Top 12 Running Back Rankings – 2024 Fantasy Football

Welcome to our definitive guide to the Top 12 Running Back Rankings for the 2024 Fantasy Football season. As the backbone of any successful fantasy team, running backs play a crucial role in racking up points and leading you to victory.

Top 12 Running Back Rankings for 2024 Fantasy Football

In this article, we delve into the stats, performance trends, and expert analysis to help you make informed decisions on draft day. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy football veteran or a newcomer looking to dominate your league, our rankings provide the insights you need to secure the best talent. Stay ahead of the competition and ensure your lineup is stacked with top-performing running backs for the 2024 season!

1.) Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers

2023 was another standout season for Christian McCaffrey. After totaling over 2,000 scrimmage yards and scoring 21 touchdowns, the veteran delivered fantasy managers his second career overall RB1 finish. McCaffrey turns 28 this year, and there is some talk the 49ers want to lighten his workload. However, it’s uncertain if that comes to fruition or how much it would affect his production. Don’t get cute here. McCaffrey is still the RB1. Draft him as such.

2.) Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons

Robinson was a disappointment relative to the expectations placed on him last year. He was consistently taken in the first round of drafts, but questionable usage by the Falcons coaching staff limited his production. Despite that, Robinson showed exactly why Atlanta selected him eighth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Bijan Robinson touchdown 🙌 pic.twitter.com/69Jxo3SfmB

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 26, 2023

Furthermore, Atlanta’s new coaching staff has made it clear they intend to make the second-year back the focal point of the offense. Needless to say, this is music to fantasy manager’s ears. Free from the reign of Arthur Smith, Robinson is set to break out fully. If you want an anchor RB and miss out on McCaffrey, fret not. Simply draft Robinson and call it a day.

3.) Breece Hall – New York Jets

Just a year removed from tearing his ACL as a rookie, Hall put together a strong sophomore season. The game-changing speed/explosiveness we saw during 2022 was still there, and Hall finished as the PPR RB2. Hall’s 2023 is even more impressive when you consider the dumpster fire of an offense he played in last year. If Hall can finish as the RB2 playing with Zach Wilson and Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) 27th-highest-graded run-blocking offensive line, then it’s salivating to think of what he can accomplish in a better situation.

Moreover, the Jets offense will improve with quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning from injury. The team also upgraded their offensive line by signing Tyron Smith in free agency and selecting tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu with the 11th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. All of this bodes well for Hall’s 2024 outlook. Ultimately, he can make a run at the RB1 crown as long as his role in the passing game remains unchanged.

4.) Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions

The 2023 12th overall pick enjoyed a fine rookie season and finished as the PPR RB10 in the process. Gibbs displayed big-play ability and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.

Unfortunately, David Montgomery isn’t completely going away. However, it was clear at the end of last season who was the better back. Expect Gibbs to see an increased workload in 2024 and finish among the top running backs.

5.) Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles

After spending the first six years of his career with the New York Giants, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. Barkley enters his age 27 season, but his play doesn’t seem to have declined. Among 49 backs with 100+ carries, Barkley finished a respectable 15th in Fantasy Points Data Suite’s Explosive Run % and Missed Tackles Forced (MTF).

Barkley now finds himself in the best situation of his career. Additionally, he’s surrounded by an abundance of offensive talent. Expect an efficient rushing season with plenty of touchdowns on the ground. Barkley’s role as a pass-catcher is ultimately what will determine his true fantasy ceiling in 2024.

6.) Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts

Taylor held out into the 2023 season as he angled for a contract extension. Ultimately, he was rewarded with a three-year, $42 million deal. Last year was not his best. He averaged a career-low 4.4 yards per carry, but it’s of little concern for 2024. Taylor is the Colts’ clear RB1, and he is primed for a bounce-back season.

Furthermore, Taylor’s rushing efficiency should see a boost playing alongside Anthony Richardson. However, he could see his rushing touchdowns take a hit as Richardson displayed a clear nose for the end zone as a rookie. Additionally, it is unclear what kind of volume Taylor sees as a pass-catcher since rushing quarterbacks typically don’t target running backs at a high rate.

All in all, these are fair concerns. However, Taylor should still finish 2024 among the top running backs. Ultimately, his ceiling might just be lower compared to what we’ve seen in the past.

7.) Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens

After the Tennessee Titans opted not to re-sign Henry, the eight-year veteran signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Ravens in free agency. He enters his age 30 season, and while that’s typically been a time to fade running backs, Henry appears to be an exception.

Last year, Henry’s advanced metrics were still solid as he finished 12th in Next Gen Stats Rush Yards Over Expected (RYOE) and 17th in RYOE/ATT. Fantasy managers should expect double-digit rushing touchdowns and an efficient rushing season from Henry in 2024. All in all, he is a safe RB1 selection for the 2024 season.

8.) Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs RB1 is coming off a career year, and he finished 2023 as the PPR RB15 despite playing in only 14 games. With pass-catching specialist Jerick McKinnon no longer on the roster, Pacheco enters 2024 as the clear lead back. It’s possible that 2023 was his floor, and we could be in store for greater things this season.

Playing in an elite offense with no real threat behind him for touches, Pacheco provides fantasy managers with a safe floor and can challenge for a top-five season if things break right.

9.) De’Von Achane – Miami Dolphins

Achane might just be the most efficient running back we’ve ever seen. His advanced metrics were off the charts. Among rushers with 90+ carries, He finished first in PFF’s Elusive Rating, first in PFF Breakaway Run %, first in Fantasy Points Data Suite’s Yards After Contact Per Touch (YAC/TO), and second in RYOE.

DEVON ACHANE 67 YARD TD RUN 💨

DOLPHINS LEAD THE BRONCOS 70-20

70 POINTS

pic.twitter.com/6lQXtsiTmT

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 24, 2023

There are many questions surrounding Achane regarding his health and playing time. These are certainly fair. However, his upside is undeniable. If he stays on the field, then he can easily return a top-five finish with room for more. Keep in mind, the Dolphins also drafted rookie running back Jaylen Wright as well, who might be a great stash in your dynasty leagues.

10.) Travis Etienne Jr. – Jacksonville Jaguars

2023 was not Etienne’s best season, but his final numbers were hindered by Jacksonville’s hideous offensive line play. Despite those issues, Etienne still managed to finish as the PPR RB3. There are rumors he will lose snaps to second-year running back, Tank Bigsby, and The coaching staff has expressed an interest in doing so. Based on Bigsby’s rookie year though, it’s hard to believe Jacksonville is considering this. All things considered, fantasy managers can safely invest in Etienne as an RB1.

11.) Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams was on another level in 2023. His 21.3 PPR points per game were second only to McCaffrey. 2024 is a new year though, and Williams’ role in the offense was thrown into question when the Rams selected rookie Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Ultimately, Williams’ 2024 is going to come down to Corum’s involvement. If the rookie stays on the bench, then Williams will finish as a top-five back. If Corum carves out a role or forces a timeshare, then Williams’ upside is limited.

12.) James Cook – Buffalo Bills

The Bills starting rusher enjoyed a very solid sophomore campaign. James Cook cracked 1,000 yards rushing and finished as the PPR RB12. Needless to say, he enjoyed a nice breakout campaign last year.

Cook taking the next step ultimately hinges on his ability to secure the goal line role and score more touchdowns. Quarterback Josh Allen has occupied this role for some time now, but you have to wonder how much longer Buffalo is going to expose their $258 million man to that kind of beating. If Cook can find a way to get more goal line carries, then he has top 5 upside. If not, his ceiling will remain around the RB1/RB2 border.

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