Fantasy Football Running Backs Best Ball Rankings for 2024 (Tiers 1-3)

February 22, 2024

Fantasy football running back rankings analysis for 2024 best ball drafts for RBs in the top three tiers. Phil breaks down the best values relative to ADP.

We are now progressing through the early weeks of the offseason and the process of free agency will soon provide pathways for some running backs to seize significant roles in their new landing spots. Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard, Austin Ekeler, and D'Andre Swift are among the collection of backs who could resurface in new environments. Unfortunately, the player movement that will eventually transpire will also negatively impact the stock of other backs whose workloads will be diminished within their backfield rotations.

Participation in the best ball draft process is also accelerating as the offseason advances, which provides fantasy managers with the opportunity to construct rosters that will not require additional management following the conclusion of each draft. This makes it essential to assemble rosters that can withstand injuries, insufficient production, and other challenges without the benefit of a waiver wire.

The team at RotoBaller is providing tiered rankings and detailed analysis to help you navigate the draft process in this format. That includes this article, which will direct the spotlight on running backs that are contained in Tiers 1-3. Every alteration within the fantasy landscape will be infused into the Best Ball rankings throughout the offseason and you can find the latest fantasy football rankings here.

Running Back Best-Ball Rankings

Tier 1

Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Kyren Williams

Your 2023 rushing yards champ is Christian McCaffrey with 1,459 yards! 💨 pic.twitter.com/5eCDyz0aq0

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 8, 2024

Several running backs have emerged as viable first-round selections for the first time in their careers. However, Christian McCaffrey appears destined to be the first back selected in the majority of drafts for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

McCaffrey generated a league-high 1,459 rushing yards (91.2 per game) in 2023, which also established a career-high. He also paced all backs in yards before contact (853), was second in yards after contact (582), and tied for second overall with 272 attempts (17.0 per game).

McCaffrey also finished fourth among backs in routes run (401), was second in receiving yards (564/35.3 per game), third in receptions (67/4.2 per game), and fourth in targets (83/5.2 per game). He also averaged a league-high 24.5 points per game and finished second in PFF’s grades for running backs.

Kyle Shanahan has consistently displayed his willingness to entrust McCaffrey with sizable workloads, which leaves McCaffrey’s role as San Francisco’s workhorse back completely unchallenged. It also provides your motivation to prioritize him as the top selection in your upcoming drafts.

Breece Hall commandeered his place among the high-end RB1s in 2023, following his recovery from ACL/meniscus injuries that had limited him to seven games during his 2022 rookie season.

Hall rose to eighth among all backs with 513 snaps (65.8% share) from Weeks 6-18, while eclipsing 60% during 11 of his last 12 matchups. He also carried 169 times (14.1 per game) during that sequence, while generating 607 yards (50.6 per game).

Breece Hall takes a simple two yard pass and makes it a 50 yard touchdown…

He is so special.
pic.twitter.com/4UGQ7aOe6O

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) October 29, 2023

Hall was also sixth among all backs in routes run (283) from Weeks 6-18 while leading all backs in targets (82/6.8 per game), receptions (68/5.7 per game), receiving yards (532/44.3 per game), and yards after catch during that span.

That includes his numbers from Weeks 11-17 following the release of Michael Carter when he paced all backs with 59 targets (8.4 per game), 48 receptions (6.9 per game), and 333 receiving yards (47.6 per game). He was also targeted on 33.9% of his 174 routes, averaged 1.91 yards per route run, and finished third with an average of 20.1 points per game. Hall should be among the top three backs selected in your upcoming drafts and can be targeted in the middle of Round 1.

Optimism surrounding Bijan Robinson’s prospects of erupting for substantial yardage and fantasy points during his rookie season launched his ADP into the middle of Round 1 during the 2023 draft season (ADP 7-RB3).

However, despite Robinson’s infusion into an offense that ranked third in rushing attempts (30.7 per game) and fourth in run play percentage (47.8%), Arthur Smith’s penchant for underutilization of his most critical offensive weapons impeded Robinson from generating the rushing numbers that he remains capable of.

Robinson’s average of 12.6 attempts per game was surprisingly close to the 10.9 per game average that was secured by Tyler Allgeier. Robinson also finished 19th with 214 attempts and was 15th in rushing yards (976/57.4 per game).

