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

5. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

Age: 23
2023 rank: 4
Projected offensive line rank: 4
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo

Coming out of nowhere, Williams emerged as the RB4 in 2023 and firmly kicked Cam Akers to the curb with his stellar play. With just one full season under his belt, it is difficult to tell which version of Williams is the truth but his efficiency has always been present. Outside of Cooper Kupp, the Rams have generally been inconsistent in the Sean McVay era but Williams is shaping out to be the steal of the 2022 Draft class.

4. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Age: 25
2023 rank: 3
Projected offensive line rank: 31
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones

The 3.8 yards per carry stick out like a sore thumb on Etienne's stat sheet but the 25-year-old has still posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. With Jacksonville's offensive line being a slight concern, Etienne's horrid efficiency was supported by his 12 rushing touchdowns to finish as the RB3 in standard leagues. It is hard to imagine Etienne's efficiency being any worse in 2024 and the volume should be there without any real competition in the backfield.

3. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 28
2023 rank: 1
Projected offensive line rank: 14
Quarterback: Brock Purdy, Joshua Dobbs

Despite being often labeled as injury-prone, McCaffrey has missed just one regular season game in the past two seasons, leading to an impressive late-career surge from the fantasy star. After turning 28 in June, wear-and-tear is a concern for a player like McCaffrey, and his historic touchdown total cannot be relied on in his eighth year. San Francisco will likely play with a lot of leads during the year which will help McCaffrey's case but expect Kyle Shanahan to be cautious with his aging captain.

2. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Age: 25
2023 rank: 28
Projected offensive line rank: 3
Quarterback: Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco

Many often forget about Taylor but the last time he played a full season he finished as the RB1 in 2021. It can be difficult to trust Taylor to remain on the field but his offensive line is as reliable of a unit in the league, leaving him in control of his own destiny. Taylor is still just 25 and one of the best athletes in the NFL.

1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Age: 22
2023 rank: 12
Projected offensive line rank: 2
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr.

Without Arthur Smith in his way, Robinson should have nothing stopping him in 2024 after a promising yet disappointing rookie year. From his opening snap, Robinson has been one of the most potent playmakers in the league yet shockingly split snaps with Tyler Allgeier in 2023. Nothing is set in stone but in the right situation, Robinson can prove himself as the most talented running back in the NFL. The hope is that Raheem Morris can be that guy to lead him in the right direction.