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The renaissance of the running back position became a significant factor in the success that was attained by fantasy football managers in 2024. The numbers that were delivered by the league’s highly productive backs will also remain a factor as you formulate plans and assemble rosters during the 2025 draft process.
Participation in best ball leagues is also rising as we progress through February, as many of you capitalize on the opportunity to build rosters that will not require any additional management following your drafts. 14 different running backs currently have ADPs that are contained within the first three rounds of FFPC best ball drafts while 20 additional backs are being selected during Rounds 4-8.
The rankings team at RotoBaller delivers daily content that is designed to help you prepare for upcoming drafts in all formats. That includes this breakdown of our latest best ball rankings for running backs in Tiers 4-8. You can also find the latest rankings for Tiers 1-3 here.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- 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
Running Back Fantasy Football Best Ball Rankings
Tier 4
Joe Mixon, James Cook, Chuba Hubbard, James Conner, Alvin Kamara, David Montgomery, Kenneth Walker III, Jaylen Warren, Brian Robinson Jr.
Joe Mixon’s ADP placed him in Round 5 of 2024 drafts (51/RB16). However, anyone who invested in him at that point of their draft process was rewarded with high-end RB1 production throughout much of the regular season.
Mixon flourished following his trade from Cincinnati to Houston while finishing 13th in attempts (245/17.5 per game). He also surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fifth time since 2018 (1,016/72.6 per game) while rising to eighth in points per game (17.2).
Joe Mixon high-stepped his way to a second TD 😱 pic.twitter.com/lZWSKBnh28
— ESPN (@espn) November 19, 2024
Those overall numbers were fueled by his statistical surge from Weeks 6-13 when Mixon soared to second in carries (166/20.8 per game) and third in rushing yards (703/87.9 per game).
| Weeks 6-13 | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm |
| Saquon Barkley | 1064 | 133 | 173 | 21.6 |
| Derrick Henry | 835 | 104.4 | 145 | 18.1 |
| Joe Mixon | 703 | 87.9 | 166 | 20.8 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 688 | 86 | 109 | 13.6 |
| Bijan Robinson | 600 | 85.7 | 126 | 18 |
| Tony Pollard | 589 | 73.6 | 131 | 16.4 |
| Josh Jacobs | 585 | 83.6 | 131 | 18.7 |
Mixon also secured a league-high 42 attempts inside the red zone and attained the second-highest percentage of his team’s carries inside the 5-yard line (87.5 percent), according to Fantasy Points Data. He also accumulated a league-high 10 touchdowns and vaulted to third in points per game (22.2).
| Weeks 6-13 | Inside 20 | Inside 10 | Inside 5 | TDs |
| Joe Mixon | 42 | 19 | 8 | 10 |
| David Montgomery | 31 | 18 | 7 | 7 |
| Kareem Hunt | 31 | 19 | 14 | 4 |
| Derrick Henry | 29 | 12 | 5 | 7 |
| Saquon Barkley | 26 | 11 | 6 | 7 |
| Josh Jacobs | 26 | 18 | 9 | 7 |
| Najee Harris | 26 | 15 | 8 | 4 |
Mixon will turn 29 in July. However, he remains cemented atop Houston’s depth chart and can be selected as a high-end RB2 during your upcoming drafts.
James Cook operated as Buffalo’s RB1 during his third season, within an offense that ranked fifth in run play percentage (47.9 percent) and ninth in rushing attempts per game (28.9). Touches were also allocated to Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in the Bills’ backfield rotation. However, Cook paced the trio with a 48 percent snap share from Weeks 1-18.
He also finished 16th overall in rushing yards (1,009/63.1 per game), 19th in attempts (207/12.9 per game), and 12th in red-zone attempts (48) despite sharing carries with Johnson and Davis.
James Cook runs it in 65 yards for the TD and the longest play of his career! 🔥
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/2zDS5hrqzq
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 2, 2024
Cook also tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (16) and paced all backs with 60+ attempts in TD rate (7.7 percent), according to Fantasy Points Data. Cook also rose to 10th overall in rush yards over expected (167), according to Next Gen Stats.
Cook also led Buffalo’s backfield in targets (38/2.9 per game) and receptions (32/2.5 per game), while rising to ninth in points per game (17.2) from Weeks 1-17. Cook is positioned to retain his lead-back role as he enters the final year of his contract and is capable of supplying fantasy managers with RB1 production.
