What is a must-have running back? Ask a dozen fantasy analysts and maybe you get a half-dozen different answers.
To me, a must-have running back is a player that I want to target, no matter the circumstances of my roster build, because I think he has the best chance at a positive return on investment at his ADP.
Fantasy football is all about value. In the typical redraft league, all teams start with the same amount of draft picks. The teams that usually do the best are the ones who turn lower-round picks into higher-end production.
These “must-have” players aren’t just the cream of the crop, top-level starters. There could be “must-have” players at the end of your draft, too.
The following are 15 running backs I’ve identified as must-have players given their current ADP and my expectation for their return on investment.
Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens): Despite his age, Henry remains an elite fantasy option due to his immense workload and touchdown upside in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense. He is a lock for over 1,500 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns, making him a consistent and reliable RB1 week after week. His ability to dominate carries and wear down defenses is a unique advantage that few other running backs possess.
Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams): Williams has a history of being a high-volume, high-production back whenever he’s on the field. There shouldn’t be any concern about his workload or usage given the team’s recent contract extension with him. While there may be an opportunity for his backfield mates to get some extra work, Williams remains a fantasy force and a solid second-round pick. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to have another top-10 fantasy finish.
Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals): Brown is one of those guys I have been hesitant about drafting due to the fact that he doesn’t have a full season of workhorse usage. However, he’s the clear and indisputable feature back in a high powered offense, and that has to count for something. He offers a great combination of rushing and receiving upside. His explosive playmaking ability and potential for a heavy workload make him a must-have fantasy asset as a solid second-round pick.
Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers): Whenever Najee Harris returns from his eye injury, he will be splitting touches with the rookie Hampton. You just have to prepare for that. However, Hampton is too good to keep bottled up all year. As a dual-threat back with a workhorse build, he’s a perfect fit for an offense that prioritizes the running game. By season’s end, he’ll be getting the lion’s share of the work and be a fantasy force for your roster.
RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos): Harvey, a dynamic dual-threat running back, landed in Sean Payton’s offense, which has historically been very friendly to versatile backs. The Broncos threw a wet blanket on the hopes of fantasy owners when they signed J.K. Dobbins. However, that actually just suppressed the ADP of Harvey enough to make him a good value. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create big plays makes him a high-upside pick.
Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs): A lot of people are turned off by Pacheco due to his injury last year, but he’s about as “safe” a player as you can take in an offense such as the Chiefs have. Fantasy owners are worried about who? Elijah Mitchell? Kareem Hunt? Rookie Brashard Smith? Given how so many owners are abandoning ship on him and his ADP has plummeted, I’m taking him as my RB3, no problem.
Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers): Jaylen Warren is not a featured back. Period. Thus, the question is not whether Johnson will be used, but how much? Johnson landed in a dream situation with the Steelers under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who loves to feed his running backs. Johnson has an immediate opportunity to form a potent 1-2 punch with Warren and command a significant share of the carries. His size, speed, and nose for the end zone give him league-winning upside.
Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders): I’ve never been a huge fan of Robinson as he lacks explosion and thus has a very low fantasy ceiling. Yet, Robinson is a reliable early-down back who is the clear favorite to lead the Commanders’ backfield in touches, and you can have him at a RB3/RB4 ADP. With an improved offense and a dynamic quarterback in Jayden Daniels, Robinson should see plenty of scoring opportunities, particularly in short-yardage situations.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New York Giants): The fantasy football world is riding aboard the Cam Skattebo train. He’s the latest “big sensation” due to his hard-nosed running style and his “football meatball” mentality — and I say that lovingly, as I myself am a football meatball. However, the hype train is causing Tracy to be severely undervalued. As of now, Tracy is the listed starter and Skattebo — who is battling a hamstring injury — is third. Obviously it’s just training camp and things can change as the season progresses. But I see a better version of Tracy this year who, outside of injury, will not go away at any time this season, even if he cedes some playing time to the rookie.
Javonte Williams (Dallas Cowboys): Somebody has to lead that Cowboys backfield and Williams has the best chance to do it. Williams is a high-risk, high-reward pick who has shown flashes of his elite talent when healthy, and if he can finally shake off the injury bug, he could be a steal at his current ADP. While his workload is not guaranteed, his talent and the potential for a breakout make him an intriguing late-round flyer.
Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings): Mason is a physical and young running back who could see a significant increase in touches if he can carve out a role in the Minnesota Vikings backfield. With Aaron Jones entering his twilight years, Mason is not just a valuable handcuff, but a legitimate possible FLEX play with the potential to take over lead back duties. His physical running style and red-zone upside make him a great late-round pick to stash on your bench.
J.K. Dobbins (Denver Broncos): Yes, I have Harvey listed earlier as a must-have, which makes this a curious choice, but at his late-round ADP, Dobbins is someone I want to take a flyer on. He’s an intriguing bounce-back candidate who has landed with the Broncos under Sean Payton. While injuries have plagued his career, he has demonstrated elite rushing ability when healthy, and he could be the pass-catching back in that offense, which offers great value in PPR leagues.
Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks): I really like Ken Walker and he’s on many of my teams. But I know all too well how often Walker misses time, and how good Charbonnet is when he’s called to duty. Charbonnet is one of the most valuable handcuffs in all of fantasy football, offering top-tier production when given a chance to be the lead back. His talent as both a runner and a pass-catcher makes him a versatile weapon in a potent Seahawks offense.
Tank Bigsby (Jacksonville Jaguars): As a result of the confusion and log jam at the running back position in Jacksonville, Bigsby offers incredible late-round value given he’s largely being overlooked. Everyone wants to look toward either the explosive Travis Etienne, or the hand-picked rookie Bhayshul Tuten. However, Bigsby is making headlines from Jaguars camp and he’s the ideal goal line back. I’m not taking any Jaguars backs early, but as a late-round flyer, Bigsby is a must-have for me.
Braelon Allen (New York Jets): There is legitimate potential that new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, formerly of the Detroit Lions, chooses to deploy a multi-back system like the Lions did, which spells good news and opportunity for Allen. The Lions were able to have two fantasy-worthy running backs in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Allen is a promising young running back who could seize a more significant role in the Jets offense, similar to the role that Monty had in Detroit. While he currently sits behind Breece Hall, he is a talented, powerful runner with a nose for the end zone. He’s a great handcuff to draft at the least, with a decent shot he has RB2 or FLEX value on a week-to-week basis.
