Running back can be the most difficult position to evaluate for fantasy purposes, especially in standard leagues where the value of running back scoring is crucial.
Last season perfectly epitomized the frustrations surrounding the position. Austin Ekeler, the player who scored 20+ touchdowns and was a top-2 back in two straight years, was a total bust. Raheem Mostert, the 31-year-old journeyman who had never finished as an impactful fantasy asset, was a league-winner after leading the NFL in touchdowns.
There are also so many different ways to approach the position, and the vast majority of draft strategies revolve around running back. Drafters have the option to utilize Zero RB, Hero RB, Robust RB, or whatever other strategy you might be able to conjure up.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
In standard leagues where yards and touchdowns make up the entirety of fantasy production, one thing holds true: finding a top-tier running back is crucial. Just last season, of the top-10 fantasy performers (excluding quarterbacks), seven were running backs.
Now this doesn't mean you must draft running backs with your first few picks. Of the previously mentioned running backs, only two of the seven were drafted in Rounds 1 and 2 last year. Elite fantasy running backs come in all shapes and sizes and can be found throughout drafts.
The key is to leverage the rankings list against a player's average draft position (ADP). If we have a player ranked higher than their ADP, we believe they have a stronger chance of succeeding for your fantasy team. If a player is ranked lower than their ADP, shying away from that running back is likely the best decision.
2024 Standard, Non-PPR Rankings
Top 250 Overall | QB | WR | TE | D/ST | K
Fantasy football standard, non-PPR RB rankings: Best running backs for 2024 drafts
Unfortunately, not everyone can draft Christian McCaffrey or Bijan Robinson. The best thing that drafters can do is remain flexible.
If high-quality running backs are flying off the board and you haven't addressed the position yet, consider a running back with one of your next picks. If you are comfortable drafting the next 10 running backs on the rankings sheet, maybe hold off on the position for another pick.
2024 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (PPR & STANDARD)
Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
A strong set of rankings combined with a flexible mindset during the draft will set you up for success this season.
These running backs are for Non-PPR leagues
Rank | Player Name | Team |
1 | Christian McCaffrey | SF |
2 | Bijan Robinson | ATL |
3 | Breece Hall | NYJ |
4 | Jonathan Taylor | IND |
5 | Derrick Henry | BAL |
6 | Kyren Williams | LAR |
7 | Saquon Barkley | PHI |
8 | Jahmyr Gibbs | DET |
9 | Josh Jacobs | GB |
10 | Isiah Pacheco | KC |
11 | Travis Etienne | JAX |
12 | De'Von Achane | MIA |
13 | Joe Mixon | HOU |
14 | Kenneth Walker | SEA |
15 | David Montgomery | DET |
16 | James Cook | BUF |
17 | James Conner | ARI |
18 | Rachaad White | TB |
19 | Najee Harris | PIT |
20 | Raheem Mostert | MIA |
21 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE |
22 | Aaron Jones | MIN |
23 | Alvin Kamara | NO |
24 | Devin Singletary | NYG |
25 | Brian Robinson | WAS |
26 | D'Andre Swift | CHI |
27 | Javonte Williams | DEN |
28 | Tony Pollard | TEN |
29 | Zack Moss | CIN |
30 | Zamir White | LV |
31 | Jaylen Warren | PIT |
32 | Gus Edwards | LAC |
33 | Chase Brown | CIN |
34 | Jonathon Brooks | CAR |
35 | Tyjae Spears | TEN |
36 | Jerome Ford | CLE |
37 | Blake Corum | LAR |
38 | Rico Dowdle | DAL |
39 | Trey Benson | ARI |
40 | Ezekiel Elliott | DAL |
41 | Chuba Hubbard | CAR |
42 | Austin Ekeler | WAS |
43 | Zach Charbonnet | SEA |
44 | Nick Chubb | CLE |
45 | Tyler Allgeier | ATL |
46 | Ty Chandler | MIN |
47 | Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN |
48 | Jordan Mason | SF |
49 | Bucky Irving | TB |
50 | Ray Davis | BUF |
51 | Khalil Herbert | CHI |
52 | Antonio Gibson | NE |
53 | Jaylen Wright | MIA |
54 | Braelon Allen | NYJ |
55 | J.K. Dobbins | LAC |
56 | Kimani Vidal | LAC |
57 | Tank Bigsby | JAX |
58 | Marshawn Lloyd | GB |
59 | Audric Estime | DEN |
60 | Samaje Perine | KC |
61 | Roschon Johnson | CHI |
62 | Trey Sermon | IND |
63 | Tyrone Tracy | NYG |
64 | Will Shipley | PHI |
65 | Dameon Pierce | HOU |
66 | D'Onta Foreman | CLE |
67 | Keaton Mitchell | BAL |
68 | Alexander Mattison | LV |
69 | Jamaal Williams | NO |
70 | Kendre Miller | NO |
71 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI |
72 | Dylan Laube | LV |
73 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC |
74 | Justice Hill | BAL |
75 | Cam Akers | HOU |