41 running backs were selected before Chuba Hubbard in 2024 best ball drafts (ADP 129), including Jonathon Brooks as enthusiasm for Brooks’ eventual NFL debut surged during the 2024 offseason.
However, the anticipated ascension of Brooks into lead-back duties for Carolina failed to transpire, as he only registered 23 snaps before suffering his second torn ACL in 13 months.
Chuba Hubbard breaks away for a Panthers touchdown! 🔥 @fedex pic.twitter.com/Gg6UelJCQ5
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
This launched Hubbard into a sustained role as the Panthers RB1 as he soared to the third-highest snap share among backs (77.2 percent). He also tied for 11th in attempts (250/16.7 per game), including 15+ during 10 different contests.
Hubbard also rose to eighth in rushing yards (1,195/79.7 per game), seventh in both rushes of 20+ yards (eight) and yards after contact (743), and secured career-highs in targets (54/3.6 per game) and receptions (43/2.9 per game).
Another prolonged absence is imminent for Brooks following his latest setback. That preserves a clear runway for Hubbard to stockpile touches and yardage in Dave Canales’ improving offense.
Arizona’s decision to seize Trey Benson during Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft (66th overall) seemingly positioned Benson to siphon an escalating percentage of James Conner's workload as Conner progressed through his eighth season.
Benson was also primed to operate with a sizable workload if Conner failed to elude injuries.
James Conner gets the Cards into the redzone with a 23-yard pickup.
📺: #SEAvsAZ on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/qsFnoHVUmJ— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2024
However, Conner remained unencumbered by health issues from Weeks 1-16 while finishing 15th in snap share (63.7 percent). He was also 11th in attempts (232/14.5 per game) and 13th in rushing yards (1,094/68.4 per game) while establishing career highs in both categories.
Conner also tied for the league lead in missed tackles forced (87), according to Fantasy Points Data, and finished 11th in points per game (16.7) from Weeks 1-16. Conner will turn 30 in May but signed a two-year contract extension in November. He should sustain his role as the Cardinals RB1, which provides your incentive to target him in Round 5 of your drafts.
There goes Alvin Kamara for 57 yards!
📺: #NOvsDAL on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/F0NOkTSZ7g— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
Alvin Kamara enters his ninth season with New Orleans as the unquestioned foundation of the Saints offense. Kamara was sidelined from Weeks 16-18 with a groin injury. However, he still accumulated 228 carries (16.3 per game), which was the second-highest total of his career. Kamara also generated a career-best 950 rushing yards (67.9 per game) and accumulated 25 explosive runs, according to PFF.
ALVIN KAMARA MAKES AN UNREAL ONE-HANDED TD CATCH 🔥
📺: #WASvsNO on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/TCNu3hGx2C— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
Kamara’s aforementioned three-game absence did not impede him from leading all backs in targets (89/6.4 per game). He also finished second in receptions (68/4.9 per game), receiving yards (543/38.8 per game), yards after catch (540), and fifth in points per game (19).
| Weeks 1-18 | Targets | Targ/Gm | Rec | Rec/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm |
| Alvin Kamara | 89 | 6.4 | 68 | 4.9 | 543 | 38.8 |
| De'Von Achane | 87 | 5.4 | 78 | 4.9 | 592 | 37 |
| Breece Hall | 76 | 4.8 | 57 | 3.6 | 483 | 30.2 |
| Bijan Robinson | 72 | 4.2 | 61 | 3.6 | 431 | 25.4 |
| Javonte Williams | 70 | 4.1 | 52 | 3.1 | 346 | 20.4 |
| Chase Brown | 65 | 4.1 | 54 | 3.4 | 360 | 24 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 63 | 3.7 | 52 | 3.1 | 497 | 33.1 |
| Aaron Jones | 62 | 3.6 | 51 | 3 | 408 | 24 |
Kamara will turn 30 in July but signed a two-year contract extension last October. No back on the Saints’ current depth chart is lurking as a threat to Kamara’s extensive workload.
He also retains the versatility to operate as a critical resource within an offense that functions with a dearth of difference-makers. That preserves his place among your most viable options in Round 5.
David Montgomery operated in a rotation with Jahmyr Gibbs for a second consecutive season during 2024. However, that did not deter him from rising to 11th in points per game (16.5) before he suffered a knee injury in Week 15.
David Montgomery rumbles for 21 yards!
