The running back position has gone unappreciated as the years have passed. With the NFL becoming a more passer-friendly league, running backs are not a priority anymore in Fantasy Football drafts. In the first 24 picks based on overall ADP, 18 wide receivers are in there compared to just six running racks. There is a world where you can pass on wide receivers and have a three-headed dragon at the running back position. Overall, that is a conversation for another day. Today we’re trying to find running back values in the later rounds. The three late-round running backs that follow are all being drafted outside the top 24 but will crush their ADP and help you go Wide Receiver heavy in the earlier rounds of your fantasy football drafts.
3 Late-Round Running Backs to Target in 2024 Fantasy Football Drafts
Fun fact – The overall first 92 players based on ADP feature 25 Running Backs to 50 Wide Receivers.
Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals, RB27, ADP 94.0
Zack Moss had the best season of his career last season. Generally speaking, when a team loses their RB1, the backup has a chance to take over the following season. That has not been the case for Chase Brown. With the Bengals losing Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans, they brought in Zack Moss. Moss had career highs in rush attempts, rushing yards and touchdowns. The Indianapolis Colts lost Jonathan Taylor to injury in 2023 and Moss took over and had the highest fantasy finish of his career.
Now, Moss finds himself on a better offense with a Quarterback who does not run. Anthony Richardson missing the season after Week 4 allowed Moss to be 13th in red-zone touches in 2023. Chase Brown had only eight of those in 12 games last season. Brown has the receiving upside compared to Moss BUT Fantasy Football is all about those touchdowns and volume. In summary, I believe Zack Moss will be top-10 in red-zone touches with the Bengals’ offense at full strength. As the RB27 in ADP, I believe Moss will be a top 24 Running Back and is a tremendous value for 2024.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys, RB40, ADP 127.0
The year is not 2016, 2017, or even 2018. Ezekiel Elliott finds himself on a list most of us thought he’d never be on. Elliott was with the New England Patriots last season after seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. The wheels are not shiny and new anymore, but there is a realm where Elliott can be fantasy-relevant one more time. Currently, he is the RB40 based on ADP and can be drafted in the 11th round of your Fantasy Football drafts.
The explosiveness is not what it once was, but Elliott was in the top 12 for receptions amongst running backs in 2023. The Dallas Cowboys did not draft a Running Back or make a major splash in free agency. Therefore, Elliott seems to be the RB1 for one of the best offenses in all of football. Elliott will see double-digit touchdowns and about 60 receptions this season. Draft this RB2 disguised as an RB4 and enjoy the rewards.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans, RB31, ADP 108.5
Tyjae Spears is the RB1 of the Tennessee Titans, yet, he is being drafted behind Tony Pollard who was not the same after his broken leg in 2022. The same Tony Pollard who was drafted as an RB1 and finished as the RB23 on a ppg basis in 2023 fantasy football. Although Pollard ran over 100 routes more than Tyjae Spears, Pollard did not have to play with a running back like Spears. I fully believe Pollard will handle most of the rushing duties. In turn, when it comes to handling the pass-catching responsibility, Spears should be way ahead of him.
Spears, on a 51% snap share, delivered amazing rookie year numbers. Spears was 11th in receiving yards, ninth in receptions, seventh in target share percentage, sixth in YPT (yards per touch, and 11th in YPRR (yards per route ran). Spears also delivered the fifth-highest yards created per touch and 13th in fantasy points per opportunity.
All in all, when targeting late-round running backs, there has to be a tremendous upside. If you want upside in the later rounds, there are not too many players better than Tyjae Spears.
Who are your favorite late-round running backs for 2024 fantasy football? Drop some names in the comments below and then make sure to check out our 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit for more great rankings and analysis.