3 Overvalued Running Backs to Avoid (2026 Fantasy Football)

Drafting a fantasy football championship team doesn’t just involve landing on the players who have career years. It’s also about avoiding landmines. These are overvalued players who can sink your chances.

That’s where this article comes in. I’m going to outline three overvalued running backs based on average draft position (ADP), recommending that you avoid them unless they fall far in your draft.

Fantasy Football Running Back Busts

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

There’s no question that De’Von Achane is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. We can’t debate that he’ll have heavy rushing volume as the clear-cut focal point of the Dolphins’ offense, either.

But this team looks like the worst squad in the NFL. They have one of the most unproven wide receiver rooms you’ll ever see, featuring Malik Washington, Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas. Needless to say, Malik Willis is in a bad spot to succeed in his first year as a starting quarterback.

Playing for a bad team means more short drives and fewer touchdown opportunities. Playing with a rushing quarterback like Willis means Achane’s receiving volume will decrease significantly. Achane has an RB6 ADP, which is too costly for me. I’d much rather have players in better offenses, like Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton and Kenneth Walker III.

Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)

Josh Jacobs has been a workhorse for the Packers since arriving in Green Bay. However, Jacobs is now entering his age-28 season and is dealing with a groin injury this offseason. He’s also had off-field issues that could still result in a suspension.

Remember, Father Time is undefeated. Running backs who have had heavy workloads for several seasons are at higher risk of injury. That’s exactly the case with Jacobs. He’s missed at least two games in two of the last three seasons. Simply put, I don’t trust him to stay healthy, and we could see a drop in efficiency as he gets older.

I’d rather take Javonte Williams, Breece Hall or Travis Etienne Jr. at Jacobs’ current cost. If you want to take a shot at the Packers’ backfield, throwing a dart at MarShawn Lloyd makes a ton of sense.

Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)

Cam Skattebo is coming off a torn ACL. While he showed flashes of high upside as a rookie, he plays a reckless game that puts him at greater risk of injury. It’s also hard to imagine that he’ll be back to full form after such a significant knee injury, at least in the early part of the season.

While Tyrone Tracy Jr. has seemingly fallen out of favor, the Giants signed Najee Harris, who could vulture a few touchdowns in the red zone from Skattebo.

I also think the Giants are going to be a huge disappointment. I’m not a fan of John Harbaugh’s offensive hires, including Matt Nagy and Greg Roman. That’s another strike against Skattebo. Give me Bucky Irving, David Montgomery or D’Andre Swift instead.