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Football season is finally here! And, that means fantasy football leagues are gearing up for the start of the year. With the draft behind us, managers are assessing their squad and hoping to gain an edge in Week 1. Starting the season with a win is a great way to ensure a successful campaign. We’ve got you covered on that end. We’re taking a look at running backs this time around. With a jam-packed slate, we have a list of RBs you should avoid at all costs and others that you should absolutely find a spot in your lineup for:
Start: Kenneth Walker — Seattle Seahawks (vs DEN)
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Walker had a bit of a down year in his second season. Many expected the former Michigan State Spartan to explode in Year 2 in a high-powered Seahawks offense. Instead, Walker was held to just 905 rushing yards and eclipsed 100 yards in a single game just once all year. The pieces are in place for Walker to have a hot start in ’24. QB Geno Smith entering the year healthy is a massive boost to the offense. The Seahawks take on a Denver defensive front which projects to be among the worst in the league. Additionally, Seattle’s backup running back, Zach Charbonnet, is dealing with an undisclosed injury. The Seahawks have no choice but to feed Walker in Week 1.
Sit: Rhamondre Stevenson — New England Patriots (vs CIN)
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Stevenson was a hot commodity around fantasy circles this time last season. He was exceptional in ’22, rushing for 1,000 yards and hauling in 69 receptions — fourth-most among RBs that year. However, New England’s offense regressed mightily and Stevenson saw his efficiency dwindle. His outlook this year doesn’t look much better. The offensive line is among the worst in the league. Under center, they’ll either be starting journeyman Jacoby Brissett in attempt to protect rookie hurler Drake Maye. None of this bodes well for Stevenson’s outlook.
Start: Jonathan Taylor — Indianapolis Colts (vs HOU)
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Taylor is two years removed from being RB1 in all of fantasy. In ’21, Taylor finished with over 2,100 scrimmage yards and 20 total TDs. Injuries derailed the following campaign, and Taylor missed the first month of the ’23 season dealing with a contract dispute. Heading into ’24, it’s all systems go for the Indianapolis running back. His first matchup comes against the division-rival Houston Texans. The last time these two teams faced off was last year’s Week 18 matchup which saw Taylor rush for 188 yards on 30 carries. The difference this time around? Taylor will have starting QB Anthony Richardson alongside him. Houston’s revamped defense will have their hands full trying to stop Indy’s potent rushing attack.
Start: Raheem Mostert — Miami Dolphins (vs JAX)
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Last year’s league leader in touchdowns was Miami’s Raheem Mostert. The 31-year-old reached paydirt 21 times in 15 games and was a key cog for the Dolphins’ explosive offense. In ’24, many predict second-year burner De’Von Achane to take over in Miami’s backfield. However, we wouldn’t be eager to count out Mostert just yet. The two backs complement each other quite well as the shared workload helps lower any chance of injury. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel always seems to add new wrinkles to his offense each year. It would not surprise us at all if Mostert gets off to a strong start yet again.
Sit: Aaron Jones — Minnesota Vikings (at NYG)
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A familiar face in a new place. Longtime Packer Aaron Jones will be suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings in ’24 after a seven-year run in Green Bay. Jones has always been a highly efficient runner, but his usage fluctuated throughout his Packer tenure. We’re unsure how big of a role he might have in this Vikings offense as he approaches his 30th birthday. Starting QB Sam Darnold isn’t known for targeting his backs in the passing game, either. Expect Jones to work in a committee to begin the season, as backup RB Ty Chandler should get some work due to his game-breaking speed.
Start: Jerome Ford — Cleveland Browns (vs DAL)
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Cleveland was dealt a devastating blow early last year when star running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending injury. Second-year back Jerome Ford filled in admirably in Chubb’s absence. Ford finished the year with 1,132 scrimmage yards and 9 TDs. Chubb is expected to return at some point in ’24, but a Week 1 appearance is out of the cards. Ford will be the No. 1 option going up against Dallas. The Cowboys are tough up front, but Ford will get plenty of usage on the ground and through the air to make him a viable option in your lineup.
