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 DeVon Achane (well, technically, Achane was at 4.47 in 2024, but we round up 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.
UPDATE: 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 season with spike weeks that hit like that first sip of Baja Blast. But the lows were low, low, like biting into that Beefy 5-layer Burrito from Taco Bell and realizing they added sour cream when you specifically asked them not to. There was plenty of good. Gibbs set a career-high 16% target share and handled over 50% of the team’s carries for the first time in his career. At first glance, it doesn’t look like he wore down over the second half of the season. 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. Now, don’t hear what I’m not saying. Gibbs is easily an RB1 in 2026 and should be one of the first backs off the board. But that efficiency drop is certainly concerning.
UPDATE: The Lions hired Drew Petzing to take over the offense and shipped a disgruntled David Montgomery/Knuckles to Houston, replacing him with Isiah Pacheco (Metal Sonic?). 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 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.
3. Kenneth Walker III, RB, KC
There’s a running back who’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar keyboard. Watching Kenneth Walker III break tackles (first in missed tackles forced per attempt), run ever so explosively (second-highest explosive run rate), then get immediately lifted from the game for Zach Charbonnet was enough to make me want to drop-kick my TV. But the good news is it’s officially time to FREE KENNY WALKER. He’s a free agent, and I pray to sweet baby Jesus, in your fleece diaper and golden manger, that he signs with a team that will fully unleash the beast. He left some room for improvement in yards after contact, but even if it doesn’t improve much, his talent in other areas is enough to overcome it. It’s a similar situation to Breece Hall‘s. The talent is there; he just needs to go to the right situation. If Walker lands on a team where he’ll get the most carries and a serviceable run-blocking line, he has darkhorse RB1 overall upside.
UPDATE: I’ve not worn pants since the day Walker signed with the Chiefs. The run-blocking being serviceable is yet to be determined, but Walker wound up in one of the best, if not the best, places for his fantasy upside. Eric Bieniemy is back as Chiefs OC. Isiah Pacheco is in Detroit. Kareem Hunt is still a free agent and likely won’t return with the addition of Emari Demercado. I’m not concerned that the Chiefs ran with a committee backfield during Bieniemy’s first tenure as Chiefs OC. They haven’t had a running back this talented since Jamaal Charles.
4. 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 started as a drawing by Picasso and was finished by your local high school art teacher. JT was in early MVP talks after scoring three total 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. But 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.
5. 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 [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [ILLEGAL TO SAY OR TYPE IN 48 STATES] [REDACTED].
Anywho… Cook is the stud fantasy back nobody seems to want to draft come August and regrets the decision come September. Yeah, 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 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.
6. 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 easing 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. Najee Harris is likely gone after signing a 1-year prove-it deal that he never got a chance to, you know, prove it. Technically, Vidal is a free agent, but as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, the Chargers can sign him to a minimal deal to bring him back. I expect Vidal to return and possibly a veteran signing to handle some of the grunt work, but Hampton should pick right back up as the bell cow and potential RB1 stud.
UPDATE: MIKE MCDANIELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. Ahem. Yeah, sorry. I mean… if there wasn’t already enough to love about the former Tar Heel’s sophomore potential, he gets the same offensive coordinator 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 a nice rise with McDaniel running the offense.
7. 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 yard seasons. 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. No matter what, 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 floor isn’t what it once was, but he sure does have that same sky-high ceiling.
8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Rookie
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. He’s the clear first overall pick in dynasty rookie drafts and a first-rounder in redraft.
NFL Comp: Bijan Robinson
9. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, NO
I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong, and even though Travis Etienne Jr. 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, 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 are nearly impossible to predict. With his inefficient, explosive rushing production so heavily touchdown-reliant, I’m likely staying far away from the free agent to be, whether he’s back in Jacksonville or somewhere else.
Update: Etienne (pronounced “Achane”. Yes, actually) signed in one of the best possible scenarios for his fantasy value. It sounds like Alvin Kamara isn’t going anywhere, so there will be a dreaded two headed backfield committee. But this isn’t the Kamara of even two years ago, and I fully expect ETN to carry the majority of the load.
10. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV
First off, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry, Nick Pollack. I convinced you to take him. I waxed poetic about Ashton Jeanty and why he’s worthy of a first-round pick, and you took him in the QB List Legacy League. For that, I will be forever remorseful. I knew the Raiders’ offensive line was going to be bad, but I didn’t expect it to be literally ranked dead last by PFF. Among running backs with at least 100 attempts, Jeanty had the second-worst yards before contact, second-worst success rate, and third-worst stuff rate. Thankfully for Jeanty, he’ll have a whole new coaching staff, almost certainly a new quarterback (hey there Fernando Mendonza), and hopefully an improved offensive line. The talent is there. If Jeanty just gets decent run blocking, he can put up top-five fantasy numbers. If his ADP is suppressed due to scorned fantasy managers, Jeanty could wind up one of the steals of 2026.
UPDATE: Not only does Jeanty have a whole new coaching staff, but he also has a brand-new carrrrrrrrr center! The lambo of run blockers, center Tyler Linderbaum, signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this offseason. Wheels ALL the way up for Jeanty, right?
Well, here’s the wet blanket that puts those wheels in park. New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said the following at the combine.
“Definitely want to have a two-man show there. Guys that can share the load, it’s a long season. You don’t want to put all the carries and targets on one guy”.
WOOF. This is the same guy who split the workload between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in Seattle this season, so he’s keeping it real. Jeanty has a wide range of outcomes based on how early the Raiders are willing to take another back. For now, he’s inside my top 12.
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 second in yards per carry and fourth 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. He’s 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.
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 per 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. 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 first in success rate (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), 25th in missed force tackles per attempt (Corum 11th), and 18th in yards after contact per attempt (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.
14. 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 Josh Jacobs next season.
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. 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. His ranking depends solely on where he signs in free agency. If he ends up on the Chiefs, the Ravens, or another running back-needy team where he’ll see a ton of work, RB1 overall isn’t out of the question. But if he takes a bag to sign with a team where he’ll share the workload, or gulp, goes back to the Jets, he’ll remain on “RB2 with upside” island.
UPDATE: Gulp. He went back to the Jets.
17. Cam Skattebo, RB, NYG
An instant favorite among Giants fans and football fans in general, the equivalent of a slobbery English bulldog puppy, Cam Skattebo had his rookie season cut short due to injury, but that didn’t stop him from becoming. Skattebo had the fourth-highest yards after contact among running backs with at least 100 rush attempts at 2.8, unsurprisingly, as Skatt would actively seek out contact and would go looking for contact, running over KC backs. The Giants’ offensive line improvements played a part, as did having Dart at quarterback. But with Todd Monken expected to become the team’s offensive coordinator once the Harbaugh deal is finalized (still in talks at the time of writing), Skattebo will have an OC who has produced monster fantasy seasons for running backs. As much as I love Skatt, don’t buy into all the risk and draft him as an RB1. But if you’re able to get him at an RB2, you’re buying at his floor with upside for more. Bump him up a few spots for shoving J.D. McDonagh to the ground.
One thing you should know Dom…
DON'T MESS WITH CAM SKATTEBO!!! 😤@Giants pic.twitter.com/4tFeiwnS5k
— WWE (@WWE) November 18, 2025
Sometimes, it’s not about the player. It’s not about Skatt’s skillset or progress in attempts to return from a horrific broken ankle that prematurely ended his rookie season in Week 8 and left his foot flapping like 10,000 candles in the wind. But it is about the volume of the drumbeat increasing all offseason that the Giants are looking to add an impact running back. Although it didn’t come to fruition, the Giants were very interested and supposedly submitted a strong offer to Kenneth Walker before K9 chose the Chiefs. Now, as the NFL Draft is approaching, the mock drafts and rumors are swirling that the GMen very well may end up taking the uber-talented running back Jeremiah Love out of Notre Dame at five. If that ends up being the case, you can say bye-bye Lil Sebastian to Skattebo’s RB1 potential for fantasy.
18. 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. He handled 61% of the team’s carries and set career highs with 69 catches, 89 targets, and five touchdowns. Where Brown lands in the rankings closer to the season depends on whether the Bengals add a significant piece in the backfield this offseason.
19. 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.
20. De’Von Achane, RB, MIA
De’Von 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. A second consecutive top-five fantasy finish, yes. But there are some concerns heading into 2026. Mike McDaniel and his running-back-friendly offense are out the door, as is Tua Tagovailoa and the 74% of pass attempts under nine yards. The tendency to dump off passes. 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. At the time of writing, Miami was still searching for a head coach, and some of the names being interviewed were not conducive to fantasy production. The talent is elite and will remain so, but his role could change drastically if the offensive philosophy shifts to one that doesn’t pass the ball or one that is pass-happy. I’m afraid that Achane will be priced too high for my liking and carries a significant risk of being a bust in 2026.
