As a passionate fantasy football enthusiast, I’m excited to break down the top 12 fantasy football running backs for the 2024 season. This analysis will be crucial for setting up your draft board, preparing for live drafts, and conducting mock drafts. Let’s dive into the elite options that could make or break your fantasy season.
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
McCaffrey remains the undisputed RB1 in fantasy football. Despite concerns about his age and accumulated volume, he showed no signs of slowing down last season. McCaffrey was an RB1 in 81% of his games and finished as a top-24 RB in every single game. Averaging 21 touches and 126.5 total yards per game, he also ranked 4th in explosive run rate and 10th in yards after contact per attempt. With the 49ers’ offense remaining stable, McCaffrey is primed for another dominant season.
- Breece Hall (New York Jets)
Hall claims the RB2 spot with immense upside. From Weeks 5-18 last season, he averaged 20.2 touches and 102 total yards per game. Hall led all running backs in targets, receiving yards, and receptions, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. With Aaron Rodgers expected to return under center, the Jets’ offense should be more efficient, potentially increasing Hall’s touchdown opportunities. He has a legitimate shot at finishing as the overall RB1 in 2024.
- Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
Robinson’s talent was evident in his rookie season, but Arthur Smith’s questionable usage held him back. Despite finishing as RB17 in fantasy points per game, Robinson was RB12 in expected fantasy points per game. With Smith gone, expect Robinson to see a significant increase in high-leverage work and red zone touches. He has top-5 potential with a realistic shot at the overall RB1 spot in 2024.
- Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams)
Williams burst onto the scene last year, finishing as RB2 in fantasy points per game. He averaged 22.3 touches and 117 total yards in Weeks 2-17, playing at least 72% of snaps in 10 of 11 games. Williams also impressed in tackle-breaking metrics, ranking 25th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Barring any significant additions to the Rams’ backfield, Williams should remain a top-5 fantasy RB in 2024.
- Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
Barkley’s move to Philadelphia raises some concerns about touchdown vulturing from Jalen Hurts, but his talent and expected workload keep him firmly in the top-5. Last season, Barkley played at least 70% of snaps in 11 of 14 games and ranked 17th in explosive run rate. With Jason Kelce’s retirement potentially changing the Eagles’ goal-line strategy, Barkley should see plenty of scoring opportunities in this high-powered offense.
- Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)
A healthy Taylor alongside Anthony Richardson could be a potent combination in 2024. From Weeks 7-18 last season, Taylor averaged 21 touches and almost 100 total yards per game, finishing as RB12 in fantasy points per game. If he can maintain health for a full season, Taylor has the potential to outperform this ranking and push for top-3 status.
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)
Gibbs showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, finishing as RB8 in fantasy points per game and per opportunity. Even with David Montgomery in the mix, Gibbs averaged 14.1 touches and 73.1 total yards per game after Montgomery’s return. With potential for increased workload in his sophomore season, Gibbs could easily crack the top-5 and has an outside shot at top-3 production.
- Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens)
Henry’s move to Baltimore could rejuvenate his fantasy value. Despite concerns about his age, Henry ranked 9th in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt last season. In the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, Henry could see massive touchdown potential, potentially scoring 12-15 times or more. He’s a lock for top-10 production with top-5 upside.
- Travis Etienne (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Etienne’s 2023 season was a tale of two halves, but his overall body of work keeps him in the RB1 conversation. From Weeks 1-8, he averaged 22.3 touches and 106 total yards per game as the RB4 in fantasy. While his production dipped in the second half, Etienne should still be the lead back in Jacksonville and has the potential to finish as a top-5 RB if he can maintain consistency throughout the season.
- Devon Achane (Miami Dolphins)
Achane exploded onto the scene as a rookie, finishing as RB5 in fantasy points per game. However, the return of Raheem Mostert creates some uncertainty about his workload. If Achane can secure 55-60% of the backfield opportunities, he has the explosiveness and big-play ability to finish as a top-3 RB. His current ranking at RB10 reflects the potential timeshare, but his upside is undeniable.
- James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
Cook’s strong finish to the 2023 season under OC Joe Brady (RB11 from Weeks 11-18) suggests a breakout could be coming in 2024. With Stefon Diggs gone, Cook’s role in the passing game could expand further. He ranked highly in several receiving metrics after Week 10, including 4th in receiving yards per game and 2nd in yards per route run. If Josh Allen’s rushing touchdowns regress, Cook could see increased scoring opportunities, giving him top-8 upside.
- James Conner (Arizona Cardinals)
Conner has been a model of consistency in Arizona, finishing as RB7, RB9, and RB13 in fantasy points per game over the last three seasons. Coming off one of his most efficient seasons (6th in rushing yards, 8th in missed tackles forced per attempt), Conner could be even better in 2024 with a fully healthy Kyler Murray. He’s a potential value pick with RB1 upside.
As you prepare your commish kit and set up your league, keep these rankings in mind. Remember, the running back position is crucial in fantasy football, and securing one or two of these top-12 options could set the foundation for a championship-winning team. Stay flexible in your draft strategy, but don’t be afraid to target these elite backs early in your drafts.
We will look at fantasy football running backs 13-24 in the next article.
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