Sit: Rachaad White — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs WAS)
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White was a league-winner for many last season, as his pass-catching expertise made him especially valuable in PPR formats. While he struggled to get going on the ground (3.6 YPC), White finished fourth in receptions (64) and third in receiving yards (549) among running backs. His dependability as a receiver made him a player you had to start every week. But, we have some concerns about White’s floor in ’24. Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales jumped ship to take the Carolina head coaching position during the offseason. Canales was key in developing Tampa Bay’s offense around QB Baker Mayfield. We’d sit White for a week to see if Mayfield is truly a changed player, or if he falls back into similar habits that have plagued him over his career.
Start: David Montgomery — Detroit Lions (vs LAR)
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Montgomery’s situation feels similar to Raheem Mostert’s. A veteran RB coming off a stellar season who is slipping in fantasy drafts in favor of his younger, more exciting teammate. In Montgomery’s case, the 27-year-old is expected to share the backfield responsibilities with first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is an elite talent who deserves a ton of usage, but Montgomery still figures to be a part of this excellent offense in Detroit. If anything, we should still see him absorb most of the work near the goal line. The former Bear finished with 13 rushing scores last year. He’ll have a chance to scratch early in what should be a high-scoring affair versus the Los Angeles Rams.
Sit: Zamir White — Las Vegas Raiders (at LAC)
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The Raiders bid farewell to longtime starter Josh Jacobs in the offseason, opening the door for former Georgia rusher Zamir White to seize a larger role. White finished last season strong, averaging just under 100 rushing yards per game (99.3) over Vegas’ final four contests. He could end up being a steal in fantasy drafts by season’s end. However, his Week 1 outlook is murky. The Raiders have been a jumbled mess this offseason. Gardner Minshew was recently named the starter, and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy does not have a sterling track record. Additionally, the team signed pass-catching specialist Alexander Mattison over the break. Vegas’ offense is likely to struggle early on, and White not being on the field for all three downs severely limits his upside.
Start: Chuba Hubbard — Carolina Panthers (at NO)
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Carolina’s offense should be improved in ’24, though that’s not saying much considering the effort they poured in a season ago. While we wait for rookie Jonathon Brooks to heal from a torn ACL, veteran Chuba Hubbard is expected to lead the way for the Panthers. He saw over 20 carries in four of the last six games a season ago. Plus, we saw new head coach Dave Canales utilize RB Rachaad White heavily in the passing game last year in Tampa Bay. Hubbard set a career-high with 39 receptions a season ago and has improved in that area of his game throughout his career with the Panthers.
Start: Joe Mixon — Houston Texans (at IND)
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Joe Mixon went from one stacked offense to another. After starring alongside Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the rest of the Bengals offense, Mixon moved to Houston this offseason where he will join a group that includes CJ Stroud, Stefon Diggs, and Nico Collins. Mixon’s calling card has always been his durability. He toted the rock over 300 times last season between his rushing and receiving efforts. While he’s never been overly efficient, Mixon is a dependable back who rarely comes off the field. It’s his backfield in Houston, and we don’t see any of his backups truly competing with him for playing time.
Sit: Ezekiel Elliott — Dallas Cowboys (at CLE)
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A reunion that always seemed somewhat inevitable, Ezekiel Elliott is back in Dallas after spending a year with the Patriots. Last season, Elliott proved he could still be a decent fantasy option — mostly in PPR formats. He hauled in 51 receptions — his highest total since 2020. However, his athletic decline has been evident. Anybody who didn’t watch Elliott last year for a bottom-dwelling Patriots team may not quite understand this. Perhaps we will see Dallas lean on Elliott at some point this year based on familiarity alone. However, Rico Dowdle was recently named the “starter” and will likely get an early opportunity to establish himself. Keep Elliott glued to your bench until the veteran is given a bigger role.
Start: Javonte Williams — Denver Broncos (at SEA)
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Williams is primed for a breakout in ’24. The Denver rusher has been a fantasy football favorite for years, but injuries have ultimately stymied his climb. Last season, Williams seemed to be hampered by the ACL tear he suffered in ’22. Now, he’s healthy and ready to take over the Broncos backfield. Third-down back Samaje Perine was recently released, indicating that Williams could be in line for an even bigger workload than many anticipated. Despite having a disappointing season, Williams managed to eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards with 47 receptions in 2023. Seattle’s defense poses a favorable matchup after getting gashed on the ground all of last season.