UPDATE: Tua’s gone. Waddles gone. Who knows if Tyreek Hill will be. But Achane is the last weapon standing in Miami, and not one I want to invest a whole lot of draft capital in. If he remains among the top-12 backs off the board, I won’t have a single share.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. David Montgomery, RB, HOU
We may have seen the last of Sonic and Knuckles in Detroit. 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. A new team could be what’s best for his fantasy value.
UPDATE: 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.
24. 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. Rachaad White is a free agent, and if he leaves town, it could open up a few extra touches, but Tucker is more likely to be the beneficiary there. Bucky has an offseason to get healthy and will lead the Bucs’ backfield in 2026. But if Tucker continues to hoard the goal-line work, Irving’s ceiling is capped.
UPDATE: The hopes of an offseason to get Irving healthy and the departure of White were the prerequisites for returning to form, but 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.
25. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, JAC
Bhayshul Tuten was causing some horns to be tootin’ 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, 43rd in explosive run rate, and was slightly better but nothing special in missed tackles forced (15th) and yards after contact (14). Even if Travis Etienne Jr. signs elsewhere, I doubt they give the keys to the kingdom to Tuten.
UPDATE: Etienne has headed to Nola, and as of now, Tuten is the top back on the depth chart. Whether he still is after the draft will decide what range his ranking lands. As the lead back, Tuten is easily in the top 20 RBs for me.
26. Mike Washington Jr, RB, FA
The biggest winner of the NFL combine, Mike Washington Jr., showed up and showed out, running the fastest time among running backs with a 4.33 40-yard dash. Washington immediately broke down in tears after the run, stating, “I’m so emotional, man. I’ve worked my whole life for this.” If that doesn’t hit you right in the feels, I’m sorry for whoever hurt you. He’s as explosive as an afternoon trip to Taco Bell and can turn a small gain into a long touchdown with just one surgical cut. Washington will need to improve his pass protection and fumbling issues, but he’s easily the top riser heading into the draft. Everybody and their grandma is rooting for him.
NFL Comp: Uncle Lenny/Leonard Fournette
27. 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. He had a one-year deal with Denver, so he’s free to sign with another team. If Dobbins gets an opportunity to start again, he’ll likely be a bargain-bin borderline RB2 worth taking a shot on.
UPDATE: Back with the Broncos, I love Dobbins as your RB3/FLEX.
28. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT
Jaylen Warren could go into 2026 unrated once again. But I won’t make the same mistake I did and be one of the people underrating him, as I was in 2025. 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. The emergence of Kenneth Gainwell may have masked how good Warren was. Gainwell is a free agent in 2026 and could end up elsewhere, especially with the drastically changing scenario in Pittsburgh. Warren is a fantastic RB2 target who may be able to be had at an RB3 price tag.
UPDATE: 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.
29. Jonah Coleman, RB, Rookie
If I were to describe Jonah Coleman in one word, it would be…
WHAMMY! A power runner with a well-rounded skillset that should keep him on the field at all times. He 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. Coleman’s lack of explosive speed and below-average size shouldn’t keep him from being a Day 2 selection. 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. Likely not a fantasy starter early in the season, but could end up inside the top 24 before the season’s end. A late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Chris Carson
30. Rachaad White, RB, WAS
Rachaad White is a free agent, and although he isn’t quite Bucky Irving, he could be a serviceable RB2 in the right offense if given a chance to start or close to it.
UPDATE: White signed with the Commanders, which I LOVE for his fantasy viability. Where he winds up in rankings land depends on whether Washington drafts a running back and what kind of draft capital they invest. White is easily the most talented back currently on the roster.
31. 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 (seventh), 77.2 rushing yards per game (sixth), and a 7.8% explosive run rate (third). 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 a free agent, but he could certainly return to Denver; they signed him after drafting Harvey. Depending on what Harvey’s ADP turns out to be, he may be a full fade for me in 2026.
UPDATE: Dobbins is back, and the Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle. The Felicio full fade of Harvey is on for 2026.
32. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA
Zach Charbonnet is the bane of my existence. He seems like a nice guy, but he prevented my precious Kenneth Walker III from having a fantasy season for the ages. I came around and understand why the Pats kept Rhamondre Stevenson involved this year. He’s at least played well. But Charbs? He bested Walker in one metric, with 2.62 yards after contact to 2.11 for KWIII. Charbonnet did rank inside the top 10 in missed forced tackles per attempt, which was cool. You know what’s cooler? Ranking first in missed forced tackles per attempt. You know who did? Kenneth Walker, who also had a better yards per carry, double the explosive run rate, and more than double the yards per route run in the passing game. Charbs is a solid back, and with Walker moving on in free agency, I actually don’t mind him as an RB2 depending on ADP. But forgiving him for holding back Walker’s potential in 2025 may be the hardest thing I ever do.
33. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, TB
Kenneth Gainwell caught 73 passes on his way to 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season, and he enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The running back free-agent market is loaded, but Gainwell should be in a favorable position for fantasy purposes thanks to his pass-catching chops.
UPDATE: When one door closes, another opens, something something darkside….
I hate Gainwell in Tampa Bay for my boy Bucky Irving, but I LOVE it for Kenny. As the pass catching+ option, Gainwell likely winds up an RB2 that can be drafted at FLEX pricing in PPR formats.
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. 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, missed forced tackles, yards after contact per attempt, and the list goes on and on. It seems Dowdle wasn’t too happy with his questionable usage, per his post-playoff loss social media posts. With Hubbard still under contract and Jonathan Brooks returning from injury, I’d expect to see him elsewhere in 2026. If he can find a team willing to give him the lion’s share of the carries, we saw he’s plenty capable of putting up top-10 weeks.
UPDATE: Well, 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.
36. Isiah Pacheco, RB, DET
Isiah Pacheco is fun to watch run the football. He looks like a toddler running away from his parents because it’s bedtime. Sadly for Pacheco, his fantasy value has officially gone night-night. Among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts, Pacheco had the second-lowest explosive run rate and was one of two players under 4%. If this is the end, I’ll never forget you, Isiah Pacheco. You’ve ruined me for trying to spell Isaiah for the rest of my life.
UPDATE: It is not the end. Depending on where his ADP lands this summer, 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. No, I don’t think I will.
37. 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.
38. 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 second-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 think Marks will have a solid role in the Texans’ offense in 2026, but I expect them to add a back to help carry the workload.
UPDATE: 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.
39. James Conner, RB, ARI
James Conner has likely played his last snap for Arizona, as he’s a prime offseason cut candidate. Depending on where he lands, Conner could offer some FLEX viability, but his days as a reliable fantasy starter are over.
UPDATE: He’s back in Arizona alongside Trey Benson and new Cardinal Tyler Allgeier. Avoid at all costs.
40. Emmett Johnson, RB, Rookie
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. He’ll be a committee back in the pros, and his fantasy value will be heavily reliant on ending up in a situation where he can slot in as the pass-catching back from day one. Johnson is a late-round pick in redraft and a late first, early second-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Kareem Hunt
41. 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. Vrable 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.
42. Nicholas Singleton, RB, FA
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 if he ends up on an elite zone-running team, like San Francisco, Houston, or Denver, his draft-day fall could be the best thing that ever happened to him. He likely finds himself with a late-mid round ADP in redraft, and early second round in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Miles Sanders
43. 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.
44. Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR
Out of sight, out of mind. People forget too easily how highly touted Jonathan Brooks was coming out of Texas. Rico Dowdle is a free agent who likely won’t return, and Chuba Hubbard is the guy I said had literally zero explosive runs. Brooks is one of my favorite sleepers for 2026.
UPDATE: The Panthers lost Rico Dowdle but “added” AJ Dillon this offseason, which makes me even more confident in Brooks bounce back potential.
45. 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 is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, meaning the Chargers can sign him to a minimal deal to bring him back. I expect Vidal back with the Chargers in a backup role, with a full offseason for Hampton to get healthy. But Vidal proved he can put up solid numbers if given the workload.
UPDATE: 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.
46. Jadarian Price, RB, Rookie
Jadarian Price may have technically been the backup in South Bend, but he’d have been the bellcow just about anywhere else in the country. Price is a lot like his 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. The landing spot will determine his ceiling in 2026, but he should be FLEX viable from day one. He’s a late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Tony Pollard
47. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO
46th in yards per carry, 39th in explosive run rate, and third-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. Kamara could have some PPR FLEX value if he’s able to stay healthy, but he’s someone I’ll be avoiding in fantasy for the foreseeable future.
UPDATE: His RB1 days are over in fantasy and in NOLA, as Travis Etienne Jr. 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.
48. 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 a free agent and seems unlikely to return to Carolina, but 2024 rookie Johnathan Brooks is trending toward being ready for next season. 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.
