The NFL Draft and free agency have come and gone and we have a better look at the dynasty fantasy football running back landscape. Action at the position was fast and furious this off-season but depth charts are pretty well settled now. While some camp battles are still raging, we have a relatively clear idea of what things look like as we head into the season opener.
As always, some jobs are more secure than others. After all, this is the NFL, and dynasty managers need to be as prepared as possible when looking for handcuffs or evaluating their rosters as things change very, very quickly. This list today represents running backs and their security or safety in terms of major playing time or losing their job altogether this season. Again, this is not a ranking of the dynasty value of these backs, only their current danger level. In short, the higher the tier, the less likely they are to lose playing time (or their job altogether) during the upcoming season. As we all know, it's fair game after that.
Let's take a look so you can evaluate just how secure your rosters may be at the moment.
Tier One (Safest for 2024)
It's pretty tough to look at anyone on this list and be concerned about too much. Breece Hall is on the brink of becoming one of fantasy football's best weapons and the hope is Aaron Rodgers can fully unlock his potential. We all know what Christian McCaffrey can do and he remains the best single-season asset in all of fantasy football. The Ravens didn't bring Derrick Henry in to sit behind anyone and are likely going to ride him until the wheels come off. You could make the same case for Saquon Barkley. While the Eagles may sprinkle in some other backs here and there, he has the keys to the backfield at the moment.
James Cook finally enjoyed a breakout season and has little more than youth behind him on the depth chart. Jonathan Taylor finally looked like he was returning to form late last year and Zack Moss is no longer there to steal any time. Isiah Pacheco may get some competition here and there but the Chiefs have finally found their guy. Bijan Robinson was a disappointment last year but it's going to be a huge surprise if he doesn't take a major step forward with a new coaching staff.
Rhamondre Stevenson has been a frustrating player to have on a roster but the Patriots running back usage should change dramatically now that Bill Belichick is gone. In short, you can feel pretty good about this group at the moment. Of course, it's the NFL, so check back tomorrow.
