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Kamara, Alvin - NO
Alvin Kamara retained his every-down role last year despite the team drafting Kendre Miller. Miller spent most of his rookie season on the injury report, so we'll see if Kamara can hold him off in 2024, but at least expect Kamara to be a workhorse (maybe not a bellcow). Last year, Kamara was tenth in opportunity share, eighth in weighed opportunities, and ninth in red zone touches. While Karmara's rushing prowess took another massive hit (40th out of 49 qualifying backs in missed tackles forced per attempt per Fantasy Points Data), his receiving chops remained strong. Last year, out of 60 qualifying backs, he ranked first in target share (18.1%) and sixth in yards per route run. Kamara might not have the same bounce in his step as he did during the Drew Brees era, but his pass game and high-leverage usage in 2024 should keep him firmly planted in the RB1 ranks.
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Chubb, Nick - CLE
Chubb's 2023 season was cut short in Week 2 due to a gruesome injury. I don't want to say the deck is stacked against Chubb to be a meaningful contributor in 2024, but it won't be a cakewalk. Chubb will be entering his age-29 season, and while (with the pay cut) he'll be staying with the Browns, it's tough to count on him as anything more than a dart throw RB3 for 2024.
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Jacobs, Josh - GB
Well, if you had worries about Josh Jacobs following up his nearly 400-touch season in 2022 with a dud last year, your fears were validated. Jacobs was limited to 13 games played (quad strain in Week 13) and looked like someone sucked out his tackle-breaking ability with a straw when he was active. Jacobs wasn't the same guy who, in 2022, ranked 18th in yards per touch, 13th in yards created per touch, and second in evaded tackles. Last season, Jacobs had the 12th-highest stuff rate while also crawling in at 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 44th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Jacobs could be this season's Rachaad White. A back who has an elite role while producing mediocre tackle-breaking stats en route to an RB1 season, but don't rule out MarShawn Lloyd playing a much bigger role this season than many anticipate. Jacobs is a shaky RB2.
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Dobbins, J.K. - LAC
The running back injuries across the league are piling up after two weeks. The Ravens have already lost J.K. Dobbins and will now likely turn to Gus Edwards as their main RB against Colts. Edwards has no pass-catching value, making him more of a RB2 in non-PPR leagues.
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Ahmed, Salvon - MIA
Ahmed suffered a foot injury this past week and was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, but it now appears the injury is a season-ending one. With De'Von Achane (knee) banged up, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson could operate as the team's primary options in the backfield Friday versus the Jets.
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Stevenson, Rhamondre - NE
To say Rhamondre Stevenson's 2023 season was a disappointment would be an understatement. Stevenson was the RB10 in 2022, averaging 86 total yards per game, but he couldn't come close to those numbers last year, finishing as the RB27 in fantasy points per game with 71.4 total yards per game. Stevenson's overall numbers stunk, but if we look further into how his season played out, there's hope for 2024. In Weeks 1-8, among 39 qualifying backs (minimum 50 rushing attempts per Fantasy Points Data), he ranked 33rd in missed tackles forced per attempt and 38th in yards after contact per attempt. In Weeks 9-13 (Stevenson missed the remainder of the season due to a high ankle sprain), he looked like the stud that we thought we were getting for the entire season. In that four-game stretch (minimum 25 carries), among 48 qualifying backs, he ranked 13th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in yards after contact per attempt. Stevenson could easily bounce back this season and be the hero for Zero RB drafters.
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Williams, Avery - ATL
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Haskins, Hassan - TEN
Haskins' charges from a summer domestic incident were dropped last week, prompting this move. Whether or not Haskins will face any league suspension/discipline is currently unknown, but he was placed on IR pre-season, marking him out for the year.
