X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Football Running Backs Best Ball Rankings for 2024 (Tiers 4-8)

Tyjae Spears - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

We are now rapidly approaching the process of free agency, which will soon provide pathways for some running backs to seize significant roles in their new landing spots. Josh JacobsSaquon BarkleyDerrick HenryTony PollardAustin Ekeler, and D'Andre Swift are among the collection of backs who could resurface in new environments. The player movement that will eventually transpire will also negatively impact the stock of other backs whose workloads will be diminished within their backfield rotations.

Participation in the best ball draft process has also intensified, which provides fantasy football managers with the opportunity to construct rosters that will not require additional management following the conclusion of each draft. This makes it essential to assemble rosters that can withstand injuries, insufficient production, and other challenges without the benefit of a waiver wire.

The team at RotoBaller is providing tiered rankings and detailed analysis to help you navigate the draft process in this format, and every alteration within the fantasy landscape will be infused into the best ball rankings throughout the offseason. That includes this article, which will focus on running backs that are contained in Tiers 4-8. We will continually update our rankings in every format and you can find the latest rankings for Tiers 1-3 here.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Running Back Best Ball Rankings

Position Rank Position Tier Player Name Overall Rank  Overall Tier
1 1 Christian McCaffrey 3 1
2 1 Breece Hall 7 1
3 1 Bijan Robinson 9 1
4 1 Jahmyr Gibbs 10 2
5 1 Kyren Williams 11 2
6 2 Jonathan Taylor 13 2
7 2 De'Von Achane 16 2
8 2 Travis Etienne Jr. 18 2
9 2 Saquon Barkley 24 3
10 3 Kenneth Walker III 26 3
11 3 Rachaad White 31 4
12 3 James Cook 38 4
13 3 Isiah Pacheco 44 4
14 4 Rhamondre Stevenson 50 5
15 4 Josh Jacobs 51 5
16 4 Alvin Kamara 54 5
17 4 Joe Mixon 55 5
18 4 David Montgomery 58 6
19 4 Tyjae Spears 60 6
20 5 Nick Chubb 65 6
21 5 Tony Pollard 66 6
22 5 Aaron Jones 68 6
23 5 D'Andre Swift 70 6
24 5 Derrick Henry 71 6
25 5 Javonte Williams 72 6
26 5 James Conner 74 7
27 5 Jaylen Warren 77 7
28 5 Najee Harris 79 7
29 6 Jerome Ford 84 7
30 6 Raheem Mostert 86 7
31 6 Austin Ekeler 90 8
32 6 Brian Robinson Jr. 91 8
33 6 Chase Brown 97 8
34 6 Khalil Herbert 98 8
35 6 Chuba Hubbard 99 8
36 6 Devin Singletary 103 9
37 6 Zach Charbonnet 107 9
38 6 Ty Chandler 109 9
39 6 Roschon Johnson 115 10
40 7 Braelon Allen 118 10
41 7 Tyler Allgeier 125 10
42 7 Kendre Miller 127 10
43 7 Zack Moss 129 10
44 7 Jonathon Brooks 132 11
45 7 Blake Corum 138 11
46 8 Ezekiel Elliott 141 11
47 8 J.K. Dobbins 142 11
48 8 Alexander Mattison 143 11
49 8 Antonio Gibson 147 11
50 8 Zamir White 148 12
51 8 Miles Sanders 154 12
52 8 AJ Dillon 156 12
53 9 Gus Edwards 157 12
54 9 Keaton Mitchell 161 13
55 9 Jerick McKinnon 162 13
56 9 Dameon Pierce 165 13
57 9 Jaleel McLaughlin 167 13
58 9 Kenneth Gainwell 173 13
59 9 Kareem Hunt 181 14
60 9 Elijah Mitchell 187 14
61 10 D'Onta Foreman 192 14
62 10 Audric Estime 201 14
63 10 Samaje Perine 204 15
64 10 Justice Hill 208 15
65 10 Israel Abanikanda 210 15
66 10 Jamaal Williams 211 15
67 10 Rico Dowdle 214 15
68 10 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 217 15
69 10 Damien Harris 220 15
70 11 Trey Benson 222 16
71 11 D'Ernest Johnson 224 16
72 11 Jeff Wilson Jr. 240 16
73 11 Michael Carter 245 16
74 11 Dalvin Cook 249 17
75 11 Emari Demercado 250 17
76 11 Ray Davis 253 17
77 11 Tank Bigsby 258 17
78 11 Bucky Irving 259 17
79 11 Cordarrelle Patterson 260 17
80 11 Chase Edmonds 262 18
81 12 Jordan Mason 267 18
82 12 Ronnie Rivers 268 18
83 12 Chris Rodriguez Jr. 277 18
84 12 Evan Hull 279 18
85 12 Marshawn Lloyd 281 18
86 12 Latavius Murray 282 18
87 12 Pierre Strong Jr. 287 18
88 12 Boston Scott 295 18
89 13 Craig Reynolds 297 18
90 13 Royce Freeman 298 18
91 13 Ameer Abdullah 303 19
92 13 Sean Tucker 304 19
93 13 Kenny McIntosh 307 19
94 13 Joshua Kelley 308 19
95 13 Zach Evans 311 19
96 13 Will Shipley 314 19
97 13 Jaylen Wright 315 19

