FantasyPros Staff | Tue, Aug 6th 2024, 1:21pm EDT

10 League-Winning Running Backs to Target in Drafts (2024 Fantasy Football)

Unlock your fantasy football championship potential with our exclusive guide on league-winning running backs to target in 2024. Our FeaturedPros analysts delve into the key RBs poised to make a significant impact this season. Whether you’re looking for breakout stars or reliable veterans, we’ve got the insights you need to dominate your league. Stay ahead of the competition with expert advice on drafting the right running backs for your roster.

League-Winning Running Backs to Target

What RB between RB6-20 in our consensus half-PPR RB ADP has the most league-winning upside?

Derrick Henry (BAL)

“This year’s RB Dead Zone has several repeat visitors, but one with a new home stands out — the king himself: Derrick Henry. Baltimore led the league in rushing attempts last season (541), with 232 of them coming from RBs who are no longer on the team; that’s a lot of opportunity for Henry and no real competition from anyone not named Lamar Jackson. Last year, he ranked 1st in rushing attempts, 2nd in rushing yards, 9th in explosive run rate, and 11th in yards after contact per attempt while also seeing work in the passing game. Couple all that with a team that leans heavily on the run game, the 13th easiest projected RB strength of schedule, and a weekly dedicated defensive spy on Lamar, and you get the perfect ingredients for a monster season from the King.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

“For me, it’s Derrick Henry. Henry has been a force in fantasy before, and he could be once again. Teaming up with arguably the most elusive QB in the NFL (Lamar Jackson) will force defenses to pick their poison, which will widen the running lanes for Henry to run through. Even though he’s thirty, let’s not forget Henry was used less often during his first few years, deferring to starting RB DeMarco Murray. In addition, Henry wasn’t used much in college at Alabama, so he has more tread on his tires than the typical thirty year old RB. As long as Lamar Jackson stays healthy and the defense plays well, King Henry could return to fantasy royalty in 2024. However, when it comes to terrible jokes, there is only one king. All bow for His Royal Highness, King Ringo, haha!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Kyren Williams (LAR)

“Sean McVay loves to run the ball, and he loves to do so with a bellcow running back! Currently, that play is Kyren Williams! All he did last year was rush for 1,144 yards and 12 TDs (adding 32/206/3 receiving) in only 12 games! McVay trusts Williams, and the drafting of Blake Corum is nothing more than insurance. If Williams plays every game this year, he has the chance to lead fantasy owners to the promised land!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Isiah Pacheco (KC)

“It has to be Isiah Pacheco. Andy Reid breeds RB1s, and the Chiefs will remain one of the best teams in the league in 2024. Although not the most “talented” back on this list, Pacheco will have many scoring opportunities and also has little competition for touches in the Chiefs backfield. This is a no-brainer.”
– Fantasy Football Goonz (Fantasy Football Goonz)

Aaron Jones (MIN)

“It would not surprise me if Aaron Jones is a top-10 RB this year. Minnesota is a high-powered offense that has a loaded receiving core with Jefferson, Addison, and eventually Hockenson. However, Darnold and McCarthy are downgraded from Cousins, so McConnell is going to rely on the rushing game a little more. With not much competition behind him, Aaron Jones is going to have plenty of opportunity in this offense. At his current ADP, getting a potential RB1 in the sixth round could be a league-winning decision.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)

What RB outside the top 20 in our consensus half-PPR RB ADP has the most league-winning upside?

Devin Singletary (NYG)

“Nick Chubb is the easy button in this range, so allow me to draw your eyes to a starting RB with no competition and inheriting ~300 vacated opportunities: Devin Singletary. He’s not sexy, but he did show some flashes of useability last year (over his final nine games (all starts), he averaged 17.1 carries for 76.6 yards and 2.3 receptions for 16.8 yards with eight total touchdowns). All the RBs in the same range as his ADP or later are either RB2+ for their team, handcuffs, or in an RBBC situation, so the opportunity cost is unmatched. He’s the perfect RB2 in Hero RB builds, Flex RB, or bye-week replacement, and could easily outperform half the RBs taken before him. ”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

MarShawn Lloyd (GB)

“When I watch MarShawn Lloyd’s highlights, he jumps off the screen. Believe you me (a little Wisconsin slang for ya), Lloyd displays incredible burst, along with a stout build (5′ 9″, 220 lbs.), which is a great recipe for a future bell cow RB. And unlike many rookies, Lloyd’s pass protection skills should be good enough to get him on the field sooner rather than later. Remember, if anything happens to Josh Jacobs (such as a setback with his soft tissue injury), it’s Lloyd, not A.J. Dillon, who would be the main beneficiary (note- it sounds like the Packers want to use Dillon as a H-back/fullback lead blocker for whoever is running the ball). The main concern with MarShawn is ball security. Lloyd had a propensity for fumbles in college. He’ll have to fix that for this pick to pan out. If he can, MarShawn Lloyd has the talent to be a difference maker on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field and, more importantly, in Ringo’s sleeper articles, haha!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Javonte Williams (DEN)

“Javonte Williams is an afterthought in many leagues, but he is primed to be a player who could win fantasy leagues if owners take advantage of his RB33 ADP. Last year, he was coming off of a devastating knee injury (tearing his ACL, LCL, and posterolateral corner), still managing to play in 16 games, underwhelming fantasy owners with 774 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns rushing. Generally, it takes 2 years for running backs to come back from these injuries completely, making this year the year he fully bounces back. He has started well, showing up to camp lighter and in better shape, leading to coach Sean Payton saying he looks like a “completely different player” compared to last year. Payton made stars out of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in New Orleans and Javonte Williams will be the next running back that he coaches to fantasy stardom!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Austin Ekeler (WAS)

“Austin Ekeler is going to prove to be the biggest steal in 2024. Don’t forget Ekeler was a stud first-round pick prior to his disappointing 2023 season. His move to Washington is being priced in as a huge downside, but the Commanders’ offense looks to be vastly underrated especially with Jayden Daniels under center. Ekeler also reunites with Anthony Lynn, who has already coached Ekeler to an RB1 season. Take the value here; you will not regret it.”
– Fantasy Football Goonz (Fantasy Football Goonz)

Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS)

“I’m still not exactly sure how the Commanders’ backfield is going to play out, but I believe Brian Robinson, Jr. is the best back despite Washington signing Ekeler this offseason. Ekeler did not look like his younger self last year, and Robinson was efficient last year with the opportunities he had. With a new coaching staff and a competent QB with Daniels, Robinson is going to have a significant role this season. Even if Robinson ends up as only an RB2 this year, that is much better than his current ADP as RB34.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)

NFL

MLB

NBA

NHL