The preseason is complete and there are plenty of running back depth chart takeaways around the NFL. Here are the notable clarity and upside category scores for all 32 teams:
Starter Injuries
Nick Chubb is on IR to begin the season, locking in at least four games missed. Cleveland notably added D'Onta Foreman this offseason for depth, and Jerome Ford played projects as the Week 1 starter with Chubb's absence. Pierre Strong Jr is a sneaky injury-away option to begin the season and is available in most leagues.
Christian McCaffrey is on the lowest level of monitoring for Week 1. His calf injury is not considered a serious threat to his regular season availability (yet). McCaffrey has said he would be playing if it were a regular game week.
Jonathon Brooks is a projected starter as the season develops but will have a ramp-up period (which may include being inactive to begin the season) for Carolina. Chuba Hubbard is the locked-in replacement as needed, with Miles Sanders the de facto RB2 until Brooks' role grows.
High Clarity, High Upside
RB2, Biggest Benefactor Listed
- Lions: David Montgomery
- Steelers: Jaylen Warren
- Dolphins: De'Von Achane
- Bengals: Zack Moss
- Patriots: Antonio Gibson
- Seahawks: Zach Charbonnet
- Falcons: Tyler Allgeier
- Titans: Tyjae Spears
- Bills: Ray Davis
- Vikings: Ty Chandler
- Rams: Blake Corum
- 49ers: Jordan Mason
Wildcard running backs beyond the RB2 on the above depth charts include:
Jaylen Wright: More speed for Miami, starting the year as RB3/4, but a wildcard if Raheem Mostert specifically misses time. Notably, De'Von Achane started low on the depth chart a year ago.
Strong Clarity, Moderate Upside
- Cowboys: Rico Dowdle
- Commanders: Austin Ekeler
- Colts: Trey Sermon
- Jaguars: Tank Bigsby
- Ravens: Justice Hill
- Chargers: J.K. Dobbins
All of the above has some level of question to tempter expectations from the highest tier for backup situations. Rico Dowdle has a limited profile of playing time and proof of concept, plus Dallas could add a back at any time. Austin Ekeler is coming off a team change and a poor year. Trey Sermon has yet to earn and produce for long, plus he is working back from an injury. Tank Bigsby was depressed last year as he lost his job to D'Ernest Johnson. Justice Hill is sub-sized and has the RB2 job, almost by default. Do we trust J.K. Dobbins to stay healthy?
Braelon Allen was Footballguys Dan Hindery's No.1 Rebuilding Running Back Target.
Modest Clarity, Moderate Upside
- Jets: Braelon Allen
- Texans: Dameon Pierce
- Saints: Jamaal Williams
- Raiders: Alexander Mattison
- Buccaneers: Bucky Irving
- Giants: Tyrone Tracy
- Cardinals: Trey Benson
- Browns: Pierre Strong Jr.
Flags abound with these depth charts, either with clarity but mostly upside. Houston is a strong situation, but Dameon Pierce's grip on the RB2 job is lacking with a woeful preseason and Cam Akers rising. Kendre Miller's continual battle with durability has left Jamaal Williams clarified in New Orleans...for now. Alexander Mattison failed as the starter last year, giving up the job later in the season. Holding off Dylan Laube for all 17 weeks projects as a challenge. Chase Edmonds is out to start the season, opening the door for Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay. Sean Tucker had a better preseason than 2023 and looms as a potential challenger. Trey Benson has the pedigree but ceded all of the passing work in the preseason to point to a committee if James Conner misses regular season time. Tyrone Tracy was the clear RB2 in the preseason, but Eric Gray was healthier, had splash moments, and the Giants project as one of the weakest offenses in the NFL. D'Onta Foreman not making the initial 53-man roster for Cleveland aids Pierre Strong Jr's case for fantasy rostership in advance of Week 1.
Low Clarity or Low Upside
- Eagles: Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley
- Packers: Marshawn Lloyd, Emanuel Wilson
- Broncos: Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin
- Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Carson Steele
Will Shipley can challenge and win the RB2 job during the regular season in Philadelphia. Green Bay became less clarified for Week 1 with AJ Dillon out for the season and MarShawn Lloyd working back from injury. Emanuel Wilson is the healthiest current back behind Josh Jacobs. Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin project as a committee behind Javonte Williams. The Browns have a limited timetable with Nick Chubb out to begin the season. Finally, the Chiefs have Clyde Edwards-Helaire in light pencil as the RB2 with Carson Steele impressing during the preseason.
