RELATED: See Underrated Running Backs here.
Some running backs don't get enough credit. Others get too much. Avoiding those overrated players is what keeps your roster contending for a championship.
We asked the Footballguys staff which NFL running back they think is the most underrated. Here's what they said.
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A quick note on staff opinions: One of the strengths of Footballguys is the range of opinions across our staff. Features like this one are designed to show you where individual analysts differ. But we don't waffle. For our final say on where we see a player, check the Footballguys Consensus Rankings, where we bring the staff together and plant a flag on how we think the players should be ranked.
Overrated Running Backs With 3 Votes
De'Von Achane, Miami
Matt Waldman: De'Von Achane is an excellent running back. He's also no longer in the conceptually rich and diverse ground game of Mike McDaniel's scheme. Achane is also playing with a runner at QB in Malik Willis, whose best work in Green Bay was in an offense the team adjusted to run a lot of manufactured passing plays that gave Willis two reads and a rushing lane. Good runners at QB who aren't refined in the pocket don't look for RBs as often for check downs. Miami intends to use a lot of play-action that moves the pocket, and it means you should expect Achane to see a significant dip in passing production that takes him out of the conversation as a top-15 fantasy back this year.
David Zacharias: Several things must go right for De'Von Achane to justify an RB5 ranking. His historical touchdown production (11+ in each of the past three seasons) and receiving role (5+ targets/game since 2024) must survive the arrival of a new quarterback (Malik Willis) who has a propensity to run and vulture touchdowns, and a new coaching staff (HC Hafley and OC Slowik) that is installing a new offense (West Coast).
Craig Lakins: As much as it pains me, I cannot take De'Von Achane at his current ADP. With Matt Bitonti's 28th-ranked offensive line, a new offense, and a new quarterback, it's hard to imagine Achane producing fantasy points at the same rate as the last couple of years. A mobile quarterback like Malik Willis is more likely to tuck the ball and run than previous Miami signal-callers.
Jeremiyah Love, Arizona
Jason Wood: Jeremiyah Love had been my choice all summer, but with his high-ankle sprain driving his ADP down, he's no longer the clearest pick. That honor now falls to Cam Skattebo. Skattebo has a battering-ram style that already cost him a chunk of his rookie season, and he's still running behind a shaky offensive line. Making matters worse, the Giants signed Najee Harris last week and still have Tyrone Tracy Jr., who was listed as a co-starter alongside Skattebo on the first unofficial depth chart.
Ben Cummins: Jeremiyah Love has a high ankle sprain entering the season. He also plays for the Cardinals, who will be in passing game scripts for most of the season while playing from behind and in a timeshare with Tyler Allgeier, at least to begin the season. It has been reported that the Cardinals don't plan to overwork Love as a rookie, and why would they? This is an organization planning for 2027 and beyond. While Love is talented, the opportunity cost is too high to pass on other elite options early in drafts.
Will Grant: I have Jeremiyah Love on my avoid list for the first four rounds this year. There's not a lot to be excited about in Arizona, but Love was getting a lot of attention as the running back to have from the Cardinals. However, the Cardinals landed Tyler Allgeier in free agency, and Trey Benson is still around. Not to mention Love's ankle injury, which has limited his pre-season work. If he's still around in the 5th round, I might consider taking him, but not with any of my early picks.