 

Tier 4

Rhamondre StevensonJosh Jacobs, Alvin KamaraJoe MixonDavid Montgomery, Tyjae Spears 

Rhamondre Stevenson was drafted as a low-end RB1 during the 2023 draft season (ADP 31/RB11). This was justifiable after he vaulted to 11th in points-per-game scoring (14.7) in 2022. He was also 12th in rushing yardage (1,040/61.2 per game/5.0 per attempt) and ninth in yards after contact per attempt (2.1) while finishing among the top five in targets (89/5.2 per game), receptions (69/4.1 per game), and targets per route run (28.3%).

Rushing Yards/Att Yards/Gm YBC/Att 20+
2022 5 61.2 2.9 7
2023 4 51.6 1.9 1

 

Receiving  Targ/Gm Rec/Gm Yards/Gm YPRR
2022 5.2 4.1 24.8 1.34
2023 4.3 3.2 19.8 0.95


Stevenson was also 16th in rushing attempts from Weeks 1-12 (147/13.0 per game) last season
before being sidelined with an ankle injury from Weeks 14-18. Stevenson's five-game absence impeded him from replicating the overall numbers that he had attained in 2022. His averages also declined in rushing yards (51.6), targets (4.3), receptions (3.2), and receiving yards per game (19.8).

However, Stevenson remains positioned to operate with a sizable workload if the Patriots do not add significant competition for touches during free agency or the NFL Draft. He is also capable of functioning as an RB2 for fantasy managers if that scenario transpires. 

Josh Jacobs has emerged among the most intriguing free agents due to his history of accumulating yardage and fantasy points. Jacobs finished third among all backs with 1,072 rushing attempts (17.9 per game) and 40 rushing touchdowns from 2019-2022 while rising to fourth with 4,740 rushing yards (79 per game). That includes his career-best numbers during 2022 when Jacobs led the league in rushing yards (1,653/97.2 per game) and yards after contact (821).

Jacobs entered Week 14 with a league-high 220 carries (18.3 per game) last season and was sixth with 771 rushing yards (64.3 per game). However, he was affixed to the sideline from Weeks 15-18 after sustaining a quad injury.

The prospects of Jacobs re-signing with Las Vegas have increased following the decision to retain Antonio Pierce as the Raiders’ head coach. His unsettled situation leaves him available until Round 5 (53/RB16). However, any favorable resolution of his current situation will ignite a rise in his ADP.

Alvin Kamara did not make his season debut until Week 4 in 2023, due to his three-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. However, he soared to third among backs with an average of 17.9 points per game from Weeks 4-17. Kamara also rose to second with 86 targets (6.6 per game).

Kamara also paced all backs in targets per route run (31.4%) and receptions (75/5.8 per game), was third in yards after catch, (465) and finished fourth in receiving yards (466/35.8 per game). He also tied for 12th in rushing attempts (180/13.8 per game). However, he only averaged 3.9 yards per attempt, which was the second-lowest average of his career.

He would retain a sizable workload under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak if he remains with New Orleans, although the Saints are contending with significant cap issues. This has elevated Kamara among the league’s potential cut candidates. His unresolved situation also creates risk in targeting him at his current ADP (50/RB15).

Joe Mixon’s ADP placed him in Round 3 during the 2023 draft season (29/RB10), which was the first time that his draft position had dropped below Round 2 since his 2017 rookie season. However, Mixon played in a career-high 17 games, while ascending to sixth with 728 snaps (69.5%), rising to fifth in rushing attempts (257/15.1 per game), and finishing eighth in rushing yards (1,034/60.8 per game).

He was also sixth in routes run (376), ninth in receptions (52/3.1 per game), 12th in receiving yards (376/22.1 per game), and 13th in targets (64/3.8 per game), while rising to 11th with an average of 15.7 points per game. Mixon was also eighth in carries (96/16 per game) and ninth in rushing yards (413/68.8 per game) from Weeks 13-18 (413 yards/70.8 per game), which coincided with Chase Brown’s  emergence within Cincinnati’s backfield rotation.

Mixon’s contract was restructured in 2023, although his status for 2024 is still unclear. He is no longer an unquestioned RB1 for fantasy managers, but is worthy of selection at his Round 6 ADP if he remains with the Bengals. 

David Montgomery signed a three-year contract with Detroit during the 2023 offseason, which appeared to position him for lead back duties with the Lions. The configuration of Detroit’s backfield was quickly altered when Detroit seized Jahmyr Gibbs during the NFL Draft. However, both backs maintained critical roles within the offense even though they shared opportunities throughout the year.

