All 32 NFL Backfields: Starters, Handcuffs & Sleepers | Fantasy Football

At 32 years old, Aaron Jones is viewed as a regressing veteran who, while still viable, will likely lose the lead role to Jordan Mason in Minnesota.

Audric Estimé is expected to have a solid role as a pass-catcher in the Denver offense to start the season, despite some negative sentiment from fantasy managers.

Bijan Robinson is a top-tier fantasy asset, typically drafted second overall behind only Jahmyr Gibbs, and is expected to score a high volume of points. He remains a high-scoring starter with significant fantasy potential, though he is noted as having a strong handcuff option behind him.

Blake Corum is a high-upside dart throw flex with double-digit touchdown potential in the Rams' high-powered offense; he is a strong target for Hero RB or Zero RB builds and a viable pick at cost.

Braelon Allen serves as the primary handcuff to Breece Hall. He has been noted by Aaron Glenn as a player who could see increased involvement, specifically regarding potential goal-line opportunities, making him a more viable option in best-ball formats than standard weekly lineups.

Breece Hall is locked into a huge, clear-cut role in the New York Jets backfield. While he may not reach his 2023 peak of 70+ receptions, he is projected to exceed 50 catches this season, supported by an improved offensive line.

Brian Robinson joins the Falcons as a strong handcuff option after previously serving as a lead back in Washington and a backup to Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.

Cd Lamb has come around on Bucky Irving, noting that while he was never utilized on the goal line previously, he could have touchdown equity in the Tampa Bay offense; he is a viable late-round target.

Chase Brown is currently being drafted at the highest ADP of his career, establishing him as the clear starter in Cincinnati.

Chris Brooks is a depth piece the coaching staff likes, though he has yet to prove himself in his career; he is a viable lottery ticket to monitor for Week 1 usage.

Chris Rodriguez Jr. is expected to have a weekly role in the Jacksonville backfield starting in Week 1, making him a worthwhile roster addition in shallow leagues.

Christian McCaffrey remains a bellcow back with a massive projected role in the 49ers' offense.

DeAndre Swift is a strong target who is 'locked and loaded' for a productive season; despite a minor injury scare that turned out to be a cramp, he is expected to maintain a strong role in a high-scoring Ben Johnson offense.

David Montgomery is expected to be the lead back with significant touchdown equity, potentially mirroring Joe Mixon's 2024 production. At 29 years old, he is still viewed as a productive veteran with plenty of juice left in his game.

Despite some ADP volatility, Devon Achane is a high-value target around the 18th-19th overall pick. He is projected for outstanding usage, with the potential to lead the Dolphins in both targets and catches out of the backfield.

Derrick Henry is expected to handle a workhorse role and has the potential to be the highest-scoring 32-year-old running back in NFL history.

DeWayne McBride is an electric rookie stash candidate in Minnesota who is worth a look if roster space permits, though he currently sits as the third back on the depth chart.

DK Metcalf is highlighted as an undervalued, cheap player to target in current drafts.

Dylan Samson is a highly valuable pass-catching handcuff behind Quinshon Judkins; he would see significant work if the starter missed time, potentially sharing the backfield with Raheem Sanders.

Emari Demercado has been picked up by the team and is currently operating as the number three running back; he is only recommended for monitoring in super deep leagues.

Rookie Emmett Johnson is a high-end handcuff with three-down potential due to his pass-catching ability. He is gaining traction in high-stakes drafts, though his ADP has climbed into the 9th-11th round range, which some consider too rich. He remains a valuable injury-away asset who would be the next man in if Kenneth Walker were to miss time.

Cd Lamb identifies JK Dobbins as a viable starter in the Denver backfield who should open the season with a strong role, specifically recommending him for managers seeking early-season production.

J.K. Dobbins is expected to open the season with a very strong role in the Denver backfield and is recommended for managers seeking early-season production.

Jacob Saylors is identified as the potential handcuff for the Chiefs; he was productive in the UFL with back-to-back five-touchdown seasons and is a viable roster spot in deep leagues.

Jadarian Price is expected to hold a strong role in the Seattle backfield, effectively stepping into the Kenneth Walker role; he is a strong value pick in the sixth round based on his prospect profile and draft capital.

Jahmyr Gibbs is projected as a potential fantasy league-winner who could average 20 to 25 points per game.

James Cook is the clear RB1 for the Bills and has seen his ADP correct significantly upward, with many drafters now using top-15 or first-round picks to acquire him.

Jase McClellan, referred to as 'Jaka Krosky Merritt', is a player Cd Lamb previously championed in dynasty rookie drafts; he possesses the explosiveness to beat his current ADP, though his upside is capped by the presence of a capable pass-catching back in the same offense.

Javonte Williams is locked into a bellcow role in a top-tier offense behind a strong offensive line. His usage is expected to mirror his performance from last year, and he is projected to return value provided he remains healthy.

Jaylen Warren is the most expensive running back in the Pittsburgh backfield, typically going in the sixth or seventh round of drafts.

