Top fantasy draft targets for 2024: Running backs

Daddy want. Daddy need. Daddy gotta have it! Every year, fantasy football fans fall head over heels for certain players, determined on draft day to score their guy’s services no matter the cost. Breaking out the sledgehammer, below is a three-pack of must-have picks. Today’s position: Running backs.

Position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Cheat Sheet

1. Jonathan Taylor, Colts (ADP: 11.33, RB4)

Enough with the Guardian Cap lampooning. He was one of the players to don the protective headgear in Preseason Week 1. Given his injury history and proneness to concussions at a high-contact position, the extra layer of protection is applaudable. Stay healthy, JT. Stay healthy.

Alongside Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey and Breece Hall, there’s a strong argument for the Colts rusher to whinny his way to position-pacesetting numbers in 2024. He has a top-10 offensive line, likely workhorse volume (18.8 touches per game in 2023) and a dual-threat QB in Anthony Richardson to help create favorable running lanes. Though bogged down by ankle discomfort and torn thumb ligaments last year, he still managed to finish RB16 in YAC per attempt (3.12) and compile an impressive 29 missed tackles in only 10 games.

A mere two seasons removed from suplexing the competition in 2021 — when he won the NFL rushing title and amassed 2,171 total yards and 20 total TDs — Taylor is in line for another skull-cracking campaign. Despite the fourth-toughest strength of schedule for fantasy RBs, he is likely to finish in the range of 1,500 combined yards with 12-15 TDs. And that's probably his floor.

Slap the wallet with utmost confidence.

2. David Montgomery, Lions (ADP: 69.43, RB21)

Oh, the blatant disrespect! Despite continuity in Detroit, #MandatoryMontgomery continues to slide in drafts. For this Monty enthusiast, it's dumbfounding and downright offensive.

As discussed previously, fantasy drafters are sloshed on the pass-catching hype tied to second-year riser Jahmyr Gibbs. As a result, he’s going 55 picks higher in average drafts. That is, for now. The hamstring strain Gibbs suffered on Monday could cost him regular-season time. Once healthy, he'll have an advantage in PPR heavy formats, but overlooking the Motor City's reliable ride is incredibly shortsighted.

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Montgomery will again be a fixture on early downs — especially at the goal line — working behind arguably the league’s No. 1 offensive line and in the same system he flourished in last season. His projected strength of schedule (No. 18) may be fairly unattractive, but blasting defensive lines for chunk gains and burrowing in for six will be somewhat routine.

Last year, Montgomery finished top-15 in fantasy points per game and inside the RB top 10 in total red-zone touches (53), total touchdowns (13) and expected points added. He also tucked inside the position’s top 20 in YAC per attempt (3.05) and total missed tackles forced (48).

Admittedly, my personal love affair for Montgomery is borderline disturbing, but get real, gamers. On roughly 15-17 touches per contest, he is destined to turn a handsome profit at his RB21 ADP.

3. Brian Robinson, Commanders (ADP: 101.48, RB33)

Apologies Austin Ekeler faithful, but Robinson is the most desirable Commanders back for fantasy purposes. He’ll work in tandem with the former Charger, but as a capable three-down bruiser, he has the defender-displacing power and hands to rack abundant touches. His 60.9% opportunity share (14.3 touches per game) may actually increase, albeit slightly.

What’s most alluring is the arrival of Jayden Daniels. The explosive rookie quarterback has the downfield bazooka and tuck-and-run talents to generate sizable holes for Robinson to exploit.

Washington’s offensive line is a work in progress, but given the RB’s hard-charging style, substantial gains could often occur.

Last season, Robinson tallied a respectable 2.93 YAC per attempt and finished RB20 in total missed tackles (37 in 15 games). Most excitingly, he slotted RB7 in yards created per touch (4.11) and RB1 in yards per reception (10.2). Again, he’s a better-than-advertised producer.

Dan Quinn’s Commanders don’t have a cakewalk schedule. Washington RBs have the 12th-hardest projected SOS. However, in an improved overall offensive environment, Robinson should at least flirt with RB2 numbers. Approximately 1100 combined yards with 6-8 touchdowns are doable. Continue stealing him at or near pick No. 100.

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