RELATED: See 3 ADP Traps at RB
In fantasy football, having productive running backs is crucial to success. It's often the most difficult position to project due to workload splits, vultured touchdowns, and frequent injuries. As a result, true workhorse backs can give fantasy teams massive edges, and backups that step into the right opportunities can win leagues. Here are a few best ball steals to target at the running back position for the 2026 season.
Ashton Jeanty (Underdog ADP: RB6, 11.5 overall)
The Raiders suffered through yet another miserable season in 2025. Seemingly nothing went right, with both superstar players on offense and defense, Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby, missing significant time due to injury. The lone bright spot for an otherwise lifeless team was rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty.
Fantasy football managers who drafted him were likely disappointed, as Jeanty finished as just the RB17 in 0.5 PPR points per game (PPG) and had only three games with over 20 fantasy points. It was an uphill battle for him all season, as the Raiders' offensive line ranked dead last in 2025 per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Heading into Week 17, Footballguys' own Matt Bitonti had Las Vegas ranked as the 21st-best run blocking unit. It should come as no surprise that Jeanty ranked 46th among running backs in yards before contact per rush attempt (YBC/Att).
However, the peripheral metrics were encouraging, both in terms of usage and efficiency. Even as a rookie, Jeanty was one of very few true workhorse backs in the league, ranking fifth among running backs in dominator rating. He saw the fifth-highest snap share, seventh-most carries, and sixth-highest target share. And in spite of the offensive line's struggles, Jeanty ranked seventh in yards created, fifth in juke rate, and fourth in evaded tackles. Even a modicum of help would've gone a long way toward making his life easier.
The good news is that help is on the way in pretty much every facet. Starting at the top, offensive dynamo Klint Kubiak will call plays, bringing a dynamic scheme that just helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl. Las Vegas has also overhauled the offensive line, most notably with a three-year, $81 million deal for three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. The Raiders should also bolster the line via the upcoming draft. Brock Bowers should return healthy and threaten in the passing game, opening up more rushing lanes for Jeanty. And of course, whether it's Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza under center, it's hard to go anywhere but up from what we saw from Geno Smith last season.
Most best ball steals are mispriced by a round or more, and fantasy football managers certainly aren't sleeping on Jeanty, as his late first-round ADP is more than respectable. Even so, the correct first-round draft pick can make or break a fantasy team. Jeanty's workhorse role and playmaking ability give him a true league-winning ceiling if the Raiders' offense can be even average with all the upgrades they're making this offseason.
A soon-to-be 30-year-old Christian McCaffrey, coming off a career-high 413 touches last year, is currently being drafted at 7.3 overall. I'm willing to bet on the combination of Kubiak, a revamped offensive line, and a Heisman-winning rookie quarterback elevating Jeanty over McCaffrey. I have Jeanty ranked as my No. 4 RB and No. 5 overall pick for the 2026 season.
