NFL · Running Backs · 2026

Best Fantasy NFL Running Backs to Start in 2026

Live rankings based on recent fantasy performance and injury status. Updated daily. Click any player for a full start/sit analysis.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Top 3 Running Backs Right Now

#1 🔥

Jahmyr Gibbs

DET

24.5

avg fantasy pts (recent)

Kenneth Walker III

22.9

avg fantasy pts (recent)

Christian McCaffrey

21.6

avg fantasy pts (recent)

Full Running Backs Rankings

#	Player	Avg Pts	Tier	Analysis
1	Jahmyr Gibbs DET	24.5	START	Analysis →
2	Kenneth Walker III KC	22.9	START	Analysis →
3	Christian McCaffrey⚠ Injury SF	21.6	?	Analysis →
4	Bijan Robinson ATL	20.1	START	Analysis →
5	James Cook III BUF	18.8	FLEX	Analysis →
6	Derrick Henry BAL	18.7	FLEX	Analysis →
7	D'Andre Swift CHI	17.8	FLEX	Analysis →
8	Kyren Williams LAR	17.7	FLEX	Analysis →
9	De'Von Achane MIA	17.4	FLEX	Analysis →
10	Chase Brown CIN	17.2	FLEX	Analysis →
11	Jonathan Taylor IND	16.8	FLEX	Analysis →
12	Jaylen Warren PIT	16.2	FLEX	Analysis →
13	Rhamondre Stevenson NE	16.1	FLEX	Analysis →
14	James Conner ARI	15.9	FLEX	Analysis →
15	Javonte Williams DAL	15.5	FLEX	Analysis →
16	Ashton Jeanty LV	15.4	FLEX	Analysis →
17	James White	15.3	FLEX	Analysis →
18	Joe Mixon	15.2	FLEX	Analysis →
19	Bucky Irving TB	15	FLEX	Analysis →
20	Jonah Coleman DEN	14.7	FLEX	Analysis →
21	Bhayshul Tuten⚠ Injury JAX	14.5	?	Analysis →
22	Cam Skattebo⚠ Injury NYG	14.4	?	Analysis →
23	RJ Harvey⚠ Injury DEN	14.4	?	Analysis →
24	Chuba Hubbard CAR	14.4	FLEX	Analysis →
25	Josh Jacobs GB	14.4	FLEX	Analysis →
26	Josh Johnson	14.3	FLEX	Analysis →
27	Tony Pollard TEN	13.8	FLEX	Analysis →
28	Rashaad Penny	13.2	FLEX	Analysis →
29	Zach Charbonnet SEA	12.2	FLEX	Analysis →
30	Ollie Gordon II MIA	12.1	FLEX	Analysis →
31	Breece Hall⚠ Injury NYJ	12	?	Analysis →
32	Duke Johnson	11.8	SIT	Analysis →
33	Chris Carson	11.8	SIT	Analysis →
34	Kyle Monangai⚠ Injury CHI	11.6	?	Analysis →
35	Saquon Barkley PHI	11.4	SIT	Analysis →
36	Devonta Freeman	11.2	SIT	Analysis →
37	Quinshon Judkins CLE	11.1	SIT	Analysis →
38	Devin Singletary NYG	11	SIT	Analysis →
39	Phil Mafah NYG	10.9	SIT	Analysis →
40	Tyrone Tracy Jr.⚠ Injury NYG	10.8	?	Analysis →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I start at running backs in fantasy this week?

Top running backs to start: Jahmyr Gibbs (24.5 avg pts), Kenneth Walker III (22.9 avg pts), Christian McCaffrey (21.6 avg pts). Rankings update daily based on recent performance and injury reports.

What are the best NFL running backs to pick up on waivers?

Check the full rankings table above for running backs with high recent averages who may be available in your league. PlayCaller generates roster-specific waiver recommendations when you connect your Sleeper, ESPN, or Yahoo league.

How do I know which running back to start tonight?

Use the start/sit tier labels above — START means a strong play, FLEX means a borderline play, SIT means avoid if possible. For a personalized recommendation based on your specific roster and league settings, connect your league to PlayCaller's AI agent.

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