This 2026 fantasy football running back analysis focuses on depth options, handcuffs, pass-catching backs, and role-dependent players who belong on draft boards after the starting-caliber options are gone.
Late-round running backs rarely offer clean weekly value without help. Most need an injury, a clearer backfield split, receiving work, or touchdown access to become useful in managed leagues. Best-ball formats change the equation, since boom weeks can make volatile backs more appealing than they are in traditional leagues.
Tier 10: Late-Round Roster Depth
44) RB Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 116.2
One of two 2025 rookie running back selections by the Browns, Sampson brings a different profile than Quinshon Judkins' violent style. The 5-foot-8, 200-pound Tennessee product instead is a more versatile option with better hands in the passing game, and that's his most likely path to contributing in fantasy. Offensive-minded head coach Todd Monken was hired, and his RBs tend to be involved in the receiving game. Justice Hill averaged four targets per game over their three years together. Sampson offers next to nothing in non-PPR, though.
45) RB James Conner, Arizona Cardinals | Bye: 14 | Projected Fan Pts: 114.6
Conner missed 14 games last year after a right foot/ankle injury ended his season. The Cardinals started over at head coach, and the backfield was addressed in two significant ways that could impact his usage in 2026. First, Tyler Allgeier was signed in free agency, but then Arizona spent the No. 3 overall pick on Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love, giving this backfield an elite playmaker. Conner, 31, moves into a smaller role, perhaps as a third-down option given his soft hands and skills in pass pro, but new head coach Mike LaFleur used a two-back approach in LA last year.
46) RB Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings | Bye: 6 | Projected Fan Pts: 114.0
The 2025 acquisition of Mason was considered a savvy move, and in what was a tough year for the Vikings, the former 49er was a rare bright spot. While splitting time with Aaron Jones, Mason set career highs in carries (159) and TDs (6). Both backs return for 2026, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the snap count start tilting a little more in Mason’s favor — last season, Mason played 413 snaps to 366 for Jones, though the latter missed five games due to injury. At this stage, Mason looks like the top back to own in Minnesota.
47) RB Isiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions | Bye: 6 | Projected Fan Pts: 110.1
Two years ago, Pacheco was considered a potential three-down back for a potent Chiefs offense, an outlook that made him a top-25 selection. Injuries limited him to 20 games the past two years, and his production fell off a cliff, lowlighted by just two rushing scores. He’ll try to revive his flagging career in Motown as the replacement for David Montgomery, who was traded to Houston. It makes sense on paper. At his zenith, Pacheco was a physical back who ran with reckless abandon. The question is whether the 27-year-old back can recapture that form.
48) RB Isaiah Davis, New York Jets | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 94.2
Davis and Braelon Allen will spell Breece Hall as needed, but this isn't expected to be a true committee under new OC Frank Reich. Davis is the better third-down option for the Jets, and Allen is the more likely of the two to assume primary chores if Hall were to miss time. For fantasy, barring an injury to the starter, Davis profiles as having the better statistical upside in PPR scoring, but it's fair to treat Allen as something closer to a handcuff or speculative buy.
49) RB Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 92.4
Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in January of this year but didn't undergo knee reconstruction until a full month later, putting his timeline to return somewhere around December, give or take. Kenneth Walker III left for KC in free agency, and Seattle spent a first-rounder on Notre Dame's Jadarian Price, who is set to shoulder the workload while Charbonnet recovers. There's no need to rush Charbs back if Price is playing well, and this really could be a lost year for the former UCLA back. Track his recovery throughout the summer.
50) RB Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals | Bye: 14 | Projected Fan Pts: 89.6
After four uneven seasons with the Falcons, Allgeier went to Arizona in free agency, which looked promising for his fantasy value with James Conner coming off injury and being north of 30. However, the Cards then drafted Jeremiyah Love No. 3 overall, and the BYU product's fantasy value became far less clear. With Mike LaFleur's history of committees, Allgeier, who isn't much of a receiver, would be the handcuff to Love and spell him at times if Conner gets injured again.
51) RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 86.6
Rodriguez signed with Jacksonville in the offseason after posting career highs across the board in Washington. His 112 attempts averaged 4.5 yards, and he scored six TDs. Hardly a receiving option, the former Kentucky Wildcat has seven career targets. In Duval, he'll compete with Bhayshul Tuten for two-down and tough-yardage situations, leaving the pass-catching chores to LeQuint Allen Jr. and Tuten. This profile makes Rodriguez merely a flier for roster depth, unless he's able to wrangle away the RB1 chores. His best value may come in best-ball and as a DFS matchup play.