UPDATE: Dowdle is gone, but was replaced by AJ Dillon. Hubbard’s value is unchanged.
49. 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.
50. 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. I hope people forget how fantastic he looked in his short time on the field, because unless the Cardinals add a significant piece in the backfield, I’ll be drafting lots and lots of Benson in 2026.
UPDATE: This dream is dead, too, friends. 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.
51. Tyler Allgeier, RB, ARI
Tyler Allgeier, don’t you dare come back to Atlanta. Pretty please? I want to see what Bijan Robinson can do with a full workload. I also want to see what you can do with a full workload. The free agent-to-be has a nose for the end zone and is sure-handed, with zero career fumbles on 737 touches, but ranks 41st/49th in explosive run rate. If he lands in a favorable situation, Allgeier has RB2 potential.
UPDATE: He did not. Allgeier will share work with a disgusting three-headed committee in Arizona, rendering all three backs useless.
52. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG
Tyrone Tracy Jr. 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. If Todd Monken is indeed the Giants’ hire at offensive coordinator, that bodes very well for Tracy. Monken uses multiple formations with two backs on the field at the same time, opening up opportunities for Tracy to be fantasy relevant alongside Skattebo in 2026.
UPDATE: All this talk of adding a running back in the offseason doesn’t bode well for Tracy’s standing with the Giants come August, and neither does the OC being Matt Nagy instead of Monken. If the Giants don’t add a significant runner via the draft, I like Tracy as a FLEX with upside. But it sure sounds like they will, maybe in the 1st.
53. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, ATL
Brian Robinson Jr. was in line to lead the Commanders’ backfield before a surprise trade to the 49ers just before the season to back up Christian McCaffrey. Shockingly, McCaffrey handled nearly all the work, but Robinson is a free agent. It’s a strong free-agent class, so it’s doubtful Robinson finds work as an unquestioned starter. But if the power back finds himself in a prolific run offense with a decent workload, he can offer some FLEX appeal with RB2 upside.
UPDATE: I can’t wait for all the “B. Robinson scored a touchdown” jokes that will flood Twitter when either scores a touchdown this season after this one signed with Atlanta. Robinson is a high-value handcuff who could have some standalone FLEX value if he sees Allgeier-type usage.
54. Tank Bigsby, RB, PHI
He’s so freaking good, man. I hope he just gets a chance.
55. Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN
Tyjae Spears couldn’t beat out Tony Pollard for the starting job, and his yards per carry have been under four in each of the past two seasons.
56. Dylan Sampson, RB, CLE
The reincarnation of Duke Johnson with a ceiling of a bye week fill-in FLEX.
57. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT
Kaleb Johnson couldn’t get on the field with the coaching staff that drafted him. What makes you think he’ll get a chance with a completely new staff?
UPDATE: I stand corrected. New (retread) Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy recently stated everyone has a clean slate, which bodes well for Johnson. The signing of Rico Dowdle does not, however.
58. LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, JAC
With Travis Etienne Jr. heading into free agency, LeQuint Allen Jr. might have the chance to compete for the backup running back position.
UPDATE: Allen would have some handcuff upside if the Jaguars don’t add a back during the draft. But chances are they do.
59. Devin Neal, RB, NO
A hamstring injury cut Devin Neal’s season short just as he was handed the reins to the backfield. He didn’t show much, averaging less than 4 yards per carry in two starts, but it’s unfair to judge on such a small sample size. The Saints’ backfield is in flux, and Neal could have an opportunity to earn significant touches.
Update: Etienne becoming a Saint ended any chance of Devin Neal becoming a thing.
60. Joe Mixon, RB, HOU
Technically, Joe Mixon is signed through this season, but the Texans have an out where they can cut him this offseason for a minimal cap hit. A season lost to injury that was oddly shrouded in secrecy, Mixon is a total wildcard at this point.
UPDATE: After trading for David Montgomery, the Texans have officially released Mixon. There has been no update on his injury status, and I wonder if we’ll ever see him on the football field again.
61. Aaron Jones Sr., RB, MIN
Aaron Jones Sr. had the league’s worst 1.67 yards per contact and the 3rd-lowest missed tackles forced. He’ll offer some PPR FLEX viability, but another year older is bringing him close to the end of his fantasy rosterability. Is rosterability a word?
UPDATE: The Vikings cut the resigned Jones to a one-year discount. There’s a solid chance he’s not on the team come July.