Unlocking the 2026 Fantasy Football Season: A Deep Dive into Running Backs
As the fantasy football season approaches, it's time to dive into the running backs who could be set for a breakout year. While some may be household names, others are flying under the radar, ready to make a splash. Let's explore the potential of these players, analyzing their talent, situation, and the factors that could propel them to fantasy glory.
OMarion Hampton: The Chargers' Bell Cow
Personally, I think OMarion Hampton is a locked-in RB1 for the 2026 season. The Chargers' new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, aims to push the offense to new heights, and Hampton's talent is undeniable. With a healthy offensive line and a focus on improving run blocking, Hampton has the potential to eclipse 300 touches over a full season. However, a timeshare is possible, and Hampton's backfield share might peak at 60%, which is still attractive. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Hampton's talent and the Chargers' struggles in the run game last year. The team's offensive line had the worst PFF run blocking grade and sixth-worst yards before contact mark. Despite these concerns, Hampton's situation and talent make him a must-own fantasy asset.
Cam Skattebo: The Giants' Juggernaut in Waiting
From my perspective, Cam Skattebo is a mid-RB2 value if he plays a full season. The Giants' offensive assistant, Greg Roman, has a proven track record of success with run games, and head coach John Harbaugh has high hopes for Skattebo. Before his injury in Week 8, Skattebo was RB7 in half-PPR fantasy points per game (FPPG) from Weeks 2 to 7. However, the injury risk is real, and the Giants' offense might take time to hit its stride. Skattebo's passing-game potential is also intriguing, with 32 targets, 24 receptions, 207 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns in eight games. Despite these positives, the Giants' offense could be a work in progress, and Skattebo's workload might be limited.
Quinshon Judkins: The Browns' Underrated Receiving Back
If you take a step back and think about it, Quinshon Judkins is a breakout candidate if you consider a 15% bump in FPPG a breakout. Despite playing for the Browns, Judkins had 11.1 FPPG with seven rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns in 14 games. His receiving ability is underrated, and being able to add 40 receptions over a full season adds to his upside for 300 touches. However, his injury on Dec. 21 was gruesome, and depending on the quarterback, Judkins could see fewer targets. Additionally, the revamped offensive line could be worse and limit the offense and run game.
TreVeyon Henderson: The Patriots' Explosive Duo
One thing that immediately stands out is TreVeyon Henderson's potential as part of a dangerous duo with Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots are one of the better rushing offenses in the league, and Henderson averaged 5.1 yards per carry, with two particularly huge weeks. If Henderson becomes the clear 2:1-touch lead back and evens out his consistency, 240-250 touches could have him in the 1,500-yard realm. However, Stevenson had a bounce-back year similar to his per-touch efficiency from 2022, and the Patriots refused to use Henderson as the clear lead, especially in the playoffs.
Ashton Jeanty: The Raiders' Bell Cow
What many people don't realize is that Ashton Jeanty is a top-end talent. The Raiders' offense and offensive line were atrocious heading into Week 5, but Jeanty averaged 12.9 FPPG. With a healthy Kolton Miller and Tyler Linderbaum at center, the offensive line should be significantly better. A bell-cow workload is still a given, but will the Raiders' offense be enough to aid Jeanty in reaching 15+ FPPG? Kirk Cousins looked washed, and Fernando Mendoza could struggle once he starts. Klint Kubiak's transition from a successful offensive coordinator to a head coach is uncertain.
Bhayshul Tuten: The Jaguars' Explosive Back
A detail that I find especially interesting is Bhayshul Tuten's potential as a goal-line back. Tuten's explosive style and the Jaguars' preference for such backs make him an intriguing fantasy asset. Even if Tuten cedes touches to Chris Rodriguez, he'll have the vast majority of RB targets coming his way. However, Tuten had sporadic performance with some flashes of his potential but also underwhelming rushing plays as a rookie. The Jaguars' backfield dynamics could be complex, with Rodriguez and others threatening a committee.
RJ Harvey: The Broncos' Pass-Catching Back
If you take a step back and think about it, RJ Harvey is a solid RB2/3 with top-20 value. Harvey had five straight double-digit scores from Weeks 13 to 17 in 2025, including five rushing touchdowns in the first four of those games. From Week 9 through the end of the year, Harvey had the eighth-most targets. However, Harvey needed a Dobbins injury and significant volume to have top-20 value, and Jonah Coleman could threaten a committee backfield.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: The Commanders' Open Competition
What this really suggests is that Jacory Croskey-Merritt is not a breakout candidate. The Commanders have a wide-open competition, and the 2024 offense gave running backs 18 rushing touchdowns. However, Rachaad White has been volume-reliant, Jerome Ford might not make the opening-day roster, and Chris Rodriguez commanded touches late in the year. Unless Croskey-Merritt clearly seizes the lead role, his likely limited receiving work and possible committee work caps his ceiling.
In conclusion, the 2026 fantasy football season promises to be an exciting one for running backs. While some players are household names, others are flying under the radar, ready to make a splash. From the Chargers' bell cow to the Jaguars' explosive back, these players have the potential to be fantasy glory. However, it's essential to consider their talent, situation, and the factors that could propel them to breakout years. As an expert, I encourage fantasy managers to dive deep into these players' potential and make informed decisions for their fantasy teams.