📺: #LARvsDET on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/gMqsr2cRu7— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2024
Montgomery had also secured a 42.4 percent snap share before he was sidelined during Detroit’s final three regular-season matchups. Montgomery also accumulated 180 attempts (13.8 per game) and 771 rushing yards (59.3 per game) while rising to 11th in yards after contact (505).
| Weeks 1-14 | Inside 20 | Inside10 | Inside 5 | TDs |
| Kyren Williams | 55 | 28 | 17 | 12 |
| David Montgomery | 49 | 33 | 17 | 12 |
| Saquon Barkley | 48 | 23 | 13 | 11 |
| Joe Mixon | 48 | 23 | 10 | 11 |
| Josh Jacobs | 46 | 31 | 17 | 11 |
| Najee Harris | 45 | 22 | 11 | 5 |
| Derrick Henry | 41 | 24 | 15 | 13 |
| James Conner | 41 | 17 | 9 | 5 |
Montgomery also accumulated a league-high 33 carries inside the 10-yard line and finished second in both red-zone attempts (49) and rushing touchdowns (12). He also vaulted to second in TD rate (6.5 percent), according to Fantasy Points Data.
The Lions offense will be restructured under new coordinator John Morton. However, Montgomery signed a two-year contract extension last October and is positioned to deliver RB2 production to fantasy managers.
Kenneth Walker III missed a career-high six matchups due to multiple injuries in 2024 (abdomen/leg/calf/ankle), which impacted his overall numbers (153 carries/573 rushing yards/310 yards after contact).
Walker's per-game averages in attempts (13.9) and rushing yards (52.1) also established career lows, as did his seven rushing touchdowns.
Escape, stiff arm, first down 💪 @Kenneth_Walker9
📺: #SEAvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/xAdCVQ5pcK— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
However, Walker did lead all backs in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.30), according to Fantasy Points Data. He also secured career highs in targets (53/4.8 per game), receptions (46/4.2 per game), and receiving yards (299/27.2 per game).
Walker enters the final year of his contract atop Seattle’s depth chart. However, Zach Charbonnet performed proficiently when Walker was unavailable, which could propel Charbonnet to a larger workload this season. That should also compel you to avoid selecting Walker until Round 5 of your drafts.
Jaylen Warren's workload during his three seasons in Pittsburgh has been inhibited by the constraints of operating in a rotation with Najee Harris. However, Warren is a restricted free agent, which provides the Steelers an opportunity to match any offer he might receive from another team.
Harris is also primed to capitalize on his status as an unrestricted free agent, which could facilitate his prospects of securing a long-term contract in a new environment. This positions Warren to garner an expanded workload, if he remains with Pittsburgh, and Harris departs the Steelers during free agency.
Warren did lead Pittsburgh’s backfield with a 48 percent snap share from Weeks 7-17 while averaging 9.4 attempts/42.9 rushing yards per game. He also vaulted to seventh in receiving yards (271/27.1 per game) and ninth in both targets (38/3.8 per game) and receptions (30/3.0 per game) during that 10-game span. Warren’s ADP is located in Round 9, but will eventually rise if he is no longer tethered to a committee approach in Pittsburgh.
Brian Robinson Jr. attained a 51 percent snap share while operating as Washington’s early down back. He also established career-highs in rushing yards (799/57.1 per game), yards after contact (528), red-zone carries (42), and rushing touchdowns (eight).
Brian Robinson Jr. ties it up!
📺: #WASvsCIN on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/THNplxDtJJ— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024
Robinson was sidelined during three matchups (knee/hamstring) but still rose to eighth in attempts (193/13.8 per game) and ninth in rushing yards (885/73.8 per game) from Weeks 1-13. Robinson was also 10th with 19 carries inside the 10-yard line and finished 23rd in points per game (13.5) during that sequence.
Robinson was also limited to marginal involvement as a receiving weapon (1.8 targets/1.4 receptions/11.4 receiving yards per game). He is currently positioned to function in a rotation with Austin Ekeler as he enters the final year of his contract. However, that scenario could be altered if the Commanders infuse significant competition for touches into the equation during the offseason.
Tier 5
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Isiah Pacheco, Aaron Jones, Tony Pollard, J.K. Dobbins, D'Andre Swift, Rico Dowdle, Nick Chubb
Tyrone Tracy Jr. was the 13th running back to be selected during the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he seized lead-back duties for the Giants in Week 5 and finished second among rookies in attempts (192/11.3 per game), rushing yards (839/49.4 per game), yards after contact (517), and rushing touchdowns (five).
