In the high-stakes world of fantasy football, running backs are the coveted gems that can make or break a team’s season. The likes of Christian McCaffrey and Breece Hall are off the board early in drafts, leaving fantasy owners scrambling to find the next breakout star in the middle rounds. Here, we highlight four running backs who could prove to be valuable steals in rounds 4-8.
First up is James Cook, a player often overlooked when discussing the potential of the Bills offense. Despite flying under the radar, Cook made significant strides last season, nearly doubling his yardage from the previous year. Not only is he a threat on the ground, but Cook also excels as a pass catcher out of the backfield, with 23 more receptions in 2023 than in 2022. While his touchdown numbers may not have seen a significant increase, Cook’s versatility adds an extra dimension to his game.
With an Average Draft Position (ADP) of 42 in standard leagues and 60 in PPR leagues, Cook presents a valuable option for fantasy owners looking to bolster their roster in the mid-rounds. Despite sharing goal-line duties with Josh Allen, Cook’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a viable option for fantasy success.
Next on the list is Joe Mixon, whose prowess in finding the end zone sets him apart from the competition. The Bengals leaned heavily on Mixon in goal-line situations last season, a trend that is expected to continue under new Head Coach Dave Canales. Mixon’s nine touchdowns in 2023 marked one of the highest totals of his career, showcasing his nose for the end zone.
Currently sporting an ADP of 50 in standard leagues and 61 in PPR formats, Mixon provides a solid option for fantasy owners looking to solidify their running back stable. Whether serving as a reliable RB2 or flex option, Mixon’s ability to find pay dirt makes him a valuable asset in the middle rounds of drafts.
Jonathan Brooks rounds out our list of running backs to target in the mid-rounds. Despite the presence of stars like McCaffrey and Hall on your roster, Brooks is a must-have addition as your RB2. Sitting ahead of Miles Sanders on the Panthers depth chart, Brooks is poised to make a significant impact in Carolina’s ground game.
Selected in the second round of the NFL Draft, Brooks is seen as a key piece in the Panthers’ rushing attack. With Head Coach Dave Canales committed to establishing the run, expect Brooks to see a significant volume of carries as the season progresses. Don’t hesitate to snatch up Brooks in the middle rounds, as his potential for a breakout season is sky-high.
As fantasy owners gear up for their draft day, keep these running back options in mind for rounds 4-8. With the ability to provide value and production at a reasonable draft cost, these players could be the key to fantasy success in the upcoming season.
