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Fantasy football RB backup rankings: The best handcuff running backs to draft in 2024

charles curtis
·2 min read
Oct 8, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs with the football ahead of New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) and defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches (93) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710571 ORIG FILE ID: 20231008_tdc_na2_0178.JPG

These days, the running back position is trickier to figure out than ever in fantasy football, between the injuries and the way real NFL teams split carries a lot between multiple RBs.

That, in turn, makes drafting backups all the more important. And that's what we're here to do: give you a guide to the best handcuffs in 2024 from most important to least.

We'll do this by tiers, with the must-gets in your draft to those you can leave on the waiver wire for this year, since we can't predict injuries that will turn the latter group into instant must-haves. Let's dive in:

1. Tier 1: The stars who are basically starters

Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, Achane is technically backup to Raheem Mostert, but we know the truth of who's more valuable. And Montgomery will get enough work with Jahmyr Gibbs around. Warren may take over as starter at some point.

2. Tier 2: Must-haves on your bench

Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) celebrates after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) celebrates after a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

4. Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders

5. Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

6. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

7. Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

8. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

9. Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns

All of them could see starter-level playing time at some point, and there's enough upside there that you'll want to roster these dudes without a doubt.

3. Tier 3: Backups, but might be more

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs past Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) runs past Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

10. Antonio Gibson, New England Patriots

11. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks

12. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

13. Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys

14. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons

15. Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos

16. Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings

17. Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

All of them have upside, whether it's because the guy ahead of them could lead to big roles, or they could lap the RB1 on the roster at some point.

4. Tier 4: Probably worth a late pick

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) hangs on to Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) as he passes the ball to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4) who tipped the pass for an interception during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

18. Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills

19. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

20. Braelon Allen, New York Jets

21. Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears

22. Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

23. Alexander Mattison, Las Vegas Raiders

24. Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers

These guys can be valuable on a deep roster.

5. Tier 5: They can be on the waiver wire

Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) makes a victory lap after their game Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-19.
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (28) makes a victory lap after their game Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-19.

25. J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers

26. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

27. Trey Sermon, Indianapolis Colts

28. Will Shipley, Philadelphia Eagles

29. Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens

30. Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans

31. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs

32. A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers

Leave these guys on the waiver wire.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy football RB backup rankings: The best handcuff running backs to draft in 2024