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Running backs were at one point the most important position in fantasy football, whether its redraft or dynasty. And while runners still hold value, the position has taken a backseat to the wide receivers. You'll certainly see that in the first few rounds, as wideouts (especially those under 25) will have their names called at a frantic rate. However, managers don't want to avoid runners altogether, especially the more attractive, younger backs who could become dynasty backfield leaders
With that said, here's my look at the top 80 fantasy running backs for those entering the world of dynasty fantasy leagues. As you'll see, age is far more important than in redraft formats.
More dynasty fantasy football rankings: Top 200 | Quarterbacks | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends
2024 Dynasty Startup Rankings: Running Back
Dynasty RB Values to Target
Trey Benson, Cardinals
Benson won't play a prominent role to start his career in Arizona, but I can see him being their lead back as soon as 2025 with James Conner at the end of his contract. A talented runner out of Florida State, he's drawn comparisons to Dalvin Cook and is a runner to target in dynasty drafts.
Kimani Vidal, Chargers
Vidal will be a popular deep sleeper in redraft leagues, but he will have even more appeal in dynasty. That's because the two veterans ahead of him in Los Angeles, Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins, are either older or injury prone, and both of them are on short-term contracts with the Bolts.
Audric Estime, Broncos
The Broncos backfield is deep right now, but the future remains up for grabs. If Javonte Williams can't make strides as the starter in 2024, Estime could push for a bigger role in his second NFL season. Estime was also drafted by the new Broncos regime, led of course by coach Sean Payton.
Dynasty RB Risks to Avoid
Derrick Henry, Ravens
Henry has long been a fantasy superstar, and he should do well in his first season with the Ravens. No runner in the league has more wear and tear than Henry, however, who is entering his age-30 season. If you're lucky, you'll get two more good years from him before the proverbial wheels fall off.
Joe Mixon, Texans
Mixon isn't as old as Henry, but he's no spring chicken heading into his age-28 season. He's also seen the fourth-most carries and the fourth-most touches among runners in the last three years, so Mixon has been quite the workhorse. Now in Houston, he'll have another good year or two left.
Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks
Charbonnet is a young running back, but he's stuck behind another young runner, Ken Walker, in Seattle. As a result, you're looking at a player who at best will be in a committee for the next few years. Unless injuries occur, Charbonnet won't have a lot of standalone fantasy value.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Top 80 Dynasty Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for Startup Drafts in 2024.
