Fantasy Football: Top Running Backs to Target in 2026 Drafts

As fantasy football drafts approach, experts emphasize the importance of knowing which players to prioritize. They suggest using expert consensus rankings alongside average draft positions to identify players worth reaching for and those to avoid.

Javonte Williams had a standout 2025 season, finishing as the RB11 in fantasy points per game with 1,201 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His performance varied throughout the season, with a strong start followed by a decline in touchdowns, but his efficiency metrics remained impressive.

Bucky Irving, despite an injury-plagued 2025 season, showed promise during his rookie year, averaging 111.6 yards from scrimmage over nine games. His recovery from shoulder surgery is expected to allow him to return to the field by summer or fall, creating a potential opportunity for fantasy managers. James Cook led the NFL in rushing yards in 2025 and is poised for further improvement under new coaching, potentially elevating him to an elite status among running backs.