Montgomery rose to ninth in rushing yards (1,015), while securing career-best averages in yards per game (72.5) and yards per attempt (4.6). He also finished fifth in yards after contact per attempt (2.3) and vaulted to fifth with a career-best 53 red zone carries. He also accumulated a career-high 13 touchdowns, while finishing 15th with an average of 14.8 points per game.

Gibbs has ascended into RB1 territory for fantasy managers. However, that will not prevent Montgomery from functioning as an RB2.

Tyjae Spears’ enticing blend of speed and explosiveness fuel his big-play capabilities. Those attributes also provided his path to a sizable role as Tennessee’s RB2 during his promising rookie season.

Spears secured a 52.4% snap share while eclipsing 50% during 12 of his matchups. Derrick Henry’s probable extraction from the Titans’ depth chart now positions Spears to seize a larger workload this season.

Weeks 13-18 Targets Targ/Gm  Targ%
Breece Hall 46 7.7 21.5
Ezekiel Elliott 39 6.5 23.8
Bijan Robinson 37 6.2 20.6
Tyjae Spears 30 5 17.6
Austin Ekeler 30 5 13.5
Jaylen Warren 29 4.8 19
De'Von Achane 25 4.2 13.7
Travis Etienne 25 4.2 10.5
Alvin Kamara 25 5 16.2
Christian McCaffrey 25 5 16.8

 

Weeks 13-18 Rec Yards Yards/Gm YAC
Breece Hall 271 45.2 297
Bijan Robinson 247 41.2 267
Tyjae Spears 206 34.3 234
Ezekiel Elliott 199 33.2 235
Rachaad White 185 30.8 191
Christian McCaffrey 175 35 120
Travis Etienne 164 27.3 185
Jerome Ford 156 26 152
Clyde Edwards-Helaire 152 30.4 174
Austin Ekeler 150 25 211

Spears also averaged 4.5 yards per attempt as a rusher, vaulted to ninth in targets (70/4.1 per game) and receptions (52/3.1 per game), and forced 27 missed tackles on his receptions, according to PFF.

Spears was also third in receiving yards (206/34.3 per game) from Weeks 13-18, while finishing fourth in targets (30/5.0 per game) and fifth in receptions (23/3.8 per game).

Spears provides the Titans with a dynamic playmaker that will be desperately needed in their attack. That elevates him among your most viable options in Round 5 of upcoming drafts.

 

Tier 5

Nick Chubb, Tony PollardAaron Jones, D'Andre SwiftDerrick HenryJavonte WilliamsJames ConnerJaylen Warren, Najee Harris 

Nick Chubb exceeded 100 yards for the 30th time in his career during Cleveland’s season opener in 2023. Unfortunately, he only played on 18 snaps in Week 2 before sustaining his season-ending knee injury.

That precluded Chubb from building upon the impressive numbers that he had assembled from 2019-2022. This includes his 5,345 rushing yards (90.6 per game), which was second only to Derrick Henry. He also averaged a league-high 5.3 yards per attempt and finished among the top three in yards after contact three times during that span.

The timeline for Chubb’s recovery is unclear, and he might remain sidelined at the onset of the regular season. The Browns are also contending with cap issues and could either restructure Chubb’s contract or release him. Chubb’s Round 8 ADP might change significantly depending on how this situation unfolds during the upcoming weeks.

Tony Pollard averaged 5.1 yards per attempt from 2019-2022 and finished ninth with an average of 15.6 points per game in 2022. His effectiveness while operating in a rotation with Ezekiel Elliott fueled surging expectations surrounding his potential to generate massive numbers if he secured a larger workload.

Rushing  Att/Gm Yards/Gm Yards/Att YAC/Att
2022 12.1 62.9 5.2 2.6
2023 14.8 59.1 4 2

 

Receiving Rec/Gm Yards/Gm TPRR YPRR
2022 2.4 23.2 24.7 1.7
2023 3.2 18.3 19 0.85

That scenario developed in 2023 when the Cowboys released Elliott, but Pollard did not deliver the same level of explosiveness that had been displayed before Elliott’s departure.

He accumulated a career-high 252 carries (14.8 per game), but only averaged 4.0 yards per attempt. Pollard also averaged 2.0 yards after contact per attempt after attaining a league-high average of 2.6 during 2022.

Pollard's ADP has plummeted to Round 6 (70/RB21). However, the degeneration of his numbers could be a byproduct of the broken left leg and sprained ankle that he sustained in January 2023. This creates an opportunity for anyone who believes that he will perform with greater proficiency, whether he remains with Dallas or is infused into a new environment.

Multiple injuries (hamstring/knee) kept Aaron Jones on the sideline during six different matchups in 2023. His numbers from Weeks 1-14 were uninspiring, as he was limited to 245 rushing yards (35 per game) and 66 attempts (9.4 per game).

