X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Biggest Fantasy Football Running Back Breakouts of 2023

Breece Hall - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Griffin Gourguechon identifies NFL players at the running back position that broke out for fantasy football managers in 2023 and looks at their fantasy prospects in 2024.

In the high-stakes world of fantasy football, the running back position is the cornerstone of many winning strategies. Whether it's securing crucial yardage, making key receptions (in PPR formats), or finding the end zone, their multifaceted contributions can make or break a fantasy team's fortunes.

Yet, what truly sets the running back position apart is the prospect of finding a hidden gem, whether it be a late-round steal or a savvy waiver-wire pickup. These under-the-radar talents have the potential to catapult a team from obscurity to playoff contention, and maybe even championship triumph.

Now, let's embark on a journey through the landscape of the 2023 fantasy football season, where we'll unveil the names of some of this season's breakout stars, those few select individuals who emerged from the shadows to carve their places in the saga of fantasy football history.

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

Biggest Running Back Breakouts of 2023

Note: Listed ADPs are from Sleeper; RB end-of-season rankings are based on ESPN's PPR scoring

Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams - ADP: N/A (likely undrafted) | 2023 Rank: RB7

It wouldn't be a breakout list without Kyren Williams. Williams truly epitomizes the breakout player this season, defying initial expectations by going undrafted in most fantasy leagues only to emerge as the seventh-ranked running back overall.  Despite missing five games to an ankle sprain, Williams consistently dominated, showcasing his prowess as a touchdown machine with at least one score in nine out of 12 games, including five multi-touchdown performances.

Before his injury sidelined him, Williams ranked fourth in fantasy points per game in weeks one through six. Remarkably, when he returned, he seamlessly resumed his strong performance, finishing the final seven games as the third-ranked running back, despite missing week 18. When healthy and on the field, Williams unequivocally proved himself as a top-five fantasy football running back.

It's not often that you can say you picked up a top-five caliber running back off the waiver wire. Williams not only surpassed his expectations, but he also positioned himself as the Rams' future feature back. He's poised for a top-five RB finish this upcoming season.

Here are several key statistics that reinforce the notion that Williams' breakout was no fluke:

  • Averaging 95.3 rushing yards per game, Williams boasted the NFL's best per-game average.
  • With an impressive five yards per carry, he tied for fourth-best in the league (among RBs with at least 6 carries per game).
  • His 96 runs of five yards or more ranked second only to Christian McCaffrey's 109.
  • Williams delivered two 30+ point fantasy performances, a feat only achieved by Christian McCaffrey (RB1) and Raheem Mostert (RB5).
  • He also recorded five top-five running back fantasy performances on the season, with two of them claiming the number-one spot for the week.

Breece Hall, New York Jets - ADP: RB14 | 2023 Rank: RB2

It's crazy to think that Breece Hall suffered an ACL tear just a little over a year ago, yet he managed to recover so quickly. Despite this setback, Hall ended the season as the second-ranked running back in PPR leagues, trailing only the Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey.  While Hall's involvement in the passing game was undoubtedly influenced by the Jet's quarterback struggles, resulting in numerous dump-off passes to him under pressure, his ability to contribute as a receiver was exceptional. Leading all running backs with 76 receptions and 591 receiving yards, Hall showcased his versatility as more than just a traditional ball carrier.

Additionally, he excelled in the run game, delivering two of the season's top-five rushing yard performances with 178 yards against the Patriots and 177 against the Broncos, while coming up just six yards shy of reaching 1,000 rushing yards for the season. Hall proved himself to be a true dual threat among running backs, finishing fourth in rushing yards after contact (490) and first in receiving yards after contact (209).

Hall managed to secure a second-place finish among all running backs, even though he scored just nine times. He outperformed players such as Raheem Mostert (21 touchdowns), Kyren Williams (15 touchdowns), and Travis Etienne (12 touchdowns). During the last six weeks, with Hall scoring five times, he emerged as the top fantasy running back over that period. When he's scoring, Hall transforms into a fantasy powerhouse.

At just 22 years old, Hall has two more years on his contract with the Jets, marking only the beginning of what appears to be a promising career ahead. Imagine him alongside a potent offense and a formidable offensive line -- the sky's the limit for his potential. Expect him to fly off the board early in this year's fantasy drafts.

Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins - ADP: RB45 | 2023 Rank: RB5

Despite Raheem Mostert's familiarity as a fantasy football asset, this season proved to be his best yet. While injuries plagued him in his early career, he has since enjoyed relatively good health, missing only a handful of games in the past two seasons. When he's on the field, Mostert's exceptional speed, and more recently, his innate ability to find the end zone, make him a dominant force. He tied Christian McCaffrey for the league lead with 21 total touchdowns, with 18 of those being rushing touchdowns -- four more than CMC's 14.

In addition to his career-high in touchdowns, Mostert also achieved a notable milestone by surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his nine-year career. During the first nine weeks of the season, he went on a tear, averaging 18.9 fantasy points per game, securing his place as RB-2 during that span. What truly set him apart from other fantasy running backs, however, was his big-game potential. He notched four top-five running back finishes on the season, including one as RB-1 and another as RB-2. Furthermore, he tallied six multi-touchdown performances, surpassing all other running backs in fantasy football.

While coming off his best season yet, Mostert, at 31 years old, faces competition from 22-year-old De'Von Achane who is poised to take over in due time. Mostert will remain a factor in the upcoming fantasy season, being in the final year of his contract, but we can expect a transition toward Achane, who represents the future of the Dolphins.

Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions - ADP: RB12 | 2023 Rank: RB10

Although Gibbs didn't exceed his fantasy draft expectations by much, primarily due to a slow start to the season, he ended up finishing the final 12 weeks as RB-4. During that stretch, Gibbs produced six top-three running back finishes, including an RB-1 performance in week 8 against the Raiders. While it made sense for the Lions to gradually integrate him into his rookie season, once they unleashed him, he quickly emerged as one of the most electrifying running backs of the year.

Gibbs possesses an innate ability to break free for long runs, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, the third-highest in the league (among running backs with at least 6 carries per game). He also managed to record ten rushes of 20 yards or more, placing him second in that category among all running backs this season. His big-play potential is remarkable, and with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson returning for another season, there's certainty he'll find ways to get Gibbs the ball even more next season.

Arguably the most exciting attribute of Gibbs' game is his effectiveness as a receiver. A significant reason why the Lions drafted Gibbs in the first place was to utilize him alongside Montgomery as a change of pace back, but also because of his value as a receiving threat. Gibbs ended the season eighth in running back targets (71), tied for ninth in running back receptions (52), and 16th in receiving yards (316). It's worth noting that Gibbs played under 50 percent of the snaps the first four weeks of the season and also missed two games due to a hamstring injury, so these numbers could have been much higher.

Gibbs' potential has only scratched the surface, and he'll continue to improve with more opportunities. Although the Lions signed David Montgomery to a three-year contract before the 2023 season, they revealed their intentions toward the end of the year with Gibbs handling the bulk of the touches out of the backfield. Expect him to be a top-five running back this upcoming fantasy season.

Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ADP: RB28 | 2023 Rank: RB4

Rachaad White presented a puzzle for fantasy managers heading into the season. Even though his rushing efficiency numbers were low in 2022 (3.7 yards per carry), he showcased promise as a receiver. This trend continued into 2023, where he excelled as a receiver but struggled as a runner (3.6 yards per carry). However, his receiving skills exceeded expectations, as he finished the season with 64 receptions (fourth among RBs), 549 receiving yards (third among RBs), and three receiving touchdowns (tied for fourth).

Adding to his impact, he scored six touchdowns on the ground and gained 990 rushing yards, despite his inefficiency. White's versatility earned him ample opportunities out of the backfield (272 carries, tied for second among RBs) and allowed him to accumulate a substantial amount of yards and touchdowns. Furthermore, he averaged 90.5 all-purpose yards per game, ranking sixth among running backs who played at least 12 games.

White's receiving prowess makes him a valuable fantasy running back, particularly in PPR leagues. Despite a slow start, he finished as RB-2 from weeks seven to 18, with four top-seven finishes, including a first-place finish in week nine against the Texans. His consistency during this stretch, with only one game below 13 fantasy points, highlights his reliability.

While concerns persist about his rushing efficiency, his reliability as a receiver makes him a worthwhile pick in PPR fantasy drafts moving forward. Additionally, White's durability -- he hasn't missed a game in two seasons -- sets him apart in a position prone to injuries.  Although there is a chance that the Buccaneers opt to add another running back this offseason, White is likely to remain their primary option. Expect another top-10 RB finish, with the potential of falling into the 10-15 range.

 

Honorable Mentions



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF