If you were able to win your league’s fantasy football championship, chances are you landed a few surprise players in your league’s draft or auction, or via a trade with another team.
Getting good value with your draft picks or auction dollars is what it’s all about, and what separates the winners from the losers.
Here’s a look at 5 fantasy football running backs from the 2024 season who provided surprise value.
How many of them did you have on a fantasy roster?
Alvin Kamara, RB/New Orleans Saints
If you thought Alvin Kamara was washed last offseason, don’t worry, you were one of many. But Kamara’s 2024 season was a testament to his enduring versatility. While his explosive plays might have been less frequent than in his prime, he remained a reliable PPR asset. His pass-catching ability continued to be a significant part of his fantasy value, providing a high floor each week. The Saints’ offensive struggles sometimes limited his overall production, but his consistent volume kept him relevant. He finished as a low-end RB1, even after being drafted as a backend RB2. Kamara’s ability to create space in the passing game kept his fantasy value high, even with a less dynamic rushing attack.
Bucky Irving, RB/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you had Bucky Irving as the most promising fantasy back from last year’s rookie class, kudos to you. Irving’s rookie season was an encouraging start to his NFL career. While he didn’t immediately become a dominant force, he showcased his potential in a complementary role. He displayed impressive agility and pass-catching ability, suggesting he could develop into a valuable dual-threat back. His role increased as the season progressed, and he was able to show flashes of big play potential. He was a good value pick in dynasty formats, and showed enough promise to make him a player to watch in the future. He had a strong finish to close out the season.
Derrick Henry, RB/Baltimore Ravens
I think most fantasy owners felt good about Derrick Henry’s transition to a power running attack in Baltimore. But most were worried about his age and the accumulated wear and tear on his body, and that’s why he had the ADP of an RB2. But Henry’s move to the Ravens brought a new chapter to his storied career. He continued to be a powerful force in the run game, utilizing his signature physicality and ability to break tackles. He remained a reliable fantasy option, especially in standard scoring leagues. His goal-line presence remained a valuable asset, and he continued to be a very tough runner. Those who picked him as an RB2 were rewarded with high-end RB1 production.
Josh Jacobs, RB/Green Bay Packers
There was cautious optimism over Jacobs’ move from the Raiders to the high-powered offensive system of the Packers. But I’m sure many were nervous about his role and the presence of rookie Marshawn Lloyd. However, Jacobs’ first season in Green Bay was definitely a surprise. He became a key component of the Packers’ offense, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and a receiver. While his overall production might have fluctuated, he remained a reliable fantasy option, especially in PPR formats. He kept piling up the touchdowns in the back half of the season which really propelled him to a mid-RB1 finish.
Chase Brown, RB/Cincinnati Bengals
There was definitely optimism about Brown’s sophomore season even with the addition of Zack Moss to the Bengals’ backfield, but nowhere near enough to make him a highly drafted player. Brown’s 2024 season was the lottery ticket cash-in that every fantasy owner dreams of. While he didn’t immediately become a workhorse back, he showed flashes of explosiveness and playmaking ability. And while the Bengals began the season with a committee approach, Moss eventually faded away (and then got hurt outright) as Brown just took the reins and sprinted with the job. Those who went with the zero RB strategy, or just made the wise investment in Brown as a handcuff or late-round gamble, were rewarded handsomely.