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Tier 11: Need to Catch a Few Breaks
52) RB Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 84.3
A neck injury cost the veteran third-down back six games in 2025, but he's healthy and ready for the offseason ahead. While Baltimore changed its coaching staff for the first time in a generation, new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle will install an offense that looks similar to what Ben Johnson used in Detroit and now Chicago. That means plenty of running back rotations and checkdown work to the position, so Hill should carve out a niche role but remains a long shot to matter consistently with Derrick Henry around.
53) RB Chris Brooks, Green Bay Packers | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 81.5
With Emanuel Wilson signing in Seattle, Brooks is the nominal RB2 in Titletown. Emphasis on “nominal.” To be sure, Brooks has his strengths. The Packers love his ability in pass protection, and he’s become a regular part of their offense because of it. He hasn’t had many opportunities, though — he played 203 snaps in 2025 that resulted in 40 combined touches. He’ll doubtless face a camp challenge from MarShawn Lloyd, a third-round pick in 2024 who has appeared in just one game in two seasons due to injury. The winner would hold some handcuff value for Josh Jacobs owners.
54) RB LeQuint Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 80.8
Allen is an excellent pass protector, and he has underrated hands if you're judging them based solely on his 10 receptions during his 2025 rookie effort. With Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten seeing the primary chores, Allen was relegated to protecting Trevor Lawrence from blitz and providing the occasional checkdown. Look for a much larger role in the aerial game this year, and we may even be selling him short with this modest projection. Allen warrants your attention in training camp and preseason play.
55) RB Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 80.4
With Omarion Hampton limited to nine games due to injury, Vidal finished 2025 as LA’s leading rusher, gaining 643 yards on 155 carries. It was solid work from Vidal, who spent his own rookie campaign stuck behind veterans J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. We’ll see if new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can unlock even more — McDaniel’s best season in Miami featured an RB tandem of De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, so the former Dolphins head coach has proven he likes to utilize multiple backs.
56) RB Devin Singletary, New York Giants | Bye: 8 | Projected Fan Pts: 80.2
Since sliding into a reserve role with the Giants the last two years, Singletary has been consistently decent when granted an opportunity. Although he's not going to win you weeks if called upon, the veteran has a respectable floor if you're looking for a warm body during weeks in which he has a role. That, however, is dependent upon the health of RB Cam Skattebo (leg), and even then, Singletary would share reps with Tyrone Tracy Jr. With Skattebo on track to make a full recovery, playing time for Singletary may be tough to find.
57) RB Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers | Bye: 5 | Projected Fan Pts: 76.3
Brooks is recovering from a second ACL tear of his right knee; this latest one was suffered in December 2024. He sat out all of last year and is now on track for a healthy return after being granted medical clearance. Now, whether Brooks has any juice left is a different story, and it's unclear what kind of role we can expect. He's likely to split reps with Chuba Hubbard, who has missed time in the last two years with separate calf injuries. Treat him as a late-round flier and track his progress through the preseason.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Tier 12: Deep-League Fliers
58) RB Emanuel Wilson, Seattle Seahawks | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 73.5
Wilson was signed to serve as the primary backup for first-round rookie Jadarian Price until Zach Charbonnet (knee) returns to the field, which may not even happen given the timing of his February surgery. At any rate, Wilson could emerge as an effective option for Seattle in spot duty as a change-of-pace to Price. The former Green Bay Packer has averaged 4.5 YPC in three years of limited play, contributing eight total scores in the last two seasons. Wilson is worth watching in camp.
59) RB Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins | Bye: 6 | Projected Fan Pts: 72.9
In a vacuum, Wright probably holds no appeal for fantasy purposes, but the speedy third-year pro flashed a little in 2025. Unfortunately, everything around him is different — coaching, quarterback, receivers — except for De'Von Achane, the man he backs up. Without an injury to the Texas A&M star, it's unlikely Miami can find enough reps for Wright to consistently pose a threat to defenses. Expect Achane and new QB Malik Willis to account for most of the Dolphins' ground gains in '26.
60) RB Demond Claiborne, Minnesota Vikings | Bye: 6 | Projected Fan Pts: 71.2
Selected with the 198th overall pick in this year’s draft, Claiborne is guaranteed nothing. He sits firmly behind the veteran tandem of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones on the depth chart, and he’ll likely be in a battle with holdover Zavier Scott (212 yards, 1 TD in 2025) for the third (and possibly final) spot. What Claiborne does have is speed. On a team with questions at quarterback, having a big-play threat in the backfield carries sizable appeal. If the rookie makes the club, he bears watching.
