Rest of season running backs: After a wild three weeks, Gene Clemons re-ranks the Top 50 (2024)

In the preseason, Gene Clemons, a football coach and scout, shared his running back tiers. And then chaos struck. The first three weeks of the season saw major injuries, role shifts, holdouts, weird drops in production… and more. So we asked both Gene and Jay Felicio to re-rank their Top 50 running backs after three weeks of play, to help fantasy players sort out possible trades, cuts, or just to reset some kind of order for the rest of the season.

We also have Jay’s Top 50 and a roundtable with Gene, Jay, Jake Ciely, Brandon Funston, and four NFL writers, discussing the discrepancies and surprise rankings. For now, enjoy Gene’s Top 50!

Set It and Forget It

1. Christian McCaffrey (SF)

This is what happens when you put elite athleticism, superior play calling, and a dominant offensive line together. McCaffrey has not been stopped on the ground and thus we have not even seen him tap into his full potential as a pass receiver this season, but it is coming. I predict a few 30-40 point explosions this season with routine 20-point outings being the norm.

2. Kenneth Walker III (SEA)

With a passing game featuring multiple weapons who can attack at every level, it is simple to see why Walker has been a good bet in fantasy. He also has the ability to break tackles and run away from defenders. He’ll be a big red zone and goal line factor.

3. Tony Pollard (DAL)

Pollard remains a home run waiting to happen. He has improved his patience between the tackles and, if the passing game will begin to open up more and be a little less conservative, Pollard will be even more valuable. He is carrying the load and that is a pleasant surprise.

4. Raheem Mostert (MIA)

Speed in space, timing and rhythm make the Dolphins a difficult offense to stop. Mostert is definitely the benefactor. He also brings his home-run-hitting ability and that makes him a must start in fantasy. The only reason he is not higher is because of the recent emergence of De’Von Achane and the impending return of Jeff Wilson. However, Mostert understands how to work in a committee and has never really needed a ton of touches to make a statistical impact. Last season when Miami added Wilson, Mostert continued to be a productive fantasy start.

5. Bijan Robinson (ATL)

It is hard to say that Robinson has lived up to expectations but he definitely has not been a disappointment. He is going to have games where he scores a lot of points, but he will also suffer from a one-dimensional offense that is easy to game plan against.

6. Aaron Jones (GB)

When Aaron Jones gets back from injury, he is going to find the house cleaner than when he left it. A more confident quarterback with receiving options who he is getting more and more comfortable with. Jones was the electricity that got things going in Week 1 for the Packers, and when he gets back he won’t need to be the focus so it will allow him to play free.

7. D’Andre Swift (PHI)

Swift in this offense is a match made in heaven. Think of all the things said about Christian McCaffrey and apply it here. He has CMC explosiveness and elusiveness. Most importantly, he has an offensive staff that believes in him.

8. Jerome Ford (CLE)

Down goes Nick Chubb, in steps Ford. It is going to look a little different. When Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski came out and said Ford would be the primary tailback for the team, the organization immediately re-signed Kareem Hunt. I guess “primary” just means first in this case and not bell cow. Ford will definitely still be valuable because he will get the red zone opportunities and goal line touches that keep some backs relevant fantasy options while also having the chance to be the man.

9. James Conner (ARI)

Conner gets the bump from running in an offense that many defenses have slept on (see Dallas). He also sees lighter boxes because Joshua Dobbs is able to command attention as a potential runner. That, mixed with his hard-nosed punishing style, has yielded great marks so far in fantasy this season.

10. Zack Moss (IND)

Moss has proven that he will be a factor in this Colts offense. Even if or when Jonathan Taylor returns, they will likely share touches. That uncertainty is the only reason why he is not in the Top 10. He runs hard and he is explosive. When AR15 returns to give a threat of a runner at the quarterback position, it will only get better.