Sit: Devin Singletary — New York Giants (vs MIN)
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Devin Singletary could very well turn in a solid season for the Giants. There isn’t much in the way of competition in New York’s backfield. Some are high on rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. out of Purdue, but the first-year runner is already nursing an ankle injury. Singletary is positioned nicely as his pass-catching acumen should earn him plenty of playing time. However, this matchup is a nightmare scenario. QB Daniel Jones versus an aggressive Vikings defense does not bode well for the Giants. We don’t expect many points to be scored by either side. As such, it’s hard to love Singletary’s upside in Week 1.
Start: Alvin Kamara — New Orleans Saints (vs CAR)
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It’s not totally unfair to say Alvin Kamara has lost a step. While speed was never Kamara’s main attribute, he’s been under 4.0 YPC over the last three seasons and didn’t have a single rush over 20 yards last season. That being said, Kamara remains an absolute force as a pass-catcher. The arrival of QB Derek Carr revitalized that part of Kamara’s game. In four seasons alongside Drew Brees, Kamara averaged 81.5 receptions on 102.3 targets per year. In the two seasons after Brees retired, those numbers were lowered to 52 receptions on 72 targets. Last season, with Carr in tow, Kamara hauled in 75 receptions on 86 targets in just 13 games. There’s no reason to believe he’s taking a backseat in ’24.
Sit: Austin Ekeler — Washington Commanders (at TB)
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A former fantasy football superstar, Austin Ekeler is looking to bounce back from an atrocious 2023. Ekeler’s numbers were down across the board last season. Known for his pass-catching ability, Ekeler recorded his lowest reception total since 2018 when he wasn’t even a full-time starter. He hopes a change of scenery can revitalize his production. However, we’re skeptical about the fit. Brian Robinson Jr. emerged as a runner and receiver last season and squeezed Antonio Gibson (now with the Patriots) out of the rotation. Additionally, first-year QB Jayden Daniels prefers to drive the ball downfield rather than checking down to his back. Outside of a few screen passes, we don’t see Ekeler making much of an impact in Week 1.
Start: Najee Harris — Pittsburgh Steelers (at ATL)
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Najee Harris hasn’t exactly lived up to the first-round hype, but he’s turned in three-straight 1,000-yard seasons and will unquestionably be a big part of Pittsburgh’s offense in 2024. Backup Jaylen Warren saw an increased role last year, but even his 200 touches didn’t stop Harris from nearing 300 opportunities of his own last year. Harris isn’t overly efficient, but he’s great in short yardage and has yet to miss a single game in his NFL career. Pittsburgh’s offense will be better than last year and Harris should reap the benefits.
Sit: Josh Jacobs — Green Bay Packers (vs PHI)
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A bundle of veteran backs will be suiting up for new teams in 2024. Among the most notable is ’22 rushing leader Josh Jacobs who joined the Green Bay Packers this offseason after playing his first five seasons with the Raiders. Green Bay’s offense came on strong to end last season, but the team felt they needed a bell-cow back who could earn tough yardage. The 26-year-old Jacobs has plenty left, but he’s coming off his worst season as a pro. Expect the Packers to ease him into a bigger role. That should be evident in Week 1 when the Packers lean on Jordan Love and the passing game versus Philadelphia’s weak secondary.
Start: Breece Hall — New York Jets (at SF)
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Breece Hall is in line for a monster season. The New York running back had his rookie campaign derailed by a torn ACL but came back strong in ’23 and didn’t show any signs of slowing down. Of course, the Jets offense will be much improved in ’24. Defenses will have to defend New York’s completely differently now that Aaron Rodgers is back under center. Hall will be a security blanket for the veteran QB and possesses some of the best breakaway burst in the entire league. San Francisco’s defense has dealt with a ton of injuries in the offseason and it will be the team’s first year with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. Expect some growing pains. Hall could expose this group and potentially have the highest scoring Week 1 of any RB in the league.
Sit: Derrick Henry — Baltimore Ravens (at KC)
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You didn’t draft Derrick Henry to sit him in Week 1. We get that. However, there are several indicators that the former Titan could start out the season a bit slower than expected. The 2020 Offensive Player of the Year will be playing for a new team for the first time in his nine-year NFL career. He’ll be 31 years old in January. The Ravens understand that keeping Henry fresh for the stretch run will be important for long-term success. His usage will ramp up toward the latter half of the season. Week 1 is not the time to feed Henry 30-plus touches. Could he still make an impact with 15-20 attempts? Sure. But, that sort of action won’t guarantee an excellent fantasy outing.
