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NFL training camps are beginning soon, and fantasy football drafts are on the horizon.
With that in mind, CBS Sports has released its fantasy football running back tiers.
Following a career high in rushing yards, Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is listed in Tier 3 alongside Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson are in Tier 1, while San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor are in Tier 2.
"Achane and Cook are the last two running backs that I have ranked in Round 1, with projections between 17 and 18 PPR FPPG," CBS Sports' Heath Cummings wrote. "But their profiles are quite a bit different. Cook has scored 32 touchdowns over the last two seasons and led the NFL in rushing last season. Achane thrives on receptions (145 over the last two seasons) and efficiency (league-best 5.7 yards per carry) in 2026. Cook is the better floor play at the end of Round 1, but Achane has more upside. The question is how to solve the seeming conflict between Malik Willis' low running back target rate and the fact that the Dolphins don't have anyone else to throw to."
Achane's upside hinges on Miami's receivers
Both Achane and Cook are Pro Bowl running backs, but Achane appears poised for an even bigger 2026 season after veterans Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle departed during the offseason. As a result, the Dolphins' wide receiver corps enters the season as arguably the weakest in the NFL.
Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert will compete for the opportunity to become Miami's No. 1 receiver, but none has consistently proven capable of being a franchise's top playmaker.
Willis is also entering his first season with the Dolphins and doesn't have much proven talent around him. What could help Achane, however, is Miami's seemingly improved offensive line after selecting Kadyn Proctor with the No. 12 overall pick in April's 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins also return left tackle Patrick Paul, who is coming off a breakout season, and center Aaron Brewer, a second-team All-Pro.
Cook is clearly on the better team in Buffalo. But from a fantasy perspective, Achane could produce even bigger numbers given how heavily Miami's offense is expected to rely on him.