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Brown, Brittain - LV
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Williams, Kyren - LAR
Williams was a revelation in 2023 as he quickly kicked Cam Akers to the curb, taking over the starting job in Week 2. Williams was the RB2 in fantasy points per game, ranking fourth in red zone touches, first in snap share, and fourth in opportunity share. Among 68 qualifying backs, he ranked 25th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 27th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Despite his smaller frame, Sean McVay had no issues leaning on Williams as his bellcow. In Weeks 2-17, he averaged 22.3 touches and 117.8 total yards playing at least 72% of the snaps in ten of 11 games played. The only knock on Williams' usage last season was his pass-game role. Despite entering the NFL as a ballyhooed passing down back, Williams only ranked 18th in target share and 58th in yards per route run (among 60 qualifying backs). Williams will need to reprise his every-down role in 2024 or see a bump in passing game usage to retain his high-end RB1 status, which is possible. Even with the addition of Blake Corum to the roster, this should remain Williams' backfield.
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Hairston, Troy - HOU
The undrafted rookie out of Central Michigan will miss his first game of the season after he managed only one limited practice this week on account of the chest issue. His absence Sunday leaves the Texans without a true fullback, though Houston has four tight ends active who can step in as blockers out of the backfield as needed.
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Hines, Nyheim - CLE
The Bills aren't in a great cap situation and will need to clear about $20M to get into compliance for 2023. Hines carries a potential savings of $4.79M. It's looking like a very realistic scenario that Hines is cut and Devin Singletary departs in free agency. Rookie sensation Bijan Robinson has been popularly mocked to the Bills with their 28th selection in the first round, a pick that would make a great team even better. As for Hines, DLF's RB59, he's still only 26 years of age and is one of the most electric third-down options in the game while also possessing special teams ability. He should have little trouble finding attractive contract options this offseason if cut.
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Chestnut, Julius - TEN
After sustaining a hamstring injury during Sunday's 27-3 loss at Cleveland, Chestnut will now have to sit out at least Tennessee's next four games as he recovers. He's the second Titans running back to go to injured reserve in as many weeks, so it would make sense for the team to sign another back in the coming days.
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Mitchell, Keaton - BAL
![Mitchell, Keaton]()
Mitchell's season was officially over after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee Sunday. The team signed Melvin Gordon to the active roster and he is expected to backup Gus Edwards and Justice Hill in the Ravens' backfield.
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Hull, Evan - IND
Unfortunately, Evan Hull got injured in Week 1 of the NFL season, so we were not able to see him in action during the regular season outside of one carry. Hull walks into the 2024 season as Jonathon Taylor's immediate backup. Hull only had 17 rushing attempts in the preseason, but he finished with a passable 2.53 yards after contact per attempt (per PFF). Hull proved in college that he has a three-down skillset with over 1,400 total yards and a 17.3% target share in his final season at Northwestern. Hull is a high-priority handcuff for 2024. If Taylor misses any time, Hull could be this year's Zack Moss.
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Vaughn, Deuce - DAL
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Rodriguez Jr., Chris - WAS
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McIntosh, Kenny - SEA
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McLaughlin, Jaleel - DEN
McLaughlin split the snaps with Samaje Perine behind Javonte Williams in the Broncos backfield. He remains off the fantasy radar.
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Strong Jr., Pierre - CLE
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Knight, Zonovan - DET
Knight has fallen back to earth after his midseason breakout, having seen his carries fall for three consecutive weeks and not finding the end zone since Week 14. After rushing for 230 yards on 46 carries (5.0 ypc) and one touchdown while catching all 10 of his targets for 68 yards, Knight has rushed for just 48 yards on 27 carries (1.77 ypc) in his last three games. This includes a minus-2 yard rushing performance in Week 16. The clock appears to have struck midnight on Bam Knight and he should be avoided in all formats for Week 18.
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Akers, Cam - HOU
![Akers, Cam]()
Cam Akers (Achilles) placed on IRCam Akers was officially placed on IR on Wednesday. Fantasy ImpactAkers had already been diagnosed with a torn Achilles earlier this week. The fourth-year running back will miss the rest of the season. Ty Chandler is the next man up as the No. 2 RB in Minnesota behind Alexander Mattison.