Weeks 16-18 Yards Yards/Gm 100+ Attempts Att/Gm
Aaron Jones 358 119.3 3 63 21
Breece Hall 357 119 1 70 23.3
Zamir White 328 109.3 2 67 22.3
Jonathan Taylor 327 109 1 69 23
James Conner 323 107.7 2 65 21.7
Najee Harris 312 104 2 72 24
Derrick Henry 283 94.3 1 50 16.7
Khalil Herbert 264 88 2 50 16,7
Joe Mixon 219 73 1 46 15.3
Kyren Williams 191 95.5 1 42 14

However, Jones operated with an average of 21 attempts per game from Weeks 16-18 and erupted for a league-high 358 rushing yards (119.3 per game).

That includes his usage and output in Weeks 16-17 (41 attempts/20.5 per game), (247 yards/123.5 per game), which rewarded managers for their perseverance during his production-inhibiting injuries.

Jones turned 29 in December and is entering the final year of his contract. However, A.J. Dillon is a free agent, and Jones’ late-season statistical surge supplies your incentive for targeting him during Round 6 of your drafts.

Detroit jettisoned D'Andre Swift to Philadelphia during the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft, which propelled him into lead back duties with the Eagles. That provided Swift with the opportunity to improve upon the underwhelming numbers that he had assembled with the Lions in 2022 -- (41.3% snap share/7.1 attempts per game/38.7 yards per game/173 yards after contact).

Swift finished 12th with a career-high 229 rushing attempts (14.3 per game) with the Eagles while vaulting to fifth in rushing yards (1,049/65.6 per game) and eighth in yards before contact per attempt (2.8).

He also averaged 3.1 targets/2.4 receptions/13.4 receiving yards per game, which were also below his averages from 2020-2022 (5.1 targets/3.9 receptions/30.0 yards per game). Swift is an unrestricted free agent, and his Round 8 ADP will rise if he is placed in a position to thrive this season.

Derrick Henry stockpiled more rushing yards (7,209/100.1 per game), attempts (1,529/21.2 per game), and rushing touchdowns (68) than any other back from 2019-2023.

That includes Henry’s numbers last season, when he paced the league in carries (280/16.6 per game), finished second in yardage (1,167/68.6 per game), and rose to third in yards after contact (601). He also generated 12 touchdowns and finished 16th with an average of 14.5 points per game.

Henry turned 30 in January, and his impressive tenure as the cornerstone of Tennessee’s offense appears to have reached a conclusion. However, his ability to function as an effective resource for fantasy managers should remain intact. Henry could also exceed the expectations of his Round 5 ADP (49/RB14) if he secures an extensive workload in his new landing spot.

Javonte Williams will enter his fourth season having failed to match the yardage total (903/53.1 per game) or the 12.1 points per game average that he attained during his 2021 rookie season.

Williams did remain in the lineup during 16 matchups last season while accumulating a career-high 217 rushing attempts (13.6 per game). However, he also registered career lows in yards per attempt (3.6), yards per game (48.4), and yards after contact per attempt (1.7). Williams also trailed  Samaje Perine in routes run, receptions, and receiving yards, while Jaleel McLaughlin's explosiveness could propel the second-year back into an expanded role.

Williams will not turn 24 until April, but the potential for Sean Payton to allocate touches to multiple backs should deter you from selecting him before his Round 8 ADP (86/RB25).

James Conner rose to 13th with an average of 15.5 points per game from Weeks 1-18 while he soared to a league-best 23.9 per game from Weeks 13-18. Conner was sidelined from Weeks 6-9 with a knee injury while finishing 21st in rushing attempts (208/16.0 per game).

However, he still rose to sixth with a career-high 1,040 yards despite his four-game absence. Conner was also third with a career-best average of 80 yards per game while finishing fourth in yards before contact per attempt (2.8) and sixth in yards after contact per attempt (2.2).

Conner also accumulated a league-high 404 yards after contact from Weeks 13-18, while rising to third in rushing yards (514/102.8 per game) and touchdowns (five). He will turn 29 in May and is entering a contract year. However, his performance during 2023 should keep him atop the Cardinals’ depth chart.

The Steelers’ allocation of touches to Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris has impeded both backs from accruing the numbers that they would deliver if either member of the tandem was operating without the restraints of a timeshare.

However, Warren’s efficiency as a rusher and his role as Pittsburgh’s pass-catching presence from the backfield has enabled him to perform effectively with his allotted workload. Warren generated 784 yards (46.1 per game) with his 149 attempts (8.8 per game), secured the league’s second-highest average in yards per attempt (5.3), and tied for third in yards after contact per attempt (2.4).

Warren also tied for fifth in targets (74/4.4 per game) and receptions (61/3.6 per game), and finished sixth in yards after catch (486). The arrival of Arthur Smith as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator should keep Warren involved in the restructured offense and his versatility elevates him among your most viable options in Round 8 (96/RB31).

Pittsburgh’s deployment of Warren and Najee Harris (11.5) propelled the duo to averages above 11 points per game (Warren-11.6), (Harris-11.5) -- even though the ongoing constraints that were inherent with the Steelers’ backfield rotation prevented either back from functioning as the team’s unquestioned RB1.

