Building a winning fantasy football roster in 2026 starts with understanding where the value pockets are at running back. This year’s landscape feels especially tiered, with clear drop-offs in certain rounds and surprising upside in others. Based on this discussion, here’s a round-by-round breakdown of the best RB targets and how to approach each section of your draft.
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Round-by-Round Running Back Targets for 2026 Fantasy Football Drafts
Taylor is the ideal late first-round target if you miss out on the elite top three. Before injuries and late-season struggles, he was dominating fantasy scoring early in 2025. The key takeaway is ceiling. Taylor still has a path to finishing as the overall RB1 if the offense stabilizes and he maintains his workload.
There’s some concern about inconsistency late in the year, but context matters. Tough defensive matchups and offensive instability played a major role. At the 1.08-1.10 range, you’re betting on a bounce-back with elite upside.
Jeanty is the classic Year 2 breakout candidate. Despite operating in one of the league’s worst offenses last season, he still produced 1,300 total yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Raiders have improved their offensive line and overall structure, which should boost efficiency across the board. If things normalize, Jeanty could easily outperform his second-round ADP and return first-round value.
Henry in Round 3 is where things get interesting. The age cliff conversation is real, but so is his role. He remains the centerpiece of Baltimore’s ground game and still has week-winning upside.
The concern is volatility. His weekly floor dipped more than expected last year, especially in games without consistent quarterback play. Still, in the third round, you’re buying into touchdown equity and volume at a discount.
Williams continues to be one of the most undervalued assets in fantasy football. He’s produced across multiple seasons in a high-powered offense and retains a dominant role near the goal line.
Even with concerns about efficiency and competition, the usage tells the story. Williams consistently handles high-value touches, making him a strong RB1/2 option in the fourth round.
Round 5 is more about navigating risk than chasing upside. Harvey fits that mold perfectly. He’s part of a crowded backfield, but he flashed RB1 production late last season when given the opportunity.
The presence of J.K. Dobbins complicates things, but Harvey still offers contingent upside. If injuries strike or roles shift, he could become a league-winning pick.
Montgomery may not excite anyone, but he’s one of the safest picks in this range. He projects as a primary early-down and goal-line back in a strong offense.
You’re drafting stability here. Montgomery offers consistent RB2 production with touchdown upside, making him a reliable mid-round anchor.
Stevenson is a volume-based play in a run-heavy offense. While he may not deliver consistent weekly production, he brings spike-week potential.
If you’ve gone WR-heavy early, Stevenson is the type of RB2 who can swing matchups with a 20-point outing, even if the floor is lower than ideal.
Corum is all about ceiling. While he plays behind Kyren Williams, he’s one of the few backups who would immediately become a top-tier option if given the starting role.
Even in limited usage, he offers flex value. But the real appeal is his league-winning upside if injuries hit.
Allgeier is a sneaky value in Round 9. With uncertainty in the backfield and questions surrounding other options, he could emerge as a primary early-down runner.
He may not catch many passes, but volume alone could push him into RB2 territory if things break right.
Dobbins is the cheaper alternative in Denver’s backfield. When healthy, he’s been productive, and his early-season role could be significant.
The risk is obvious. Durability remains a concern. But at this price, you’re betting on early production and hoping to get value before potential injuries.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB – JAC)
Rodriguez is one of the more interesting late-round fliers. He enters a Jacksonville backfield with opportunity and has the profile of a potential goal-line back.
While he lacks receiving upside, his role could expand quickly if the depth chart shifts. At this stage of the draft, that’s all you need.
Sampson is a classic stash candidate. With uncertainty surrounding the health of Cleveland’s backfield, he could carve out a meaningful role early.
At minimum, he projects as a passing-down back. At best, he could see expanded usage if injuries linger ahead of him.
Fantasy Football Takeaways
- Target Jonathan Taylor at the end of Round 1 for elite upside at a slight discount
- Ashton Jeanty is a prime breakout candidate with improved offensive conditions
- Derrick Henry remains a strong value in Round 3 despite age concerns
- Kyren Williams continues to be undervalued given his consistent workload
- Avoid overcommitting to Round 5 RBs unless chasing upside like R.J. Harvey
- David Montgomery offers one of the safest floors in the mid-rounds
- Rhamondre Stevenson fits best for teams that need volatility and upside
- Blake Corum is a premium handcuff with standalone value
- Late rounds should focus on upside plays like Tyler Allgeier, J.K. Dobbins, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Dylan Sampson is a deep sleeper worth stashing in uncertain backfields
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