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Jefferson, Jermar - DET
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Williams, Damien - TBD
Damien Williams sees nine touches in Week 6Damien Williams carried the ball eight times for 36 yards and added an eight-yard catch in a 26-9 loss to the Rams in Week 6.Fantasy ImpactWilliams was elevated from the team's practice squad earlier in the week and wound up finishing third on the team in rushing in the loss. It appears that Williams will have a role in the Arizona backfield while James Conner (knee) is sidelined. He will face the Seahawks in Week 7.
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Washington, Dwayne - TBD
Dwayne Washington officially inactive for Week 12Broncos RB Dwayne Washington is officially inactive for a Week 12 matchup with the Browns.Fantasy ImpactWashington was listed as questionable due to an illness after showing up on the injury report on Friday. Fantasy managers can leave him on the waiver wire as he has primarily played special teams for the Broncos.
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Hunt, Kareem - TBD
Kareem Hunt undergoes sports hernia surgeryKareem Hunt underwent sports hernia surgery to repair ruptured adductor. Fantasy ImpactHunt had been on the injury report for most of the season due to a groin issue. He finished the season rushing for 411 yards and nine touchdowns on 135 carries with 15 receptions while playing through the injury. Hunt is set to enter free agency this offseason.
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Mack, Marlon - TBD
Marlon Mack out for season with Achilles injuryAccording to team reporter Darren Urban, Arizona Cardinals RB Marlon Mack suffered an Achilles injury in Tuesday's practice, ending his season.Fantasy ImpactMack is no stranger to serious injuries, tearing his Achilles back in 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts. Achilles injuries tend to be career-altering, especially for RBs, and Mack's first return was already an uphill battle. Mack will miss the entire 2023 season less than a week after signing with the Cardinals. RB Keaontay Ingram is the clear favorite for RB2 touches in Mack's absence, and the hope is that Mack can bounce back again.
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Harris, Damien - TBD
Damien Harris announces retirementDamien Harris announced his retirement from the NFL after five seasons.Fantasy ImpactHarris ran for 2,188 yards with 21 total touchdowns across his five years with the Bills and Patriots. "Today I am grateful I have found the strength to walk away from the game I love so much,” Harris said in a statement on social media.
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Benjamin, Eno - TBD
Eno Benjamin diagnosed with torn Achilles The Saints announced Saturday that RB Eno Benjamin suffered a torn Achilles. Fantasy ImpactThe injury will unfortunately take Benjamin out for the entire 2023 season. With the news of Benjamin’s injury and the Alvin Kamara three game suspension, fantasy managers can expect the Saints to bring another running back into camp to fill out the roster.
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Dillon, A.J. - TBD
Dillon, who has yet to practice since suffering a neck stinger during Week 17 action, will miss a second consecutive contest as a result. In Dillon's place, Patrick Taylor likely will earn any backfield reps that don't go to top running back Aaron Jones, who has reeled off three straight performances of 110-plus yards on the ground. Green Bay will need a victory Sunday in order for Dillon to have a chance to suit up again this season.
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Brightwell, Gary - TBD
Most of Brightwell's work came on special teams, though he did get four carries in both Week 3 and Week 4 while Saquon Barkley was out with an injury. Brightwell didn't do much with those opportunities, and he had only one carry over his other five contests combined. The third-year pro's campaign came to a halt after suffering an ankle injury that eventually landed him on IR, and though he was designated to return ahead of Week 16, New York didn't end up activating him. The Giants' running-back room is in flux heading into the offseason, with Barkley and veteran Matt Breida set to be free agents. Brightwell, 2023 rookie Eric Gray and Jashaun Corbin are New York's three RBs currently under contract for next year, with Gray the most likely of the three to take on a lead-back role if Barkley doesn't return and the team doesn't add a starting-caliber replacement.
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