11. James Cook (BUF)

I guess someone in Buffalo decided that the younger of the Cook brothers was not too little to carry the ball. When the Bills get it to him regularly, good things happen, and it does not hurt that so much attention needs to be paid to Josh Allen as a potential runner as well as coverages keeping their eyes on Stefon Diggs.

12. Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS)

There has been nothing fancy about his running so far this season. It is a workman-like effort and he is producing well. He won’t wow you but he will get you points.

We Have Questions… But Not Many!

13. Breece Hall (NYJ)

Hall is slightly hamstrung by his quarterback play but, just like last season, that will likely improve. He is a home run hitter with size and he has a defense that will hold opposing offenses in check and get him back the ball.

14. Saquon Barkley (NYG)

Yes, he is injured, but he will be back — and when he is back, he will be needed to inject the juice into this offense. He still commands respect and the surrounding pieces are definitely helpful. A quarterback who can run, a deep threat option, a big-bodied underneath target and an offensive line that feels much more confident run blocking than pass protecting.

15. Austin Ekeler (LAC)

What this Chargers offense needs, ironically, is an Austin Ekeler. They have missed his dynamic ability in the offense since his injury, but when he gets back, he will be a force as a runner and receiver as the offense continues to gel.

16. Alvin Kamara (NO)

If you have watched the way that the Saints backfield has looked this year through three games, then you know that they need Kamara to not only come back but to be an explosive force. He will be fresh and motivated to do just that.

17. Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC)

Etienne is a solid weekly option who has a team full of weapons but not necessarily an offense interested in getting them all involved. I have been surprised that he is not used more as a pass receiver but he is definitely doing the job on the ground.

18. Jonathan Taylor (IND)

When Taylor returns, the backfield will look much different than it did before he left. That is a great thing. Anthony Richardson has already shown that he is a plus in the rushing attack and with Zack Moss running so well, it means that it will be a lighter load for Taylor. That should mean more explosiveness.

19. Derrick Henry (TEN)

The king is still king but he is fighting his battles alone. The offense is not dynamic at all and every yard he gets he will have to earn. We have seen slow starts like this before and it is a long season, so you just have to close your eyes and start him until the funk is over.

20. Najee Harris (PIT)

People keep wanting to write Harris off because he is not a sexy back, but he just keeps showing up. The Steelers have not seen Kenny Pickett take the next step so far this season, so Harris will continue to be a factor and a must start for fantasy managers.

21. Joe Mixon (CIN)

With the offensive struggles early in the year, they will continue to lean on Mixon. As long as they are in the game, look for him to be a factor. He can still give you points in all facets of the game.

22. Kyren Williams (LAR)

Somebody has to get carries in LA, why not Williams? With the departure of Cam Akers, Williams is in line to add to his workload. The pass happy Rams offense will provide some lighter boxes and Williams has shown a nose for the end zone.

23. Javonte Williams (DEN)

Williams has been a solid back but with the defense giving up so many points, it is hard to stay committed to the run game. He has definitely been affected by that.

24. De’Von Achane (MIA)

There were some, like our very own Brandon Howard, who knew that this rookie would have a significant impact if given a chance. Not every defense will play like Denver but, if he gets to split touches with Mostert, expect him to put up great numbers.

25. Rhamondre Stevenson (NE)

Stevenson has not pulled himself away from Ezekiel Elliott. In fact, Elliott has reeled him in. This will likely be a split situation, but if you think about Stevenson like the Patriots’ Tony Pollard, you know there is a lot of value playing alongside Zeke.

26. Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)

If Gibbs is afforded touches, he will be productive. It’s that simple. He has all of the tools to be a quality starter and an asset on a fantasy roster. It should not have taken an injury to David Montgomery to give him more carries. Let’s hope it continues.

27. Isiah Pacheco (KC)

Pacheco is still doing workman-like duty in Kansas City. The problem is that there are two other backs who get significant touches and that lowers the value of all three.

28. Miles Sanders (CAR)

Sanders has performed well in Carolina but there has not been much to talk about out of this offense. When they are down, they have to get away from the run and that is going to stifle his effectiveness.

