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Lance Fernandez predicts the 32 running backs who will start in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Which running backs will start despite switching teams? Will there be starting rookie RBs this season?
The running back position has been devalued over the last few seasons. Some of the best players in the position experienced getting franchise tag offers or lack of contract extension agreements even after a fantastic season.
But regardless of where their market is going, these athletes from the backfield are an integral part of an offense. They can use their speed to gain yards from the ground or confuse defenders with their pass-catching ability.
With an influx of running back talent entering the league through the 2024 NFL Draft, it's interesting to ponder which players will line up for their team's first snap on offense. Their production can help power their squads to a potential playoff berth.
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Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for AFC East Teams
Buffalo Bills – James Cook
Throwback to James Cook destroying the Dallas Cowboys 😤pic.twitter.com/iViWzJI5Ge
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) May 6, 2024
Cook earned his first Pro Bowl selection in Year 2 with the Bills. The former Georgia standout finished the 2023 season with 237 carries for 1,122 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Cook added 445 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. Those numbers should solidify his hold as Buffalo's RB1.
Miami Dolphins – Raheem Mostert
Raheem Mostert was not happy about being an All-Pro snub after his historic season: pic.twitter.com/6YrvDGl1ht
“I wanted to be an All-Pro, that was important to me... I don't understand why I didn't, I didn't even get 2nd team All-Pro, which is mind-boggling because I still had 21…
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 24, 2024
The Dolphins restructured Mostert's contract, keeping him on the roster until 2025. It's an intelligent approach after completing his first 1,000-yard season last year. Aside from leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, he added three receiving touchdowns out of 175 yards. While Mostert will be Miami's Week 1 starter, the Dolphins will also give De'Von Achane significant playing time.
New York Jets – Breece Hall
BREECE HALL 50 YARDS IN THE SNOW ❄️ pic.twitter.com/CT3AFshyh1
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) January 7, 2024
Hall was six rushing yards short of the 1,000-yard mark last season. He compensated for that shortcoming by collecting 591 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. While the Jets added Braelon Allen in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, Hall deserves to be the Jets' Week 1 starter based on last year's numbers.
New England Patriots – Rhamondre Stevenson
The #Patriots called very little outside zone last season, but Rhamondre Stevenson ran the scheme at Oklahoma and it shows in his vision
Has the speed to get to the edge + the feel and footwork to adjust and exploit gaps as they present themselves
Onwenu and/or Sow were… pic.twitter.com/32qbY4sejB
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) May 9, 2024
With Ezekiel Elliott returning to the Dallas Cowboys, the starting running back job for the Patriots is Stevenson's role to lose. His numbers last year (619 rushing yards, four touchdowns) were significantly lower than his 2022 production (1,040 yards, five touchdowns). But as he returns to full health after missing five games, Stevenson will be the Patriots' top backfield option.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for AFC West Teams
Denver Broncos – Javonte Williams
Not ready to quit Javonte Williams. He’s two years past the injury, and just turned 24. If his Underdog ADP stays in the triple-digits, my bags will be packed this year. pic.twitter.com/C5Fbrre2R5
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) May 8, 2024
The Broncos added depth to their running back rotation after selecting Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. However, Williams remains their best backfield option after tallying 774 rushing yards and three touchdowns last season. Sean Payton will stick with Williams as their Week 1 starter, hoping for solid production from Estime, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Los Angeles Chargers – Gus Edwards
3 TDS FOR GUS EDWARDS!!
WHO STARTED THE GUS BUS?? pic.twitter.com/O7cZn02N04
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) October 29, 2023
The Chargers revamped their backfield after letting Austin Ekeler sign with the Washington Commanders. While they've lost a solid rusher and receiver, they've signed Gus Edwards to a two-year contract. Edwards finished the 2023 season with 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He's the top running for this Jim Harbaugh-coached squad, especially after J.K. Dobbins and Isaiah Spiller combined for 118 rushing yards last year.
Kansas City Chiefs – Isiah Pacheco
Who is ready for Season 3 of Isiah Pacheco? 🔥pic.twitter.com/IDC7P62Zxn
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) April 24, 2024
The Chiefs found a solid backfield option in their seventh-round draft pick. Since his arrival in Kansas City, Pacheco has helped the Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowl titles. While he played fewer regular season games (14) last year, he had more carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns (205 attempts, 935 yards, seven touchdowns) than his 2022 totals (170, 830, five). He will use his punishing running style to help the Chiefs possibly clinch an unprecedented third-consecutive Super Bowl title.