61) RB Ty Johnson, Buffalo Bills | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 70.0
The Bills moved on from Sean McDermott but opted for his playcaller, Joe Brady, as the replacement, so continuity remains. In the event Buffalo were to lose James Cook for extended time, it stands to reason Johnson would garner a little more work. Primarily, he is a third-down back and change-of-pacer who really offers nothing in traditional fantasy, but there are niche DFS contests in which he can occasionally prove useful.
62) RB Kaytron Allen, Washington Commanders | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 67.2
Sixth-round rookies have to earn it, and Allen will be competing to overtake last year's seventh-rounder, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, as Washington's lead back on early downs. Allen is a thick 5-foot-11, 216-pounder from Penn State. He has good vision and contact balance, but his athletic profile is underwhelming, and he offers marginal value as a receiver. That's where veteran newcomer Rachaad White factors in. Allen has two veterans behind him, too, so he's not quite a roster lock. Watch his progression during the summer.
63) RB Adam Randall, Baltimore Ravens | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 66.5
The Ravens drafted Randall in Round 5 as a bruiser with a similar profile to Derrick Henry. At 6-foot-3, 232 pounds, the former Clemson Tiger is a load to take down, and he gives the offense the truest replacement option for spelling King Henry as well as replacing him for extended time, if needed. Justice Hill should continue to handle third-down work, but Randall is an intriguing flier who could soar up draft boards with a strong camp. He's a clear handcuff for Henry owners.
64) RB Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 66.3
While not exactly a true handcuff, Davis is the closest thing to one in Buffalo. Davis would be the primary replacement if James Cook were injured, though some degree of a committee would occur with Ty Johnson, the typical third-down man, seeing more reps in general. Davis is no slouch as a receiver, either, as evidenced by five aerial scores over his 27 career catches. Despite per-carry efficiency gains on the ground in 2025, he failed to score a rushing touchdown.
65) RB Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys | Bye: 14 | Projected Fan Pts: 65.6
In the event Javonte Williams were to miss significant time, expect a combination of Blue and Malik Davis to split the workload, with the former serving as more of a change-up and third-down choice. Blue saw touches in only five games as a rookie, and just one of his chances was a target. The strongest effort: 16 carries, 64 yards, one TD in Week 18 at the Giants. Fantasy owners can work with that in a bind, but he's unlikely to matter without a Williams injury.
66) RB Brian Robinson Jr., Atlanta Falcons | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 64.2
The Falcons turned to Robinson to back up the other man sharing his surname as insurance for Bijan. The Falcons have a new coaching staff with coordinator Tommy Rees and head coach Kevin Stefanski coming over together from Cleveland. Tua Tagovailoa is on track to start for the injured Michael Penix Jr., which is a small upgrade. The offensive line took a step back on the right side. After migrating from San Fran, BRJ is fresh and could spell Bijan Robinson enough to approach Tyler Allgeier’s 143 carries from a year ago. Handcuffing the Robinson and Robinson law firm is a must.
67) RB Braelon Allen, New York Jets | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 64.1
Allen is low on the list mostly because his best opportunity for fantasy contributions is directly tied to whether Breece Hall stays healthy, which is the expectation. Allen is coming off a lost season thanks to an MCL injury, and he'll have Isaiah Davis ahead of him on clear passing downs. Allen, however, is the better pure handcuff to Hall.
68) RB Kaelon Black, San Francisco 49ers | Bye: 8 | Projected Fan Pts: 64.0
The Niners have struggled to find a primary backup for Christian McCaffrey, especially during the draft, and last year's top reserve, Brian Robinson Jr., was a one-and-done. In Round 3 of April's draft, Black was selected as the latest attempt to create stability behind CMC, who is coming off the NFL's largest RB touch tally since 2014. The rookie from Indiana will battle 2025 fifth-rounder Jordan James in camp. Unless he falters in his RB2 bid, Black's one-cut-and-go style makes him the preferred handcuff to McCaffrey.
69) RB Samaje Perine, Cincinnati Bengals | Bye: 6 | Projected Fan Pts: 63.6
While Perine won't factor into anyone's draft plans, he has carved out a consistent role on third downs and would see extra action if Chase Brown were lost for extended action. Last year, Perine chipped in 382 rushing yards and a trio of scores, and he generated at least 81 PPR points in five straight years across multiple teams. Nothing special, but he has a pulse.
