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

10. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

Age: 22
2023 rank: 21
Projected offensive line rank: 30
Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, Mike White

Considering Achane did not even see meaningful playing time until Week 3 and missed five games due to injury, his RB21 finish was one of the most impressive single-season fantasy showings in recent history. Expected to see an increased role in 2024, his 7.8 yards per carry cannot be relied on but the former third-round pick showed his burst as a rookie that made scouts desperately want to overlook his small frame. Though he will begin the year as the "backup" to Raheem Mostert, it would be a genuine shock if Achane does not take over the Miami backfield by Week 6 as he is already one of the most explosive players in the NFL.

9. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Age: 30
2023 rank: 5
Projected offensive line rank: 26
Quarterback: Lamar Jackson, Josh Johnson

Still going strong at age 30, Henry posted his fifth 1,000-yard season in 2023 while playing in 17 games for the first time in his career. However, he finally ceded considerable playing time in his eighth year in Tennessee as he ended up in a dead-even timeshare with rookie Tyjae Spears. Still physically one of the biggest running backs in the league, Henry begins a new era in Baltimore, a notoriously run-heavy offense suited for his playing style. Age is bound to catch up with the "King" sooner than later but barring injury, there should still be a lot of opportunity for him with his new team.

8. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans

Age: 27
2023 rank: 6
Projected offensive line rank: 22
Quarterback: CJ Stroud, Davis Mills

Arguably the biggest concern of Mixon's throughout his career has been the disastrous Cincinnati offensive line and for the first time in his career, that will not be an issue. It remains to be seen if Houston's front five will be any better with unproven talent in the middle but there is no doubt Mixon will benefit from what is shaping up to be an elite offense. His advancing age is a concern but Mixon is the best running back to suit up for Houston in quite some time, making it hard to ignore his fantasy potential.

7. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Age: 22
2023 rank: 10
Projected offensive line rank: 1
Quarterback: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker

Much like David Montgomery, Gibbs' biggest fantasy asset is the Detroit offensive line that has been nearly bullet-proof in the last half-decade. After a promising rookie outing, Gibbs figures to take a step up in his role in the offense as one of the team's best playmakers. Montgomery will still hold onto the early-down role but Gibbs is the better athlete who provides significantly more upside as a receiver. The road to an overall RB1 finish is there for the taking.

6. Breece Hall, New York Jets

Age: 23
2023 rank: 7
Projected offensive line rank: 9
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor

Hall appeared in all 17 games in 2023 but was clearly not at 100 percent for the first half of the season yet still finished as the RB2 in PPR leagues. With another full offseason to rehab, Hall's outlook will only be padded by the return of Aaron Rodgers replacing Zach Wilson. Seventy-six catches will be difficult to match without the check-down artists he played with under center in his first full season but that will only be replaced by what should be an improvement in his efficiency as a runner on two healthy legs.