Weeks 1-18 YAC YAC/Att Yard/Gm
Najee Harris 618 2.4 60.9
Christian McCaffrey 606 2.2 91.2
Derrick Henry 601 2.1 68.6
Tony Pollard 510 2 59.1
David Montgomery 504 2.3 72.5
Breece Hall 494 2.2 58.5
Saquon Barkley 482 2 68.7
James Cook 482 2 66
Raheem Mostert 465 2.2 67.5
Kyren Williams 459 2 95.3
James Conner 459 2.2 80

 

Weeks 12-18 Inside 20 Inside 10 Inside 5
Najee Harris 32 14 8
Kyren Williams 31 20 10
Joe Mixon 31 22 13
James Conner 23 11 8
Tony Pollard 22 8 4
Raheem Mostert 22 18 11
Aaron Jones 21 5 5
Christian McCaffrey 20 13 8
Jahmyr Gibbs 20 8 6
Kareem Hunt 20 9 6

Harris finished 19th with 548 snaps (53.3%), although he ascended to sixth with 255 attempts (15.0 per game). He also finished seventh in rushing yards (1,035/60.9 per game), while accumulating a league-high 618 yards after contact. Harris also led all backs with 32 carries inside the red zone from Weeks 12-18, and should sustain his workload with Smith concocting the Steelers' offense.

 

Tier 6

Jerome FordRaheem MostertAustin EkelerBrian Robinson Jr. Chase BrownKhalil HerbertChuba HubbardDevin SingletaryZach Charbonnet, Ty Chandler, Roschon Johnson 

Jerome Ford is currently positioned to operate as Cleveland’s RB1 if Nick Chubb’s aforementioned knee injury prevents him from resurfacing in Week 1. Ford operated with a sizable workload during Chubb's absence in 2023, while finishing 12th in snaps (553/52.1% share) from Weeks 2-17. Ford also led the Browns in rushing attempts (186/12.4 per game) and rushing yards (771/47.9 per game) during those matchups.

Ford was also fifth in broken tackles (26), 21st in yards after contact (367), and finished among the top 15 in routes run (319), targets (63/3.7 per game), and receiving yards (319/20.1 per game). He is currently being drafted as a low-end RB3 (116/RB36) but will surpass those expectations if Chubb does not reemerge during the Browns' early-season matchups.

Raheem Mostert finished fourth with an average of 17.8 points per game during 2023, while generating a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns. He also rose to 10th in rushing yardage (1,012/67.5 per game) and ninth in yards after contact (465).

It will be difficult for Mostert to match the career numbers that he assembled last season, as he will turn 32 in April, and De'Von Achane could exceed last year’s average of 11.9 touches per game. That should compel you to avoid selecting him at his Round 8 ADP (88/RB26).

Austin Ekeler led all running backs in targets (394/6.7 per game), receptions (323/5.5 per game), receiving yards (2,769/46.9 per game), and receiving touchdowns (23) from 2019-2022, while also accumulating 2,913 rushing yards (49.4 per game) and 29 rushing touchdowns.

However, Ekeler failed to match those numbers during 2023. He averaged 5.3 targets/31.1 yards/3.6 receptions per game and generated just one receiving touchdown. He was also 36th overall with 628 rushing yards (44.9 per game) and registered five touchdowns after stockpiling 25 in 2021-2022. Ekeler will turn 29 in May and will reemerge in a new environment. It is unlikely that his numbers will approach the results that he attained during his most productive seasons.

Brian Robinson Jr. sustained a hamstring injury in Week 13 and only registered 46 snaps during Washington’s remaining contests. However, the numbers that he attained from Weeks 1-12 propelled him to 16th with an average of 14.2 points per game. He also tied for 14th in snaps (418/52.4% share) and was 12th in carries (153/12.8 per game), 17th in rushing yards (611/50.1 per game), and 10th in yards after contact (425).

Robinson is currently primed to sustain his role as the Commanders’ lead back, although the offseason transformation of Washington’s coaching staff could fuel modifications within the team’s depth chart.

Chase Brown was limited to eight snaps, five touches, and 13 total yards from Weeks 1-12. However, he accumulated 28 snaps, 20 touches, and 166 total yards in Weeks 13-14. He also averaged 5.1 yards per attempt, while finishing in 12th in yards after contact (73) and generating a 54-yard touchdown reception.

Brown also generated 173 rushing yards (28.8 per game) on 42 attempts (7.0 per game) from Weeks 13-18, while infusing an additional level of explosiveness into Cincinnati’s backfield. Brown's role would expand if Joe Mixon is not retained by Cincinnati. Brown would also emerge as an enticing handcuff if Mixon returns.

Khalil Herbert's usage and output fluctuated throughout the 2023 regular season, due to the inconsistent distribution of touches within the Bears backfield. Herbert operated as Chicago’s lead back from Weeks 1-5, while averaging 10.2 attempts/54.4 rushing yards per game. Herbert was inactive from Weeks 6-10 (ankle), but reemerged to pace the Bears in carries (81/11.6 per game) and yardage (339/48.4 per game) from Weeks 11-18.

Chicago’s backfield rotation remains challenging to forecast as Herbert enters the final year of his rookie contract. However, he is worthy of consideration at his Round 11 ADP (131/RB42).