Las Vegas Raiders – Alexander Mattison
alexander mattison has scored 10+ fantasy points in 4/5 weeks 👀 pic.twitter.com/9Ho5dTFQnr
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) October 8, 2023
The Raiders' backfield needs work after losing Josh Jacobs. What 2024 sixth-round draft pick Dylan Laube can do in the NFL remains a mystery, while Zamir White had 451 rushing yards and a touchdown in 17 games last year. Mattison is their best option at running back, which says a lot about their shallow rotation at the position.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for AFC North Teams
Cincinnati Bengals – Zack Moss
Zack Moss just checking things off his Cincinnati bucket list ⚾️
(via @Reds) pic.twitter.com/s2dixeOgFB
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) May 9, 2024
Losing Joe Mixon is a massive blow to the Bengals offense. However, they got a replacement in Moss, who had career highs in rushing yards (794) and touchdowns (5) last season. Reaching 1,000 yards was possible for Moss if not for Jonathan Taylor gaining his stride. He will have an opportunity to be the lead running back for a team hoping to make a playoff return.
Cleveland Browns – Jerome Ford
Joe Flacco TO JEROME FORD LMAOOO pic.twitter.com/JDgnY05vu1
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 29, 2023
While Nick Chubb continues his recovery from the knee injury he suffered in Week 2 of the 2023 season, it's uncertain if he will be available for Week 1 this year. In that case, Ford is their next man up, as he has done in their previous campaign. Ford had a respectable 813 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games for the Browns. He will be Cleveland's RB1 while D'Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines back him up.
Baltimore Ravens – Derrick Henry
#Ravens HC John Harbaugh on what the offense will look like with Derrick Henry:
“I think what it’s gonna look like is what it’s looked like in Tennessee — him running for a lot of yards.” pic.twitter.com/0jTI9VIBrt
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 3, 2024
Some football fans say Henry isn't the dominant force he once was, but don't forget that he finished with 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. It's still enough to make a difference for a Ravens team that made the running game their calling card. Henry's physical running could be a problem for Baltimore's opponents in 2024.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris
HERE WE GO… 👀👀👀#Steelers RB Najee Harris has lost a serious amount of weight and is now in the best shape of his career.
YEAR-4 is about to be CRAZY
pic.twitter.com/tRlnqUt39X— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 27, 2024
The 2024 season will be an audition year for Harris after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option. If he were to be a free agent after this campaign, an impressive season would attract the attention of other NFL teams. For now, he will help the Steelers win their first playoff game since 2016 while hopefully getting his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for AFC South Teams
Indianapolis Colts – Jonathan Taylor
Someone show these Jonathan Taylor highlights to Shane Steichen. pic.twitter.com/QG91rmsvhi
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) January 7, 2024
The contract standoff ended with the Colts giving Taylor a three-year, $42 million contract extension. The one-time All-Pro running back rewarded Indianapolis with 741 yards and seven touchdowns since getting activated in October. He should get the chance to start in Week 1, even if Anthony Richardson might carry the ball himself when the need arises.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Etienne Jr.
Travis Etienne JR. 62 YARDS TO. THE. HOUSE. 🏠 pic.twitter.com/uFaDKiUFxQ
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 31, 2023
Sitting out his entire rookie season due to a foot injury worked wonders for Etienne. Since then, he's had consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and completed 16 touchdowns. The former Clemson standout can also play receiver, as proven by his 792 yards in two seasons. Etienne is a solid competitor for Jacksonville, making his RB1 status a no-brainer.
Houston Texans – Joe Mixon
Joe Mixon says he, “fits the culture” while giving his first impression of DeMeco Ryans: pic.twitter.com/7pAbz4bRJT
— James Roy (@JamesRoyNFL) March 14, 2024
Mixon is in a new environment after playing seven seasons for the Bengals. However, he'll know what to do once C.J. Stroud hands him the ball. Mixon will get support from Dameon Pierce, but the veteran running back will lead the Texans' backfield rotation, especially after signing a three-year, $27 million contract with Houston.
