Several factors go into making fantasy football rankings. However, the top item is predicting change. Everyone wants to talk about which players will have a breakout season or become fantasy superstars.
The best way running backs can have a career year is by earning an increased workload. Let’s look at nine running backs expected to see a rise in rushing attempts in 2024.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Running Backs Expected to See More Carries
Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
Robinson was the RB9, averaging 12.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as a rookie. However, he could have been significantly better if not for Arthur Smith. The former head coach gave the superstar only 28 more rushing attempts than Tyler Allgeier (1.7 per game). Yet, Robinson nearly averaged a yard more per rushing attempt. Thankfully, the new coaching staff wants the former Texas star as the focal point of the offense. Don’t be surprised if Robinson leads the NFL in touches this year.
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
Many have high hopes for Gibbs in his second season despite having to split the backfield with David Montgomery again. The explosive runner averaged 12.1 rushing attempts per game in 2023. He had eight or fewer in three of four games because suffering a hamstring injury. However, Gibbs had 11 or more rushing attempts in six of the final seven games, including 15 in two of the final three contests. His role on the ground should grow this upcoming season.
Zamir White (RB – LV)
The Raiders will have a new lead running back in 2024 after Josh Jacobs left in free agency. White averaged only 1.5 rushing attempts per game over the first 13 contests last year. Yet, the former Georgia star was outstanding filling in as the starter, averaging 21 rushing attempts and 14.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the final four contests. While Las Vegas added Alexander Mattison and Dylan Laube, White should be the featured back on a run-heavy offense.
Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
Pittsburgh has one of the top 1-2 punches at running back in the NFL. While Warren won’t replace Najee Harris as the leading rusher, expect him to see a significant increase in rushing attempts. He had 149 rushing attempts last season, nearly doubling his rookie year total. Yet, Warren had a 7.6% higher yards per rushing attempt despite the increased workload. More importantly, Arthur Smith loves to use multiple running backs. Harris and Warren could each have over 200 rushing attempts in 2024.
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
Fantasy players had their hearts broken when the Titans replaced Derrick Henry with Tony Pollard this offseason. Spears had only 100 rushing attempts as a rookie, averaging 5.9 per game. However, Henry led the NFL with 280 rushing attempts in 2023, and Pollard can’t handle that massive workload. More importantly, the coaching staff has repeatedly called Pollard and Spears interchangeable on the ground and in the passing game. Expect the former Tulane star to have a breakout season and potentially put the veteran on the bench.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
Brown is one of my favorite running backs to draft this year. The Bengals moved on from Joe Mixon, replacing him with Zack Moss. Last year, Mixon had 257 rushing attempts, accounting for 80.8% of the backfield total. While Moss had a solid season with the Indianapolis Colts, the veteran has struggled to stay healthy with a lead workload. More importantly, Brown was the more efficient running back last year. The former Illinois star will easily triple his rushing total from his rookie season.
Rico Dowdle (RB – DAL)
The Cowboys backfield underwent massive changes this offseason, losing Tony Pollard in free agency. They re-signed Ezekiel Elliott after he spent a year with the New England Patriots. While many expected them to draft Jonathon Brooks, Dallas didn’t select a running back at all. Elliott should be the starting running back, but his days as a fantasy star are long gone. While the veteran will be the starter, Dowdle could see 40-45% of the backfield rushing attempts.
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB – DEN)
There isn’t an NFL backfield more wide-open than the Broncos. However, McLaughlin is someone I will draft a ton of this summer. He averaged 5.4 yards per rushing attempt as a rookie, ranking second on the team in attempts behind Javonte Williams. More importantly, McLaughlin had the 12th-best explosive run rate (5.3%) among running backs with at least 75 rushing attempts last season (per Fantasy Points Data). He could push the lead role, especially if Williams gets traded.
Tank Bigsby (RB – JAX)
Some expected Bigsby to have an impressive rookie year and cut in Travis Etienne Jr.’s workload. Unfortunately, the former Auburn star severely struggled, losing two fumbles on only 50 rushing attempts. Furthermore, he averaged only 2.6 yards per rushing attempt last season. Yet, the second-year player likely has a bounce-back season with the Jaguars wanting to lighten Etienne’s workload. While he won’t have a massive workload, Bigsby should easily double his rushing attempt total from 2023.
Fantasy Football Draft Picks to Target
- Fitz’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
- Erickson’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Top Fantasy Football Draft Targets (Premium)
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
