Look, if you’re still drafting running backs based on who had the most carries last season, you’re basically asking for a last-place finish. It’s 2026. The NFL has changed, and frankly, the way we value the "bell-cow" back has to change too. We just saw a season where "efficiency monsters" like De’Von Achane and Jahmyr Gibbs broke the fantasy landscape while high-volume grinders like Jonathan Taylor struggled to crack the top ten because of stagnant offenses.
You’ve got to look at the context. A carry in a San Francisco or Detroit offense is worth roughly double what a carry in a rebuilding backfield is worth.
Identifying the top 10 running backs fantasy football managers need to target this year isn't about counting touches; it's about counting high-value touches. We're talking targets, red-zone looks, and explosive run rates. If a guy isn't catching four passes a game or threatening to score from 40 yards out, he’s a dinosaur. Let’s get into who actually matters for your 1.01 and beyond.
The Tier 1 Elites: No-Brainer Picks
Christian McCaffrey is still the king, but the crown is heavy. He’s 29 now. In RB years, that’s basically 105. But even at 29, the guy just put up over 2,300 scrimmage yards and 115 catches in 2025. You can’t pass on that. The Niners' offense is built to funnel everything through him, and as long as Kyle Shanahan is calling plays, CMC has the highest floor in the history of this game.
Then there’s Bijan Robinson. Finally. It took the Falcons long enough to realize that giving their best player the ball is a good idea. He spent the second half of last season playing over 70% of snaps and averaging 22.4 PPR points. He’s the safest bet for 2026 because he’s in his absolute physical prime and the volume is now guaranteed.
1. Christian McCaffrey (SF)
The volume is terrifying—432 touches projected—but the production is undeniable. He’s the only player who can realistically give you 400 fantasy points without breaking a sweat. If he’s healthy, you win. If he’s not, well, that’s why you draft Brian Robinson Jr. as insurance.
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2. Bijan Robinson (ATL)
He’s the new prototype. He doesn't just run; he’s a legitimate WR2 out of the backfield. With the Falcons' offense finally clicking, he’s the RB1 overall favorite for many experts this year.
3. Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)
Gibbs is the efficiency king. He has the most fantasy points per carry over the last two seasons. Even in a committee with David Montgomery, Gibbs is a top-five lock because he’s a home run waiting to happen every time he touches the turf.
The Efficiency Revolution: Why 15 Carries is Enough
Gone are the days when you needed 25 carries to be a fantasy star. De’Von Achane proved that. Honestly, the guy is a glitch in the matrix. He averaged a ridiculous 8.79 yards per carry at one point last year. Think about that. Every time he runs, he’s basically getting a first down.
4. De’Von Achane (MIA)
He’s the focal point of Mike McDaniel’s track team. While he "only" had 78 receptions last year, his role in the passing game is growing. The Dolphins added Ollie Gordon II to handle the goal-line "battering ram" duties, which actually helps Achane stay healthy and explosive.
5. Saquon Barkley (PHI)
Barkley in Philly is a touchdown machine. Sure, the "Tush Push" steals some one-yard scores, but Saquon’s long TD rate was through the roof in 2025. There’s a slight worry about the 400+ touches he’s handled recently, but in that offense, the scoring opportunities are too high to ignore.
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6. Ashton Jeanty (LV)
The rookie sensation. Getting drafted 6th overall to the Raiders was the best thing that could happen to him. Pete Carroll loves a workhorse, and Jeanty is the most polished prospect we’ve seen since Saquon. He’s a 200-yard-per-game threat who can catch. The only thing holding him back is a mediocre Vegas O-line.
The Veteran Grinders and New Faces
We have to talk about Breece Hall. 2025 was... weird for him. He took a step back in terms of efficiency, but the talent is still top-tier. With Tanner Engstrand calling plays in New York now, the hope is for a career year.
And then there's RJ Harvey in Denver. Sean Payton has turned this kid into a PPR monster. He went from a mid-round rookie to a guy seeing 20+ touches a game by the end of the year. If you’re in a full PPR league, Harvey is a gold mine.
7. Breece Hall (NYJ)
He’s due for a bounce-back. We saw the flashes of the 2023 version of Hall late last season. If the Jets' offensive line can just be "average," Hall returns to the top five.
8. Kyren Williams (LAR)
Kyren is the ultimate "don't look at the metrics, look at the points" guy. His explosive run rate isn't amazing, but Sean McVay refuses to take him off the field. 19-20 carries per game is a rare commodity in 2026.
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9. Jonathan Taylor (IND)
Taylor is the hardest guy to rank. The volume is there, but the Colts' offense has been inconsistent. He’s still a touchdown magnet, but he lacks the receiving upside of the guys ranked above him.
10. Derrick Henry (BAL)
"The King" is still kicking. Even at his age, he’s a top-10 lock because he plays for Baltimore. When the Ravens get a lead, they feed Henry until the defense quits. He’s the best "standard scoring" back on this list.
Strategy: How to Build Your Backfield
The biggest mistake people make in 2026 is "Zero RB." Don't do it. The cliff between the top 12 backs and the rest of the league is a canyon. If you don't walk away from your draft with at least one of these top 10 running backs fantasy football targets, you’re playing from behind every week.
Instead, try the "Anchor RB" strategy. Grab one of the elites (CMC, Bijan, Gibbs) in the first round, then pivot to elite WRs. You can fill your RB2 spot with high-upside sleepers like Jacory Croskey-Merritt or Tyjae Spears later.
Key Factors to Watch:
- Contract Years: James Cook is playing for a bag this year. Those guys usually find an extra gear.
- Rookie Encroachment: Watch out for Bucky Irving in Tampa. He’s already eating into Rachaad White’s touches.
- Offensive Coordinator Changes: The "Klint Kubiak effect" in Seattle could turn Kenneth Walker III into a top-five producer if he can finally stay healthy for 17 games.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Draft
- Prioritize Receiving RBs: In PPR, a target is worth 2.8 times more than a carry. Focus on Gibbs, Achane, and Harvey.
- Handcuff Your Studs: If you draft McCaffrey, you must reach for Brian Robinson Jr. If you draft Bijan, you must have Tyler Allgeier. The injury risk at this position is 100%.
- Watch the "Age Cliff": Be wary of Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones. The metrics show they finally hit the wall last season. Avoid them unless they fall to the 7th round or later.
- Target the Raiders' Jeanty: He’s the only rookie with a guaranteed 250-touch floor. If your league mates are scared of the "rookie" tag, pounce.
The landscape is shifting toward smaller, faster, and more versatile backs. If you’re still looking for the next Jerome Bettis, you’re going to lose. Look for the next Achane. Find the guys who turn three-yard catches into 20-yard gains. That's where the championships are won in 2026.