2026 Fantasy Football: Week 4 RB Rankings

Each game in Week 3 was closer than the last. There were exciting matchups all around us, and some pretty noteworthy performances. What’s even better is that the players we thought would be studs were studs. Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson had great weeks and proved their status. James Cook, Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and others also did exactly what they were supposed to. It’s hard to argue with that level of success. Now, let’s jump right into our Week 4 RB rankings for fantasy football.

More Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | Players You Can Drop | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Re-Draft Trade Targets | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Dynasty Risers and Fallers | Weekly Rankings | Game Previews

Running Back Notes

Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

In this case, the quick turnaround to the Steelers playing again on Thursday works to Warren’s advantage. After struggling through the first two weeks of the season, Rico Dowdle was sidelined for Week 3. Dealing with a toe injury, Dowdle didn’t return to practice on Monday, and it’s not looking optimistic for him to return to action in Week 4. And that means we’ll see more of Warren. At this point, it’s also difficult to say that would be a bad thing.

Dowdle has just 15 carries for 37 yards on the season while catching just four passes for 28 yards. Over the same stretch, Warren had 21 carries for 89 yards along with seven catches for 71 yards. And then in Week 3, Warren found his groove. In a wild offensive game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Warren gained 127 yards on 17 carries while catching three passes for another 49 yards. He’s yet to find the end zone this season, but after eight touchdowns last season, that should be coming.

There’s no reason why Warren can’t continue to take control of the Pittsburgh backfield with Dowdle fading to a true supplemental role. Now, Warren needs to continue taking advantage of his opportunity.

Ollie Gordon, Miami Dolphins

Yes, Jaylen Wright was sidelined with a foot injury, but after De’Von Achane’s injury, Gordon truly took over the Miami backfield. At this point, Wright should be back either this week or next, and while he will be a factor, Gordon is the current target. In the first two years of his career, Wright failed to make an impact: 68 carries for 249 yards and 70 carries for 288 yards, so it’s hard to have much confidence. However, with Achane likely out for the year with a knee injury, someone has to step up in Miami.

Being currently available is important, and that’s what gives Gordon the initial edge. Now, he needs to take advantage of the opportunity. We should also note, not like it’s a secret, that the Dolphins’ offense isn’t very good.

Gordon got plenty of opportunity in Week 3, but he also found limited room to run. He did get 17 carries, but Gordon scored just 41 yards with only a touchdown saving his day from a fantasy perspective. He also caught all three of his targets for 14 yards.

We have to proceed, at least for this week, with the assumption that Gordon will be the man in the Miami backfield. Just manage your expectations.

Braelon Allen, New York Jets

Isaiah Davis has been active each week for the Jets, but he’s yet to register a carry or a target. It’s for that reason why, with Breece Hall now week-to-week, our attention has been planted firmly on Allen. It doesn’t mean that Davis won’t now be elevated to having a role, but Allen is the back to target. After all, the fact that Allen already has an existing role in the offense also helps.

From a production standpoint, Allen hasn’t stood out with 19 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown. However, he’s healthy and talented with upside. The problem, though, is that the Jets’ offensive line, and Hall for that matter, have failed to distinguish themselves from a running game perspective.

We should get a few games, starting with Week 4, out of Allen as relatively close to a number one running back. From a fantasy perspective, he’s just a Flex option at best.

Check out all of our Week 4 Rankings: Flex Rankings | QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | TE Rankings | MOP Rankings

Week 4 Running Back Rankings

Make sure to check out all of our Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!