Bijan Robinson's FIRST NFL TOUCHDOWN!

📺: #CARvsATL on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/e8jtos04Qs

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023

Robinson did finish second among all backs in routes run (430) and was targeted on 20% of his routes. He also rose to second in targets (86/5.1 per game), was fourth in receiving yards (487/28.6 per game) and yards after catch (532), and was sixth in receptions (58/3.4 per game).

The offseason transformation of Atlanta’s coaching staff delivers the promise that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will position Robinson to thrive within the Falcons’ reconstructed attack. That elevates him among the top five backs that should be targeted in your drafts.

The explosiveness and versatility that Jahmyr Gibbs displayed during his prolific rookie season rewarded the Lions for securing him with the 12th overall pick during the 2023 NFL Draft. His playmaking capabilities also propelled him to eighth overall with an average of 16.1 points per game.

Detroit’s deployment of Gibbs in a rotation with David Montgomery did not preclude Gibbs from finishing 11th among all backs with 455 snaps (61.1% share) from Weeks 7-18. Gibbs also ascended to third in rushing yards during that sequence (766/69.6 per game), while accumulating a league-high nine rushes of 20+ yards and rising to second in rushing touchdowns (10).

Jahmyr Gibbs sent this poor guy to the shadow realmpic.twitter.com/QOGozN16hL

— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) December 26, 2023

He also averaged 5.4 yards per attempt during those matchups and was second only to Jonathan Taylor in yards after contact per attempt (2.5) from Weeks 1-18. Gibbs also ran 317 routes, was targeted on 22.4% of his routes, finished eighth with 71 targets (4.7 per game), and was ninth in receptions (52/3.5 per game).

Gibbs should operate as a dynamic weapon once again while accruing sizable yardage as a rusher and receiver. This should allow him to sustain high productivity despite the role that will be retained by Montgomery. It also launches him among the top five options at running back during your drafts.

Kyren Williams’ ADP placed him in Round 20 (232/RB66) during the 2023 draft season, while Cam Akers’ draft position was located in Round 6 (71/RB26). However, Akers was jettisoned to Minnesota in late September while Williams flourished with lead-back duties for the Rams throughout the regular season.

Most improved fantasy player of 2023:

KYREN WILLIAMS 🚀 pic.twitter.com/mU9PDWg1jI

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) January 4, 2024

He soared to second among all backs with an average of 21.3 points per game from Weeks 1-18, while averaging a league-high 95.3 rushing yards per game. He also finished third with 1,144 yards despite being sidelined from Weeks 7-11 with an ankle injury.

Williams also led all backs in rushing attempts (131/21.8 per game), rushing yards (688/114.7 per game), yards after contact (425), and games of 100+ yards (four) after he emerged from his four-game absence (Weeks 12-17). He also finished second with an average of 24 points per game during those contests.

Williams also accumulated 48 targets (4.0 per game), 32 receptions (2.7 per game), and 207 yards (17.2 per game) as a receiving weapon from Weeks 1-18. He is primed to operate as the Rams’ workhorse back once again, which elevates him among your most viable options near the conclusion of Round 1.

Tier 2

Jonathan Taylor, De'Von Achane, Travis Etienne Jr., Saquon Barkley

Jonathan Taylor's regular-season debut was delayed until Week 5 as the result of his protracted contract dispute with Indianapolis. However, he also retained his place among the league’s unquestioned RB1s after securing his three-year extension in October.

What a run from Jonathan Taylor! Touchdown!#Colts#ForTheShoe#Texans#HOUvsIND pic.twitter.com/OoRnCWByOA

— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) January 7, 2024

Taylor finished ninth with 704 rushing yards from Weeks 7-18, even though he was also inactive from Weeks 13-15 (thumb). His 88 yards per game average was also the league’s third highest, while Taylor also led all backs in yards after contact per attempt (2.7) during that span. Taylor also ran 151 routes, while collecting 13 of his 16 targets, assembling 91 receiving yards, and finishing eighth with an average of 17.6 points per game.

Shane Steichen adeptly guided the Colts offense amid the multiple absences of Taylor and Anthony Richardson, who sustained a concussion in Week 2 and suffered a season-ending shoulder issue in Week 5. This limited our opportunity to witness how Steichen would concoct the offense with Richardson and Taylor on the field. However, Taylor’s exceptional talent justifies his selection in Round 2 of your drafts.