Chuba Hubbard seized lead-back duties in Carolina during Week 5 after that role had initially been entrusted to Miles Sanders. Hubbard also secured career highs in attempts (238/14.0 per game), rushing yards (902/53.1 per game), red zone carries (36), and yards after contact (426), while surpassing his previous bests in routes run (293), targets (44/2.6 per game), receptions (39/2.3 per game), and receiving yards (233/13.7 per game).

Hubbard’s role within Carolina’s backfield will be dependent upon the modifications that are made to the Panthers’ depth chart under new head coach Dave Canales.

Devin Singletary leapfrogged the inefficient Dameon Pierce (2.9 yards per attempt) to seize Houston’s lead-back responsibilities during the regular season. That propelled him to career highs in rushing attempts (216/12.7 per game), rushing yards (898/52.8 per game), and yards before contact (550).

Singletary also finished fourth in snaps (436/68.9%) and rushing attempts (167/16.7 per game) from Weeks 9-18, while vaulting to third with 715 rushing yards (71.5 per game). Singletary is a free agent, and his status should be monitored during the upcoming weeks. However, he can currently be targeted at his Round 11 ADP (127/RB41).

Zach Charbonnet was the third running back to be selected during the 2023 NFL Draft and entered the league with the ability to function effectively as a three-down back. He secured a 48.5% snap share and averaged 8.9 touches/31 total yards per game from Weeks 1-18 while tying for 19th in yards after contact per attempt (1.9).

Charbonnet also averaged 19.7 touches, 75.3 total yards, and 13.2 points per game from Weeks 11-13, as Kenneth Walker contended with an oblique injury. Charbonnet is also capable of seizing a larger role in Seattle’s restructured offense under head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Alexander Mattison rose to sixth in snaps from Weeks 1-9 (377/65.6% share) and was 11th in carries (122/13.6 per game) during that span. However, he averaged 3.6 yards per attempt and was 21st with 434 rushing yards (48.2 per game).

Mattison’s inefficiency provided a path for Ty Chandler to seize a sizable workload, as Chandler led Minnesota’s backfield in snaps (260/51.6% share), rushing attempts (94/11.8 per game), and rushing attempts (419/52.4 per game) from Weeks 10-18.

Chandler is now positioned to build upon those numbers following the release of Mattison. He is also capable of capitalizing on any expanded workload that would emerge if the Vikings do not add formidable competition for touches during free agency or the NFL Draft.

The unpredictable touch totals that were allocated within the Bears' backfield led to erratic workloads for Roschon Johnson  during his rookie season. He did lead Chicago’s backs in snaps from Weeks 1-18 (378/39.3% share), while pacing the unit in routes run (188), targets (40/2.7 per game), receptions (34/2.3 per game), receiving yards (209/13.9 per game), yards after catch (251), and yards per route run (1.11).

Johnson’s pathway toward an increased workload should expand as D'Onta Foreman is a free agent, while Khalil Herbert will be operating on the final year of his contract.

 

Tiers 7-8

Braelon AllenTyler AllgeierKendre MillerZack MossJonathon BrooksBlake CorumEzekiel ElliottJ.K. DobbinsAlexander MattisonAntonio GibsonZamir WhiteMiles SandersA.J. Dillon

The value for backs that are contained in Tiers 7 and 8 could easily rise or descend depending upon various factors that might emerge during the upcoming weeks of the offseason.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Trey Murphy III12 mins ago

Out Versus Cavs
George Kittle15 mins ago

Will Play In Week 12
Ludvig Aberg19 mins ago

Looks To Defend RSM Classic Title
Ladd McConkey19 mins ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Si Woo Kim22 mins ago

An Intriguing Option At RSM Classic
Maverick McNealy24 mins ago

In Solid Form Ahead Of RSM Classic
Eric Cole24 mins ago

Chasing First Tour Victory At RSM Classic
Brandon Ingram26 mins ago

Unavailable Wednesday
Scottie Barnes42 mins ago

Officially Listed As Questionable
San Francisco 49ers44 mins ago

Nick Bosa Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Christian McCaffrey52 mins ago

Does Not Practice On Wednesday
George Kittle60 mins ago

Limited During Wednesday's Practice
Brock Purdy1 hour ago

Limited On Wednesday
Alexander Mattison2 hours ago

Zamir White Not Practicing On Wednesday
Sam LaPorta2 hours ago

Trending Towards Playing In Week 12
Calvin Ridley4 hours ago

Out Wednesday With Illness
Isiah Pacheco4 hours ago

To Practice On Wednesday
D'Andre Swift4 hours ago

Won't Practice On Wednesday
Brandin Cooks5 hours ago

Cowboys Open Brandin Cooks' Practice Window
Mike Evans5 hours ago

Practicing Again On Wednesday
Cam Whitmore7 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Ryan Rollins7 hours ago

