2026 Fantasy Football Running Backs: Projections and Insights
As the 2026 fantasy football draft season approaches, discrepancies between raw projections and expert consensus are evident, particularly among running backs. This analysis identifies players whose projected fantasy points differ from their consensus draft rankings, offering insights into potential value picks.
Derrick Henry stands out as a top target, projected as a top-five back despite being ranked RB11 by consensus. His recent performance, including 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, supports this projection. Rookie Jeremiyah Love is also highlighted, with a consensus ranking of RB16 but projected closer to RB13, indicating he may take on a significant role in Arizona's backfield.
Conversely, the projections show caution towards certain handcuff players, such as Tank Bigsby and Blake Corum, as their value is contingent on the health of the starters ahead of them. Additionally, Josh Jacobs is noted as a player where projections may be overly optimistic due to his uncertain off-field situation, placing him on the commissioner’s exempt list. Lastly, Keaton Mitchell is projected lower than his consensus ranking, reflecting limited expected touches. Overall, while some players are recommended for targeting, others require careful consideration due to their circumstances.
