Must-Have RBs: Jaleel McLaughlin, Jonathon Brooks, Zack Moss (Fantasy Football)

Running backs and wide receivers are arguably the most important positions to focus on when building a winning fantasy football roster. With that in mind, we asked some of our featured experts to look at some of the must-have RBs for the 2024 fantasy football season. Here are the players our experts are targeting in their drafts.

Looking for more fantasy football must-have RBs and WRs in your drafts? Check out the 18 Must-Have RBs & WRs article, with all of the breakdowns from our featured experts!

Must-Have RBs

Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)

“Jonathon Brooks is way too low in the consensus rankings. Reportedly, he expects to be ready for training camp after tearing his ACL at Texas. The former Longhorn averaged 6.1 rushing yards per attempt and 113.9 yards per game last season. Brooks had the 11th-most missed tackles forced (63) in 2023 despite missing the final four games with the injury (per PFF). Furthermore, he is also a threat in the receiving game, making him the perfect guy for Dave Canales’ offense. Last year, Canales made Rachaad White an RB1 despite averaging only 3.6 yards per rushing attempt. Brooks can have an even better year if he is ready for training camp.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Zack Moss (RB – CIN)

“Zack Moss is currently RB31 and 92nd overall despite being by all accounts the starting running back for the high-flying Cincinnati Bengals offense. Moss is certainly not the sexiest name, as he is a well-traveled journeyman at this point. When you add in the general level of pessimism around the Bengals’ offense after last season, it ends in a bonafide starting running back being available this late. He finished as RB29 last season despite being the starting running back for Indianapolis only while Jonathan Taylor was out. During his time as the starter, he had five games with more than 15 half-PPR fantasy points, including two over 20 points and one over 35 points. His only competition for touches at this point is Chase Brown, who is more of a complimentary piece than a workhorse.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)

“Zack Moss is built for this question as the current consensus RB31 in half-point PPR leagues. As the presumed 1A in a Cincinnati backfield that helped an inefficient Joe Mixon to an RB5 finish in 2023, Moss has the chance to finish as an RB1 this season. Although he’ll likely slot in as a mid-range RB2, he’s still an incredible value. Chase Brown struggled in pass protection last season, wasn’t any more efficient than Mixon, and only saw 15 targets all year. While I expect the 2nd-year back to get more run, this is Moss’s job to lose. Add to this the Bengals very friendly schedule and upgraded offensive line, and Moss is the back I want at cost. Grab him in the mid rounds as a weekly contributor with high-end upside.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB – NYG)

“Tyrone Tracy Jr. at 74 screams value. Yes, the team brought in Devin Singletary too. But Tracy was a former WR before transitioning to running back in 2023. This matters because it is possible he gets 3rd down work. Plus, it is possible if Singletary does not hold his weight that Tracy steps in without looking back. Last season, Singletary had a career-worst 4.16ypc. Tracy can add a new dimension to the Giants offense because of his strength and agile moves to elude any would-be tacklers.”
– Miguel ‘SC’ Romero (Fantasy Football Universe)

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN)

“I want the passing down back for the Denver Broncos. Right now, my money is on Jaleel McLaughlin to earn this role. Sean Payton is a pass-game whisperer for running backs. Since 2014, every Payton offense has finished inside the top four in the NFL in targets to the running back position. Last year Denver led the NFL in targets to running backs. This role will equal fantasy goodness, especially with a talented player like McLaughlin. Last year, he ranked fourth in yards after contact per attempt and yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). His ADP likely won’t venture high enough for me to stop drafting him. ”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

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Best Ball Draft Targets

Fantasy Draft Advice Featured Pros NFL Jonathon Brooks Rachaad White Zack Moss Jonathan Taylor Chase Brown Joe Mixon Tyrone Tracy Jr. Devin Singletary Jaleel McLaughlin