Jaylen Wright is positioned as the next man in for the Dolphins should Devon Achane miss time, potentially sharing the workload with Ali Gordon if the injury situation persists.

Jeremiah Love is the primary back for the Cardinals and is expected to return significant value, though he may be slow out of the gate due to an ankle injury and a tough Week 1 matchup.

Rookie Jonah Coleman is a high-upside lottery ticket in Denver and a primary threat to J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey should either player underperform or face injury; he is considered worth rostering as a potential breakout candidate.

Jonathan Taylor is a bellcow back projected to lead the NFL in total touches, carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.

Despite recent soreness and injury concerns, Cd Lamb maintains a positive outlook on Jonathan Brooks as the primary back to own in Carolina, dismissing the 'PTSD' of fantasy managers regarding his health.

Jordan Mason is projected to lead the Minnesota backfield in touches and fantasy points this season, building on his proven efficiency from his time with the 49ers.

Josh Jacobs is currently on the commissioner's exempt list due to off-field issues, creating significant uncertainty regarding his availability. While his fantasy value has seen a massive fallout, the team expects him to play this season. He remains a viable target for those employing a double-running back strategy alongside MarShawn Lloyd, and trading low for him is considered a viable move to see if he beats expectations.

Kayshon Boutte is identified as a player to keep an eye on as the third running back on the depth chart.

Cd Lamb highlights Keaton Mitchell as a high-value target whose price has dropped due to a preseason injury; he possesses weekly viability and the speed that Mike McDaniel favors in his offense.

Keilan Robinson is currently dealing with an injury but remains a player to monitor as a potential depth piece who could see pass-catching work if he returns to health.

Kendre Miller is a locked-in handcuff for the Saints who is currently free in drafts; he would be a massive waiver wire add if Travis Etienne were to suffer an injury.

Kenneth Gainwell is expected to be a factor every week for Tampa Bay, with Cd Lamb highlighting his value as a pass-catching back who recorded 70-plus touches last year.

Kenneth Walker is locked in as a bellcow running back and is poised for the best volume and usage of his professional career as the team's offensive focal point. He is expected to have a huge fantasy season.

Cd Lamb views Kamani Vidal as a high-value contingent play in the LA Chargers backfield, citing his productivity last year and his status as a Jim Harbaugh favorite.

Kyren Williams has been an elite fantasy asset for three straight years, consistently handling volume and scoring double-digit touchdowns in Sean McVay's offense; he remains a viable pick at cost and a recommended trade target if league mates fade the situation.

Following the team's decision to waive Jaden Blue and Phil Mafah, Malik Davis has returned to his role as the primary handcuff for the Dallas backfield.

MarShawn Lloyd is a high-pedigree rookie selected in the third round who is expected to receive a real opportunity in the Green Bay offense; he is a viable double-RB target alongside Josh Jacobs.

Michael Pittman Jr. is highlighted as an undervalued, cheap player to target in current drafts.

Mike Washington is a recommended upgrade for fantasy managers, as he is expected to see significant usage in Week 1, especially if Ashton Genty misses time due to a low ankle injury.

Cd Lamb identifies Omarian Hampton as the lead back in the LA Chargers offense, though he warns that his high ADP (top 15-18) makes him expensive to acquire.

Quinshon Judkins is projected as a three-down bellcow back in Cleveland with significant volume and receiving upside, making him a solid pick in the sixth round.

Rachaad White has secured the pass-catching role and is currently a preferred target due to his lower cost and recent price drop; he is a capable enough receiver to cap the upside of teammates like Jaka Kroski Merritt.

Raheem Sanders is the number three back in Cleveland and would likely enter a committee with Dylan Samson if Quinshon Judkins were to miss time.

Rhamondre Stevenson is receiving a fantasy upgrade due to his locked-in role as the primary back and his involvement as a pass-catcher, which provides high-value touches.

Rico Dowdle is considered in play for fantasy rosters, having recorded back-to-back seasons with 1,000 rushing yards.

Despite negative sentiment from some fantasy managers, Cd Lamb expects RJ Harvey to maintain a solid role as a pass-catcher in the Denver offense, noting he is a player worth targeting for his receiving floor.

Sean Tucker was almost cut by Tampa Bay but was retained after a contract renegotiation; he appears to be a distant third on the depth chart.

Seth McGowan has clearly overtaken DJ Giddens to become the number two running back in Indianapolis.

Tank Bigsby is considered one of the best handcuffs in football, with the coaching staff showing high confidence in him. He is the preferred running back in Jacksonville and is expected to command the pass-catching role out of the backfield to start the season, making him a priority target for both dynasty and redraft managers.

Tony Pollard is the lead back in Tennessee but faces capped upside due to a poor offensive line, though his current draft price is acceptable.

Travis Etienne's role outlook has improved significantly with Alvin Kamara starting the season on IR, and the team reportedly loves his backup, Kendre Miller.

Tyler Warren was drafted in an industry superflex league as part of a roster construction that prioritized wide receivers and quarterbacks.

Woody Marks is a highly productive pass-catching back whose usage could cap David Montgomery's fantasy ceiling.