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5 Running Backs To Stash In Dynasty Fantasy Football

- by Dave Ventresca

5 Running Backs To Stash In Dynasty Fantasy Football

The dynasty fantasy football offseason is in full swing. Here at Faceoff Sports Network, we’ve got you covered with all kinds of dynasty league football content. With rookie profiles, rookie ADP, and dynasty rankings we’re your top source for dynasty information. Today, we’re digging into 5 running backs that you might want to stash for dynasty football heading into 2024.

One aspect, often overlooked in dynasty leagues, is bench stashes with the upside to become more. Often, these players are nothing more than lottery tickets.

However, if you can identify the correct players to target, you might end up finding a few gems. It can give you a huge edge in your leagues, and you can always turn around and deal them for profit. Running back is notoriously the most fragile position in football. When it comes to running backs, it’s never a bad idea to stash a few extra.

5 Running Backs To Stash In Dynasty Fantasy Football 2024

Here are five running backs to stash for the 2024 season and beyond.

Jaleel McLaughlin – RB Denver Broncos

If you’ve been following me this offseason, then you know where I stand on Jaleel McLaughlin. He flashed big-time upside in a part-time role in 2023. The underlying metrics on McLaughlin were outstanding. Pro Football Focus graded McLaughlin as their 16th-highest rusher in 2023. He also finished 7th in PFF’s signature Elusive Rating among all running backs.

The main issue with McLaughlin is his diminutive size. Listed at 5’7” and 187 lbs, he’s unlikely to ever shoulder a full workload. However, if he can add 10-15 lbs to his frame and not lose any quickness/burst, we could have a potential star on our hands. Javonte Williams underperformed last year. It’s not a stretch to suggest McLaughlin could have a bigger role. He provided some juice for an otherwise lackluster attack.

If he adds some size to his frame, McLaughlin could be the next breakout star. If doesn’t, he can easily hold PPR value in leagues and be a solid flex or RB2 play.

Ultimately, running backs in a Sean Payton offense have always held fantasy value. McLaughlin is a great end-of-bench stash with legitimate hopes he can be a viable PPR flex play with upside for more.

Michael Carter – RB Arizona Cardinals

While he enjoyed some success as a rookie in 2021, Michael Carter’s reign atop the Jets backfield did not last long. The Jets would trade up to select Breece Hall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he would take over the backfield.

Carter was eventually released by the Jets this past season and latched on with the Arizona Cardinals down the stretch. In limited action, he flashed the same play-making ability we saw back in 2021.

As things currently stand, Carter is the number two back on the roster. Should anything happen to starter James Conner, Carter would take over RB1 duties. Given Conner’s lengthy track record with injuries, this is a realistic outcome.

Carter’s been completely forgotten about in dynasty leagues. In my most recent startup draft, Carter went at pick 22.08. At this cost, you’re getting him for free.

Now look, there are some landmines we need to avoid. Arizona might look to add depth in free agency or the draft. But Carter is a great dart throw late in startup drafts. He’s still only 24 years old and has a realistic path to RB1 duties. He might be one of the top handcuffs come August.

Kendre Miller – RB New Orleans Saints

It was a tough rookie season for Kendre Miller. The third-round pick out of TCU missed time during the season due to knee, ankle, and hamstring injuries. He would be limited to just eight games. While he struggled to get on the field, Miller did briefly show why the Saints invested a third-round pick in him.

Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams are currently ahead of Miller on the depth chart. However, both turn 29 this year. They might start to slow down. If they do, Miller is in a position to capitalize.

With a perceived weak incoming running back draft class, it is unlikely New Orleans will add significant competition. Miller is lined up for a camp battle with Williams for the backup running back spot. Given Williams’ struggles last year, it’s a battle Miller can win. This would put him among the top handcuff options for 2024.

Realistically, Miller is just a Kamara injury away from fantasy relevance. He makes for a good throw-in target in trades. People may have soured on him after his extremely disappointing season. They might be looking to sell. The reality though is that Miller was always a long-term play when he was drafted by the Saints.

2024 is a make-or-break season. We are only a year removed from analysts ranking Miller as the RB3 in last year’s class. While his stats underwhelmed, Miller passed the eye test in limited action. He’s an intriguing stash candidate.

Zack Moss – RB Free Agent

Zack Moss enjoyed a career year in 2023. Filling in for Jonathan Taylor, Moss ran for a career-high 794 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. He ranked 23rd in our Consistency Score among all running backs. While that may not blow you away, it is impressive considering he played second fiddle to Taylor for half the season.

With Moss, we’re attempting to play on the weak incoming running back class. A team might see his play last year as a sign he can carry the workload and be a cheaper option compared to the bigger names available in free agency.

Of course, whenever we discuss Moss, we have to mention his annoying habit of missing games. Injuries have plagued him his whole career. 2023 was no different. He missed time with a broken arm and forearm injury. At this point, we just have to accept Moss is unlikely to hold up for a full 17 games.

Moss’ current value on KeepTradeCut is equivalent to a mid-2024 third-round pick. That feels a little pricey if I’m being honest. I’ve tried to acquire Moss as more of a throw-in during trades.

Dynasty Trade Example

Give: Amari Cooper, Gus Edwards

Get: Terry McLaurin, Zack Moss

My idea here was getting a tad younger at receiver while hopefully getting equal production. I sell off an older running back in Edwards (who I feel will be replaced) and gain a lottery ticket in Moss. I’m banking on Moss landing a starting role with a team this offseason.

I think this is a more prudent strategy than buying outright. However, if you think that a third-rounder is worth the risk, then go for it.

Finishing the season as the backup to Taylor, Moss is suddenly an afterthought in dynasty leagues. He could reemerge in 2024 in the right situation.

Dameon Pierce – RB Houston Texans

Okay. I know. Dameon Pierce stunk last year. He struggled to adapt to the Texans’ new zone running scheme, and he was eventually benched in favor of Devin Singletary.

Look. I don’t have anything to point to suggesting a Pierce 2024 bounceback. No data is suggesting he was better than his pathetic 2.9 yards per carry.

Simply put, the Texans’ offensive scheme is just a bad fit for him. I do think it is important to remember the success Pierce had as a rookie.

I still believe this is a talented player. It just seems like he’s stuck in a bad situation. The hope is that a running back-needy team, who feels he’s a better fit for their system, acquires him in a trade.

Like all the backs on this list, the incoming running back class is providing hope for Pierce. He’s another forgotten player in startups and you can acquire him super cheap in a trade.

While it’s possible Pierce will improve with another year in the system, I don’t think we should hold our breath. Houston has the seventh most cap space and is likely eyeing a significant upgrade in free agency. In the end, we shouldn’t bank on a Houston revival.

Pierce is a good player to take a flier on and hope he lands in a better situation in a year or two.

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About Dave Ventresca

If you like what you read follow me on Twitter @FF_Stallion.

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