Tyrone Tracy Jr. turns on the speed for a 45-yard TD!
📺: #NYGvsPIT on ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/CAhhcXCFhD— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2024
| 2024 Rookies | Rush Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm | TDs |
| Bucky Irving | 1,122 | 66 | 207 | 12.2 | 8 |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | 839 | 49.4 | 192 | 11.3 | 5 |
| Ray Davis | 442 | 26 | 113 | 6.6 | 3 |
| Isaac Guerendo | 420 | 32.3 | 84 | 5.3 | 4 |
| Braelon Allen | 334 | 19.6 | 92 | 5.4 | 2 |
He also led all first-year backs in targets (53/3.3 per game) and was second in receptions (38/2.4 per game) and receiving yards (284/17.8 per game). Tracy also finished 13th among all backs in targets and was 15th in both explosive yards (263) and missed tackles forced (34), according to Fantasy Points Data.
| 2024 Rookies | Targets | Targ/Gm | Rec | Rec/Gm | Yards | Yards/Gm |
| Tyrone Tracy Jr. | 53 | 3.3 | 38 | 2.4 | 284 | 17.8 |
| Bucky Irving | 52 | 3.3 | 47 | 2.9 | 392 | 24.5 |
| Braelon Allen | 27 | 2.1 | 19 | 1.5 | 148 | 11.4 |
| Ray Davis | 19 | 1.6 | 17 | 1.4 | 189 | 15.8 |
| Issac Guerendo | 16 | 2.7 | 15 | 2.5 | 152 | 25.3 |
Tracy’s versatility should keep him heavily involved in New York’s offense even if the Giants address the position during the upcoming weeks.
Isiah Pacheco was selected as an RB1 during the 2024 draft season (ADP 27/RB11). This was a byproduct of the numbers that he delivered during his promising 2023 season.
Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco to undergo surgery this week on fractured fibula, will miss at least six weeks. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/aMAyv6upd1
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
However, the unfavorable combination of a nine-game absence (fractured fibula) and Pacheco’s diminished effectiveness following his return (35.0 rushing yards per game/3.6 yards per attempt) prevented him from providing results that matched expectations. He also registered one run of 20+ yards, three explosive runs, and four missed tackles from Weeks 1-18, according to PFF.
It is unclear whether Kansas City will integrate another running back into the depth chart during the offseason. However, any impactful additions to the Chiefs backfield could prevent Pacheco from regaining his previous role as the team's primary back. That should incentivize you to exercise patience before selecting Pacheco in Round 6 of upcoming drafts.
Aaron Jones is primed to capitalize on his status as an unrestricted free agent in the aftermath of the career-best numbers that he assembled in 2024. The eight-year veteran operated as Minnesota’s primary back while eluding impactful injuries throughout the regular season.
Aaron Jones has the Vikings up early!
📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/nadSyDNR5B— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024
Jones finished 12th among all backs with a 63.6 percent blank snap share. He was also ninth in both attempts (255/15.0 per game) and rushing yards (1,138/66.9 per game) while rising to 10th in yards after contact (719). He also finished 16th in rush percentage over expected (40.6 percent), according to Next Gen Stats.
Jones also rose to eighth in both targets (62/3.6 per game) and receptions (51/3.0 per game), seventh in receiving yards (408/24 per game), and led all backs with 19 red-zone targets. Jones has turned 30 but should assemble numbers that justify his selection during Round 7 of all drafts.
Tony Pollard signed a three-year contract with Tennessee in March 2024, which fueled his ascension into lead-back duties for the Titans last season. Pollard vaulted to ninth in both attempts (213/16.4 per game) and rushing yards (937/72.1 per game) from Weeks 1-14.
Tony Pollard ices the game with a last minute TD. #TENvsMIA pic.twitter.com/DXpINtz03y
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2024
Pollard was also sixth in yards after contact (634), sixth in targets (53/4.1 per game), and seventh in receptions (39/3.0 per game) while operating with a 72.4 percent snap share during that sequence.
Pollard also exceeded his previous career highs in carries (260/16.3 per game), rushing yards (1,079/67.4 per game), and yards after contact (558), and finished 15th in missed tackles forced (34), according to Fantasy Points Data. Pollard should function as the Titans lead back once again and can be secured as your RB2 during upcoming drafts.
