, RB, MIN

I know, I know…I just can’t quit Jordan Mason. Aaron Jones is another year older, Mason ranked inside the top 10 in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt, and the Vikings’ offense has to improve, right? RIGHT?!

33. Jonah Coleman, RB, DEN

If I were to describe Jonah Coleman in one word, it would be…

WHAMMY! A power runner with a well-rounded skill set that should keep him on the field at all times. Extends plays with his elite vision and had a strong 3.86 yards after contact in 2025. His YAC actually dropped from 2024 to 2025, likely due to Coleman playing through a knee injury. The slightly suppressed production may actually be underselling his true potential. He profiles as a true three-down back thanks to his excellence in pass protection, but he’s not the type of elite pass-catching back who will add 50 catches a year.

BUT…

Sean Payton hates fantasy football. Why else would he add Coleman to a backfield already occupied by the recently resigned J.K. Dobbins, last year’s 2nd-round pick R.J. Harvey, and the solid but unspectacular Jaleel McLaughlin? All four will have fantasy-viable weeks, but good luck guessing which ones. I wouldn’t fade him completely, as Dobbins has had issues staying on the field, and Harvey is neither efficient nor explosive.

34. Kyle Monangai, RB, CHI

Kyle Monangai is a name you need to remember for 2026 because, even playing second fiddle to D’Andre Swift, he scored five touchdowns and posted double-digit fantasy points in all but two games in which he had at least 10 touches. Monangai has mouth-watering upside, and even with Swift sticking around, I love Monangai as a solid FLEX with upside for spike weeks. We’ve seen two backs be fantasy-viable in a Ben Johnson offense before.

35. Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR

Out of sight, out of mind. People forget too easily how highly touted Jonathon Brooks was coming out of Texas. Chuba Hubbard is the guy I said had literally zero explosive runs. The Panthers lost Rico Dowdle but “added” AJ Dillon this offseason, which makes me even more confident in Brooks’ bounce-back potential. Brooks is one of my favorite sleepers for 2026.

Tier 9: The “Terms & Conditions” Tier

The talent is there, but you’ve gotta read the 50 pages of fine print.

36. Isiah Pacheco, RB, DET

Isiah Pacheco is fun to watch run the football. He looks like a toddler running away from his parents at bedtime. Sadly for Pacheco, his lead-back days have officially gone night-night. Among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts, Pacheco had the 2nd-lowest explosive run rate and was one of two players under 4%. However, it is not the end. I’m intrigued by Pacheco cosplaying in the David Montgomery role. New Lions OC Drew Petzing‘s run game has produced with much less talented backs than Pacheco. If you’re able to get him outside the top 150, sign me up.

Also, rumor has it Pacheco wants people to start calling him “Taz” as a nickname.

37. Emmett Johnson, RB, KC

It’s a rather shallow rookie class from a fantasy football perspective, but there are still valuable assets as long as you keep your expectations in check. Emmett Johnson has playmaking ability as a pass catcher, reading the field and slipping past defenders. But he lacks elite speed (his 4.56 40 was the worst among RBs at the combine) and sits a bit undersized at 5’11”, 200-ish lbs. That said, he handled one of the heaviest workloads in the country without missing a day in 2025. Johnson couldn’t have ended up in a better situation. If he takes over that Kareem Hunt/3rd down back role, he’ll have weekly FLEX viability (while simultaneously throwing cold water on the Kenneth Walker hype).

38. Nicholas Singleton, RB, TEN

It hits me right in the feels when a top prospect returns to school and falls flat on their face, sending their stock plummeting. That’s exactly what happened to Nicholas Singleton, and then some. Not only did he have the worst season of his college career in 2025, but Singleton fractured his foot at the Senior Bowl while attempting to recoup some of his draft stock, instead causing him to miss most of the week as well as the combine. But he’s an explosive downhill runner and aggressive receiver, and his arrival in Tennessee puts Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears on notice. Singleton is the best talent of the three, and I expect him to completely take over this backfield by Week 6 or so.

39. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR

If you chased your kid for 15 or more yards this past year, you had more explosive runs than Chuba Hubbard. His efficiency wasn’t much better either, with 3.81 yards per carry and sub-2 yards after contact per attempt. Rico Dowdle is replaced with AJ Dillon, but it’s 2024 rookie Jonathon Brooks who Chuba should fear. Hubbard likely has a role, as the Panthers won’t want to give Brooks a heavy workload right away, but don’t depend on Hubbard for anything more than a temporary FLEX.

40. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE

I get why Mike Vrabel loves Rhamondre Stevenson. I didn’t during the season, but as I start my offseason process, looking back at season-long stats and watching film, the dude is just good. Top five in explosive run rate, missed forced tackles per attempt, and yards after contact per attempt. Vrabel was smart to stick with him despite the fumble issues. The problem here is that he’s holding back my bae, TreVeyon Henderson. Both profile as RB2s with upside due to the shared workload, and Stevenson probably comes with the discount between the two.

