As we continue our deep dive into the 2024 fantasy football running backs landscape, let’s examine the next tier of backs that could make or break your fantasy season. These RB2 and high-end RB3 options are crucial for building a well-rounded roster, whether you’re setting up your fantasy football draft board, participating in a live draft, or running mock drafts. Let’s break down running backs 13-24 and analyze their potential impact on your fantasy team.
- Joe Mixon (Houston Texans)
Joe Mixon finds himself in a new situation with the Houston Texans, and while he has the potential to be an RB1, there are some concerns. Last year, Mixon finished as RB11 in fantasy, largely due to his volume – he was 8th in snap share and 3rd in opportunity share. However, his efficiency metrics were less impressive, ranking outside the top 35 in yards per touch, yards created per touch, and breakaway run rate. Still, volume is king in fantasy football, and Mixon should see plenty of it in Houston. He’s a solid RB2 with RB1 upside if he can improve his efficiency.
- Aaron Jones (Minnesota Vikings)
Despite an injury-plagued 2023 season, Aaron Jones showed he still has plenty left in the tank. When healthy in Weeks 15-20, he averaged 21.6 touches and 120 total yards per game. Among qualifying backs, he ranked 8th in explosive run rate and 10th in yards after contact per attempt. If the Vikings address their quarterback situation effectively, whether through the draft or with Sam Darnold, Jones could easily outperform this ranking and push for low-end RB1 status.
- Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks)
Kenneth Walker battled through various injuries in 2023 but still managed to be productive when on the field. In the 14 games where he played at least 41% of snaps, Walker averaged 17.3 touches and 82 total yards. If he can stay healthier in 2024 and hold off Zach Charbonnet for the lead role, Walker has the potential to be a solid RB2 in fantasy. His upside is capped somewhat by Seattle’s pass-heavy tendencies, but the talent is undeniable.
- Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
Alvin Kamara remains a reliable RB2 option, even as he enters the latter stages of his career. Last season, he ranked 10th in opportunity share, 8th in weighted opportunity, and 9th in red zone touches. While his explosiveness has declined (he ranked 44th out of 49 qualifying backs in missed tackles forced per attempt), Kamara’s receiving prowess keeps him fantasy-relevant. He was 1st in target share and 6th in yards per route run among RBs. Kamara should still see the lion’s share of work in the Saints’ backfield, making him a solid RB2 with a stable floor.
- Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Rachaad White finished as RB10 in fantasy last year, but there are concerns about his efficiency. Among 49 qualifying running backs, he didn’t rank higher than 40th in missed tackles forced per attempt, explosive run rate, or yards after contact per attempt. However, volume is king in fantasy football, and White saw plenty of it as Tampa Bay’s lead back. If the Bucs don’t add significant competition to the backfield, White should remain a solid RB2 option, albeit with some risk.
- David Montgomery (Detroit Lions)
David Montgomery proved to be a valuable asset in the Lions’ high-powered offense last year. After returning from injury in Week 10, he averaged 15 touches and nearly 76 total yards per game. Montgomery also showcased his ability to break tackles, ranking 19th in missed tackles forced per attempt. With Jahmyr Gibbs likely to see an expanded role in his second year, Montgomery’s ceiling might be capped, but he should still provide solid RB2/3 value, especially in non-PPR formats.
- Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs)
Isiah Pacheco has the potential to be one of the biggest risers on this list. If Jerick McKinnon doesn’t re-sign with the Chiefs, Pacheco could see a significant increase in his role. In the four games Pacheco played without McKinnon last season, he averaged 20.2 touches and over 100 total yards per game, playing at least 70% of the snaps in three of those four games. If Pacheco becomes the every-down back for Kansas City, he could easily push for RB1 status in one of the league’s most potent offenses.
- Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers)
Josh Jacobs moves to Green Bay after a down year in Las Vegas. While his 2023 season was disappointing, Jacobs has shown he can be a workhorse back when healthy. The Packers gave him a significant contract, suggesting they view him as their lead back. However, Jacobs will need to bounce back in terms of efficiency – he ranked 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt last year. If he can regain his form and stay healthy, Jacobs could outperform this ranking and push for low-end RB2 status.
- Devin Singletary (New York Giants)
Devin Singletary proved he could handle a significant workload down the stretch last season. From Weeks 9-18, he averaged 19 touches and 86.6 total yards per game, finishing as RB21 in fantasy points per game during that span. As the presumptive lead back for the Giants, Singletary should see plenty of volume, making him a solid RB3 with RB2 upside in PPR formats.
- Zamir White (Las Vegas Raiders)
Zamir White showed promise when given the opportunity late last season. In Weeks 15-18, he averaged 23.3 touches and 114.3 total yards per game, finishing as RB12 over that stretch. Among 41 qualifying running backs, he ranked 6th in yards after contact per attempt and 17th in success rate. If White can secure the lead role in Vegas, he has the potential to be a reliable RB2 in fantasy.
- Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders)
Brian Robinson finished as RB22 in fantasy points per game last season and could see his role expand in 2024. While his receiving work may be limited, Robinson has the potential for increased rushing efficiency, especially if the Commanders upgrade their quarterback situation. Head coach Dan Campbell has already praised Robinson this offseason, suggesting he could be in line for a significant workload. Robinson has the potential to reach double-digit touchdowns and provide solid RB3 value with RB2 upside.
- De’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears)
De’Andre Swift rounds out our top 24, landing with the Chicago Bears in free agency. While Swift finished as RB24 in fantasy last year, there are concerns about his efficiency. He ranked 40th in yards after contact per attempt and 30th in missed tackles forced per attempt among 49 qualifying backs. However, the Bears paid Swift significant money, suggesting they view him as their lead back. If he can secure a large share of the touches in Chicago’s backfield, Swift could outperform this ranking and push for RB2 status.
As you prepare your commish kit and set up your fantasy football league, keep these running backs in mind. The RB2 and RB3 tiers are often where leagues are won or lost, so having a solid understanding of these players’ potential is crucial for success.
When conducting your mock drafts or participating in your live draft, consider the following strategies:
- Volume is king: Players like Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, and Rashad White may not be the most efficient, but their expected volume keeps them fantasy-relevant.
- Look for potential breakouts: Isiah Pacheco and Zamir White could see significant role increases and offer excellent value at their current rankings.
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