When it comes to fantasy football, the running back position has become more valuable over time. NFL teams don’t prioritize running backs like they used to, so it’s harder to find those work-horse level running backs for fantasy football. The passing rate in today’s NFL is also a lot higher compared to past seasons, so securing that weekly, reliable running back is essential for you as a fantasy manager. This article goes through three potential league-winning running backs and is based on Full-PPR leagues, so you can adjust accordingly. Let’s go ahead and get into it.
3 Potential League-Winning Running Backs in Fantasy Football
1) Chase Brown
Number one on the league-winners list is Chase Brown. Brown is currently being drafted as the RB11 on ESPN, and I have him ranked at RB8. Brown started the year as the backup to Zack Moss in 2024, but once Moss got injured, Brown took that starting spot and never looked back. From week 9 of last season, Brown averaged a whopping 20.6 fantasy points per game. This offseason, many thought the Bengals would draft a running back or sign someone in free agency, but that wasn’t the case.
The Bengals’ defense showed minimal improvement, so the offense will have to be great to win football games. With nothing changing at all within the Bengals’ offense, Brown is a safe bet. Brown will be a league-winning running back this season.
2) Omarion Hampton
Number two on this list is Omarion Hampton. The Chargers drafted the rookie running back in the first round of the NFL draft at pick number 22. The Chargers will be getting the most out of their first-round investment. Also, Najee Harris, the Chargers’ free agent acquisition, has yet to practice throughout camp due to an injury. This has given Hampton all the opportunity to run with the starters throughout camp, and he has taken advantage.
Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff cannot stop talking about Hampton in positive ways. This is the same offense that J.K. Dobbins averaged 14.8 fantasy points just last season. With all of this in mind, target Hampton in the third/fourth round of your drafts for a potential league-winning running back.
3) Kenneth Walker III
Lastly, we have Kenneth Walker. The Seahawks running back is entering his fourth NFL season, and his career has been relatively disappointing thus far. Mostly, this is due to injuries, but it is still underwhelming nonetheless. But drafting Walker is great for a few reasons. He averaged 16.5 fantasy points last season already, and that includes games where he got injured and was playing through injury as well.
Next, Klint Kubiak has already mentioned that they plan to use Walker in the receiving game a lot. Kubiak just left New Orleans, but Alvin Kamara was a very fantasy-relevant player in Kubiak’s system last season. Also, the improved offensive line should help Walker a ton. At his current price, Walker has the potential to be one of the top league-winning running backs.
Honorable Mentions and Wrap-Up
I have gone through my three league-winning running backs, but here are some honorable mentions. Bucky Irving is the first honorable mention. He is being drafted at 22nd overall on ESPN, a steep price. Still, with Rachaad White recently getting injured in the Bucs’ preseason game, it gives Irving even more opportunity than he was previously lined up for. Irving is one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL, and with an elite workload, there’s no reason why he can’t be a top-five running back in fantasy football.
The other honorable mention is TreVeyon Henderson. He is currently ranked as the 22nd overall running back, the lowest out of the five running backs mentioned. But, Henderson has the potential to be a huge difference maker for this Patriots team. In this recent preseason game, Henderson was electric. He took his first NFL play for a touchdown as he returned the opening kickoff. Henderson also got a lot of receiving looks with the starters, and his role is poised to grow. If Henderson can somehow get past Rhamondre Stevenson in the depth chart, look out.
Overall, the running back position is significant for a successful fantasy football team. Some potential league-winning running backs include Brown, Hampton, and Walker III. Two more honorable mentions are Irving and Henderson.
Main Image: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