41. Kimani Vidal, RB, LAC

Kimani Vidal surprised just about everyone, even his mom, with how well he played in place of Omarion Hampton. He averaged 13.5 points per game with Hampton out, though the metrics weren’t much to write home about (Vidal had the third-highest stuff rate, for example). Vidal proved he can put up solid numbers if given the workload. The backfield belongs to Hampton, but I like Vidal’s potential as a sneaky FLEX with McDaniel as OC. We saw multiple running backs have fantasy value during McDaniel’s time in Miami.

42. Woody Marks, RB, HOU

Woody Marks teased us a few times before taking over the Texans’ backfield by season’s end, but it wasn’t pretty. Marks had the 2nd-lowest yards per carry among running backs with at least 100 carries and was tied with Chuba Hubbard and Emanuel Wilson for the lowest missed tackles forced per attempt. I’m sorry, Woody Marks truthers (I’m looking at you, Eric Romoff), but fetch isn’t happening. The Texans’ deal for David Montgomery shows that, despite trading a 2026 third-round pick to move up for him, they don’t picture Marks as lead back material. I won’t roster him as anything more than an RB3/FLEX option.

43. Tank Bigsby, RB, PHI

He’s so freaking good man, I hope he just gets a chance.

44. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO

46th in yards per carry, 39th in explosive run rate, and 3rd lowest yards after the catch per reception among running backs. As much as it hurts, Alvin Kamara is toast, methinks. The Saints offered to trade him, and Kamara told the team he’d rather stay in New Orleans. A man of character, but not helpful for his fantasy value. His RB1 days are over in fantasy and in NOLA, as ETN will lead the Saints after signing a hefty contract. Kamara may have some FLEX appeal, but I don’t envision him on any of my rosters in 2026.

Tier 10: The “Mustard Seed” Tier

The path to there if you have the faith to hold on.

45. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN

Tony Pollard had the oddest late-season stretch, rushing for 500 of his 1082-yard season total in Weeks 14-18 to help a couple of people who were brave enough to pick him up and start him in the consolation playoffs. He’s still a non-factor for fantasy, and I’m not drafting him anywhere in 20206.

46. Kaelon Black, RB, SF

Kaelon Black profiles as a one-cut runner with burst, vision, and enough pass-catching ability to carve out a useful committee role. He fits best in a zone scheme that lets him press the hole, make one decision, and get north-south. The downside is that he lacks elite top-end speed and is not an overly physical tone-setter between the tackles, so volume may be hard to come by early. He is more opportunity bet than locked-in fantasy asset, but the path is there. But as a late-round flyer, a one-cut runner who excels in zone schemes in San Francisco? With some pass-catching upside? Yes, please!

47. Braelon Allen, RB, NYJ

Braelon Allen entered the season uber-hyped, only to have his season end in Week 4 with an MCL injury. If Breece Hall leaves in free agency and the Jets don’t add a significant piece to the backfield, Allen could be in line to be the Jets’ Week 1 starter. If that’s the case, he’ll offer sneaky significant upside.

UPDATE: That dream is dead. Just like Allen’s fantasy value.

48. Kaytron Allen, RB, WAS

Kaytron Allen is a sub-six-foot hammer that’s as sure-handed as he is powerful, with just five career fumbles on over 750 career carries. The Penn State product is a pure downhill runner that’s not very explosive and doesn’t do much as a receiver. Some dislike the landing spot because of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lol), Rachaad White, and Jerome Ford already being on the depth chart. But none of them are talented enough to handle bellcow touches, and Allen could easily earn the short-yardage role from the start.

49. Trey Benson, RB, ARI

Trey Benson missed almost the entire season after four games, but he showed why I was so high on him in that short sample. Benson averaged 5.52 yards per carry, had a 6.9 explosive run rate, and forced 3.2 missed tackles per attempt. But the Cardinals don’t care about any of that, apparently. This dream is dead too, friends. The addition of Jeremiyah Love makes this messy backfield even messier. James Conner returned to Arizona, and the team also added Tyler Allgeier. I still believe in the talent, but the opportunity isn’t there as of now.

50. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG

Tyrone Tracy had a late-season fantasy revival after losing the starting job to rookie Cam Skattebo. After a long season cut short by a gruesome ankle injury, Tracy initially shared the workload with Devin Singletary. But down the stretch, Tracy was the more productive of the two, finishing as RB23 in points per game from Week 12 on. There’s no changing of the guard; the Giants backfield belongs to Skattebo when healthy. But Tracy showed enough to carve out a role.

