Four Running Backs to Buy, Sell, or Hold in Dynasty Leagues
Welcome to the Positional Buy Sell Hold series, where each week I’ll be focusing on one position to analyze four players and what we should be doing with them in dynasty. For this week’s edition, we’re back to running backs.
James Cook, RB BUF – Hold
In 2024, Cook truly broke out in a big way. In the first full year with Joe Brady as offensive coordinator, Cook was featured unlike before. He was given the majority of the short-yardage duties near the goal line, propelling his fantasy season. Cook finished the year tied for the lead in rushing touchdowns in the NFL with 16 and averaged 16.5 PPR points per game for the season. Now, coming off his best season in the NFL, Cook has been vocal about wanting a new contract, but there’s been no sign that one is coming. Do we want to invest in Cook in the long term?
The Move – With Cook wanting a new contract and the Bills showing no sign that a contract is coming, his future is a bit uncertain past 2025. But this season is still easy to project. Cook has taken control of most of the high-value touches in a top offense, making him highly valuable for 2025. The combination of short-term value and uncertain value makes me take a hold position. I’ll hang on to any shares I have to get the current production and hope the situation remains ideal, but I’m not buying any more.
Tyrone Tracy Jr, RB NYG – Sell
Entering the NFL with only one season of playing running back in college after starting his career at wide receiver, Tracy Jr impressed in his rookie season. Tracy looked natural as a runner and took over as lead back in the Giants’ offense as it went along. Tracy averaged 10.5 PPR PPG as a rookie, making him a massive value based on his rookie draft cost. As a day-three draft pick, his job will almost always be at risk. This off-season, the Giants added another day-three running back in Cam Skattebo, who was projected to go on day two. Can Tracy still provide value for our fantasy teams?
The Move – Skattebo may just be another day-three running back like Tracy Jr, but he represents a serious threat. Some may believe that Tracy will retain a relevant role. The reality is that his range of outcomes is risky. The realistic best-case scenario is that Tracy leads a timeshare. The realistic worst-case scenario is that Skattebo takes over the backfield as the true three-down back. Currently, Tracy is being valued as a low-end RB2. Trade Tracy for players with similar or better outlooks like Brian Robinson, James Conner, or Zach Charbonnet with a plus.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB NE – Sell
Before the 2024 season, Stevenson signed a contract signaling faith from the new front office and coaching staff. But things played out a little differently than that. While Stevenson did have a career high in total touchdowns, he had his most inefficient season otherwise. Stevenson had his lowest yards per carry and yards per reception, and he fumbled a career-high seven times. Stevenson eventually lost some opportunities to Antonio Gibson and entered the off-season with questions over what his future was. With the Patriots adding TreVeyon Henderson, is there any hope left?
The Move – Stevenson will still have a role, but it won’t be close to what it was before. Henderson is a great prospect who will lead the Patriots’ backfield and get the majority of the high-value touches. Stevenson still has some value as a depth piece. He can produce if anything happens to Henderson, but don’t count on being able to start him otherwise. According to the Dynasty League Football Trade Analyzer, you can trade Stevenson for a late-second-round rookie pick. I’d happily take the pick.
Rachaad White, RB TB – Hold
Coming off a season in which he dominated the backfield touches on his way to a great fantasy finish, White was looking to duplicate his 2023 in 2024. But with the arrival of Bucky Irving, his situation changed. Irving proved to be the much more dynamic player, eventually taking over the backfield. White still pitched in for the offense and had some production, but by season’s end, he was clearly Irving’s backup. The Buccaneers kept their backfield the same heading into 2025, so there’s reason to believe 2024’s trend will continue in 2025. Is White worth rostering moving forward?
The Move – With Irving’s ascension, White has now become one of the best handcuffs available. He’ll have some potential weekly value in very deep leagues due to his pass-catching ability, but that’s not something I’d want to rely on. Unlike Rhamondre Stevenson, however, he isn’t being valued high enough that I want to trade him away. I also don’t want to buy more, though. Just hold for now.
Good luck in all your dynasty trading endeavors.
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