Fantasy: Backup running back rankings for 2024 (Updated)

Given the rate at which injuries strike the running back position, knowing who's next in line for carries is critical for fantasy owners.

Not all backup rushers are created equal. And though the league-winning potential of a player like Zach Charbonnet appears obvious, many second-string ball carriers don't get the respect they deserve in fantasy drafts.

Here's how we rank the top reserve tailbacks, broken down into tiers and based on their fantasy value:

Co-starter/Overqualified backup

• Top-10 fantasy upside if the starter is sidelined
• Shares backfield with a more talented back
• Will offer RB2 value/flex value while splitting touches

High-end backup options

• Top-20 fantasy upside if the starter is sidelined
• Talent level is comparable to the current lead-back
• Will offer RB2/flex value some weeks, even as a backup

Early-season injury replacement

• Top-25 fantasy upside while the starter is sidelined
• Unclear when starter will be healthy
• Will offer flex production when lead back returns

Chance to carve out significant role

• Top-25 fantasy upside if the starter is sidelined
• Stuck behind a more talented back
• Will offer flex value in a complementary role

Proven short-term starters when needed

• Top-25 fantasy upside if the starter is sidelined
• Stuck behind a more talented back
• Unlikely to offer enough production unless lead back gets injured

Explosive complementary backs

• Will offer flex value in a complementary role
• Top-30 fantasy upside if the starter is sidelined
• Workload questions due to their profile

Unproven but enticing

• 2024 role yet to be determined
• Top-25 fantasy upside if the path to volume clears
• Unlikely to offer enough production unless lead back gets injured

Upside late-round rookies

• Stuck behind a veteran RB who isn't a long-term starter
• Top-30 fantasy upside if the path to volume clears
• Still has a lot to prove due to Day 3 draft capital

Volume-dependent veterans

• Veteran backup
• Value limited by the possibility of a committee replacement scenario
• Would need the majority of touches to be a fantasy starter

Rookie backups

• Will likely require an injury to starter to have value
• Top-30 fantasy upside if the path to volume clears
• Still has a lot to prove due to Day 3 draft capital

Unclear situations

• Upside if a clear backup emerges and the starter is injured
• Value limited by the possibility of a committee replacement scenario
• Players to draft as bench stashes in final rounds

Deep-league stashes

• Long shots with intriguing upside if injuries hit their backfield
• Have the skills to produce over short stretches
• Watchlist candidates who could turn into key waiver-wire pickups

Free agents who could still be a factor

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