Running back is arguably the hardest position to draft in fantasy football, which makes it difficult for managers when it comes to assembling their fantasy teams.  Out of all the positions, running back has the most value because elite running backs are the hardest players to replace.  Some might argue that wide receiver is a valuable position because they score a lot of points, but elite running backs are hard to find, and if you make the right picks, you’re golden for the rest of the season.

This year, the top running backs consist of Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, James Cook III, CMC, and Jonathan Taylor, who are all easily bell cows of their offense and can certainly be on your fantasy teams.  They will all essentially be first-rounders in fantasy leagues this year with the expectation that they’ll help carry their fantasy teams.  It’s also critical that fantasy managers be cautious when drafting at running back, as those who have the highest expectations could also become fantasy busts.

After a couple of rounds in the draft, the running back position becomes scarce as the top running backs get taken early, leaving the position to fade with talent left on the board.  There are managers who take the approach of drafting running backs in the first two rounds so they can worry less about running back, along with the fear of there being no good players left on the board.  

When it comes to fantasy busts at running back, it’s big to score on all running back picks, or a team’s season is ruined.  To prevent that from happening, here are four fantasy busts at running back to avoid.  

Christian McCaffery, RB, San Francisco 49ers

CMC is one of the best running backs to set foot on any football field, as he’s one of the most versatile running backs we’ve seen play.  His dual-threat ability is what makes him a league winner, as he’s what fantasy managers dream of when looking to draft their running backs.  At the same time, McCaffrey has a history of fantasy bust seasons, and this year might be another one.

McCaffrey is entering his age-30 season, a time when many NFL running backs begin to see a decline in durability or efficiency.  Last year was a big year in which he took on an enormous workload, taking more than 400 touches, raising concern for wear and tear. 

One of the main concerns with McCaffrey, and the main factor behind his fantasy bust seasons, is injury risk.  Over the course of his career, McCaffrey has missed significant time due to multiple injuries, including ankle, hamstring, calf, Achilles, and knee issues.  Even though he had a bounce-back year, he could be due for another injury, which could derail his season, along with derailing fantasy managers’ seasons.  

Given the injury concerns and his age, the 49ers might reduce his workload, as San Francisco acknowledged it would like to avoid overworking McCaffrey and preserve him for the postseason.  That could mean fewer carries, more snaps for backup running backs, and slightly fewer touches overall.  

Christian McCaffrey is the definition of a boom-or-bust player.  If all goes well, McCaffrey can carry a team to a championship, but if he becomes a bust, your fantasy season could end sooner rather than later.

Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints

When Alvin Kamara entered the NFL in 2017, he was one of the most exciting rookie running backs in football.  He wasn’t the starting running back at the start of the season, but as the season went on, he quickly became an offensive weapon and completely changed their offense.  He’s made himself known as one of the best fantasy running backs over the course of his career, but of course, there will be a time when we start to see a decline in Kamara’s play.  Last year, we saw glimpses of it, but this season, it might show more.

Like Christian McCaffrey, Kamara is turning 31 this season, which is an age at which many running backs begin to decline.  Kamara could defy the odds and have a bounce-back year, but history shows that around age 30, explosiveness and durability often start to fade.  

The Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a deal this past offseason, who is younger and could command more snaps.  If Etienne is the starter, Kamara might have to compete for touches, which means fewer rushing attempts, fewer goal-line carries, and less overall volume.  

Kamara has always been a great pass catcher, but his fantasy ceiling often depends on touchdowns.  If the Saints struggle offensively, Kamara could see fewer scoring opportunities.  Running backs are heavily affected by their offense; the goal is for Tyler Shough to take the next step as their starting quarterback.  Shough showed flashes of his potential at the end of the season; hopefully, the offense will run efficiently and produce fantasy production, but it’s too soon to tell.  

De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins

Don’t get me wrong, De’Von Achane is regarded as one of the best fantasy running backs to draft this year.  He’s not considered a bust for his talent; he’s considered one because he’s being drafted as an elite RB1, where even a small decline can make him a disappointing pick.  

Achane has dealt with multiple injuries during his NFL career, and because he relies so much on speed and explosiveness, any missed time or lingering injury can significantly impact his fantasy production.  He’s also handled an increased workload, which adds to the wear and tear.  

Miami has also undergone changes on offense, with Malik Willis now at quarterback, along with a new coaching staff that can bring a totally different philosophy.  If the offense changes, it can mean fewer designed touches, different run concepts, and less emphasis on getting him the ball in space.  You could make the argument that the offense might revolve just around Achane, but that also makes it easier for teams to game plan for

D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears

The concerns about D’Andre Swift center on his opportunities rather than his talent.  

Swift will now have increased competition for carries, as the Bears added young talent behind him, and if another running back proves effective in short-yardage or goal-line situations, Swift could lose valuable touches.  Even a reduction of 4-6 carries per game can significantly impact his fantasy value. 

Swift has never been a bruising power back.  If Chicago prefers using a bigger back near the goal line, Swift could lose touchdown opportunities-the most valuable touches in fantasy football.  A running back with 1,000 rushing yards but only five touchdowns is often much less valuable than one with 900 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Swift has also shown he can put up huge fantasy weeks, but he’s also had stretches where he disappears.  That inconsistency can be frustrating if you’re relying on him as your RB2.