Running Back Breakouts: Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathon Brooks, Jerome Ford

As we gear up for the 2024 fantasy football season, identifying potential breakout stars and hidden gems is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. Our team of FeaturedPros analysts has compiled an exclusive list of running backs poised to make a significant impact this year. From explosive rookies to under-the-radar veterans, discover the RBs who could be game-changers for your fantasy roster.

Want to see more running back breakouts, according to the experts we asked? Check out our complete 24 Running Back Sleepers and Breakouts article.

Running Back Breakouts

Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)

“When talking about a running back who can give a large return on investment, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs comes to mind. As a rookie, he finished as the RB10, scoring a total of 216.1 fantasy points in half-PPR leagues. In the Lions offense, Gibbs ranked third in target share (14.1%) behind Amon-Ra St. Brown (30.2%) and Sam LaPorta (21.1%). As Gibbs enters his second year in the league, he will receive a more prominent role in the passing game as he has showcased his ability to accumulate yards after the catch during his rookie season. Expect a surge in receptions for the second-year running back, making him a viable option as your RB1 in half-PPR leagues.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

Jonathon Brooks (CAR)

“Jonathon Brooks is currently coming in at RB32 in the consensus rankings. Even an extremely inefficient Rachaad White was a top 8 RB in Canales’ offense last season. I love the additions to the offensive line, and he is going so late in the drafts that you won’t need him to start the season. Could be a league winner down the stretch and you are currently getting him in the 7th round in 1QB leagues, even later in Superflex.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)

“Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks is currently being taken as the RB31 in half-PPR despite being a great bet to return top-24 value this season. Brooks was the first back taken in the 2024 NFL Draft and has an excellent opportunity to earn a three-down role over incumbent starter Chubba Hubbard in Dave Canales’ RB-friendly offense. Canales most recently helped RB Rachaad White to an RB7 finish with the Buccaneers in 2023 with workhorse production that included 70 targets (seventh in the NFL). Brooks is a dual-threat back with strong receiving skills that will likely see him make an early impact in the passing game for the Panthers. Expect his ADP to climb throughout the summer.”
– Dan Larocca (RotoBaller)

Jerome Ford (CLE)

“Jerome Ford checks in at RB39 in ECR and is a steal at the value. Ford finished the 2923 season as RB19 after Nick Chubb was lost to a season-ending knee injury and showed just how talented he was given the opportunity. His ADP has plummeted this off-season with Chubb expected to make a full recovery. The problem with that is that Chubb is almost 29 years old, and running backs far younger than him have struggled to recover from an injury of this severity. One would think that the Cleveland Browns are well aware of the fact that they simply cannot put a heavy workload on the veteran’s shoulders without a serious risk of injury. Ford may not be the bell cow in this backfield, but his workload is going to be much larger than anyone in the fantasy space has been willing to admit. It is within the realm of possibilities that Chubb won’t be the same player ever let alone for the 2024 season. For this reason, I’m drafting Ford everywhere I can. He may not have Top-5 upside, but given his low price tag, he is a free flex-play with RB2 potential.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Football Universe)