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🏆 RB Tiers to Win This Year
9 MONTHS AGO • 7 MIN READ

🏆 RB Tiers to Win This Year

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03/12/26

Howdy Reader,

Welcome in.

Some call this the slow season in the NFL calendar. We see it differently. This is the time for the sharks to separate from the posers. The stretch where tuned-in managers quietly outwork the ones daydreaming about Week 1.

You’re here. And getting further ahead. And that’s why we love this community.

Today, we’ve got a full lineup to keep you dialed in:

We’re kicking things off with Team Vibes: Giants Edition. Then it’s on to the Dynasty Commissioner’s Handbook. It's a must-read if you're building leagues that last.

IDP folks, we’ve got you covered, as always. Then we've got the Sleepers at RB and WR you need. Names flying under the radar with real upside.

And we wrap with Dave Kluge’s deep dive into RB tiers and rankings. It's essential reading before your league mates even open their draft app.

You’re putting in the work early. And we’re right here with you.

Plus Dave Kluge has the News and Notes you need.

Let’s get to it,

J

What's New At Footballguys

Running Back Rankings and Tiers: One Staffer's Opinion

By Dave Kluge - Exclusive to Footballguys

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Elite RB1s

This tier requires little explanation. These players are all worthy of early first-round picks. And a firm conviction in any of them could warrant the use of the first overall pick. These are all elite talents on good offenses who catch passes, score touchdowns, and have little touch competition.

Could Be This Year's RB1

All of these players have a modicum of risk. Has the NFL figured out the Dolphins' offense? Will Jeanty's skills translate to the NFL? Can McCaffrey shake the injury bug? Will Henry continue defying Father Time? While these questions all warrant some concern, these players have "finishing as this year's overall RB1" well within their ranges of outcomes, making them all worthy of first- or second-round picks.

High-Volume RB1s

When healthy, these running backs are all workhorses. There are mild concerns here that keep them from the elite tier. Jacobs didn't get the same target volume he was afforded in Las Vegas. Taylor has struggled to coexist alongside Anthony Richardson Sr. Williams' inefficiencies, while obvious to analysts, don't appear to matter to Sean McVay. These guys probably won't finish as the overall RB1, but being a top-five running back is easily attainable.

  • RB8 - Josh Jacobs (+2) - After a slow start to the season with his new team, Jacobs took over as the Packers' bellcow and was fantasy's RB3 after their bye.
  • RB9 - Jonathan Taylor
  • RB10 - Kyren Williams (+1)

CONTINUED...

1. IND: Anthony Richardson confident in shoulder

Source: SI.com - Zach Goodall

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) recently told Zach Goodall of 24-7 Sports that he is 'all good' for training camp next month.'I'm all good ... not really even a bump in the road. I feel like I tripped, I fell. Just got back up and hit the ground running again,' Richardson said.

Our view: After going fourth overall in the 2023 Draft, expectations for Richardson were high. And while we've seen the occasional flash, struggles as a processor and frequent injuries have made it difficult to assess his play. The Colts gave Daniel Jones a hefty $14M deal this offseason, and Richardson's absence has opened the door for him to take a lead in the quarterback battle. Richardson's rushing would make him more fun in fantasy. But Jones could elevate his teammates, something we've yet to see from Richardson.

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2. NYG: Russell Wilson reveals why he chose NY Giants

Source: NFL.com - Nick Shook

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers was the primary reason that Russell Wilson decided to sign with the team this offseason.'I came here because of (Nabers). I really wanted to play with someone who is special like him,' Wilson told Empire Sports Media's Anthony Rivardo.

Our view: As a rookie, Nabers led the NFL in target share. He can make contested catches, get behind defenses, and create after the catch. He's a do-it-all receiver whom the Giants will hope to build around for the next decade. Whether it's Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, or Jaxson Dart under center, it probably can't get much worse than what Nabers dealt with (and found success in) last year.

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3. JAX: Tank Bigsby's role uncertain

Source: JaguarsWire - Paul Bretl

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby's role and playing time probably will be decided during training camp, in the opinion of JaguarsWire's Paul Bretl.

Our view: No one knows how the workload will be split up between Bigsby, Travis Etienne, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten. New HC Liam Coen took a hot-hand approach last year in Tampa Bay, providing touches for Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker. While it works on the field, it's frustrating for fantasy managers. We'll hope for a clearer picture as we get deeper into camp.

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4. CLE: Kenny Pickett in lead for QB job?

Source: BrownsWire - Cory Kinnan

Cleveland Browns WR Diontae Johnson said he believes that QB Kenny Pickett is the leading candidate for the starting quarterback job this season.

Our view: It's hard to draw too much from a comment coming from a wide receiver who just joined the team this offseason. But given Joe Flacco's age and the lack of investment in the two rookies, Pickett leading the battle makes some sense. Pickett's biggest fault so far through his NFL career has been playing too safe. If he wins the job, expectations for the pass catchers will all be tempered.

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That’s a wrap for today, Folks.

Thanks for being here. For showing up, doing the work, and being part of a community that doesn’t just play fantasy football… we live it, year-round.

This part of the calendar may be quiet to some, but not to us — and not to you. That’s what makes this special.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more insights, tools, and that Footballguys edge you count on.

Peace, Love, and Fantasy Football,

J

Joe Bryant

Guide

Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey

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