Running backs are the cryptocurrency of dynasty. They can spike in value overnight because of a beat report. An injury can cause a valuable Day 3 guy to tailspin into the depths of rankings. They are, without a doubt, the most volatile of all positions. Aside from a handful of blue-chip prospects, values are as fickle as the workloads coaches dole out on a weekly basis. This makes it imperative to know you're targeting the right guys.
Rebuilders shouldn't have any interest in aging and productive veterans. And contenders might be in a position where overpaying for one helps win a championship. Young, talented players who are buried with no short-term path to playing time should be targeted by rebuilders in hopes of flipping them for a more valuable asset if their price spikes.
In this article, I'll lump running backs into buckets of players with similar archetypes. I'll rank the players in each bucket by preference and let you know which types of teams should target them. This isn't a flat list of rankings, as that couldn't possibly possess the nuance required to analyze dynasty markets. This is a new way to look at dynasty values.
Jeff Bell and I recorded an episode last night using this article as the backbone of our show. While this article goes in depth on each position, Jeff offers even more insight in a conversational format. Check it out! And subscribe where you listen to podcasts for more episodes.
Not all dynasty teams are looking for the same things, and this series will start by helping to compartmentalize a deep and complicated position. Let's lead off with the only two guys who truly can work on any roster.
Running Back Rankings and Tiers
The Elites
Both of these guys are 24 years old, still well on the right side of the age curve. They've both been top-five running backs in back-to-back seasons. And after years of dealing with David Montgomery and Tyler Allgeier stealing valuable touches from them, they'll each go into this season with less touch competition than ever. Both have proven capable of handling big workloads, generating elite efficiency, catching passes, and scoring touchdowns. These are the only running backs worth first-round consideration in startup drafts, and dynasty trades shouldn't even be considered without multiple first-round rookie picks or top-tier players in return. Both Gibbs and Robinson have years of value insulation built into their profiles and are the type of assets you build a dynasty team around.
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The Could-Be Elites
Draft capital is really what separates this tier from the rest. Love was selected third overall by the Cardinals this year, and Jeanty sixth overall by the Raiders last year. Over the last decade, only Saquon Barkley, Leonard Fournette, and Ezekiel Elliott have been drafted that high. That sort of elite draft capital sticks with a player throughout their career. While draft capital doesn't guarantee NFL success, it does insulate value in dynasty leagues, giving these guys a stable floor. And their youth (Love will be 21 this year, Jeanty 23) gives them the opportunity to spike in value, potentially surpassing Gibbs or Robinson by the midway point of this season. Even if they have a down 2026, someone will likely be willing to buy next offseason at this offseason's price. These are two of the best players to acquire in dynasty, offering a rare combination of safety and upside.
Twenty-Five And Ready To Thrive
As you can see, I put a lot of thought into these group names. Achane, Hall, and Walker will be 25 this season, giving them room for potential growth. All were Day 2 picks, all have been productive through their early NFL careers, and all are in positions where they should garner volume and be productive. Achane will spearhead a run-first offense with Malik Willis. Hall will play for the Jets under the franchise tag this year, but could end up in a better situation next season (or before this year's trade deadline). And Walker, despite being in a split backfield for most of his career, was gifted a big contract by the Chiefs to be the featured back. These running backs are expensive in dynasty, but for good reason. They still have years left before they top out on the age curve, should provide immediate production, and have the chance to spike in value.
Peaking and Productive
Look, another fun group name! Alliteration! Taylor, Cook, and Etienne are all heading into their age-27 seasons but are still atop the age apex. Every running back in this tier has a desirable profile. All were drafted early. Every player has a versatile skill set, with the ability to accumulate as a rusher, receiver, and touchdown scorer. All are in current situations with little touch competition, allowing for short-term workhorse usage. The window for joining the elite tier has closed for all of these running backs, but that doesn't mean they aren't very useful in fantasy. Injuries in this tier would be relatively impactful for their value, but there's also the chance of another half-decade of elite production. The advanced age of these guys makes them a bit riskier than the tier above, but they could easily end up being top-scoring running backs in any of these next few years.