Fantasy Football 2024: Running Backs to Avoid in Drafts
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The modern NFL might be controlled by the passing game, but running backs still go a long way toward determining fantasy football success.
The reward of a top-tier running back is enormous, but the risks at the position are potential season-spoilers. Between by-committee backfields, reduced workloads and the position’s inherent injury concerns, there are myriad ways in which an early selection of a running back can go horribly wrong.
We’re here to do our best to help you avoid those pitfalls by highlighting three running backs we’re avoiding at their current draft cost using FantasyPros’ average draft position (ADP) data.
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (ADP: 20)
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De’Von Achane might be the most explosive running back in the NFL. And if that sounds at all hyperbolic, the wholly ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry he averaged as a rookie last season—on 103 attempts, no less—swears it isn’t.
He also isn’t as locked into a featured role as this draft cost needs him to be.
Miami utilizes multiple running backs, meaning Achane could be fighting for touches and field time with veteran Raheem Mostert (last season’s rushing touchdown leader) and rookie Jaylen Wright (a fourth-round pick). Not to mention, Achane’s exposure could also be limited by injury troubles, as a knee ailment landed him on injured reserve last season.
His upside is, admittedly, immense, but at this price, you’re paying for the potential reward and not factoring in the risk. There are potential pitfalls facing him that aren’t being baked into his draft cost.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills (ADP: 38)
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Running backs who line up alongside Josh Allen don’t have the richest track record in fantasy. While James Cook looked like he might change the narrative last season, but he didn’t author the kind of full-fledged breakout his ADP might suggest.
He had some huge outings during the middle of the season, but his game log tells a feast-or-famine tale.
Including the playoffs, his final five outings were all scoreless affairs. He didn’t top 84 scrimmage yards in any of them. And there were warning signs even before the late stumbles, as he managed just two touchdown runs the entire season.
Cook will…well, cook on occasion, but he’ll be more volatile than you want from someone you’re likely entrusting as an RB1 or RB2.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: 57)
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The injury bug has been a persistent pest for Aaron Jones. At this rate, it’s less about whether he’ll miss time and more about how much time he’ll be sidelined.
Last season, he managed just 11 appearances. And while he caught fire late in the season, he was kind of a mess before then. After debuting with 127 scrimmage yards (thanks in large part to a 51-yard reception), it took him another eight games before he cracked triple-digits again.
An offseason move from Green Bay to Minnesota could move him up the offensive pecking order. But it also puts him in a more pass-happy offense and with less dynamic quarterback play (Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy).
Tack on the fact Jones is trudging toward the always ominous big 3-0—he turns 30 in December—and there are reasons to think he might heading for more disappointing weeks than productive ones.
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