Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley - 2024 Fantasy Football Running Back Outlooks

Should fantasy football players draft Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, or Saquon Barkleyin 2024? Joey Pollizze examines the case for all three running backs.

There is a clear top three at the running back position heading into the fantasy season. Christian McCaffrey is the consensus RB1, while Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson are interchangeable as the RB2 and RB3. 

The next tier of running backs, though, are just as great of picks. Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, and Saquon Barkley are all elite options late in the first round or early in the second round of drafts.

So, should fantasy managers select Gibbs, Taylor, or Barkley early in drafts? Let's dive in and find out. 

Jahmyr Gibbs 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Those who drafted Gibbs early in 2023 drafts were relatively disappointed with him through the first few weeks. From Week 1 to Week 6, the 22-year-old only averaged 9.7 PPR fantasy points per game while also missing two contests due to a hamstring issue. But, after returning from injury in Week 7, he was one of the best fantasy running backs the rest of the year. 

A look back at Jahmyr Gibbs' first season in the NFL.

BIG thing ahead 🏆pic.twitter.com/fjtl4sZPbS

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 5, 2024

Gibbs averaged 16.1 PPR fantasy points in his rookie campaign and finished as the RB10. Now, entering Year 2, look for the Lions running back to be more involved on offense. His potential in the running and passing game makes him a nice selection late in round one. 

Jonathan Taylor 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Since finishing as the RB1 in 2021, Taylor has had back-to-back injury-riddled seasons. In 2022 and 2023, the 25-year-old finished as the RB33 in PPR formats. However, he was one of the best fantasy running backs when healthy. Last season, he averaged 15.6 PPR fantasy points per game. 

A reminder that Jonathan Taylor’s 2021 season was absolutely absurd:

- 2,171 total yards
- 20 total touchdowns
- 106.5 yards per game
- 5.5 yards per attempt
- 107 first downs pic.twitter.com/JztUwMDTAd

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) June 27, 2024

With injuries now hopefully past him, Taylor could return to being a fantasy superstar. He is one of the few running backs with a workhorse role and barely any competition for touches. In an offense that is also up-and-coming, look for the former Pro Bowler to bounce back nicely in 2024. 

Saquon Barkley 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

After spending his first six seasons with the New York Giants, Barkley signed a multi-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. That landing spot in Philadelphia is the best-case scenario for the 27-year-old, considering he goes to a top-three offense in the NFL.

Hard Knocks will apparently "lean into Saquon Barkley's free agency and his NYG exit to Eagles," per Art Stapleton.

Get your popcorn ready 🍿 pic.twitter.com/vahvobSzBY

— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 30, 2024

Given how talented Barkley is, he should thrive in this Eagles offense right away. He should see more chances for touchdowns -- even if Jalen Hurts takes away a few rushing scores -- and could top over 1,300 rush yards behind this elite Philadelphia offensive line. Despite being in a new offense, he is a safe pick early in the second round. 

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

All three of these running backs are solid options early in drafts. They all also have the potential to finish as a top-three fantasy running back in 2024. However, Taylor might be the best choice of the three. He should see almost all of the backfield touches in Indianapolis while being a focal point on offense. If he can just stay healthy, a top-four fantasy finish should be in store. 

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