J.K. Dobbins signed a one-year contract with the Chargers in April 2024. This provided his pathway toward reclaiming a place within the fantasy landscape after being limited to just nine games and 109 touches from 2021-23.
JK DOBBINS. GO-AHEAD TD WITH 18 SECONDS LEFT.
📺: #CINvsLAC on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ou4r33q38K— NFL (@NFL) November 18, 2024
Dobbins operated as the lead back for Los Angeles from Weeks 1-11 while rising to 11th overall in snap share (67.7 percent). He also finished 10th in rushing yards (726/72.6 per game), 10th in yards after contact (446), and fifth in touchdowns (eight).
Dobbins was sidelined from Weeks 13-16 (knee sprain) but resurfaced to finish 10th in rushing yards (139/69.5 per game) and ninth in scoring (25.9) in Weeks 17-18. He is an unrestricted free agent who should operate with a favorable workload after signing his next contract. That elevates him among your most intriguing options during Round 8 of upcoming drafts.
D'Andre Swift secured a consistent role as Chicago’s primary back after signing a three-year contract with the Bears during the 2024 offseason. Swift finished 10th overall with a 65.8 percent snap share, including 12 games in which he eclipsed 65 percent. He also rose to 13th with a career-high 253 attempts (14.9 per game).
D'ANDRE SWIFT. 39-YARD TOUCHDOWN,
📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/PoA4J3uRFm— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024
Swift also generated 959 rushing yards (56.4 per game), while ascending to fifth in routes run (351), 10th in receiving yards (386/22.7 per game), 14th in receptions (42/2.6 per game), and 15th in targets (52/3.3 per game).
Swift also finished 21st in points per game (12.6) and soared to third overall with 23.8 per game from Weeks 4-8. He is currently positioned to maintain lead-back responsibilities as Chicago’s offense transforms under Ben Johnson.
Rico Dowdle's ADP was located in Round 11 during the 2024 draft season (124/RB40). However, Dowdle operated with a 57.5 percent snap share, while rising to 12th in rushing yards (1,079/67.4 per game), 15th in carries (235/14.7 per game), and averaging 4.6 yards per attempt.
Dowdle also rose to 14th in rush percentage over expected (41.7 percent), according to Next Gen Stats, and finished 24th in points per game (12.4).
| Weeks 13-17 | YAC | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm |
| Rico Dowdle | 337 | 519 | 103.8 | 101 | 20.3 |
| Bijan Robinson | 329 | 503 | 100.6 | 109 | 21.8 |
| Kyren Williams | 319 | 477 | 95.4 | 109 | 21.8 |
| Bucky Irving | 312 | 453 | 90.6 | 80 | 16 |
| Saquon Barkley | 308 | 613 | 122,6 | 122 | 24.4 |
| Josh Jacobs | 283 | 341 | 68.2 | 93 | 18.6 |
| Jahmyr Gibbs | 269 | 387 | 77.4 | 73 | 14.6 |
| James Cook | 268 | 385 | 77 | 60 | 12 |
| Derrick Henry | 258 | 458 | 114.5 | 84 | 21 |
That includes Dowdle’s numbers from Weeks 13-17 when he launched into third with 519 rushing yards (103.8 per game) and generated a league-high 337 yards after contact.
Dowdle is an unrestricted free agent, but his performance during 2024 should facilitate the process of obtaining a new contract. However, it is unclear whether Dowdle will remain with Dallas or will secure a new deal with another franchise.
.@NICKCHUBB21 GOES 88 YARDS!
His third TD of the game! #CLEvsBAL #Browns
📺: CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/lm0vvtP8ei pic.twitter.com/MRXQbKVUXJ— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2019
Nick Chubb was entrenched among the elite tier at his position from 2019-22 while soaring to second in rushing yards (5,345/90.6 per game), fourth in attempts (1,018/17.3 per game), and third in touchdowns (40), and averaging a league-best 5.3 yards per attempt during that sequence.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski says RB Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot vs. Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/bJS47VQiWy
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
However, Chubb’s stock has descended considerably due to the unfavorable mix of multiple injuries and an unsettled future. He was limited to 54 snaps during 2023 after suffering a significant knee injury in Week 2 and did not resurface until Week 7 of 2024 following his protracted recovery. Chubb averaged 12.8 attempts/41.5 rushing yards per game and just 3.3 yards per attempt before suffering a broken foot in Week 15.
Chubb is an undrafted free agent and the uncertainty that has engulfed his outlook should encourage you to avoid selecting him until Round 13 of your drafts.
