Fantasy Football Running Backs to Buy Now Before Their Value Rises: Gus Edwards, Kendre Miller, Jonathon Brooks and More
Identifying fantasy running backs to target before training camp opens.
NFL Training Camp is almost upon us, and once it kicks off many player's fantasy values will start to shift drastically. This could be due to a standout or poor performance, unexpected opportunities, or just buzz from the media and coaches. These players are guys whose value is only going to skyrocket from here. So no matter what format you are playing, find a way to get these on your rosters now because their price will never be lower. Here we will focus on the running backs.
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers
All but one of the running backs in this article are very young. That one is Edwards. Over the course of the next month or two, it will become evident that he will serve as the RB1 for the Chargers in what is expected to be a very run-heavy offense.
He landed in a familiar system that he has plenty of success in. While he's not a sexy name, he's always effective on the field. Once people realize that the volume is inevitable, his stock will take a big leap.
Right now, Edwards is being drafted as a fringe RB3 in the mid-to-late RB30s. By the time we get into mid-August, look for him to be hoovering out the RB28-30 spot.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy owners aren't completely sold on Zack Moss, who is viewed as the locked-in RB1 for the Bengals this year after a breakout season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. However, Brown is one of the most electric young backs in the league, and the advanced metrics back that up.
It won't take long for fantasy owners to come to realize this will be much more of a committee than initially anticipated and Brown possesses a lot more big-play and PPR upside. The backfield will ultimately be viewed very similarly to the Miami Dolphins backfield with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. Despite everyone knowing that Mostert led the league in TDs last season and will once again see the most volume, the dynamic young Achane is viewed as a low-end RB1 and Mostert a high-end flex option.
Consensus rankings right now have Moss as the RB27 and Brown as the RB40. Expect Brown to eventually end up being drafted as an RB3 inside the top 35 RBs.
Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara masked his ineffectiveness on the ground last season with an unbelievable amount of volume through the air. Nevertheless, his time is nearing and end in New Orleans and soon people will take notice that Miller is the heir apparent at the running back position.
At some point in August, it will become clear that Miller is going to see the bulk of the early-down work this season and have a major role in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Kamara will be viewed as more of a pure pass-catcher than ever before.
Injuries derailed Miller's season in 2023, but he was the third-best back in his draft class and would be the best running back in this year's draft class. His hype will grow quickly and will be well deserved. He's the back-to-own in New Orleans this season, especially in standard leagues. This is a prospect we championed last year coming out of the draft and could be a league-winnging type of guy and breakout star.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard is the new exciting name in Tennessee, but he proved last year he's not built to be the lone man in a backfield. It will become clear very early on in camp that this is a full-blown committee in Tennessee. Not only that, but Spears will see the more valuable touches through the air and near the end zone.
There is a real chance that Spears also proves to be the better back this summer. Regardless, this will be a split-backfield, but Spears could show he's the better back in all areas of the game by the time we even get to the preseason.
Pollard is ranked as the RB26 and Spears the RB34 currently. Those rankings could completely flip on their heads this summer. Don't be shocked if Spears finishes as the best fantasy option either.
Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
It was surprising to see Brooks being ranked as the RB32 right now. He is the best running back in this draft with a clear path to RB1 volume. The knock on him is simply that he's in a bad offense.
There is no way fantasy owners continue to resist the top rookie running back who could see bell-cow volume. It's not unrealistic to believe he jumps all the way up into the RB2 range sooner rather than later. His current value is unreasonably deflated and the market will correct itself. This offense should be improved even if it's still not good and don't miss out on a talent like this because you're scared of Chuba Hubbard.
#2024-fantasy-football