70) RB Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs | Bye: 5 | Projected Fan Pts: 55.9
Kansas City overhauled its running back room during the offseason, allowing Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt to walk, signing Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado, and drafting Emmett Johnson. As such, the top returning runner is Smith, who finished fourth on the team in 2025 with 151 yards on 44 carries — he added a 25-172-1 line as a pass catcher. Smith, a seventh-round selection a year ago, is a converted receiver, so there could be untapped potential there. Still, KC didn’t sign Walker for big money to sit him, leaving whoever emerges as RB2 with limited appeal.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
71) RB Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Bye: 10 | Projected Fan Pts: 53.0
Typically, when teams bring in a No. 2 running back, the player's skill set is diversified from that of the starter. Tampa did just the opposite when signing Kenneth Gainwell behind Bucky Irving. This ensures two things: Tucker, a violent runner who lacks in the receiving department, will remain in a compartmentalized role, and he remains no closer to meaningful fantasy involvement should Irving suffer another injury-plagued season. Regardless of scoring seven times in 2025, Tucker posted over 10.2 PPR points exactly once, but at least it was a masterful showing (34 PPR).
72) RB MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers | Bye: 11 | Projected Fan Pts: 52.9
Injuries have decimated Lloyd's young career, and he'll battle Chris Brooks in camp for a role. The talent is obviously intriguing for fantasy purposes, but we just have to see something from him on the field to determine whether his upside is worthy of the injury risk. Between now and the heart of fantasy draft season, Lloyd is a low-floor flier.
73) RB Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 48.6
Las Vegas elected not to bring back Raheem Mostert or Zamir White, officially opening the backup job. While nothing is promised, Washington should be given every chance to lock down that spot over Dylan Laube. Selected in the fourth round out of Arkansas, Washington has good patience, blazing speed, and more elusiveness than you might expect from a back who checks in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds. If he can secure the No. 2 job, Washington could hold some handcuff value for owners rostering Ashton Jeanty.
74) RB Trevor Etienne, Carolina Panthers | Bye: 5 | Projected Fan Pts: 46.3
Etienne will compete for backup touches behind presumed RB1 Chuba Hubbard, with Jonathon Brooks as the primary challenger. Expect some form of a rotational approach after Hubbard struggled with separate calf injuries in consecutive years. As a 2025 rookie, Etienne ran 20 times for 94 yards and failed to score, chipping in 13 yards on three catches. The sample size is minuscule, so track the camp and preseason competition.
75) RB Jerome Ford, Washington Commanders | Bye: 7 | Projected Fan Pts: 45.9
The fifth-year pro comes over from Cleveland after a diminished role in 2024 and a 2025 season shortened to just 13 games because of a shoulder injury. He'll compete for a role with the likes of veteran Rachaad White, sophomore Jacory Croskey-Merritt, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols. Allen and Croskey-Merritt aren't in Ford's class as a receiver, so his likeliest challenger is White. Barring something turning this situation upside down, Ford may struggle to make the final roster.
76) RB DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts | Bye: 13 | Projected Fan Pts: 44.7
As a rookie, Giddens appeared in nine games, turning 26 carries into 96 yards. He fell out of favor for a time and was a frequent inactive throughout November and December, but Giddens enters 2026 as the leader in the clubhouse for the backup job in Indianapolis. Seventh-round pick Seth McGowan could also factor into the equation after rushing for a dozen touchdowns for Kentucky in 2025. Whoever emerges will only hold value as a handcuff to Jonathan Taylor as Indy rarely takes its top back off the field.
77) RB Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos | Bye: 10 | Projected Fan Pts: 44.3
At 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, Coleman is a bulldozer. In addition to being adept in short-yardage situations, the fourth-round pick has shown exceptional ball security with three fumbles in four collegiate seasons. That generates some red-zone potential for a back who would otherwise struggle to generate much interest among fantasy owners as he sits behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey (and perhaps Jaleel McLaughlin) on the depth chart. Beyond that, it appears Coleman’s clearest path to playing time is via the passing game as he has good hands and is solid as a pass blocker.
78) RB Nicholas Singleton, Tennessee Titans | Bye: 9 | Projected Fan Pts: 43.3
Singleton could find himself flying up draft rankings with a strong offseason. An injury to either Tyjae Spears or Tony Pollard will make him a hot commodity in deeper leagues. Until something changes on those fronts, he's a late-round gamble.
79) RB Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs | Bye: 5 | Projected Fan Pts: 43.1
Johnson has a chance to matter but needs to climb the depth chart in camp. He's worth watching this summer, and we'll revisit this one once he gets more on-field time to show what he can do as a pro. Currently, though, he's only a speculative flier.
