Hopefully many of you still have fantasy drafts coming up, as I’m getting a few of these positional previews out later than I had planned. But be on the lookout for wide receivers tomorrow, and ICYMI, check out the quarterbacks post from a few weeks back.
And now, without further delay: from overlooked veterans and high-upside handcuffs, along with a couple of popular picks worth approaching carefully, here’s a quick overview of the top fantasy players to know at running back.
Average draft positions (ADP) cited courtesy of fantasypros.com and based on PPR scoring leagues. ECR ranking represents the average ranking of fantasypros.com experts.
Complete RB rankings: The latest list for your 2026 fantasy drafts.
Running Back Sleepers
Kenneth Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current ADP: RB40 | ECR ranking: RB38 | My ranking: RB34
Gainwell finally got a proper opportunity in Pittsburgh last season and made the most of it, topping 1,000 scrimmage yards with 73 catches. From Week 8 on, he averaged 17.8 fantasy points on 13.3 touches per game. He comes to Tampa Bay with Rachaad White gone and new coordinator Zac Robinson bringing a track record of heavily targeting running backs, making Gainwell a potentially sneaky PPR value back.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
Current ADP: RB34 | ECR ranking: RB30 | My ranking: RB23
Brooks entered the NFL as a second-round pick after rushing for 1,139 yards in just 11 games during his final season at Texas, but injuries have kept his pro career from getting going. Rico Dowdle is gone, however, leaving Chuba Hubbard and A.J. Dillon as his primary competition. Brooks has the talent to eventually emerge as Carolina’s best back.
Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders
Current ADP: RB43 | ECR ranking: RB49 | My ranking: RB43
Washington’s preseason performance offered a glimpse of why he’s one of the more intriguing handcuffs available. He flashed big-play ability during his final college season, ranking 17th in breakaway rate, and could provide some deep-flex appeal even alongside Ashton Jeanty. But if Jeanty misses time, Washington suddenly has the kind of opportunity that could make him a weekly difference-maker.
Also worth considering: Keaton Mitchell (LAC); Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)
Running Back Breakouts
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
Current ADP: RB20 | ECR ranking: RB22 | My ranking: RB18
Judkins handled 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but his 3.6 yards per carry came behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. Cleveland responded by overhauling the unit this offseason, giving Judkins a much better environment for Year 2. Add underrated receiving ability and a path toward 300 total touches, and there’s plenty of room for a significant fantasy leap.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
Current ADP: RB25 | ECR ranking: RB23 | My ranking: RB21
The path is wide open for Tuten to take control of Jacksonville’s backfield following Travis Etienne Jr.’s departure. He brings legitimate home-run speed (see 4.32-second 40 at the combine, along with the explosiveness and goal-line ability to thrive in Liam Coen’s offense. If Jacksonville scores as often as expected, Tuten could find himself attached to one of fantasy’s most valuable workloads.
Also worth targeting: Kenneth Walker (KC)
Running Back Busts
David Montgomery, Houston Texans
Current ADP: RB21 | ECR ranking: RB21 | My ranking: RB24
Montgomery’s move to Houston looks more like a fantasy downgrade than a fresh start. His efficiency had already deteriorated during his final season in Detroit, including just three broken tackles on 182 touches. Now he joins a less explosive offense where Woody Marks should command a significant share of the carries and most of the receiving work. The volume may simply not be there.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
Current ADP: RB18 | ECR ranking: RB20 | My ranking: RB25
The G-Men’s crowded backfield makes last season’s pre-injury workload difficult to project again. The Giants were already splitting work nearly evenly between Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. early in camp, and veterans Najee Harris and Devin Singletary are potentially further mouths to feed. Throw in the potential loss of receiving and short-yardage opportunities, and his return from a significant leg injury, and there are plenty of reasons for caution.
Also be wary of: De’Von Achane (MIA), Bucky Irving (TB)