Running Back Rankings: 5 Running Backs to FADE

It’s easy to fall for a RB trap based on production from last season or switching teams during free agency. The price tags for some these RB do NOT provide value at their respective ADP. I’ve got you covered on which 5 RBs you should fade during your draft.

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• RB: De’Vone Achane
• Team: Miami Dolphins
• Consensus ADP: 24

Achane was one of the most efficient players in fantasy a year ago. Despite only logging 130 touches (11.8 per game), which ranked 44 among RBs, he finished as the RB5 (PPR) in points per game. His teammate Raheem Mostert ended the ’23 season as the RB4 (PPR) in points per game with 234 touches. In a split backfield, Achane HAS to hit the home run for him to return his ADP going as the RB9 or RB10, in the second/third round of drafts. I’d rather choose other RBs in Derrick Henry, Isiah Pacheco or James Cook in this range who will out perform their ADP.

• RB: Raachad White
• Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Consensus ADP: 42

He’s the opposite of Achane. White handled the second most touches among RBs with 336. The former Sun Devil was the RB4 in total points and the RB10 in points per game during his 2023 campaign. As impressive as this was, Tampa Bay was 31st with 90.4 rushing yards per game.  White averaged 3.6 yard per carry, ranking as worst among fantasy qualified RBs and was last in missed tackles forced and yards after contact per carry. The Buccaneers drafted Bucky Irving, who is having an impressive camp, to improve their overall rushing attack and have switched offensive coordinators. Don’t pay his ADP price as the RB13. He is unlikely to see the same volume or return the value.

• RB: Joe Mixon
• Team: Houston Texans
• Consensus ADP: 46

Many in the fantasy community are excited about Mixon in Houston, but I am not one of them. Last season in Houston, Devin Singletary averaged 9.8 PPG, good for RB40. The Texans ranked in bottom third in rushing attempts, rushing yards & rushing TDs in ‘23. PFF has Houston’s offensive link ranked 22nd for entering this season. All of those don’t inspire much confidence.

Add in the fact that three Texans’ WRs are being drafted within top 50 overall. Singletary drew 38 targets, ranking 33rd among RBs. One has to wonder how much involvement Mixon will see in passing game. They are simply too many mouths to feed to return value as an RB2. He will be better player in real life than in fantasy.

• RB: D’Andre Swift
• Team: Chicago Bears
• Consensus ADP: 74

Swift secured the bag over the offseason in Chicago, but is he going to secure a full-time job? The Bears have two serviceable RBs who logged over 100 carries last season. As for Swift, known a pass catcher, his receptions have decreased each season since his rookie season in Detroit. His new OC, Shane Waldron, does not have a track record of getting RBs involved in the passing game. Swift will have to compete for targets with three legitimate WRs on top of rushing attempts. It’s unlikely he finishes the season as RB22, which is where is he is being drafted.

• RB: Zamir White
• Team: Las Vegas Raiders
• Consensus ADP: 79

This one is painful because I really liked how White finished the ’23 season. He was one of my must draft players early into the offseason. One of my hesitations is how deep he is playing into preseason games. Typically, you don’t see that with the starting RB. The Raiders are projected to have one of the worst win totals and offenses in 2024. Will Davante Adams end the season with the Raiders and what will this offense look like without him? Lastly, I ponder how many TD opportunities he will actually see. At this point drafts, this is where I like to select a QB, TE or a surprise player who may of fallen.

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