Sleeper ranks NFL running backs into five tiers based on how they can impact your fantasy team this season.

Everyone seems to have a different philosophy on when to draft running backs in fantasy football, but when constructing a winning squad, you need quality depth – especially with injuries and the fleeting nature of RB success clouding the picture. That can be achieved through various strategies, but no matter whether you’re a Hero RB or Zero RB stan, you’ll want a comprehensive understanding of the landscape. 

As more NFL teams subscribe to the running-back-by-committee approach, fantasy managers can gain a competitive edge by securing one of the remaining superstar, do-it-all backs. But because that elite tier of studs is small, hitting on middle- and late-round RB selections becomes even more important. 

After deciphering the quarterback picture in our last edition, let’s dive into Sleeper’s RB projections and ADP PPR rankings to make sense of another vital position on all fantasy rosters, splitting it into five distinct tiers. 

Tier 1 - Superstars 

  • Christian McCaffrey, 49ers (ADP 2.5 / RB1) 
  • Breece Hall, Jets (ADP 7.1 / RB2) 
  • Bijan Robinson, Falcons (ADP 7.7 / RB3) 

Landing any of the players in this tier will cost first-round draft capital. McCaffrey, who was the near-consensus No. 1 player off the board in early redraft leagues, has fallen ever so slightly after suffering a calf injury early in camp. While the 49ers are confident that he will be ready for Week 1, drafters are high on a pair of other backs as well. 

Both Robinson and Hall are supreme talents, and both are generally going in the middle of the first round, as it’s expected they’ll be featured in both the running and passing attacks for their respective teams. Last season, Hall led all running backs in targets (95) while Robinson finished tied for second with Alvin Kamara with 86. 

While CMC and Hall are the only two backs Sleeper is projecting for 1,200-plus yard rushing yards, 50-plus receptions and double-digit total touchdowns, don’t be surprised if all three in this tier attain the impressive feat this season. 

Tier 2 - Stud RB1s 

  • Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions (ADP 13.0 / RB4) 
  • Jonathan Taylor, Colts (ADP 14.5 / RB5) 
  • Saquon Barkley, Eagles (ADP 14.7 / RB6) 
  • Kyren Williams, Rams (ADP 15.9 / RB7) 
  • Travis Etienne, Jaguars (ADP 19.5 / RB8) 
  • Derrick Henry, Ravens (ADP 24.0 / RB9) 
  • De'Von Achane, Dolphins (ADP 25.5 / RB10) 
  • Josh Jacobs, Packers (ADP 27.8 / RB11) 
  • Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs (ADP 28.7 / RB12) 

Sleeper’s ADP data reveals that Gibbs is the only Tier-2 RB sneaking into the back end of the first round of drafts; however, that could change very soon after Detroit’s explosive talent suffered a hamstring injury in practice. Even if it’s not being deemed serious, the seed of doubt could spook some drafters. 

While Taylor and Barkley will likely attract the most attention in this group, it's two players at the bottom of the tier that merit more focus. After eight superb seasons in Tennessee, Henry arrives in Baltimore primed to lead a prolific Ravens’ ground attack. The four-time Pro Bowler, who has scored 90 rushing touchdowns in 119 career games, has been assigned Sleeper’s top rushing touchdown projection this season, with 11 (tied with McCaffrey). 

Pacheco, who has scored 14 touchdowns in 31 career NFL games for the Chiefs, is poised to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the first time due to a heavier workload.

Jerrick McKinnon’s departure opens the door for Pacheco to be on the field for third-down passing plays, resulting in Sleeper projecting a career-high 318 receiving yards for him. 

Tier 3 - RB2s 

  • Rachaad White, Buccaneers (ADP 38.0 / RB13) 
  • James Cook, Bills (ADP 44.1 / RB14) 
  • Joe Mixon, Texans (ADP 47.4 / RB15) 
  • Alvin Kamara, Saints (ADP 49.3 / RB16) 
  • Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks (ADP 51.8 / RB17) 
  • Aaron Jones, Vikings (ADP 60.6 / RB18) 
While Cook and Mixon could struggle to deliver elite rushing production in high-volume passing offenses, Jones jumps out on this list.

After seven seasons in Green Bay, Jones now heads to NFC North rival Minnesota, and Sleeper is projecting him to secure 1,089 total yards and eight touchdowns. He offers top-10 potential for only middle-round draft capital. 

Tier 4 - High-Value Committee Backs 

  • James Conner, Cardinals (ADP 63.1 / RB19) 
  • D’Andre Swift, Bears (ADP 64.0 / RB20) 
  • David Montgomery, Lions (ADP 65.7 / RB21) 
  • Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (ADP 69.2 / RB22) 
  • Najee Harris, Steelers (ADP 74.2 / RB23) 
  • Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (ADP 83.3 / RB26) 
  • Zack Moss, Bengals (ADP 92.7 / RB29) 
  • Austin Ekeler, Commanders (ADP 95.5 / RB30) 
  • Jaylen Warren, Steelers (ADP 98.4 / RB32) 
  • Devin Singletary, Giants (ADP 100.4 / RB33) 
  • Tyjae Spears, Titans (ADP 108.2 / RB34) 
  • Trey Benson, Cardinals (ADP 109.2 / RB35) 
  • Brian Robinson, Commanders (ADP 111.3 / RB36) 

Expect Montgomery to rise up boards following the word of Gibbs’ injury, as the veteran could have an even higher workload early on as part of a high-powered Lions offense that ranked third in total offense (6,712 yards) and second in offensive touchdowns (57) last season. 

While others face strong competition for lead-back duties, Conner should receive the bulk of work in Arizona. Although Benson, a rookie, will get his share of touches, there will be plenty of opportunity for Conner to outperform Sleeper’s ADP. He is being overlooked in drafts despite rushing for seven touchdowns and a career-best 1,040 yards last season. 

Tier 5 - Late-Round Targets 

  • Nick Chubb, Browns (ADP 87.1 / RB27) 
  • Javonte Williams, Broncos (ADP 90.1 / RB28) 
  • Jonathon Brooks, Panthers (ADP 97.7 / RB31) 
  • Chase Brown, Bengals (ADP 121.2 / RB40) 
  • Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (ADP 148.7 / RB43) 
  • J.K. Dobbins, Chargers (ADP 153.3 / RB44) 
  • Rico Dowdle, Cowboys (ADP 163.8 / RB46) 
  • Tyler Allgeier, Falcons (ADP 173.4 / RB49) 
  • Will Shipley, Eagles (ADP 241.4 / RB66) 

While Brown, Dobbins and Dowdle are all viable late-round options, one RB stands out in Tier 5. 

Brooks, Carolina’s promising rookie, is currently on the PUP list as he recovers from an ACL tear and will likely not be available for the start of the regular season. While managers will opt to grab the former Texas standout, they should pivot to his teammate, Hubbard. Coach Dave Canales has stressed Carolina’s focus on offense will be “ground and pound” in 2024. Sleeper’s RB43 is a tremendous low-risk/high-reward asset who could easily retain lead-back duties even after Brooks is ready to make his debut. 

As previously stated, injuries will drastically change the RB fantasy landscape as the season progresses.

Players such as Montgomery, Mostert or Allgeier, for instance, can instantly become league-winners if Gibbs, Achane or Robinson were ever to miss extended time. No matter how and when you’re picking your RBs, be sure to draft depth. 

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