51. J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN

If J.K. Dobbins could just stay healthy, man, he’s a baller. His season was cut short again by a knee injury, but he was great in Denver. He ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry, rushing yards per game, explosive run rate, and missed tackles forced per attempt, and was third overall in explosive run rate. The Broncos’ backfield has snip-snapped all offseason, and Dobbins looked like the winner after re-signing in Denver. Then Sean Payton went and drafted Jonah Coleman. Coleman profiles as the most complete back in the room, yet somehow more people are talking about how this hurts the rookie than how it tanks Dobbins’ value. I liked Dobbins as a solid RB3/FLEX before the draft, but now we’re looking at a three-headed committee with a 27-year-old back who’s had more injuries than I’ve had bad fantasy takes. Dobbins is still talented, but unless his ADP falls off a cliff, he’s someone I’m probably avoiding in redraft.

52. Tyler Allgeier, RB, ARI

It might be worth stashing Tyler Allgeier or Trey Benson, considering Conner’s age and injury history. An injury or two can whittle this backfield down from four to two rather quickly. But it’s only worth the gamble if the cost is free.99.

53. RJ Harvey, RB, DEN

J.K. Dobbins was once again proving people wrong by holding off rookie RJ Harvey and having an excellent season in Denver before a season-ending injury in Week 10. Harvey stepped in and had some success, but he wasn’t particularly efficient or explosive. Dobbins ended the season with 5.05 yards per carry (7th), 77.2 rushing yards per game (6th), and a 7.8% explosive run rate (3rd). Harvey’s stats were, um, something. He had 3.7 yards per carry (42nd), 31.8 rushing yards per game (45th), and a 2.7% explosive run rate (42nd). Dobbins is back, the Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle AAAAAND they drafted Jonah Coleman. The Felicio full fade of Harvey is on for 2026.

54. Dylan Sampson, RB, CLE

The reincarnation of Duke Johnson with a ceiling of a bye week fill-in FLEX.

55. Mike Washington Jr, RB, LV

Las Vegas drafted Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas in the fourth, not early enough that there’s any concern of Washington getting the majority of the touches, but enough that he’ll likely earn enough of a role to cap Jeanty’s ceiling. If it wasn’t the worst landing spot possible, it’s close. The combine riser could have potentially reached RB2 viability had he landed somewhere he’d get a consistent workload. New Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak does run a two-back system, but Washington will be the 1b to Ashton Jeanty for the foreseeable future. He’s capped at a high-end FLEX.

56. LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, JAC

So you’re telling me there’s a chance! The Jags didn’t add a back in the draft, and Allen is on the radar as a late-round handcuff pick.

57. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, WAS

Jacory Croskey-Merritt had the entire fantasy community all hot and bothered last preseason and after Week 1 against the Giants, but he was, and I quote, “Not great, Bob.” JCM had three good games after Week 1: Week 5 against the Chargers, with two counter runs, terrible defense, and wide-open spaces. The other two were against the Giants and Cowboys, two of the worst run defenses in the entire league. I’m sorry, guys, but Bill ain’t it.

58. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, JAC

With the departure of Travis Etienne and no other additions to the backfield, Chris Rodriguez should have a role in the Jags offense from day one.

59. Keaton Mitchell, RB, LAC

Mike McDaniel apparently loves Keaton Mitchell.

That’s enough for me.

60. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA

He’ll be back at some point in 2026, so if your league has IR spots, stash Zach Charbonnet. If they gave him the work last season with Kenneth Walker in town, he’ll certainly be involved with Price and co. in the backfield.

61. Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN

It’s a crowded backfield, and Tyjae Spears has yet to have a single 100-yard rushing game in three seasons. But if the Titans offense improves and Spears earns meaningful touches, he could become a nice value.

62. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, ATL

The tilt when I see TOUCHDOWN – B.Robinson (ATL) and realize it’s not Bijan is going to be the stuff of legends.

One of the top handcuffs in fantasy.

63. Sean Tucker, RB, TB

Sean Tucker stole the hearts of many as he stole the goal line role from Bucky Irving. Tucker scored eight total touchdowns on just 97 touches, and figures to remain involved in the offense again, even with Kenny Gainwell in town.

64. Ray Davis, RB, BUF

The next man up in one of the run-heaviest offenses in the NFL.

65. Jordan James, RB, SF

Jordan > James

Copy-paste any back worth watching in Shanny’s run system.

66. Justice Hill, RB, BAL

The perfect combination of backup to an aging RB (even if that RB is superhuman) who is startable at FLEX in emergencies and bye-pocalypse.

67. James Conner, RB, ARI

I can’t wait for the James Conner 4 carry, 2 yard, 2 touchdown game.

68. Aaron Jones Sr., RB, MIN

He’s 31 and had his yards per carry drop in four straight seasons.

