There’s value to be had at running back across your entire fantasy draft in 2024. Let’s take an early look at some of my must-have running backs.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
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Must-Have Running Backs
Early-Round RB Targets
*Note: I’m excluding the top three backs because your ability to draft them is 100% dependent on your draft position.
Imagine playing just 12 games and finishing as the overall RB7. Now, imagine said running back having a current ranking of RB6 in FantasyPros’ expert consensus ranking (ECR). Kyren Williams averaged 21.3 fantasy points per game in PPR behind only Christian McCaffrey. Despite his astounding rise to the upper echelon of running backs, he’s still a second-round pick and will likely remain in that position throughout the offseason.
Fantasy managers’ skepticism around Williams is understandable. Cam Akers has twice burned us and the Rams’ lack of loyalty around the position makes Williams a risky pick. Williams still needs to make it through the draft unscathed but the Rams are unlikely to spend significant capital on a running back. Health is always a concern with smaller running backs but Williams’ role is secure for 2024. If he plays the majority of the season, expect a top-five production repeat.
Josh Jacobs is primed for a bounce-back season. After finishing as the overall RB3 in 2022, Jacobs had a career-low finish of RB28 with lows in rushing yards, yards per carry and touchdowns. The downturn in production was painful but not shocking. In 2022, Jacobs had 340 total carries. Running backs who see that type of workload often have underwhelming performances the next season due to injuries or inefficiencies. It’s easy to write them off but Jacobs is still in the prime of his career and got a significant upgrade in team situation. With the Packers, Jacobs retains his lead-back role and finds himself on a team with a strong offense that will yield ample goal-line opportunities and receiving work.
Mid-Round RB Target
There’s little mystery as to why Raheem Mostert is a must-have running back in 2024. With De’Von Achane shooting up draft boards as a top-10 back, Mostert once again falls to the middle rounds as a strong value pick. Despite Achane’s emergence, Mostert remained a top back throughout the entire 2023 season. Achane should continue to assert himself within Miami’s offense, but Mostert will retain a committee role in an offense that can legitimately produce two top-12 backs weekly, and he comes at an RB3 value.
More Fantasy Football Draft Advice
- Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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