Tennessee Titans – Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard is expected to sign with the Tennessee Titans #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/DCxad9pCVE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 11, 2024
The Titans got him for a reason. Pollard had 2,012 rushing yards in two seasons, making him a steady threat. He has big shoes to fill after Henry dominated Tennessee's backfield for years. Tyjae Spears, Hassan Haskins, and Julius Chestnut will look upon their leader among running backs.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for NFC East Teams
Washington Commanders – Brian Robinson Jr.
#Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury on Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler:
“They really complement each other well, they feed off each other, and so we’re really excited about that room.” pic.twitter.com/qHAZqNxlkL
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 15, 2024
The Commanders fortified their backfield rotation by adding Austin Ekeler. However, last year's stats show that Robinson would still be their rightful starter. He had 733 rushing yards, 368 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns last season. What a luxury for head coach Dan Quinn to have running backs who can power their offense.
Dallas Cowboys – Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott loves running against the #Browns
You’ll see this again during the season opener #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/aXCt5Xg90g
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) May 15, 2024
Pollard's departure left a void in the Cowboys' backfield. But instead of drafting a running back, they brought back Elliott, who had four 1,000-yard seasons for Dallas. While Elliott is predicted to become their Week 1 starter, the Cowboys' running attack might be a collective effort with Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman.
Philadelphia Eagles – Saquon Barkley
Jalen Hurts x Saquon Barkley…
Scary.
pic.twitter.com/rNvUFBwHQK— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 7, 2024
The Eagles selected Will Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. While he could be a key contributor, the Eagles will give the reins of the rushing attack to the two-time Pro Bowler. Barkley signed a three-year deal with the Eagles, giving them the confidence to let D'Andre Swift and Boston Scott walk away. In his final season with the New York Giants, Barkley had 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
New York Giants – Devin Singletary
Giants signing RB Devin Singletary. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Drfw5C3S0h
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
The Giants moved quickly to address their running back rotation. They signed Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million contract a day after Barkley signed with the Eagles. Singletary finished his lone season in Houston with 216 carries for 898 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The five-year veteran will lead the Giants' running back rotation featuring Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for NFC West Teams
San Francisco 49ers – Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey with a nasty stiff arm on Chauncey Gardner-Johnsonpic.twitter.com/9d2sa14IpZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024
No questions here. He earned a First Team All-Pro selection and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors after leading the league in rushing yards (1,459) last year. In addition to his punishing running attack, he's also a threat in the passing game, tallying 564 yards and seven touchdowns. With these numbers and accolades, McCaffrey rests his case to be the 49ers' Week 1 starter.
Arizona Cardinals – James Conner
OH MY GOD JAMES CONNER WITH ONE HAND
MAGIC BY KYLER AND CONNER
pic.twitter.com/MCg3JjfMIX— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 31, 2023
The Cardinals added depth to their running back rotation by drafting Trey Benson. Conner had 1,040 rushing yards and seven touchdowns for Arizona last year, and he's poised to lead the team's rushing attack in Week 1.
Los Angeles Rams – Kyren Williams
Fantasy Football Overreaction?
“I’m not worried about Kyren Williams this year with Blake Corum.” - @jasonffl pic.twitter.com/SSlTfKgQw5— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) May 11, 2024
What a great find for the Rams. In his second NFL season, Williams had 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, with 206 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers earned him a Second Team All-Pro nod and helped the Rams clinch a playoff berth. He will be one of the reliable players around Matthew Stafford as they aim for another Super Bowl title.
Seattle Seahawks – Kenneth Walker III
Kenneth Walker III IS ELECTRIC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fPjG89iE9a
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 19, 2023
Walker's production went down from 2022 (1,050 yards, nine touchdowns) to 2023 (905 yards, eight touchdowns), even if he played the same number of games (15) and started more games last season. While Walker will be their Week 1 starter, the Seahawks have a strong support group in Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh, and George Holani.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for NFC North Teams
Chicago Bears – D'Andre Swift
D’andre SWIFT Been in the Lab 🥼🔬🧪🏥😷🔥🔥🔥😈 pic.twitter.com/fA7Jel5Hnu
— Caleb Williams 👑🐻🇲🇽 (@SANBENITOBACK) May 10, 2024
Swift signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bears after rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he will be the projected Week 1 starter for the Bears, he will get plenty of support from Khalil Herbert (611 yards, two touchdowns) and Roschon Johnson (352 yards, two touchdowns).
