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While running backs are still pivotal pieces in any fantasy football title run, they have become significantly cheaper to acquire in drafts over the last two years. This allows us to find good values throughout the draft and stock up at other positions.
Some of the more intriguing names going later in drafts this year include Chase Brown, Tyjae Spears, and Javonte Williams. While they each have some form of backfield competition, each is talented in their own way.
All three are players you should consider for your fantasy football team. Let’s take a few minutes and do a quick breakdown of each one.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Chase Brown 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Brown did not do much during his rookie season in 2023. In fact, he only touched the ball five times during Cincinnati's first 11 games. Things started to change down the home stretch as Brown became more involved in the offense. He averaged nearly nine touches and 53 scrimmage yards per game during the team’s final six games and showed an affinity for big plays.
BENGALS ROOKIE CHASE BROWN SCORES THE 54-YARD TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/QPfYwpueAR
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 10, 2023
Brown was on a 150-touch and 900 scrimmage yards pace during the Bengals’ final six games. That’s enough to warrant flex consideration in most leagues. Cincinnati brought in Zack Moss to seemingly replace Joe Mixon, but recent reports suggest that Brown is getting more work with the starters. Head coach Zac Taylor is also on record saying he wants Brown more involved in the offense this year. Gamers can expect Brown to be a fine flex play, and he can become a reliable RB2 option should he emerge as the lead back.
Tyjae Spears 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
The sophomore running back was hoping to become Tennessee’s lead back following the departure of Derrick Henry. However, things changed quickly when the Titans signed Tony Pollard in free agency. Pollard disappointed as the Cowboys lead back last year, and it’s possible his struggles bleed over into 2024.
Spears finished higher than Pollard in PFF’s Elusive Rating, Next Gen Stats Rush Yards Over Expected, and Fantasy Points Data Suite’s Missed Tackles Forced Per Attempt. At this point, it seems clear that Spears is the better back. Tennessee lists Pollard and Spears as co-starters to begin the season, but this could change if Spears is more effective. He's a great flex option or an RB2 in a pinch with possible upside for more.
Javonte Williams 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Williams is coming off a disappointing 2023 season. He had a career-low 3.6 yards per carry and graded poorly in several running back metrics. In fairness, Williams was coming off a devastating knee injury. He is now two years removed from his injury, and we’ve heard nothing but rave reviews from the Broncos’ camp.
#Broncos RB Javonte Williams has continued to stack good days at training camp, looking like his old self. Denver starters will play in the preseason according to Sean Payton. pic.twitter.com/M0ZuncVueY
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 1, 2024
#Broncos HC Sean Payton on Javonte Williams:
“He’s lost weight, he looks trim. I thought he looked sharp today, he looked much different. His weight’s down and I’m proud of him.” pic.twitter.com/jOrxrjGNSe
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) July 25, 2024
With an FFPC ADP of 106.32 overall, Williams makes for a fine selection later in drafts as he appears to be trending toward Denver’s RB1 job. While his 2023 was not great, he graded well in several metrics as a rookie in 2021. He may return to form now that he’s further removed from his knee injury. Running backs have always provided fantasy value in coach Sean Payton’s offense. Williams will be a nice value in drafts as long as he maintains the RB1 role in Denver’s offense. He is an ideal pick for managers who take a zero RB or hero RB approach.
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