De'Von Achane quickly established his ability to erupt for massive yardage totals by soaring to a league-high 455 rushing yards (151.7 per game) from Weeks 3-5 while eclipsing 100+ in all three matchups during that span. He also paced the league in rushes of 40+ yards (four) and rushing touchdowns (five), while averaging 12.3 yards per attempt during those contests.

Efficiency will almost certainly decline on more volume. But De’Von Achane’s rookie year was insane:

* 1st in PFF’s RB grades
* 1st in Next Gen’s Rush Yards Over Expectation per Attempt
* 1st among all RBs in raw yards per attempt pic.twitter.com/gZK6e1Vdhz

— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) February 15, 2024

Achane also finished fifth with an average of 72.7 yards per game from Weeks 1-18. He also accumulated 800 yards on the ground on 103 attempts, while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt. Achane also tied for third by eclipsing 100+ yards in four different matchups, while assembling eight rushing touchdowns, and rising to fifth with an average of 17.3 points per game.

Achane also finished as PFF’s highest-graded running back during 2023 (92.1%). His ability to deliver a statistical explosion in any given matchup has vaulted him among your top options during Round 2 of upcoming drafts.

Travis Etienne Jr.'s ADP rose to the periphery of Round 2 (25/RB11) during the initial months of the 2023 draft season. However, concerns that Doug Pederson’s distribution of touches within the Jaguars' backfield rotation would prevent Etienne from operating with a sizable workload eventually fueled the descent of his draft position into Round 4 (42/RB14).

Travis Etienne with a 62-yard TD run!#DUUUVAL up 14-0.@swaggy_t1

pic.twitter.com/S1i5uVktMH

— #ClemsonNFL (@ClemsonPros) January 1, 2023

However, Etienne progressed through the season as Jacksonville’s workhorse back, while finishing second overall with 816 snaps (73.3% share). He was also fourth in rushing attempts (267/15.7 per game), while finishing 11th in rushing yards (1,088/59.3 per game), 12th in yards after contact (425), and seventh in rushing touchdowns (11) from Weeks 1-18.

Etienne’s involvement as a receiving weapon also launched him to third in routes run (412) and yards after catch (533), fifth in receiving yards (476/28 per game), sixth in receptions (58/3.4 per game), and seventh in targets (73/4.3 per game).

Etienne also finished seventh among all backs with an average of 16.6 points per game. Reconstruction of the Jaguars offense is destined to occur during the offseason, but that should not preclude Etienne from functioning as Jacksonville’s primary back. That elevates him into consideration as a low-end RB1 during your draft process.

Saquon Barkley turned 27 on February 9 but can still operate as a proficient lead back. It is currently unclear whether he will function in that capacity during a seventh season with the Giants, or will eventually resurface in a new environment.

Barkley’s failed quest for a long-term contract fueled uncertainty throughout much of the 2023 offseason before he eventually signed an adjusted franchise tag. However, that decision ensured that another unsettled situation would exist at the onset of the 2024 offseason.

Barkley was sidelined from Weeks 3-5 with a high ankle sprain but returned to lead all backs with 218 carries (18.2 per game) from Weeks 6-18. That includes five games in which he carried 20+ times.

Barkley also finished second in rushing yards (848/70.7 per game) and was second in both yards after contact (584) and rushes of 20+ yards (seven).

I mean this is a beautiful pass from Tommy Devito. A great job by Saquon Barkley to hold onto this football.

A first quarter touchdown, and now the Giants lead 7-0 pic.twitter.com/OrDrc4OoUl

— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) November 19, 2023

Barkley did register career lows with his per-game averages in targets (4.3), receptions (2.9), and receiving yards (20.0). He remains a viable selection in Round 2 of your drafts, although his status could be altered by developments as the offseason progresses.

Tier 3

Kenneth Walker III, Rachaad White, James Cook, Isiah Pacheco

Kenneth Walker III  finished 20th with an average of 13.3 points per game in 2023, which included three finishes in the top 12. He also played in 15 contests for a second consecutive season, while accumulating 905 rushing yards (60.3 per game) and 219 attempts (14.6 per game).