Tier 6
Rhamondre Stevenson, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Zach Charbonnet, Jaleel McLaughlin, Rachaad White, Tyjae Spears, Blake Corum, Austin Ekeler
Rhamondre Stevenson will operate within a New England attack that is destined to transform during Josh McDaniels’ third stint as the Patriots offensive coordinator.
Rhamondre Stevenson goes 33 yards for the TD!
📺: #MIAvsNE on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/6KyiDrKa3I— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Stevenson secured a 64.7 percent snap share from Weeks 1-15 before being limited to 24 snaps in Weeks 17-18. He also finished 24th in points per game (12.6) from Weeks 1-16, while accumulating 205 attempts (14.6 per game), 800 rushing yards (57.1 per game), and a career-high seven rushing touchdowns.
The four-year contract that Stevenson signed in 2024 could sustain his role as New England’s RB1. However, the Patriots could infuse additional backs into the equation as the offseason progresses.
Only four running backs have generated more rushing yards than Najee Harris since 2021 (4,312/63.4 per game), while Derrick Henry is the only back who has accumulated more carries during that span (1,097/16.1 per game).
That sequence encompasses his four-year tenure with the Steelers, which could conclude due to Harris’ aforementioned status as an unrestricted free agent.
NAJEE HARRIS. 😤
His first touchdown of the season for Pittsburgh!
(via NFL, CBS)pic.twitter.com/whdUHZRW4q
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 13, 2024
Harris also finished seventh in attempts during 2024 (263/15.5 per game), while finishing ninth in red-zone carries (51), fifth in forced missed tackles (63), and eighth in explosive runs (30), according to PFF. Harris should garner a favorable workload, regardless of whether he remains in Pittsburgh or relocates to a new environment.
Travis Etienne Jr. was seemingly positioned to operate as Jacksonville’s unquestioned feature back but ultimately functioned in a timeshare with Tank Bigsby. Etienne was relegated to career lows in snap share (53.6 percent), attempts (150/10 per game), rushing yards (558/37.2 per game), and rushing touchdowns (two).
Travis Etienne really fumbled the game away at the Miami 1 yard line 😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/GJHM98WcEO
— InAllKindsOfWeather.com (@AllKindsWeather) September 9, 2024
Etienne also surpassed his previous career lows in routes run (253), receiving yards (254/16.9 per game), points per game (8.7), and finished 41st in efficiency (4.25), according to Next Gen Stats.
Etienne’s role could be revitalized in a reconstructed offense under Liam Coen. However, Bigsby will likely retain a workload that restricts Etienne to RB3/flex production.
Tank Bigsby exceeded the modest expectations that emerged following his forgettable 2023 rookie season (12 percent snap share/51 touches/138 total yards) by consistently operating as Jacksonville’s most explosive and efficient back in 2024.
TANK BIGSBY STIFF ARMS HIS WAY TO A 65-YARD TD.
📺: #INDvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/oVugPI0X5s— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Bigsby accumulated 766 rushing yards (47.9 per game), 168 carries (10.5 per game), averaged 4.6 yards per attempt, and generated seven rushing touchdowns. He also finished third in yards after contact per attempt (3.74) and 12th in missed forced tackles (46), according to PFF.
| Weeks 4-8 | YAC | Yards | Yards/Gm | Attempts | Att/Gm | Rd Zn Att |
| Tank Bigsby | 310 | 411 | 82.2 | 71 | 14.2 | 24 |
| Najee Harris | 292 | 383 | 76.6 | 81 | 16.2 | 16 |
| Derrick Henry | 272 | 665 | 133 | 89 | 17.8 | 16 |
| Josh Jacobs | 269 | 389 | 77.8 | 83 | 16.6 | 10 |
| James Conner | 266 | 368 | 73.6 | 83 | 16.6 | 16 |
| Kyren Williams | 246 | 369 | 92.3 | 85 | 21.3 | 18 |
| Saquon Barkley | 238 | 415 | 103.8 | 67 | 16.8 | 11 |
| D'Andre Swift | 229 | 386 | 96.5 | 72 | 18 | 14 |
Bigsby also launched into the league lead in red-zone carries (24) and yards after contact (310) in Weeks 4-8. Liam Coen’s arrival will fuel modifications in Jacksonville’s offense. However, Bigsby’s performance during 2024 should keep him involved within the Jaguars’ backfield rotation.
