MarShawn Lloyd, Braelon Allen, Ray Davis – 2024 Fantasy Football Running Back Outlooks

The biggest mistake first-time fantasy football players make is not preparing for the entire draft. Many will focus on the first few rounds, sweating over who to take with their top draft picks. However, fantasy football leagues are won in the double-digit rounds.

Furthermore, most No. 2 running backs on an NFL team’s depth chart will have fantasy value, even without an injury. MarShawn Lloyd, Braelon Allen, and Ray Davis are three rookie running backs with middle-round NFL Draft capital behind them. More importantly, all three are valuable fantasy options despite being the No. 2 running back on the depth chart.

However, which one should fantasy players target in their drafts? Let’s dive into the rookies’ 2024 fantasy football outlooks.

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MarShawn Lloyd 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The Green Bay Packers signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal in free agency. However, that didn’t stop them from using a top-100 pick on Lloyd. The rookie running back will have a role in the backfield. The coaching staff wants to make him a weapon in the passing game. Furthermore, Lloyd has shown off his explosive play-making abilities during training camp. But he did leave their preseason game on August 10 with a hamstring injury.

Packers rookie RB Marshawn Lloyd rips off a big 50yd run in practice! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/teytD1KutR

— Alexander Basara (@Basaraski) August 1, 2024

Braelon Allen 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Breece Hall will be a top-three running back selected in fantasy football drafts this year. However, the former Iowa State star has dealt with injuries in his career, including a torn ACL as a rookie. Therefore, Allen being the No. 2 running back on the depth chart puts him an injury to Hall away from top-20 upside.

#Jets have listed RB Braelon Allen as the RB2 on the Official Depth Chart.

The Youngest Player in the NFL will look to form a 1-2 Punch with Breece Hall‼️
pic.twitter.com/n2gujF4C5s

— The Fantasy Football Know It Alls (@FF_Know_It_Alls) August 6, 2024

Ray Davis 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy players have high hopes for James Cook in 2024. However, he has struggled around the goal line, totaling only four rushing touchdowns on 326 attempts in his career. Therefore, the Buffalo Bills used a mid-round pick in the NFL Draft on Davis. The rookie had 14 rushing touchdowns last year at Kentucky. Furthermore, he could be the third down running back after showing off his pass-protection skills in practice.

Things that have stood out so far today:

KJ Hamler making plays 📈📈
Ray Davis blitz pick up 📈
James Cook ball security 📉
Matt Milano coverage in space 📈
Keon Coleman’s ‘late’ hands 📈📈
Tyler Bass missed a pair of FGs 📉#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus

— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) August 7, 2024

Who Should I Draft?

All three rookie running backs could have massive fantasy value this year if the starter suffers an injury. Anyone who drafts Jacobs, Hall, or Cook should also draft their rookie handcuff. However, Davis has the most standalone fantasy value because of his potential role at the goal line. Monitor Lloyd's injury updates.

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