Late-Round Running Back Targets for Fantasy Football 2026

As fantasy football drafts approach for 2026, targeting late-round running backs with potential starting roles is advisable. Historically, overlooked players have emerged as valuable assets, with examples from the previous season including Javonte Williams and Kenneth Gainwell.

Among the notable late-round targets is Keaton Mitchell, who played for the Los Angeles Chargers after a stint with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite a challenging 2024 season due to injury, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 2025 and is expected to thrive under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Other candidates include Sampson from the Cleveland Browns, who may see increased playing time due to changes in the team's offensive line and backfield dynamics. Tank Bigsby, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, has shown promise as a backup and could see more carries this season. Additionally, Davis from the Buffalo Bills is positioned to step up if the starter is injured, while Mike Washington Jr. of the Las Vegas Raiders has potential as a backup with goal-line opportunities.