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There is a change happening at the running back position in the NFL and fantasy football. The older superstars like Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, and Alvin Kamara are nearing the end of their prime years.
Meanwhile, there are younger running backs ready to step into the superstars' shoes, like Bijan Robinson, Breece Hall, and Jahmyr Gibbs. However, there are other young running backs who should be on fantasy players’ radar in 2024.
There of those running backs are Isiah Pacheco, James Cook, and Kenneth Walker III. Let’s dive into their 2024 fantasy football outlooks.
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
Isiah Pacheco 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Pacheco has quietly become a fantasy star since being a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He had 205 rushing attempts for 935 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games last season as the featured back for the Kansas City Chiefs. While some thought the team could add competition this offseason, the Chiefs plan to roll with Pacheco as their featured guy again this year.
Isiah Pacheco gets the first @Chiefs TD of the game
📺: #KCvsGB on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/CQH1cx3gZS pic.twitter.com/t5fT3OhJlc— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2023
James Cook 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Cook had a quiet rookie season. However, he had a breakout year last season, rushing for 1,122 yards on 237 attempts. More importantly, the explosive running back had a significant role in the passing game, totaling 44 receptions for 445 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Cook should have an even larger role this year after the changes the Buffalo Bills made at wide receiver this offseason.
Very easy 6 for James Cook
📺: #NYJvsBUF on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jckqnJwdb2 pic.twitter.com/t2m0gF2ceR— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2023
Kenneth Walker III 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Walker was considered one of the top young fantasy running backs in the NFL two years ago. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Zach Charbonnet in 2023, ending Walker’s chances at a featured role. However, he still had over 900 rushing yards and eight touchdowns for the second consecutive season last year. While the Seahawks changed coaching staffs in the offseason, Walker should put up similar numbers in 2024.
Walker running into the end zone 😤
📺: #PITvsSEA on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/sFjqko01pD pic.twitter.com/JHvbyBlClL— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2023
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Fantasy players should jump at the chance to draft any of the three running backs. However, Pacheco and Cook are in a tier above Walker because of their expected featured roles. While both running backs are top-12 options, I would draft Pacheco over Cook. The Bills added Ray Davis during the NFL Draft. Furthermore, Cook had limited touchdown upside because of Josh Allen’s role at the goal line.
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