This year’s NFL season will be exciting to watch, and fantasy owners should pay attention to the running back position. I believe these five running backs are good targets to watch out for in this year’s fantasy football draft. These running backs can bring good talent at elite value and help teams in big situations when setting the lineups each week at this position.
These projections bring offensive situations and expected workloads heading into training camp. Here are five of the running backs I believe will have a great chance to succeed for your fantasy football teams to be a playoff team this season.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of five running backs who deserve serious consideration in 2026 fantasy football drafts and why each has the potential to outperform their average draft position
1. Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
I believe that Kyren Williams is a must-watch running back to keep your eyes on in the draft this year as my number one choice for running back to target. Williams continues to be one of the safest and most productive running backs in fantasy football thanks to his featured role in Sean McVay’s offense. Few backs in the league receive the type of workload Williams enjoys, as he’s consistently on the field for early downs, third downs, and nearly every goal-line opportunity. That volume alone makes him a reliable weekly RB1.
What separates Williams from many other backs is his versatility. He’s a great runner between the tackles while also serving as a trusted receiving option out of the backfield. His ability to perform every week both receiving and running gives fantasy managers a high weekly floor, especially in any draft format out there.
The Rams’ offense continues to create plenty of scoring opportunities, and Williams has become the clear favorite to capitalize near the end zone. Even with concerns about his heavy workload, his combination of touches, touchdowns, and receiving production makes him one of the best values among the top tier of running backs.
Why You Should Draft Him:
- Proven three-down workhorse
- Heavy goal-line usage
- Reliable pass-catching production
- High touchdown upside
2. Bucky Irving – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
My Number two option of a running back that I would target in this year’s draft is Bucky Irving. After breaking out as one of the league’s most exciting young running backs, Bucky Irving enters 2026 with legitimate fantasy upside. Irving’s elite vision, patience, and burst allow him to maximize every carry, while his quickness and balance make him incredibly difficult for defenders to bring down in the open field.
What makes Irving especially attractive for fantasy football is his complete skill set. He’s just as dangerous catching passes as he is running between the tackles, giving Tampa Bay a true three-down weapon. What also helps for this running back is that they keep him involved no matter what the situation may be in the game, but he provides an incredibly high weekly ceiling.
The Buccaneers have fully embraced Irving as the centerpiece of their rushing attack, and another season in the offense should only increase his efficiency. With a projected workload approaching 300 touches, Irving has all the ingredients to finish among fantasy football’s elite running backs.
Why You Should Draft Him:
- Explosive dual-threat playmaker
- Locked into a featured workload
- Excellent receiving upside
- Big-play ability
- Overall top-five RB potential
3. Javonte Williams – Dallas Cowboys
My Number three option of a running back that I would target in this year’s draft is Javonte Williams. This running back has big potential in this year’s fantasy draft, but the Injuries temporarily slowed the beginning of his career. With Williams regaining the powerful running style and tackle-breaking ability, he is truly showing why he is a key contributor for the team.
Now running behind an improved offensive line, Williams will have opportunities to thrive and create scoring chances for this Cowboys team. His physical style makes him an ideal goal-line runner, while his receiving ability keeps him on the field during passing situations.
If Williams secures the majority of Dallas’ backfield touches, he has a realistic chance to outperform his draft position. His combination of opportunity, talent, and offensive environment gives him tremendous breakout potential.
Why You Should Draft Him:
- Fresh start in Dallas
- Three-down skill set
- Goal-line touchdown upside
- Excellent mid-round value
4. Omarion Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers
My Number four option of a running back that I would target in this year’s draft is Omarion Hampton. The former North Carolina standout possesses the size, power, speed, and vision needed to become an immediate fantasy contributor. His downhill running style fits perfectly with the Chargers’ desire to establish a physical rushing attack.
Hampton also brings more versatility than many realize. He can catch passes out of the backfield, making him a candidate to stay on the field for all three downs rather than serving as only an early-down runner.
Rookie running backs often become league winners when given opportunities to feature as a running back, and Hampton appears positioned to receive exactly that. His blend of talent and projected workload makes him one of the highest-upside backs available outside the early rounds.
Why You Should Draft Him:
- Immediate opportunity for a large workload
- Elite combination of size and athleticism
- Strong touchdown potential
- High-upside rookie with league-winning potential
5. Chase Brown – Cincinnati Bengals
My Last option for a running back that I would target in this year’s draft is Chase Brown. He enters the season as a key piece of Cincinnati’s explosive offense. Playing alongside Joe Burrow means defenses can’t focus solely on stopping the run, allowing Brown to consistently find different rushing lanes.
Brown’s speed and explosiveness make him a home-run threat every time he touches the football; he is more known for his receiving role than he is for rushing, which stands out in fantasy value.
With the Bengals expected to remain one of the NFL’s highest-scoring offenses, Brown should continue seeing valuable red-zone opportunities and plenty of touches in meaningful situations. If he maintains his role as Cincinnati’s lead back, he has every opportunity to succeed in fantasy this year.
Why You Should Draft Him:
- Explosive big-play ability
- Significant receiving workload
- Plays in an elite offense
- Plenty of scoring opportunities
Final Rankings
| Rank | Running Back | Team | Draft Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyren Williams | Rams | Unmatched explosiveness on a great team |
| 2 | Bucky Irving | Bucanners | Elite Hardcore Running Back |
| 3 | Javonte Williams | Cowboys | Safest option workhorse |
| 4 | Omarion Hampton | Chargers | High risk, low reward |
| 5 | Chase Brown | Bengals | High ceiling for rushing yards this year |
Final Thoughts
The running back position has evolved, but the formula for fantasy success remains largely unchanged. In this draft, prioritize players with elite workloads, receiving ability, and roles in productive offenses. These players should be viewed as great value and are worth considering in any fantasy draft. Building a championship fantasy roster starts with identifying running backs who combine talent, opportunity, and offensive environment. Drafting one—or even two—of these backs could provide the consistency and upside needed to compete for a fantasy championship in 2026.
