Which Fantasy Football Running Backs Are Rising in 2026?
Several running backs are seeing their fantasy football stock rise thanks to improved opportunity, projected workloads, offensive upgrades, and strong offseason buzz.
Players like Omarion Hampton, Chase Brown, and Breece Hall are climbing draft boards because they project to handle high-volume roles, while younger names such as Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price are gaining momentum in dynasty and keeper formats.
Smart fantasy owners should identify these risers early before average draft position (ADP) catches up.
Fantasy Football Running Backs on the Rise
Every fantasy football season creates a new wave of running backs who outperform expectations. Sometimes it comes from a depth chart change.
Other times it’s talent finally meeting opportunity.
Either way, identifying fantasy football running backs on the rise before your league mates do is one of the easiest ways to gain an edge on draft day.
Below are several running backs whose fantasy football value is trending upward heading into the 2026 fantasy football season, along with why owners are becoming more optimistic about their outlooks.
Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals)
- Landed in an offensive system that fits his explosive running style
- Big-play ability immediately gives him fantasy upside whenever touches increase
- Strong pass-catching profile could earn him valuable third-down work
- Early camp and offseason reports have generated optimism about his role
- Youth, speed, and versatility make him one of the more intriguing rookie backs to monitor
Fantasy Recommendation: Love is an upside rookie target who could become a breakout fantasy contributor if his workload grows during the season.
Jadarian Price (Seahawks)
- Entered the NFL with a reputation for toughness and efficient running
- Opportunity exists for him to carve out rotational touches early
- Physical running style could translate well near the goal line
- Coaches may value his ability to contribute in multiple situations
- Rising offseason buzz is pushing fantasy owners to take notice in deeper formats
Fantasy Recommendation: Price is a late-round sleeper worth monitoring closely, especially in dynasty and deeper redraft leagues.
Omarion Hampton (Chargers)
- Entering his second NFL season with significantly more fantasy momentum
- Showed flashes of workhorse potential during his rookie campaign
- Expected increase in touches has fantasy owners projecting a breakout
- Three-down ability keeps him on the field in both rushing and passing situations
- Improved comfort within the offense could lead to more consistent production
Fantasy Recommendation: Hampton looks primed for a second-year breakout and has the upside to finish as one of fantasy football’s biggest risers this season.
Javonte Williams (Cowboys)
- Delivered his healthiest and most productive NFL season after joining the Cowboys
- Looked more explosive and decisive running behind a strong offensive line
- Re-established himself as a reliable early-down and goal-line option
- Increased confidence in the offense helped him produce his best season as a pro
- Heading into 2026 with momentum and a chance to build on last year’s breakout
Fantasy Recommendation: Williams looks poised to outperform his draft price again and has a strong chance to finish as a dependable weekly RB2 with upside for more.
Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars)
- Heading into his second NFL season with a major opportunity in front of him
- Travis Etienne’s departure opens the door for a significantly larger workload
- Explosive speed and big-play ability make him a dangerous fit as a featured back
- Showed flashes of playmaking ability during his rookie season
- Increased touches could quickly elevate his fantasy football value in both standard and PPR formats
Fantasy Recommendation: Tuten is one of the more intriguing sophomore breakout candidates and could emerge as a weekly fantasy starter if he secures the lead role early in the season.
Chase Brown (Bengals)
- Coming off the most productive season of his career in his third NFL campaign
- Played all 17 games while surpassing 1,000 rushing yards
- Scored 11 total touchdowns as both a runner and receiver
- Versatility in the passing game continues to boost his fantasy value
- Could take another step forward with a fully healthy offense led by Joe Burrow
Fantasy Recommendation: Brown is trending toward a true breakout season and has the upside to finish as one of fantasy football’s top value running backs in 2026.
Breece Hall (Jets)
- Signed a major contract extension this offseason, solidifying his role in the Jets’ long-term plans
- Coming off the best season of his NFL career after topping 1,000 rushing yards
- Continues to provide major value as both a runner and receiver
- Improved offensive stability could create more scoring opportunities
- Big-play ability keeps him among fantasy football’s highest-upside running backs
Fantasy Recommendation: Hall looks locked in as a centerpiece fantasy back and has the talent to finish the season as an elite RB1 if the Jets offense takes a step forward.
Travis Etienne (Saints)
- Gets a fresh start with the Saints after an offseason change of scenery
- Has a strong chance to emerge as the team’s lead running back ahead of Alvin Kamara
- Has produced three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his first four NFL years
- Scored 13 total touchdowns last season as both a runner and receiver
- Explosiveness and receiving ability still make him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons
Fantasy Recommendation: Etienne is in a strong position for another productive fantasy season and could return solid RB1/RB2 value if he claims the featured role in New Orleans.
D’Andre Swift (Bears)
- Turned in a very productive season under Ben Johnson’s play-calling last year
- Despite offseason rumors, the Bears showed confidence in Swift by not aggressively replacing him
- Remains positioned as the 1A option in Chicago’s backfield alongside Kyle Monangai
- Familiarity with Johnson’s offense could lead to even greater efficiency in year two
- Receiving ability and versatility continue to give him strong fantasy appeal
Fantasy Recommendation: Swift remains a strong value pick in fantasy drafts and could deliver another highly productive season as a featured part of Chicago’s evolving offense.
Final Thoughts
Identifying fantasy football running backs on the rise before peak hype hits is one of the best ways to build a championship roster. Some of these players are ascending dynasty assets, while others are rebound veterans poised to beat their ADP in redraft leagues. Whether you’re drafting early, trading in dynasty, or preparing for keeper decisions, keeping tabs on rising running back value can help you stay ahead of your league.
