6 Running Backs I'm Betting Against

Breece Hall is a superior draft target compared to Javonte Williams due to his superior athleticism and receiving upside; he is expected to have more receptions out of the backfield and higher big-play potential.

Bucky Irving is a questionable draft pick due to concerns about his frame holding up to a full workload and a crowded backfield; he faces being squeezed out of passing downs by Kenneth Gainwell and goal-line work by Sean Tucker.

Cam Akers is a player to avoid in the fourth round due to injury concerns and the team's signing of Najee Harris, which threatens his goal-line and short-area workload.

Christian Watson is ranked higher than Jaylen Warren, and selecting Warren over him is considered a poor draft decision.

DJ Moore is ranked significantly higher than Jaylen Warren, with the speaker advising against taking Warren over him in drafts.

D'Andre Swift is preferred over other running backs in his tier, such as Cam Akers, due to the injury situation in Chicago and the addition of Najee Harris to the Giants' backfield.

The speaker prefers Kenneth Walker over Derrick Henry in fantasy rankings, despite advising against drafting Walker.

George Pickens is recommended as a preferred draft target over Javonte Williams, with Kenneth Walker noting he was drafted after Williams in their league.

JK Dobbins is a major bust risk due to an extensive injury history, averaging only 7-8 games per season. His fantasy ceiling has historically been capped at low-end RB2 status.

The Seattle Seahawks' decision to invest a first-round pick in Jadarian Price signals a significant shift in the team's long-term roster strategy at the running back position.

Javonte Williams is a mid-third round ADP target (RB16) who is viewed as touchdown-or-bust due to a lack of big-play ability and inefficient receiving usage (averaging 8 yards per game on 3.2 targets). He lost significant explosiveness in the second half of last season, failing to record a 20+ fantasy point game after Week 5, leading to expectations that his receiving role will be scaled back.

Jaylen Warren is considered a poor value in the sixth round due to a low floor and ceiling. Selecting him over wide receivers like DJ Moore or Christian Watson is labeled a 'garbage pick.' Additionally, Rico Dowdle's strong camp reports suggest he could push Warren for the starting job.

Jeremiah Love is highlighted as a more athletic and superior receiving back compared to Javonte Williams, offering higher upside for receptions out of the backfield and explosive big plays.

Justin Jefferson is considered an elite fantasy asset, having recorded five consecutive seasons with over 17 fantasy points per game. Trading for him is described as an absolute no-brainer, and the speaker successfully acquired him in a trade involving Kenneth Walker.

The team invested significantly in Kenneth Gainwell with a $10 million contract, signaling he will have a consistent weekly role, likely as a receiving back on passing downs.

Kenneth Walker is a recommended fade in fantasy drafts due to recurring injury history and a declining workload, which dropped from 15.2 to 13.0 carries per game over four seasons. Despite being ranked as RB10 for the upcoming season with a projected volume of 15-16 carries and 2-3 targets per game, he lacks 17+ fantasy point per game upside and is considered a risky asset. He finished as RB29 last season and is viewed as a player to sell rather than draft, especially given concerns about his ability to handle a full three-down role.

Najee Harris is viewed as a threat to Cam Akers' workload, specifically regarding short-area and goal-line touches, despite Kenneth Walker's low opinion of his talent level.

Despite public pessimism, Patrick Mahomes remains a high-priority target for the speaker, who has drafted him frequently in best-ball formats. The Kansas City Chiefs are projected to remain a top-10 offensive unit, and Mahomes is expected to be fully prepared for Week 1.

Rachaad White departed the team during the offseason, signing a contract with Washington valued at approximately $1.5 million.

Rico Dowdle has received phenomenal camp reports and possesses the ability to challenge Jaylen Warren for the starting running back role in Pittsburgh.

RJ Harvey is positioned as a receiving back within the Denver backfield, where he competes for touches alongside other rostered options.

Sean Tucker is expected to compete for goal-line carries, which serves as a negative factor for Bucky Irving's fantasy outlook.

Travis Etienne is recommended as a target for managers looking for a running back in the fourth round.

Zach Charbonnet's injury during the NFL playoffs forced the Seattle Seahawks to rely on Kenneth Walker as the primary feature back, highlighting the team's limited depth options at the time.