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The NFL season will be upon us before you know it. Teams are set to begin training camp this week — some have already reported. We will focus on the most volatile position for fantasy football — running backs — given the many variables at play.
While building your fantasy team, it will always be beneficial to cultivate a balanced team where you’re not so reliant on a specific position or player. Having said that, without a somewhat productive core of running backs, you’re more than likely going to have a nice view from outside of your playoffs.
Running back is the only other position beyond quarterback that has access to the football for 20+ opportunities to make a play. Running back is the backbone of any fantasy team. While the cost of being wrong or unlucky may differ amongst players, whether we are talking about your first or your third running back, it’s essential to make the right choice.
Without any further preamble, here are some of our favorite running backs that you must have on your roster this NFL season.
Fantasy Football Must-Have Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
The first two players we are going to cover fall under the umbrella of interchangeable. Whether you prefer Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson, you’re getting an elite back who has the gravity to make any weekly matchup a nightmare for your opponent.
Gibbs is going to be a favorite selection at the No. 1 or No. 2 spot in your draft, and this season has all the makings of a truly special one for the young running back.
David Montgomery is in Houston. The Detroit Lions brought in often-injured Isiah Pacheco to share some of the touches, in an effort to keep Gibbs from running out of gas late in games. Pacheco will have a role as an important No. 2 RB in short-yardage scenarios. Having said that, the days of Gibbs being part of a true running back committee are expected to be over.
Gibbs rushed the ball on 243 occasions and accumulated 1,223 yards on the ground. On the receiving front, he racked up 77 receptions for 616 yards. While the yards look primed for a spike, given the expected uptick in touches, what’s really exciting is Gibbs’ touchdown potential.
Gibbs crossed the end zone on 18 instances last season between carries and receptions. In a world where Gibbs sees over 300 touches on the ground and at least 60 receptions, we could be looking at 20+ touchdowns this season.
In the event Pacheco gets hurt, your opponents should pray for the site to crash every week, because they are facing a player that will return the production of two high-ranking running backs. This is one of the many reasons why having an elite running back is essential to success in fantasy.
Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
As is the case with Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson has an opportunity to highly benefit from more time on the field in 2026. Tyler Allgeier is in Arizona after spending four seasons with Atlanta. Last season, he rushed the ball 147 times, while adding 14 receptions. If even half of Allgeier’s attempts are awarded to Robinson, this will be a special season for the Falcons’ No. 1 RB.
Robinson rushed for 1,478 yards last season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry — tied for second in the NFL (minimum 200 attempts). He played all 17 games and rushed for the longest gain of the season (93 yards). Robinson also added a powerful 79 receptions for 820 yards.
The Atlanta running back ranked second in receiving yards and receptions at the position last season, and you’re adding that to a possibility of 1,500+ rushing yards. As previously stated, Gibbs and Robinson have the opportunity to put up numbers that far exceed the rest of the options in fantasy.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
Chase Brown will obviously not be drafted as high as Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. Still, Brown may be one of the few backs who can finish in the top five this season. The Bengals heavily relied upon Brown last season, and the usage could be even higher in 2026.
Brown recorded 232 carries for 1,019 yards. When called into action from a receiving standpoint, he hauled in 69 receptions for 437 yards. While the volume and yards have room to improve, the 26-year-old back has all the incentive needed, as this will be a contract year for him in the prime of his career.
Brown crossed the end zone for 11 scores in 17 games last season. He was also exceptional when targeted in the red zone. Amongst players who received 12+ targets in the red zone, Brown ranked 12th last season with a 72.7% catch rate.
The Illinois alum finished off last season with 10 consecutive weeks of 15+ points. If you are planning to make a contrarian move at the running back position early in your drafts, a player like Brown brings a certain consistency to your roster. The No. 1 RB for Cincinnati is a very sharp option if you want to let the first couple of rounds go without drafting your first bell-cow back.
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
The buzz continues to grow for Omarion Hampton as fantasy drafts ramp up. This doesn’t bode well for average draft position (ADP) when trying to add him to your roster; however, the young back should be someone you look to when the first couple of tiers are off the board. Hampton missed eight weeks because of a broken ankle, but that’s not slowing down his ascension.
Hampton rushed the ball 124 times and totaled 545 yards. The UNC running back also showed outstanding efficiency when targeted in the passing game — 32 receptions on 35 targets for 192 yards.
Hampton’s yards per reception (six) and yards per carry (4.4) numbers need to improve. If he can sustain a full season, we expect the rushing yards to exceed 1,000 yards with possibly 60-70 receptions. At that type of volume, you could be looking in the realm of 600-700 receiving yards.
You will more than likely have to spend an early pick on Hampton — as always, this should be a weighted decision based on your current roster construction and player position availability. If you are implementing a heavy running back attack and Hampton completes your core after drafting two other backs, then the cost does drop some compared to other roster strategies.
Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
We close out our must-draft running backs list with another player who is becoming harder to roster given some lofty expectations.
As unfortunate as it is, the downfall of Kyren Williams is one of the more anticipated forecasts of the upcoming NFL season. Blake Corum is projected to be heavily featured in the Rams’ offense, and he may wind up being one of the more important pieces to your fantasy success.
Corum rushed for 746 yards on only 145 carries last season — showing he is a true weapon that needs to be utilized much more frequently. Corum closed out the season with over 600 yards and five touchdowns through the last six games. He also averaged 6.4 yards per carry over that span.
The expectations are logical; it’s all about the opportunity. If Corum is going to incur a heftier workload, his outlook starts to become extremely appealing.
Williams ran the ball 259 times last season. If Corum can cut into that to the point where they are each seeing around 200 carries, the Michigan alum becomes one of the best running backs to consider if you have a strong option or two already in place.
What is most important is if Corum can vulture away some touchdowns. Williams crossed the end zone 13 times. We don’t expect an immediate return on your investment. However, as you get into the later weeks of your season, you’re going to want Corum on your squad.
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