Detroit Lions – David Montgomery
Some people say David Montgomery isn’t a difference maker for the Lions.
I think the Chargers disagree 😉
Oh and 121 yards and 3 TD’s on Green Bay’s head mad a difference. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/uHRtDQlfuH
— Spencer Raxter (@Spenmorax) May 11, 2024
It will be a fierce competition between him and Jahmyr Gibbs (945 yards, ten touchdowns in 2023). However, Montgomery will still win the starting role in training camp because the Lions offense needs little changes. Montgomery had 1,132 yards from scrimmage and 13 rushing touchdowns for the Lions last season.
Green Bay Packers – Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs has posted…
70%+ Carry% each of the past two seasons
10%+ Target Shares each of the past three seasons
and goes from an offense that ranked outside of the Top 20 in points and total yards
to an offense that ranked Top 12 in both categories
Josh Jacobs is a BUY pic.twitter.com/RPEkBQIN8D
— DynastyIM (@dynasty_im) May 15, 2024
The Packers signed Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract. Two seasons ago, he was the league's best running back, tallying 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. Missing four games last year limited his production. However, he will be back with a vengeance in a new environment surrounded by a young but talented offense.
Minnesota Vikings – Aaron Jones
Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) explains why he thinks the Aaron Jones signing is the most underrated storyline of the #Vikings offseason. pic.twitter.com/2C69CWlXcB
— VikesNow (@VikesNow) May 15, 2024
Jones is one of two projected Week 1 starting running backs who switched teams within their division. After seven seasons with the Packers, he signed a one-year contract with the Vikings. After a disappointing 2023 campaign (656 yards, two touchdowns) with the Packers, the 2020 Pro Bowler is yearning for a solid year with his new team.
Projected 2024 Week 1 Starting Running Backs for NFC South Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rachaad White
#Bucs HC Todd Bowles on the evolution of Rachaad White in 2023:
“He started playing faster because he was playing smarter… He became a very good all-around football player, and there’s not too many of them in the league like that right now.” pic.twitter.com/EBeRwNt4I4
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) March 26, 2024
Getting Bucky Irving in the 2024 draft can improve the league's worst rushing attack last year. However, despite the former Oregon standout's addition, White should remain Tampa Bay's starting running back for Week 1. He helped the Buccaneers reach the postseason with 990 rushing yards, 549 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns.
Atlanta Falcons – Bijan Robinson
Oh my good god Bijan Robinson.
pic.twitter.com/SkW5q9r6B4— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 17, 2023
Robinson suffered an ankle injury that might sideline him during OTAs. It should be a minor setback for what's poised to be another strong season. The former Texas standout met expectations during his rookie season, tallying 976 rushing yards, 487 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns. He will lead a rushing attack featuring Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, and Avery Williams.
Carolina Panthers – Jonathon Brooks
Panthers HC Dave Canales after drafting Jonathon Brooks
"Versatility... Get him out in space. Perimeter screens. Checkdowns. We have a really cool empty package"
Chuba, Miles and Penny do not have this skillset
It's only a matter of time for Jonathon Brooks pic.twitter.com/rVOO3aFrM4
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) May 6, 2024
The Panthers made Brooks the highest-picked running back in the 2024 draft. While the competition between him, Miles Sanders, and Chuba Hubbard will be fierce, the former Texas standout will edge his competitors as the best option for Dave Canales' offense.
New Orleans Saints – Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara PPR Fantasy Rankings - based on total points ⬇️💪🏻
2023: RB11 (missed 4 games)
2022: RB16 (missed 2 games)
2021: RB8 (missed 4 games)
2020: RB1 (missed 1 game)
2019: RB9 (missed 2 games)
2018: RB4 (missed 1 game)
2017: RB3 (No missed games)2024 ADP = RB15 - BUY‼️✅ pic.twitter.com/EnFycUaBx7
— PPRFantasyTips (@PPRFantasyTips) May 12, 2024
Kamara had 1,160 yards from scrimmage last season. However, he had his lowest rushing yards total and second-lowest receiving yards in his career. But with no better options in their depth chart, Kamara will remain the Saints' starting running back for Week 1.
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