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These 2026 Fantasy Football Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2026 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2026 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates. |
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2026 Fantasy Football Rankings – Running Backs
Last Updated: May 27
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75 |
Other Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 14.
Tyler Allgeier signed with the Cardinals, which was a disappointment because he’s stuck in a crowded committee.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 520 rushing yards. 12 catches. 100 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 112.
Josh Jacobs’ arrest means that either Chris Brooks or MarShawn Lloyd has a chance to have a big season. Brooks has the higher floor, while Lloyd has the higher ceiling. If you plan on drafting one of them, you should do so late, and if you have multiple leagues, you can take equal shots on each. Keep in mind that Jacobs could be found innocent, or he may not miss any time if the NFL drags its feet with its investigation.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 520 rushing yards. 10 catches. 50 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 112.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints. Bye: 8.
Alvin Kamara is now 31, so he should continue to regress. Travis Etienne’s presence complicates things.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 410 rushing yards. 38 catches. 260 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 111.
Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers. Bye: 9.
Jaylen Warren handled most of the running workload last year. Reports indicate that he’ll transition to the Kenneth Gainwell role with Rico Dowdle on the roster.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 49 catches. 360 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 110.
Braelon Allen, RB, Jets. Bye: 13.
The Jets seemingly had big plans for Braelon Allen, but he played just four games. There’s a chance he could be the lead back if Breece Hall is traded at some point.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 480 rushing yards. 18 catches. 120 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 109.
Josh Jacobs’ arrest means that either Chris Brooks or MarShawn Lloyd has a chance to have a big season. Brooks has the higher floor, while Lloyd has the higher ceiling. If you plan on drafting one of them, you should do so late, and if you have multiple leagues, you can take equal shots on each. Keep in mind that Jacobs could be found innocent, or he may not miss any time if the NFL drags its feet with its investigation.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 470 rushing yards. 25 catches. 150 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 106.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 11.
Zach Charbonnet split touches evenly with Kenneth Walker, except at the goal line, where he served as the hammer. Charbonnet, however, tore his ACL in January, so he may not be ready until the middle of the season. He’ll have to split the workload with Jadarian Price upon his return.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 460 rushing yards. 14 catches. 100 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 106.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 10.
Kenneth Gainwell was a huge receiving threat last year, effectively serving as the No. 2 receiver. He’s now in Tampa Bay, where he’ll take on Rachaad White’s role.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 240 rushing yards. 44 catches. 340 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 102.
Jonah Coleman, RB, Broncos. Bye: 10.
Jonah Coleman is a quick, strongly built running back who could leap R.J. Harvey.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 390 rushing yards. 12 catches. 80 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 101.
Demond Claiborne, RB, Vikings. Bye: 6.
Demond Claiborne is a smaller back who is excellent at catching passes out of the backfield.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 32 catches. 240 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 98.
Kaytron Allen, RB, Redskins. Bye: 7.
Kaytron Allen is a physical runner who will have a chance at a significant role in Washington.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 440 rushing yards. 8 catches. 50 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 98.
Tyrone Tracy, RB, Giants. Bye: 8.
Tyrone Tracy will need another Cam Skattebo injury to be relevant again.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 370 rushing yards. 18 catches. 140 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 93.
Nicholas Singleton, RB, Titans. Bye: 9.
Nicholas Singleton has a chance at a workload this year, but Tennessee has a crowded backfield.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 380 rushing yards. 14 catches. 110 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 92.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, 49ers. Bye: 8.
Isaac Guerendo could be the RB2 in San Francisco this year with Brian Robinson departing.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 91.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns. Bye: 11.
Dylan Sampson shouldn’t be drafted, but must be acquired via waivers if Quinshon Judkins were to get injured.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 220 rushing yards. 38 catches. 300 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 90.
Justice Hill, RB, Ravens. Bye: 13.
Justice Hill had some solid performances in blowouts in 2024, but missed seven games last year due to injury.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 280 rushing yards. 34 catches. 240 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 90.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Lions. Bye: 6.
Isiah Pacheco had a strong start to his career, but hasn’t been the same since getting hurt in 2024. He’s now going to play behind Jahmyr Gibbs.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 360 rushing yards. 20 catches. 150 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 89.
Tank Bigsby, RB, Eagles. Bye: 10.
Tank Bigsby will receive a big workload if Saquon Barkley were to suffer an injury.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 380 rushing yards. 5 catches. 30 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 89.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. Bye: 9.
Tyjae Spears is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he’ll need to be rostered if Tony Pollard gets hurt.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 190 rushing yards. 42 catches. 310 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 88.
Emanuel Wilson, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 11.
Emmanuel Wilson will split the workload with Jadarian Price until Zach Charbonnet returns.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 12 catches. 80 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 86.
Brian Robinson, RB, Falcons. Bye: 11.
Brian Robinson Jr. is the handcuff for Bijan Robinson, who hasn’t gotten hurt in the NFL yet.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 420 rushing yards. 12 catches. 60 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 85.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 5.
Emmett Johnson is a talented runner, but will need Kenneth Walker to get hurt to see significant playing time.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 85.
Mike Washington, RB, Raiders. Bye: 13.
Mike Washington had a great combine. Unfortunately, he’ll need an Ashton Jeanty injury to ever be relevant.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 270 rushing yards. 18 catches. 120 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 82.
Samaje Perine, RB, Bengals. Bye: 6.
Samaje Perine must be added in the event of a Chase Brown injury.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 210 rushing yards. 18 catches. 100 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 80.
Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
Ollie Gordon is just a handcuff behind De’Von Achane, who hasn’t gotten hurt the past two years.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 220 rushing yards. 8 catches. 40 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 80.
Adam Randall, RB, Ravens. Bye: 13.
Adam Randall has good speed for a big back. He should be added if Derrick Henry gets hurt.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 240 rushing yards. 4 catches. 20 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 80.
Ray Davis, RB, Bills. Bye: 7.
There isn’t much behind James Cook on Buffalo’s roster, so Ray Davis could take over as the starter in the event of an injury.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 280 rushing yards. 12 catches. 80 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 79.
Jonathan Brooks, RB, Panthers. Bye: 5.
Jonathan Brooks could be healthy for a change. He’ll have a chance to get some playing time behind Chuba Hubbard.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 280 rushing yards. 10 catches. 50 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 76.
Brashard Smith, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 5.
Brashard Smith is a good receiver out of the backfield, but won’t see much work with Kenneth Walker on the team.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 150 rushing yards. 35 catches. 230 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 75.
Keaton Mitchell, RB, Chargers. Bye: 7.
Keaton Mitchell should be the primary backup for Omarion Hampton this year. He’ll be worth adding if Hampton gets hurt.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 310 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 75.
Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers. Bye: 8.
Probabiliy suggests that Christian McCaffrey will get hurt this year, but the 49ers have a very crowded running back room.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 280 rushing yards. 3 catches. 10 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 66.
D.J. Giddens, RB, Colts. Bye: 13.
D.J. Giddens could emerge as Jonathan Taylor’s backup this year.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 180 rushing yards. 14 catches. 90 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 64.
James Conner, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 14.
James Conner barely played in 2025 becaue of a foot injury. Now 31, Conner will have more injuries in the future. He’ll also have to share the work with Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier.
Projected 2026 Fantasy Stats: 310 rushing yards. 26 catches. 160 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.Projected 2026 Fantasy Points: 59.
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75 |
Other Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE

Walt