The 2024 Season is in the books. While there’s still some playoff football to help us see how players do in the clutch, for dynasty players, it’s a time to sit back, take stock, and see how players fared. Over the next few months, I’ll look back at the 2024, 2023, and 2022 classes by position. I’ll be evaluating if their stock rose, remained the same, or dropped during the course of the season. Now could be the time to sell high, buy low, or hold on to a winning hand. Today, I continue with the 2023 Running Backs.
Stock Up: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
About: Robinson was good as a rookie, but he took off with a new administration in place in 2024. Robinson finished with nearly 1,900 yards on more than 360 touches with 15 touchdowns. That was enough to have him as RB3 on the season. He’s a Top 3 running back in Dynasty, maybe the top running back, depending on how you feel. And he figures just to be getting started. You’ll have to pay up if you want Bijan.
Stock Up: Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
About: Despite splitting with David Montgomery most of the season, Gibbs finished as RB1 in fantasy. He is an incredible player, rushing for more than 1,400, with more than 500 yards receiving and 20 total touchdowns. He’s also a lock as a Top 3 running back in Dynasty, and again, I wouldn’t blame you if you had him as the RB1. These two draft mates will dominate the position for the next few years.
Stock Up: Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
About: Charbonnet took a step forward in year two after a slower rookie year. He combined for 909 yards and nine touchdowns on 177 touches. He was still the No. 2 man behind Ken Walker, but when he got his shot, he looked sharper in the role. Walker heads into a contract year in a shifting offense. I liked what I saw from Charbonnet, a player that could be in line for more touches in 2025 and a more prominent role altogether in 2026. He’s a buy low for me this off-season.
Stock Up: De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
About: Achane was one of the bright spots in a weak Dolphins offense in 2024. Despite inconsistent quarterback play and an inconsistent passing game, Achane was reliable. He finished as RB5 on the season and looks explosive. I like him in this offense for the Dolphins. He might be more of a high-end RB2, but he certainly has RB1 upside in the scheme.
Stock Up: Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars
About: Few players redeemed their value as entirely as Bigsby did in 2024. He was a non-factor in 2023, so it was fair to wonder if he should be rostered. In a disastrous 2024 season for the Jaguars, Bigsby was one of the few bright spots, practically splitting the backfield work with Travis Etienne. It’s a new coaching staff for the Jaguars, but Liam Coen used his backs well in Tampa Bay. I still like Bigsby as a buy low.
Stock Up: Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
About: At this time last off-season, we knew Brown had an opportunity, but could he carry the load? The answer is yes. He easily leaped free agent Zack Moss, finishing as RB10 on the season. There’s still a good opportunity in Cincinnati for the lead back, but will Brown get that volume? It’s certainly possible, maybe even likely, that the Bengals will add to the backfield. I like Brown at the right price, but if someone views him as a Top 10 dynasty RB, I’d move him for a haul.
Stock Neutral: Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
About: Heading into 2024 with Derrick Henry in Baltimore, Spears figured to split the backfield with Tony Pollard. He probably would have if he’d stayed healthy. But he missed a lot of time, making him an unreliable play in 2024. Still, heading into this off-season, he again looks to have a path to touches alongside Pollard. Can he stay healthy? If he does, he could have some weekly appeal. If it’s another injury-riddled season, he might be a sunk asset. His value isn’t high this off-season, but I’d move him if I found the right buyer. At the least, I’d have a backup option.
Stock Neutral: Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
About: It was another lost season for Miller, who seemed to find Dennis Allen’s doghouse and camp there. His value looked dead until mid-season, when Allen was fired. With a new coach in place, Miller was suddenly healthy and available, getting some playing time. Now, he heads into a new season with new coaches and an opportunity behind Alvin Kamara. Veteran Jamaal Williams is gone, and Kamara could be dealt. That makes Miller an interesting buy low or stash this off-season.
Stock Down: Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears
About: On paper, maybe Johnson has an opportunity in 2025. Ben Johnson is leading the Bears, and they’ve already worked to improve their offensive line. However, as the No. 2 back in 2024, Johnson was a relative non-factor. It now seems like the Bears will add another back to pair with D’Andre Swift, which leaves the third-year player without a defined role. I’d move him if you find someone who is still a believer.
Stock Down: Chris Rodriguez, Washington Commanders
About: Rodriguez was a surprise contributor as a rookie. In his second year, he fell out of the equation for the Commanders. Jeremy McNichols settled into the RB3 role for most of the year. There’s no reason that Rodriguez should be rostered at this point.
Stock Down: Deuce Vaughn, Dallas Cowboys
About: It would always be a longshot that Vaughn would have weekly fantasy value. If it were going to happen, it would have been in 2024 for a desperate Cowboys running game. It didn’t happen. Vaughn remains a Special Teams contributor, but there’s no reason to keep stashing him on your fantasy roster.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
