Running Back Rankings are your bread and butter when it comes to fantasy football. I mean, come on, do you remember that one year I tried to build a team around just wide receivers? Yeah, I still wake up in a cold sweat about it. Anyway, let’s dive into the 2024 running back class, ‘cause if you don’t grab the right one early, your whole season could be toast.

Why Running Back Rankings Matter

You see, running backs are like the espresso shots of your fantasy lineup. Sure, a solid wide receiver or QB is great, but if you’re not landing at least one of these RBs, you’ll be struggling. Running backs rack up the yards, grab a ton of catches, and can, sometimes, single-handedly win you a week. Missing out on a stud RB is like baking a cake without flour. Not a great move.

The 2024 landscape is loaded with returning stars, a few wildcards, and guys who are itching to take over. But let’s be real—drafting the right one is a gamble. In fact, picking a dud is the quickest way to ruin your fantasy dreams. Let me tell you, I learned that the hard way.

Top 10 Running Backs for Fantasy Football in 2024

1. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
   Okay, if you’re drafting and McCaffrey is still on the board, I need you to take a deep breath. No, it’s not a typo. The dude is a fantasy machine. I watched him last year break ankles and rack up points like it was nothing. And with the 49ers offense still running like a well-oiled machine, he’s gonna continue to be the face of their attack. Plus, his dual-threat ability—rushing AND receiving—is kinda like getting two players for the price of one. You’d be nuts not to grab him early.

2. Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers)
   Let me tell you about Austin Ekeler. I almost didn’t believe all the hype last season, but the guy is a PPR godsend. You’re telling me that every time Ekeler touches the ball, it’s a chance to score, catch a pass, or even break out for 20 yards? Yeah, that’s an RB I’ll take in the first round. And hey, no one’s gonna argue with his volume in that Chargers offense. He’s not just a back, he’s a scoring machine.

3. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)
   Derrick Henry. The King. The man who breaks bones with every stiff-arm. I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant about him last year. But here’s the kicker: he came through AGAIN. Is he getting older? Yep. But he’s still got legs that could crush you if you’re not careful. If you’re playing standard leagues, he’s your guy for 1,500 rushing yards and touchdowns. Seriously, if you need a guy to just “pound the rock,” Henry is the one.

4. Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
   Okay, y’all, if you’re not hyped for Bijan Robinson, what are you doing? This kid is the real deal, and if you somehow find yourself drafting him in the 2nd round, you’ve struck gold. His explosiveness and ability to do it all (catch, run, break tackles) is just what fantasy owners dream about. I’ll be honest—I’m a little jealous of whoever gets him on their roster this year. He might be the next big thing, and I don’t say that lightly.

5. Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns)
   If you want pure, unadulterated volume, Nick Chubb is your man. The Browns are gonna lean heavily on him again in 2024, and for good reason. The dude is a freight train that’s hard to stop. Sure, he’s not known for being a huge receiving threat, but when it comes to pounding the ball for 100+ yards every game and sneaking into the end zone? Nick Chubb is the real deal.

6. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)
   Saquon Barkley…oh boy. He’s the kind of back that can either make you a fantasy champion or leave you crying into your coffee. He’s electric, don’t get me wrong. When healthy, the man can do it all. But injuries have been a concern. The Giants’ offense isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard, so if Barkley is gonna deliver, he’ll need some help. Still, if you draft him, you’re betting on his upside—and that upside is HUGE.

7. Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys)
   Alright, here’s the lowdown: Pollard is now the clear-cut RB1 in Dallas after Zeke’s departure. Let me just say—this kid has been waiting for this moment. He’s quick, explosive, and when he hits the hole, it’s like a bullet out of a cannon. I’m not saying he’s gonna be the next McCaffrey, but I am saying that you’ll get some serious value for Pollard in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.

8. Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders)
   Did you see Jacobs last year? He went off. Like, full-on monster mode. Led the league in rushing yards, topped 1,600 yards, and didn’t even blink. But here’s the thing: He’s not sneaking up on anyone this year. If the Raiders keep using him the way they did in 2023, Jacobs is gonna keep balling out. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t need to be flashy; he just gets the job done.

9. Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots)
   Stevenson is one of those sneaky-good backs that doesn’t get the hype he deserves. But listen, he’s a steady Eddie in both the rushing and receiving game. He’s not the kind of back you’re drafting to take home a 40-point week, but he is the kind of back who’ll be solid all year long. That’s the kinda player you can build your team around when you don’t want to risk your fantasy life on a boom-or-bust guy.

10. Travis Etienne Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars)
    Etienne showed flashes of brilliance in 2023, and I’m thinking 2024 could be his breakout year. With Trevor Lawrence pulling the strings in Jacksonville, the offense is ready to take the next step. And that means more opportunities for Etienne to rack up yards and touchdowns. He’s a great mix of quickness, vision, and receiving chops, and that’s why I think he’s gonna be a gem this season.

How to Draft These RBs

Okay, here’s where it gets fun. The thing about running backs is they’re not all created equal. Some are bell cows, others are committee backs, and then there are those who could be the next big thing, but we’re not 100% sure yet. My advice? Take the risk on a potential breakout if you’re in the back half of the first round. But if you’re drafting in the top 5? Go get yourself a McCaffrey or Ekeler.

Fast forward to me in Round 2—if I’ve already grabbed a top-tier WR, I’ll happily snag a solid RB like Tony Pollard or Travis Etienne. Those guys are gonna give you a good mix of solid weekly production without needing a perfect game script to shine.

Bottom Line

Look, running backs are a rollercoaster. One day they’re breaking tackles and scoring touchdowns, the next they’re fumbling in the red zone. But in 2024, if you can snag one of these top 10 backs, you’re setting yourself up for success. Just remember—don’t get too cute in the first couple rounds. Stick to the fundamentals.