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

Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers and Busts - Draft Targets, Avoids (2024)

Potential running back sleepers and busts for 2024 fantasy football drafts. Joey Pollizze details potential sleepers and busts at the position for 2024 fantasy drafts.

It's becoming harder and harder to trust running backs in fantasy football. Very few have a workhorse role anymore, and most get hurt as well. Last season, first-round fantasy running backs like Austin Ekeler, Bijan Robinson, and Nick Chubb all fell short of their predraft ADP. 

Even second-round running backs like Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs didn't have the year fantasy managers thought they would have. As a result, we are seeing fewer running backs going in the first round of drafts this season. Only Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs have an ADP inside the top 13 heading into 2024.

With fantasy drafts shortly approaching, now is the perfect time to evaluate the running back position. Here are the biggest sleepers, busts, and undervalued running backs heading into the 2024-2025 fantasy football season. 

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.

 

2024 Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers

Zack Moss - Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss deserves more love in fantasy this season. With Joe Mixon being traded to the Houston Texans this offseason, Moss should immediately fill that role left by Mixon. The 26-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Bengals in free agency and should step in as the team's RB1 in 2024. 

However, for some reason, fantasy managers don't seem to trust him heading into the year. He has a 95.2 ADP on Sleeper and is going around the RB30 in most drafts. That seems way too low for a running back who is expected to see most of the goal-line work on a top-10 offense in the NFL. 

Moss also showed some great things as a starter with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. In four starts without Jonathan Taylor, the former third-round pick ran for 445 yards and three touchdowns while catching eight passes for 72 yards and one touchdown. That four-game stretch led to the 26-year-old averaging 21.4 PPR fantasy points during that span. As a result, he is definitely a sleeper option at the position in 2024. 

Of course, Chase Brown will see his fair share of opportunities. But all signs point to Moss leading this Cincinnati backfield this season. He should lead the team in carries, making him a great value pick in all fantasy formats. With Mixon's 309 vacated running back touches leaving this offense, look for the former Colts running back to see plenty of chances in 2024. 

Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys 

After spending the 2023 season with the New England Patriots, running back Ezekiel Elliott finds himself back with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 campaign. Dallas signed Elliott to a one-year deal this offseason, and the veteran is expected to be heavily involved. 

The Cowboys let Tony Pollard walk in free agency and didn't draft a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a result, the team will roll with Elliott and Rico Dowdle this upcoming season. While Dowdle could see somewhere between 40% to 50% of Dallas' offensive snaps every week, the veteran's touchdown upside should make him a solid weekly flex play.

Last season, the Cowboys scored the most points in the NFL, meaning Elliott should see plenty of touchdown opportunities in 2024. The three-time Pro Bowler has scored at least 10 rushing touchdowns in three of his past four years in Dallas (2019, 2021, and 2022) and that shouldn't stop this season. 

Fantasy managers shouldn't expect the veteran to be a workhorse back -- like they are used to seeing him in Dallas. Dowdle will be involved in both the running and passing game, especially after head coach Mike McCarthy said this backfield will be a committee. However, Elliott will no doubt be the team's goal-line back, a role that should help him finish with solid flex numbers. At his 118.5 ADP, he is a sleeper option in 2024 because of his potential to finish with 10-plus touchdowns. 

 

2024 Fantasy Football Undervalued Running Backs

Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints

When running backs hit a certain age, their production starts to drop off. With New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara turning 29 years old, most fantasy managers are expecting the veteran to take a huge step back. Despite finishing as the RB11 in PPR formats last year, Kamara finds himself going as the RB17 with an ADP of 53.7 on Sleeper in 2024. 

It's understandable why the veteran back is going where he is in drafts. He is on the older side, second-year back Kendre Miller should be more involved in 2024, and he only averaged just 3.9 yards per carry last season. However, Kamara is extremely undervalued heading into the fantasy season.

For starters, the 29-year-old has finished as a top-12 back in PPR formats in six of his seven NFL seasons -- thanks to his high usage in the passing game. Last season, Kamara saw 86 targets and totaled 75 catches for 466 yards and one touchdown. That high target share shouldn't stop in 2024, either, as Derek Carr targets running backs at a high rate out of the backfield. According to NBC Sports and Fantasy Points Data, 38% of Carr's passes to backs last year were first-read targets. 

So, expect Kamara to be heavily involved in the passing game again. Even at his age, the 29-year-old can still be a strong RB2 option for fantasy managers. He'll see over 75 targets, which makes him an undervalued option in PPR formats entering the year. 

Zamir White - Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White hasn't seen many opportunities since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He sat behind Josh Jacobs for most of his first two years in the league before drawing his first career start in Week 15 of the 2023 season. With Jacobs nursing a calf injury, White stepped in and showed his potential right away. 

In that Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, White ran 17 times for 69 yards and one touchdown. Jacobs then missed the next three games and the former Georgia product drew three more starts to end the year. Over those final three weeks, the 24-year-old saw 73 touches while totaling at least 100 yards from scrimmage in each of those contests

Now, White should be in line to start the whole year for the Raiders after Jacobs left in free agency. Given the way he looked in that role last year, he is a steal at his 83.7 ADP. He averaged 15.2 PPR fantasy points in those final four games and there's a strong chance he sees over 250 touches in 2024. He doesn't face much competition for touches, and Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce wants to run the ball a lot. 

White should easily lead this backfield, as Alexander Mattison and sixth-round rookie Dylan Laube are the only notable backs on the roster. As a result, take a chance on the 24-year-old in fantasy this year, especially at his RB26 price tag because a breakout campaign could be in store. 

 

2024 Fantasy Football Running Back Bust

D'Andre Swift - Chicago Bears

For the third time in three years, running back D'Andre Swift finds himself on a new team. Swift had a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, running for 1,049 yards and finishing as the RB20 in PPR formats. However, the 25-year-old now goes to a worse offense with a worse offensive line.

That's why Swift is a bust candidate entering the 2024 fantasy season. The Bears offense will surely go through some struggles this year with a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams under center, which will hurt the running back's fantasy value. On top of that, Chicago has two other backs on its roster who could see some opportunities.

Khalil Herbert has dealt with some injuries over the past two years, but when healthy, he has been an efficient runner. He has averaged 5.2 yards per carry since 2022 while totaling at least 600 rush yards in each of the last two seasons. Roschon Johnson also showed some nice things in his rookie year, totaling 561 yards from scrimmage. While Swift will lead this backfield in 2024, don't be surprised if Herbert and Johnson severely eat into his workload.

That's why Swift is an avoid at his RB21 price tag. He has failed to finish as the top-17 back in three of his four NFL seasons and doesn't have a high fantasy ceiling in this Bears offense. So, it might be tough to rely on him as your RB2 in fantasy in 2024. Instead of taking the 25-year-old at his 67.6 ADP, it might make sense to wait 2-3 more rounds and take White or Moss -- two backs who should see plenty of touches this season. 



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

Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout with Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF