Uncommon Knowledge
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The 2024 NFL season is almost here, which means the fantasy football season is almost here too.
By the end of August, millions of fans will have completed their drafts as we get set for another exciting season.
While running backs have always been a premier position in fantasy football, wide receivers have taken over as the top points-getters the past few seasons. However, with only 32 starting running backs (give or take a few teams that deploy running backs by committee), it’s as important as ever to secure a top back.
As fantasy football season nears, Newsweek Sports will be the best place to get all the latest fantasy football news and tips — and let’s start with the most important fantasy position:
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
2. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
3. Breece Hall, New York Jets
4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
5. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
6. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
7. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
8. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers
9. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Analysis:
McCaffrey is the best running back in football on one of the best offenses in football, so he’s a lock for the top spot. He shouldn’t only be the first running back taken, he could be the first player taken in the entire draft.
Robinson didn’t have the rookie year people expected him to have after being selected No. 8 overall in 2023. However, the Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith and replaced him with Raheem Morris. Robinson, with new quarterback Kirk Cousins at the helm, should be in for a Year 2 explosion.
Hall and Taylor both have struggled with injuries, but when healthy, they are two of the most explosive running backs in the league.
Speaking of explosive, Gibbs at No. 6 could be top-two on this list if he weren’t sharing a backfield with David Montgomery. Still, he’ll get plenty of touches.
Henry at No. 5 may be aging, but he’s moving to a Ravens team that loves to pound the football. Expect him to put together another impressive season with a lot of touchdowns at the goal line.
Speaking of old faces in new places, both Barkley and Jacobs found new homes and got big money in the process. Their new teams will want to get the most out of their new backs this year.
Etienne took a leap in his second season in the league and should only get better this year. And finally, Kamara remains a PPR specialist and deserves top-10 consideration now that he’s going to play a full season (he was suspended the first three games of 2023).
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
