We’re always chasing a high ceiling in fantasy football leagues because finding a major profit relative to average draft position (ADP) is how you build a championship roster. However, it’s also important to round out your roster with high-floor players to keep you afloat when your studs put up a dud on any given week. Below are five high-floor running backs to target this season.
Fantasy Football High-Floor Running Backs
Derrick Henry is the rare running back with the perfect combination of a high floor and high ceiling. You’re able to get Henry at the beginning of the second round, which is fantastic value. The Ravens running back exceeded expectations in his first year with Baltimore, rushing for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Despite Henry’s advanced age, he has shown zero signs of slowing down. Playing with the Ravens is the ideal spot to prolong his elite production. Lamar Jackson is playing better than any quarterback in football, completely locked in on Todd Monken’s offense. Jackson’s rushing threat opens up running lanes for Henry, resulting in elite efficiency.
Then we have to consider that the Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL, featuring a vastly improved defense that should have them playing with a lead quite often this season. With that in mind, don’t be surprised to see Henry pull off some huge runs in the second half of games. The only way that Henry disappoints you at this cost is if he gets injured.
Josh Jacobs was terrific in his first year with the Packers, rushing for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. The former Raider has now eclipsed 1,300 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in two of his last three seasons. Expect Jacobs to continue to be entrenched as the Packers’ bell-cow back.
While Green Bay is likely to pass much more than last year, when they went extremely run-heavy as Jordan Love played through injury, Jacobs should still see huge volume in what should be an improved offense.
Intriguing second-year running back MarShawn Lloyd is already dealing with an injury, so expect Jacobs to be fed once again. This is a running back available at the top of the third round in most drafts, which looks like a nice value given his high floor.
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Isiah Pacheco was not the same last year after returning from a broken right fibula. The injury took away Pacheco’s burst, which is why the Chiefs turned to Kareem Hunt as their lead back.
However, Pacheco has demonstrated that he has his burst back during training camp and preseason, positioning himself as the lead back for a high-scoring Chiefs offense once again. Remember, this is a player who was going as high as the second round last year, so there’s definitely some nice floor with upside here.
The backups include Hunt (declining veteran) and Brashard Smith (unproven rookie), so Pacheco is in line for a lot of volume once again. If you need a high-floor RB2, target Pacheco.
Tony Pollard is in a good spot for heavy volume after Tyjae Spears suffered a high-ankle sprain, making the former Cowboy look like an appealing high-floor running back this season.
The Titans have an improving offensive line along with a first overall rookie quarterback in Cam Ward, so this is a team that is trending upward.
The one issue is that the Titans could see some growing pains with a first-year signal-caller under center, which is why I prefer Pacheco over Pollard. However, the volume is there, and Pollard showed some improved burst last season after being another year removed from his serious leg injury.
Aaron Jones showed no signs of decline last year, rushing for 1,138 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. While the Vikings traded for Jordan Mason, who is going to take away some touches, especially in the red zone, Jones is still a proven back who has become undervalued.
I’ve even seen Mason go over Jones in some drafts, which feels like a stretch given the former Packers’ track record. The Vikings should have a strong running game, especially with an improving offensive line. Jones can continue to make an impact as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, coming off 408 receiving yards last season.
While there is injury risk with Jones, perhaps the addition of Mason to take away interior running plays can help Jones stay fresh and healthy for the long run. Given the discounted price, Jones has a high floor relative to cost, making him worth a look to round out your running back room.
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