As we head into Week 4, fantasy managers are dealing with a growing list of challenges at running back. Injuries from Week 3 have created new opportunities, while inconsistent workloads and disappointing production have made lineup decisions even more difficult. With bye weeks also approaching, now is the time to get ahead of the competition and identify backs who could provide valuable depth or become legitimate fantasy starters. Let’s discuss!
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
Week 4 Running Back Streamers
Braelon Allen
Back in Week 2, I highlighted Braelon Allen as someone who could deliver standalone fantasy value if Breece Hall were to miss time. I’m no fortune teller, but Allen was a player I wanted on my radar well before Sunday’s injury.
It’s still unclear how much time Hall will miss after suffering a quad injury in Week 3. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t exactly known for providing detailed injury updates, so we may have to wait until later in the week for a clearer picture.
Allen had shown some standalone value as the Jets’ No. 2 running back. He totaled 40 scrimmage yards on 10 touches in Week 1 before finding the end zone in Week 2.
The upcoming schedule is another reason to get Allen on your roster. The Jets face the Bears, Browns, and Dolphins over three of their next four games, giving him a favorable stretch of games.
Allen has legitimate top-24 fantasy running back upside. He’s a priority waiver-wire target who could immediately become a significant part of the Jets’ offense. Deep-league managers should also consider stashing Isaiah Davis, who could handle complementary work if Hall is unavailable.
Ollie Gordon/ Jaylen Wright
De’Von Achane suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 is a brutal development for Miami and fantasy managers. Achane is one of the most talented running backs in the league, and his absence leaves a massive hole in the Dolphins’ backfield.
Ollie Gordon was the next man up against Kansas City. It’s important to note that  Jaylen Wright was inactive because of multiple injuries, including a stinger and a foot issue. Without Wright available, we still don’t know how Miami plans to distribute the workload between these two backs. Until Wright returns to practice, Gordon should be viewed as the likely starter. He managed just 55 yards on 20 touches against the Chiefs, relying on a touchdown to salvage his fantasy production.
A Week 4 matchup against Minnesota doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, either. Brian Flores’ defense has been a difficult matchup for opposing offenses, and the Vikings have yet to allow a running back to score a touchdown or rush for 50 yards in a game.
A committee approach seems likely. For now, Gordon is more of a touchdown-dependent RB3, while Wright is an intriguing stash who could eventually emerge as the lead back. The Dolphins’ offense has struggled to generate points, and the possibility of historically poor production is a legitimate concern. Still, finding running backs with meaningful volume opportunities this far into the season isn’t easy.
Week 4 Running Back Sleepers
Alvin Kamara/ Kendre Miller
Travis Etienne was dealing with a hamstring issue before Week 3, and he reaggravated the injury during the game and could be out multiple weeks. The problem for fantasy managers is that New Orleans doesn’t have an obvious replacement capable of handling a full workload. Kellen Moore has also shown a preference for rotating his running backs rather than committing to one player for a significant share of the touches.
At 31 years old, Alvin Kamara has shown signs of decline over the past couple of seasons. His Week 2 performance was particularly disappointing, as he managed just 22 yards on 14 touches. Sunday’s numbers were slightly better, with 41 yards on 10 carries. It’s difficult to envision Kamara suddenly turning back the clock and becoming a dependable fantasy starter. Kamara remains a risky RB3 who will need favorable circumstances to deliver meaningful production.
Kendre Miller deserves consideration as well. The younger back could have an opportunity to carve out a larger role alongside the struggling veteran. The bottom line here is investing in the Saints’ backfield comes with plenty of risk.
Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell is becoming an increasingly interesting name in the Chargers’ backfield. He scored on a pop pass in Week 3 and was more productive than Omarion Hampton despite seeing fewer snaps and touches.
The gap between these two backs in terms of fantasy value and usage appears to be closing. Mitchell’s explosiveness also makes him an intriguing fit for Mike McDaniel’s offensive system. With the Chargers potentially facing several difficult games over the next two months, Mitchell could benefit from game scripts that require more passing and create opportunities for his speed in space.
Mitchell’s Week 3 workload was a significant step forward. He recorded eight carries and three receptions, more than doubling his touch total for the season. He averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry and found the end zone through the air, although he finished with minus-five receiving yards.
There are reasons to be excited, but Mitchell has never handled more than 12 touches in a game, and his Week 3 workload could be just situational.
Kaleb Johnson
The Packers’ backfield situation is worth monitoring, especially with MarShawn Lloyd’s role appearing to be in question. Lloyd didn’t see the field in the fourth quarter of Green Bay’s Thursday night loss to Atlanta, while Kaleb Johnson finished with four carries, matching Lloyd’s total. Both running backs also received three targets, while Chris Brooks led the team in snaps without recording a single carry.
It’s still a crowded backfield, but there could be an opportunity for one of the younger backs to emerge over the next few weeks. Johnson hasn’t taken control of the backfield yet, and fantasy managers shouldn’t assume that a breakout is imminent. However, the way the workload is being distributed suggests there’s room for his role to grow.
Make sure to check out all of our Week 4 Fantasy Football Rankings and Analysis!
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