LEAD BLOCKER Drew Lock 👀

What a run by Kenneth Walker and we have a tie game 🍿pic.twitter.com/UMtJd2l8pL

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) December 19, 2023

However, he failed to match the numbers that he secured in those categories during his 2022 rookie season (1,050 yards/70 per game), (228 attempts/15.2 per game). Walker also eclipsed 100+ yards once throughout the 2023 regular season after accomplishing it five times in 2022.

His red zone carries also decreased from 51 in 2022 to 38 last season, while his yards after contact per attempt also declined (1.9/1.6). However, he did finish sixth among all backs with seven runs of 20+ yards and was 10th in yards before contact per attempt (2.6). Walker’s involvement as a receiving weapon was modest, as he trailed Zach Charbonnet in targets (28/17), receptions (24/14), and receiving yards (157/148) from Weeks 10-18.

Walker should retain his role as Seattle’s lead back this season. However, Charbonnet’s snap share rose to 57.8% from Weeks 8-18, and his capabilities as an every-down back ensure that he will loom as a legitimate threat to siphon touches.

Rachaad White operated with a 39.1% snap share during his 2022 rookie season while sharing touches with Leonard Fournette. However, Fournette was extracted from the equation in 2023, which presented White with an uncontested runway to function as Tampa Bay’s unchallenged lead back. 

White led all backs with 823 snaps (78.6% share), while his 272 rushing attempts (16.0 per game) were second only to Derrick Henry. White also finished sixth in yards before contact (594) and 14th in rushing yards (990/58.2 per game). That includes his numbers from Weeks 7-18 when White led all backs with 202 attempts (16.8 per game) while rising to fifth with 758 rushing yards (63.2 per game).

RACHAAD WHITE TIES IT UP 🔥
pic.twitter.com/guGOJ6003w

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) January 21, 2024

White also led all backs in routes run (443) and receptions of 20+ (10). He was also second in yards after catch (616), third in receiving yards (549/32.3 per game), and fourth in receptions (64/3.8 per game), while rising to 10th with an average of 15.8 points per game. White should sustain a sizable workload as Tampa Bay’s primary back, even if the Buccaneers bolster the depth chart below him.

James Cook commandeered lead-back responsibilities for Buffalo during his second season while finishing 11th with 610 snaps (54.7% share). Cook also rose to 10th in rushing attempts (237/13.9 per game), including 14 games in which he accumulated 12+.

Cook also maximized his opportunities, while accumulating 1,567 yards from scrimmage. That placed him third among backs behind only Christian McCaffrey and Breece Hall.

LET JAMES COOK.

📺: #DALvsBUF on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kw7mays4qU pic.twitter.com/vaPf6cc80s

— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2023

Cook also vaulted to fourth in both rushing yards (1,122/66 per game) and fifth yards before contact (640), while finishing seventh in yards after contact (482). He also rose to 10th overall in routes run (317), while ascending to eighth in receiving yards (445/26.2 per game) and tying for third in receptions of 20+ (seven).

The Bills can be expected to make alterations to their offensive weaponry during the offseason. However, Cook flourished in his role as the Bills’ primary back and should operate with an extensive workload once again. That elevates him among the top 12 backs to target during your upcoming drafts.

Isiah Pacheco maintained his role as Kansas City’s lead back during 2023 while sustaining the momentum that had launched the former seventh-round pick atop the Chiefs’ depth chart during his 2022 rookie season.

Pacheco finished 18th overall in rushing yards from Weeks 1-18 (935/66.8 per game), despite being sidelined in Weeks 14-15 (shoulder) and failing to register a touch during Kansas City's meaningless regular-season finale.

This run by Isiah Pacheco against the Jaguars is not being talked about enough! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aUfSNYHCxr

— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) September 16, 2023

Pacheco was also 22nd in rushing attempts (205/14.6 per game) from Weeks 1-18 while accumulating at least 15 carries in nine different matchups. He also tied for 13th with six rushes of 20+ yards, while rising to sixth in yards before contact per attempt (2.7). He also generated seven rushing touchdowns, while finishing 14th, with an average of 15.3 points per game.

The RB also averaged 3.5 targets/3.1 receptions/17.4 receiving yards per game, which represented a universal improvement over his averages during 2022 -- (0.8 targets/0.7 receptions/7.6 yards).

Pacheco also remains a relentless runner, which should keep him entrenched as the Chiefs’ primary back. That provides fantasy managers with a viable target in Round 4 of all drafts.

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