2024 preseason rankings: Top 40 running backs in fantasy football ahead of the 2024 NFL season

30. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings

Age: 29
2023 rank: 36
Projected offensive line rank: 13
Quarterback: Sam Darnold, JJ McCarthy

The best years are firmly behind Jones as he begins a new chapter of his career but so far, he has proven to still have tread left on the tires. Minnesota's murky quarterback situation will likely be a thorn in the side of his value but if the offense can find any form of consistency, a healthy Jones can reach RB2 range if not solely on the volume he will likely receive.

29. Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys

Age: 26
2023 rank: 47
Projected offensive line rank: 22
Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush

Ezekiel Elliott remains at the top of the depth chart for now but make no mistake, Dowdle is the only hope of this dreadful backfield. Through four years, Dowdle has not seen much playing time but is finally getting his chance with Tony Pollard out of the equation. Pollard leaves behind his 252 carries from 2023, a number Elliott has not reached since 2019.

28. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 26
2023 rank: 20
Projected offensive line rank: 10
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Coming off the most efficient year of his career, Harris will be playing behind what is expected to be the best offensive line and quarterback room he has ever been with. On paper, Pittsburgh's defense is expected to remain elite, laying the groundwork for what could be a breakthrough year for Harris. However, with three years of mediocracy behind him, his leash is already as short as it can be but the team does not have another potential workhorse back on the roster.

27. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Age: 26
2023 rank: 35
Projected offensive line rank: 19
Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye

After a 1,000-yard season in 2022, Stevenson regressed in 2023 with just 619 yards on 4.0 yards per carry. The team moved on from the dismal Mac Jones era but made a lateral move in signing veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett with rookie Drake Maye expected to take over shortly. Though an injury limited Stevenson in 2023 to just 12 games, he will have more competition for carries in his second full season as a starter with veteran Antonio Gibson should he disappoint once again.

26. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

Age: 25
2023 rank: 26
Projected offensive line rank: 27
Quarterback: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton

Even with Carolina drafting Jonathon Brooks in the second round, the team appears to be fully behind Hubbard as their lead back entering 2024. In a featured role last season, Hubbard's efficiency dropped to below 4.0 yards per carry while notching a career-high 14 attempts per game. That dip was expected but things will not get any easier for Hubbard in 2024 behind a worse offensive line on paper and the team historically using a hot-hand approach between him and Miles Sanders.