Zach Charbonnet became entrenched among the league’s elite handcuff options during 2024. This resulted from the convergence of his effectiveness as a three-down back and his ability to excel during any absence by Kenneth Walker III.
Zach Charbonnet runs it in for the 24-yard TD!
📺: #GBvsSEA on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/9YsapESnxv— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
Charbonnet secured a league-high 90.5 percent snap share in Weeks 2-3 when Walker was sidelined with an oblique injury. He also finished second in yards after contact (80), seventh in rushing yards (91), and sixth in efficiency (3.16) in Week 3.
Seattle’s transition to offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will lead to alterations in the Seahawks’ attack, which could include an expansion of Charbonnet’s weekly workload.
Jaleel McLaughlin attained a 28.7 percent snap share while operating within a congested Denver backfield. However, McLaughlin possesses a level of explosiveness that kept him involved in Sean Payton’s offense. McLaughlin carried 113 times (7.1 per game), generated 496 rushing yards (31 per game), and tied for 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt (0.21), according to Fantasy Points Data.
McLaughlin also led the Broncos in attempts (47/11.8 per game), rushing yards (213/53.3 per game), and yards after contact (119) from Weeks 13-18. Denver’s backfield will be restructured during the offseason, and McLaughlin is destined to encounter the constraints of another timeshare.
Rachaad White functioned as Tampa Bay’s unchallenged lead back during 2023 while vaulting into the league lead in snaps (823/78.6 percent), rising to second in attempts (272/16.0 per game), generating 990 rushing yards (58.2 per game), and averaging 15.8 points per game.
Waiver Wire Add of the Year: BUCKY IRVING 🏆
The PPR RB9 from Weeks 6 - 17 😤 pic.twitter.com/wioXLU8c6M
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) January 2, 2025
However, the emergence of Bucky Irving in 2024 launched a sizable decline in White’s carries (144/9.0 per game), while fueling a plunge in rushing yards (613/38.3 per game) and points per game (12.5). Irving’s continued presence will constrain White’s production, which leaves White’s ADP properly placed in Round 11 (122/RB38).
Tyjae Spears was limited to a 36.4 percent snap share while operating as the backup to Tony Pollard during Weeks 1-14. He also averaged 5.6 attempts/20.6 rushing yards/5.7 points per game during that span.
However, Pollard contended with an ankle injury from Weeks 15-17, which opened a path for Spears to secure a 59.7 percent snap share. He also averaged 11.3 carries/42.3 yards per game and finished among the top five in targets (15/5.0 per game), receptions (12/4.0 per game), and points per game (20.7).
Tyjae Spears climbed up to put the ornament on top of the Christmas tree 🎄
📺: #CINvsTEN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/8aO3u9JNq4— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2024
Spears’ late-season statistical surge provided a reminder that he can deliver enticing numbers if his role expands for any reason.
The Rams’ selection of Blake Corum during Round 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft (83rd overall) ignited optimism that he might confiscate a significant percentage of touches that would otherwise be included in Kyren Williams' mammoth workload.
Corum never emerged as a legitimate threat to Williams' workhorse role during his rookie season, as he operated with an 11 percent snap share while averaging 3.4 attempts/12.2 rushing yards per game.
Corum remains a premier handcuff at this juncture of the offseason, although his value could be impacted if the Rams integrate another back into their arsenal at the position.
Austin Ekeler secured an ongoing role as the primary receiving back in Washington's backfield while attaining a 52 percent snap share and finishing 13th overall in target share (11.9 percent).
Ekeler was sidelined during five matchups (ankle/concussion) but still paced all backs in receptions of 20+ yards (eight) and led the Commanders backfield in targets (41/3.4 per game), receptions (35/2.9 per game), and receiving yards (366/30.5 per game).
Ekeler is entering the final year of a two-year contract and should function as the backfield’s primary pass-catcher. However, the Commanders will make additions to their depth chart during the upcoming weeks.
Tiers 7-8
Jerome Ford, Javonte Williams, Jordan Mason, Trey Benson, Kareem Hunt, Omarion Hampton, Audric Estime, Tyler Allgeier, Antonio Gibson, Ray Davis, Raheem Mostert, Devin Singletary, Braelon Allen, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, MarShawn Lloyd, Sincere McCormick, Quinshon Judkins, Jaylen Wright
The rankings for backs who are contained in Tiers 7 and 8 could easily rise or descend depending upon various factors that might emerge as we progress through the offseason.
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