69. Jaylen Wright, RB, MIA

If he earns the RB2 job ahead of Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright will be next in line for the Dolphins if De’Von Achane goes down.

70. Chris Brooks, RB, GB

Josh Jacobs wore down towards the end of last season and had some off-the-field issues during the offseason. If injury or suspension hit Jacobs, Brooks likely finds himself in line for a decent workload.

71. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, GB

One game in two seasons isn’t great news, but it’s enough to make people forget the hype MarShawn Lloyd had coming out of USC. If he can stay healthy, there are multiple routes for him to get meaningful touches in Green Bay this season.

72. Ty Johnson, RB, BUF

Would immediately become FLEX viable if there were an injury to James Cook or Ray Davis.

73. Jam Miller, RB, NE

Everybody get up, it’s time to stash now
We got a real Jam goin’ down
Welcome to the Stash Jam Miller (Stash Jam Miller, Jam Miller)
Here’s your chance, do your dance at the Stash Jam Miller, alright (alright, alright)

74. Malik Davis, RB, DAL

He’ll have to hold off Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but Malik Davis is a very interesting backup to keep an eye on if he does earn the RB2 job in Dallas. He had three games over 10 points in his final five of last season, including a 20-carry, 103-yard game versus the Commanders.

75. Jaydon Blue, RB, DAL

The main threat to Davis’ claim to the RB2 throne in Dallas.

Tier 11: The “Mandela Effect” Tier

You knew they were good, but it’s like they never existed.

76. Joe Mixon, RB

What in the Will Fuller happened to Joe Mixon?

77. Will Shipley, RB, PHI

Will Shipley would need an injury to get on the fantasy radar, but if there was one, he would be slightly on the fantasy radar.

78. Isaac Guerendo, RB, SF

It’s a crowded backfield in San Fran, but any back with a pulse is worth watching in a Kyle Shanahan system.

79. Tahj Brooks, RB, CIN

Was hoping for more out of his rookie season, but with old man Samaje Perine the only other back on the roster behind Chase Brown, one injury could be all Brooks needs to get a chance to shine.

80. Austin Ekeler, RB

Could offer some FLEX appeal if he returns to Washington.

81. Trevor Etienne, RB, CAR

The fragility of the running backs ahead of him is the only reason why it’s worth watching Trevor Etienne.

82. Samaje Perine, RB, CIN

Worth a stash as a handcuff early in the season as the backup to Chase Brown. Samaje Perine would only become a volume-based FLEX if he fell into the starting job due to injury.

83. George Holani, RB, SEA

George Holani is on this list because I heard my colleague Brett Ford talk about him once. Be on the lookout for Brett’s RB sleepers article dropping early this week!

84. Emanuel Wilson, RB, SEA

I know some people are calling him a sleeper with Charbs’ injury and Walker gone. Yeah, I mean, he did rush for 1,000 yards in three seasons.

No, not three 1,000-yard seasons each. Three seasons to get 1,000.

85. Jerome Ford, RB, WAS

On a team with no clear stud back, but Jerome Ford could be the odd man out if Austin Ekeler resigns with the Commanders.

86. Kareem Hunt, RB

Still a free agent and very possibly “done” done, Kareem Hunt offers little upside if signed. He could have some FLEX viability if he finds himself in a goal line role similar to last season.

87. Isaiah Davis, RB, NYJ

‘Member when Isaiah Davis was a league winner? I ‘member.

88. Seth McGowan, RB, IND

The rookie out of Kentucky will battle DJ Giddens for the rights to be the backup to JT.

89. DJ Giddens, RB, IND

DJ Giddens will battle the rookie out of Kentucky for the rights to be the backup to JT.

90. Najee Harris, RB, FA

Still just 27 years old, keep an eye on where Najee Harris eventually winds up signing. The upside isn’t too grand, but if he lands in a favorable situation, he’s worth the risk for Free.99.

91. Ollie Gordon II, RB, MIA

Even if he’s able to beat out Jaylen Wright for the job to sit behind De’Von Achane, the offense is going to be gross. Gordon hasn’t shown much of anything as a pro.

92. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT

Mike Tomlin is gone… that’s all I got.

93. Devin Singletary, RB, NYG

Devin Singletary had a stretch of five double-digit fantasy performances in the Giants’ final eight games of 2025. But with the healthy return of Cam Skattebo, Singletary is bumped back to third on the depth chart.

94. Devin Neal, RB, NO

The hope that Devin Neal would become the heir to Kamara’s throne was cut off at the neck when Travis Etienne came to town. He’s still young enough to have hope, but don’t hold your breath.

95. Brashard Smith, RB, KC

Brashard Smith averaged fewer than four yards per carry and would need multiple injuries ahead of him to become fantasy viable. But any back in KC is worth keeping an eye on. Well, most of them…

96. Emari Demercado, RB, KC

Demerca-no.