Continues To Sit Wednesday
Kevon Looney8 hours ago

Expected To Return On Wednesday
Kyle Anderson8 hours ago

Questionable For Wednesday
Miles McBride8 hours ago

Remains On The Shelf Wednesday
Norman Powell8 hours ago

Will Not Play On Wednesday
Connor Bedard8 hours ago

Ends Drought With Two Assists
Sam Reinhart8 hours ago

Pushes Point Streak To 11 Games
Mark Scheifele9 hours ago

Celebrates Ninth Career Hat Trick
Evan Bouchard9 hours ago

Rocks Senators With Three-Point Period
Connor McDavid9 hours ago

Nets Two Goals During Three-Point Night
TB9 hours ago

Nicholas Paul Exits Early With Injury Tuesday
Zach Hyman9 hours ago

Sits Out Third Period Versus Senators
16 hours ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers17 hours ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
Bradley Beal20 hours ago

Still Out On Wednesday Evening
Jusuf Nurkic20 hours ago

Questionable Versus The Knicks
Anthony Davis20 hours ago

Will Play Against The Jazz
Stephen Curry20 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report For Wednesday
Jalen Johnson20 hours ago

Questionable Versus Golden State
Ben Sheppard21 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Jalen Green21 hours ago

Uncertain For Wednesday’s Game
Myles Turner22 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Cam Thomas22 hours ago

Will Not Play Tuesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo22 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Wednesday
Marcus Smart22 hours ago

Ruled Out For Tuesday
Cam Thomas22 hours ago

Is Questionable For Tuesday
Jonas Brodin23 hours ago

Returns To Action
Joel Eriksson Ek23 hours ago

Returns To Wild Lineup
23 hours ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Robert Thomas23 hours ago

Back For Blues Tuesday
Jose Siri23 hours ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
Alexander Romanov23 hours ago

Rejoins Islanders Lineup
Brayden Point23 hours ago

Ready To Return Versus Penguins
Conor Garland24 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
J.T. Miller24 hours ago

Takes Indefinite Leave For Personal Reasons
Jake Ferguson24 hours ago

"Will Be Hard-Pressed" To Play In Week 12
Alex Ovechkin24 hours ago

Considered Week-To-Week
Cooper Rush24 hours ago

Will Start In Week 12
Brandin Cooks24 hours ago

Cowboys Hoping Brandin Cooks Returns This Week
1 day ago

Phillies To Meet With Juan Soto
1 day ago

Luis Severino Rejects Qualifying Offer From Mets
Aaron Rodgers1 day ago

' Status With Jets In Doubt For 2025?
1 day ago

Willy Adames Declines Brewers Qualifying Offer
1 day ago

Teoscar Hernandez Declines Qualifying Offer From Dodgers
1 day ago

Juan Soto Declines Yankees' Qualifying Offer
New York Jets1 day ago

Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas
Travis Konecny1 day ago

Stretches Point Streak To Seven Games
Sam Montembeault1 day ago

Records 30-Save Shutout Versus Oilers
William Eklund1 day ago

Scores Twice In Overtime Victory
Brett Leason1 day ago

Tallies Three Points In Win Over Stars
Brock McGinn1 day ago

Exits Win With Injury
Alex Ovechkin1 day ago

Evaluated For Leg Injury
Luke Schoonmaker2 days ago

Commands 10 Targets Amidst Teammate's Injury
CeeDee Lamb2 days ago

Remains Productive Despite Loss
Houston Texans2 days ago

Texans D/ST Finds End Zone In Victory At Dallas
Luis Gil2 days ago

Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award
Paul Skenes2 days ago

Named 2024 NL Rookie Of The Year
Brady Singer2 days ago

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer
2 days ago

Sean Manaea To Reject Mets' Qualifying Offer
2 days ago

Braves Have Interest In Walker Buehler
2 days ago

Astros Interested In Willy Adames
Charles Oliveira2 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler2 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva2 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo2 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy2 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
Nick Martinez3 days ago

Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
3 days ago

Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
James Llontop3 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig3 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal3 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic3 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones3 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title
Grayson Rodriguez5 days ago

Orioles Optimistic Grayson Rodriguez Will Have A Full Spring Training
5 days ago

Red Sox Have Productive Meeting With Juan Soto
Michael Chandler5 days ago

Set For A Rematch At UFC 309
Charles Oliveira5 days ago

A Favorite At UFC 309
Viviane Araujo5 days ago

An Underdog At UFC 309
Karine Silva5 days ago

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy5 days ago

Looks For His Second UFC Win
Jett Williams6 days ago

Suffers Sprained Ankle In AFL
James Llontop6 days ago

A Big Underdog At UFC 309
Paul Craig6 days ago

Looks To Snap Losing Skid At UFC 309
Bo Nickal6 days ago

Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic6 days ago

Ends Layoff At UFC 309
Jon Jones6 days ago

Defends Heavyweight Title At UFC 309

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Brian Thomas Jr - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Rookie Report for Week 12 - Searching for League Winners

We're getting awfully close to the fantasy football playoffs, and it's been an interesting year for rookies. Unfortunately, even some that seemed cemented into league-winner status have had huge drop-offs in production, but yet others have emerged. Extracting value wherever you can is vitally important. Unfortunately, there's an upcoming squeeze. With trade deadlines nearing in […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

NFL DFS Lineup Picks For FanDuel, DraftKings - Steelers vs. Browns TNF Showdown (Week 12)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! This will be an interesting matchup between stout AFC North defenses. The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) are traveling to take on the Cleveland Browns (2-8). We have no players of significance on the injury report for this game, therefore everyone is on the table! We have been pretty successful so far with these […]


Jonnu Smith - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Jonnu Smith Fantasy Football Outlook - Was His Big Game Legit or a Fluke?