29. Jerick McKinnon (KC)

It is uncanny his ability to get into the end zone, as soon as you are ready to relegate him to emergency duty only, he emerges with a multi-touchdown performance.

30. Ezekiel Elliott (NE)

Elliott is starting to find his footing in New England. He will share carries because that is the Patriots’ way, but he may begin to garner more of the goal line carries and red zone touches.

31. Rachaad White (TB)

He is a starter and he is getting carries, but the production is not what many fantasy prognosticators were gushing about during the offseason.

32. David Montgomery (DET)

Montgomery has come into Detroit and continued to perform at the level he has for most of his career. He is a great chain mover but if Gibbs begins to snatch away some of those carries it will reduce his value.

33. Josh Jacobs (LV)

My how the mighty have fallen. Jacobs is not what he was last season and he is probably not in the best form after a lengthy holdout.

You Have To Put Them Out There

34. Roschon Johnson (CHI)

Johnson is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, he is performing well when given the opportunity and will likely be given more opportunities because of it.

35. Khalil Herbert (CHI)

Herbert has performed well. He is explosive and has shown elusiveness, but carries may be lighter because of the shared responsibility with Justin Fields and Roschon Johnson.

36. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC)

He is a part of the three-headed monster in Kansas City, but he is a Pacheco pulled hamstring away from being a big carry guy again for the Chiefs.

37. Tyler Allgeier (ATL)

Bijan is the soup of the day, but Allgeier is still performing well. He is definitely a factor in deeper leagues.

38. Joshua Kelley (LAC)

He is a good back in an offense that should give him chances, but he is no Ekeler when it comes to fantasy.

39. Dameon Pierce (HOU)

He has not performed well so far but if you are in a deep league, what other options do you have at this point? Unless you got lucky on the waiver wire, you may need to ride it out with Pierce and hope he gets rolling.

40. Dalvin Cook (NYJ)

Cook is clearly RB2 in New York with the presence of Hall, but the Jets will need Cook this year before it is over if they are indeed not tanking the rest of their season. Cook is receiving a lot of snaps but his touches have not seen an uptick yet. Stay tuned.

41. Chuba Hubbard (CAR)

Hubbard has been a nice complement in the backfield to Miles Sanders.

42. Gus Edwards (BAL)

The Ravens can’t seem to get away from Gus so neither should you.

43. Jaylen Warren (PIT)

16 targets in three games is not a bad number for a backup running back. While I don’t share the same fervor as others that he should be the starter, or in a 50/50 share, there is value.

44. Kenneth Gainwell (PHI)

Gainwell will be a factor, but the emergence of Swift as a big time playmaker for the team puts his value in question.

45. Cam Akers (MIN)

The talent and the need suggest that Akers should be a valuable member of the Vikings going forward and an asset on a fantasy roster. We will see if he can realize his potential in a new place with a fresh start.

46. Tank Bigsby (JAX)

His touches have been minimal but his two touchdowns point to the value that Jacksonville is placing on Bigsby. He seems to be a great stash option for later in the season.

47. Tyjae Spears (TEN)

The offensive apathy has not allowed Spears to garner the carries he deserves. The 5.5 YPC is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

48. Zach Charbonnet (SEA)

The Seahawks have a lot of talent on this roster and running back is just another spot where they are rich with ability. Charbonnet could definitely be a starter and will likely get more touches as the season goes along as attrition is sure to hit Seattle.

49. Justice Hill (BAL)

Hill is a familiar name in the Baltimore backfield, but like most who frequent there, he has been bitten by the injury bug as well. If he is healthy, he should see an increased role with the backfield being so unsettled.

50. Antonio Gibson (WAS)

Gibson has had a rough start to the season but he still possesses the ability to be a factor out of the backfield as a rusher and pass receiver. That and his explosiveness give him a chance to still be a deep league pickup in the coming weeks.

(Top photo of Raheem Mostert: Megan Briggs/Getty Images)