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

15. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

Age: 24
2023 rank: 11
Projected offensive line rank: 8
Quarterback: Josh Allen, Mitchell Trubisky

The team will be without Mitch Morse in 2024 but Spencer Brown, Connor McGovern and Dion Dawkins all return from what was a solid offensive line unit in 2023. Morse's absence will be felt but Cook's second-year leap met all expectations given to him. Running backs are always hampered by mobile quarterbacks like Allen and Buffalo will almost certainly take time to adjust to life without Stefon Diggs but Cooks' role should only be elevated as a result.

14. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

Age: 27
2023 rank: 9
Projected offensive line rank: 1
Quarterback: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker

The NFL is routinely unpredictable but Detroit having the best offensive line in 2024 is as close to a guarantee there can be. With no weak piece up front, the rock-solid unit will be the biggest asset of Montgomery's fantasy value, who thrives in his role as the early-down and short-yardage back. Jahmyr Gibbs is obviously the biggest concern for Montgomery but the two thrived in 2023 with Detroit being the only team with two running backs finishing in the top 10.

13. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Age: 27
2023 rank: 13
Projected offensive line rank: 2
Quarterback: Jalen Hurts, Kenny Pickett

Even without Jason Kelce, Philadelphia's offensive line will be the best blocking unit Barkley will play behind by a mile. But while it is easy to get excited about a dynamic player in a better situation, injuries have seemingly caught up with the 27-year-old, who has reached a substantial athletic decline. Barkley should be healthier in a better offensive system and not playing in Metlife Stadium as often as he was but the "Tush Push" will steal nearly all the goal-line work of a player who has topped double-digit rushing touchdowns just twice in his career.

12. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age: 25
2023 rank: 8
Projected offensive line rank: 18
Quarterback: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask

Baker Mayfield received a lot of praise for Tampa Bay's surprise season in 2023 but Rachaad White's quiet breakout was also a key part of the team's success. To end the year with another top-10 finish White will need another strong outing from Mayfield which, if history is any indication, will be a lot more to ask of in 2024. White may see a small regression from his second-year outburst but he has almost no competition in the backfield, leading to a relatively safe floor.

11. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

Age: 25
2023 rank: 17
Projected offensive line rank: 15
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes II, Carson Wentz

Pacheco's second season was a success in almost every way, leading to his separation from Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon to secure his grasp on the Kansas City backfield. As the season wore on, both Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon's workload decreased to the point of becoming non-factors in the Super Bowl. With the team moving on from McKinnon in the offseason — who was the main threat to Pacheco's snap count as the third-down back — all signs point to a full breakout year from the Rutgers product in 2024 with an overall RB1 ceiling.