Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings – Free Agency Reaction

Sky’s Free Agent Running Back Reactions + Rankings

This is my fourth round of RB rankings, but this time I incorporate my reactions to my Top 5 free agent landing spots (for better or worse). Bookmark this page to keep tabs on my rankings. These rankings are for RB only and based on PPR settings. Some players are not yet included in my Top 24 that will most likely land there due to their uncertainty of free agency, player options, returning from injury, etc. J.K. Dobbins and Nick Chubb are among those. 

Which RBs free agent singing am I too high/low on? Comment below and we’ll discuss in the chat.

Remember to check in with the @RazzballNFL team of writers as we host our Tuesday evening show, where we hit on all things offseason fantasy football.  Join Bobby LaMarco @BobbyLaMarco, Matt Stiles @stiles08, The Lineup Builder @Derek_Favret, and me, Sky Guasco @SkyGuasco at 9 pm EST/6 pm PST for the show as we answer all your questions thus keeping you engaged for the 2024 season while looking back at what coulda, shoulda, woulda been in 2023.  Come for the analysis, and stay for the laughs!

Top 5 RB Free Agent Reactions

• Player: Derrick Henry
• Predicted Team: Baltimore Ravens
• My Ranking: RB9 (ECR RB18)

Of all the predictions I made last week, this is the only one that landed as I expected. With the Dallas Cowboys taking Free Agency off this year (literally not signing anyone on the first three days), Henry was a no-brainer to Baltimore. Gus Edwards had 13 touchdowns for the Ravens last year. Henry should have 15+ (health permitting). He’s back in my Top 10 RBs in all formats.

• Player: Saquon Barkley
• Predicted Team: Philadelphia Eagles
• My Ranking: RB4 (ECR RB7)

I think it’s safe to say that everyone outside of New Jersey loves this move for Philadelphia. D’Andre Swift was fine last year for the Eagles with career-highs in rush attempts, rushing yards and yards before contact, but his receiving numbers dropped significantly and his touchdowns have been trending the wrong way throughout his career. Barkley brings another level of power, speed and receiving ability. Yes, Jalen Hurts will steal short yardage, but PHI may not feel as obligated to “Tush Push” as often with a bull like Barkley in the backfield. Saquon felt like a disappointment last year in NYG, but still had 10 touchdowns, over 1,200 yards all while missing three games. I’m a nose ahead of ECR right now with “Saquads” as my RB4 in PPR. 

• Player: Aaron Jones
• Predicted Team: Minnesota Vikings
• My Ranking: RB13 (ECR RB19)

One of the most shocking moves in all of Free Agency was the Packers releasing Jones once they brought in Josh Jacobs. Jones wanted to stay in GB, but the Packers refused to negotiate a contract sending Jones to their rival Vikings. Alexander Mattison was released by MIN leaving Jones as the clear lead back (as of now). Ty Chandler and whatever’s left of Cam Akers don’t pose a threat to Jones IMO. Jones had a down year in all aspects last year battling injuries, but went off in the NFL Playoffs rushing for 113 ypg and three touchdowns. Vs. DAL and SF. I’m quite a bit higher than ECR with Jones as my RB13. I won’t have to draft him there though which makes him a draft day discount most likely.

• Player: Josh Jacobs
• Predicted Team: Green Bay Packers
• My Ranking: RB11 (ECR RB13)

I’ll keep this one short. You all know how I feel about Jacobs as a player – I’m not a fan of his inefficiency. However, moving from Las Vegas to Green Bay is a win all around for him and the Packers. Jacobs is four years younger than Jones (above) and in a much more high-powered offense should execute the one thing he does excel at; scoring touchdowns. It pains me to say that I have Jacobs two spots ahead of ECR currently at RB11. I know. I don’t want to talk about it. *You’re welcome Stiles*.

• Player: Joe Mixon
• Predicted Team: Houston Texans
• My Ranking: RB18 (ECR RB17)

Another big surprise was the Bengals trading Mixon to the Texans. He’s never been a big time play maker, but has excelled in a potent offense in CIN. Unfortunately, two of his seasons have been derailed due to Joe Burrow injuries. Now, he lands with the new hotness in HOU and C.J. Stroud. Devin Singletary was RB32 last year in one of the league’s best offenses. I expect Mixon to be at least an RB2 (Top 24). I want to see if Damien Harris reemerges for the Texans before settling on Mixon’s ranking. Harris disappeared last season, but had an impressive 1,100+ yards as a rookie two years ago. Regardless, of all the spots Mixon could have landed, this offense allows him to be a plodder and potentially have 10+ touchdown upside. He may be a draft day “steal”. I have him at RB18 right on par with ECR.

For more from Sky and his Razzball content, find him on Twitter @skyguasco.