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith had his first big game in Week 7, but he broke out in an even bigger way in Week 11 in a win against the Las Vegas Raiders. He caught six of his eight targets for 101 yards and a touchdown in the 34-19 win. His biggest play came […]


Patrick Mahomes - Fantasy Football Rankings, DFS Lineup Picks, NFL Injury News

NFL Pick'em Pool Picks (Week 12) - Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Pick'em Contests (2024)

There will be six teams on a bye for Week 12. The good news is, we still have some great matchups. That includes the Chargers hosting the Ravens and the Rams taking on the Eagles. Each week of the NFL season, I’ll share my picks for each game and rank their selections for those who […]


Jake Bates - Fantasy Football Rankings, Kicker Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings: Kicker Updates Include Justin Tucker, Chris Boswell, Austin Siebert, Cameron Dicker, Wil Lutz, Chase McLaughlin

If you're one of the many fantasy managers who have struggled to get production out of your fantasy kicker spot, be sure to use our Week 12 fantasy football kicker rankings for 2024 to guide you in setting optimal lineups. The kicker position has always been challenging to predict and project, so we're here to […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Running Backs (Half-PPR) - Chubba Hubbard, Isiah Pacheco, Tyrone Tracy, JK Dobbins, Kareem Hunt, Tony Pollard

Somehow, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain in most leagues. Whether you're hoping to hold onto a top seed or need to stack a few wins together to qualify for the playoffs, our initial Week 12 fantasy football running back projections for the 2024 NFL season will help you understand where […]


Xavier Worthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Wide Receivers (Half-PPR) - Xavier Worthy, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jayden Reed, DeAndre Hopkins, Tank Dell

The fantasy football playoffs begin in Week 15, so needless to say, time is running out if you need wins to qualify. If you're in a must-win spot down the stretch, it's critical to read our Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver projections for the 2024 NFL season. Ahead of the all-important slate, let's dig […]


David Njoku - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Tight Ends (Half-PPR) - George Kittle, Hunter Henry, Zach Ertz, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft, Mark Andrews, more

We're back for another week of fantasy football coverage, and while rankings are a great place to start your weekly start-or-sit preparation, you can use our Week 12 fantasy football tight end projections for the 2024 NFL season for further assistance. Ahead of the Week 12 slate, let's navigate the numbers and see the projected […]


Bo Nix - Fantasy Football Rankings, QB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Jared Goff, C.J. Stroud, Sam Darnold, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels

It's make-or-break time for many fantasy managers, so it's time to lock in and set optimal lineups. Our Week 12 fantasy football quarterback projections for the 2024 NFL season are here to assist. Check the projections below to see how key Week 12 QBs such as Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Jared […]


Houston Texans Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Derek Stingley Fantasy Football IDP

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Best Fantasy Football Defense Streamers and Matchups (Weeks 12-17)

Ahh, the good old Defense/Special Teams (DST) position in fantasy football. It is a controversial inclusion in fantasy lineups for some fantasy players, but strategizing around DSTs is one of my favorite aspects of the in-season fantasy football experience. In the article below, I will present the strength of schedule (SOS) for the fantasy Defense/Special […]


Video: Week 12 Must-Start Defense (D/ST) Streamers - 2024 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis

We're back and dropping fire content for Week 12! Check out our top 2024 fantasy football must-start Defenses (D/ST) and be prepared to dominate your matchups! LaQuan Jones discusses his top "Must Start" Defense (D/ST) streamers that have the potential to be game-changers in Week 12, as well as some defenses that you might want […]


D'Andre Swift - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injuries

Fantasy Football Trade Targets - Buy/Sell For Week 12 Including Josh Downs, T.J. Hockenson, Bucky Irving, D'Andre Swift

For many fantasy football gamers, the end of Week 11 marked the last opportunity to make trades ahead of the fantasy playoffs. However, there are plenty of leagues that have a later deadline and some that have no deadline at all. This is especially true of dynasty leagues, and while this week's column will still […]


Justin Herbert - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 12 Include Bo Nix, De'Von Achane, Quentin Johnston, Calvin Ridley, more

It seems as though fantasy managers were either incredibly disappointed or incredibly excited in Week 11. The output was modest for most players. However, if you had a monopoly on a select few players such as Cooper Kupp, Taysom Hill, or the Detroit Lions, you likely won your week. With the fantasy playoffs roughly three weeks […]