The Running Back Roulette: Why These 2026 Fantasy Picks Might Leave You Empty-Handed
Fantasy football is a game of calculated risks, but sometimes, the dice are loaded against you. As we inch closer to the 2026 season, the running back position—often the backbone of a winning roster—is looking particularly treacherous. Personally, I think this year’s crop of RBs is a minefield of potential busts, and it’s not just about stats or rankings. It’s about context, opportunity, and the ever-shifting dynamics of NFL offenses. Let’s dive into why three seemingly promising running backs might end up being more trouble than they’re worth.
RJ Harvey: The Broncos’ Backfield Conundrum
RJ Harvey is a name that’s been buzzing in fantasy circles, but I’m not buying the hype. Sure, he’s a second-round pick with a decent rookie season, but dig a little deeper, and the cracks start to show. His 3.6 yards per carry is alarming—especially when you consider that J.K. Dobbins, his teammate, outperformed him in nearly every metric despite playing fewer games. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the Broncos’ offseason moves have further complicated Harvey’s path to success.
The addition of Jaylen Waddle and Jonah Coleman isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a seismic shift in the team’s offensive strategy. Waddle’s presence alone will draw defenses outward, potentially limiting Harvey’s opportunities in the run game. And Coleman? He’s not just a grinder—he’s a pass-catching threat, too. If you take a step back and think about it, Harvey’s role could shrink dramatically, especially if he can’t improve his efficiency. What this really suggests is that drafting him early might be a gamble you can’t afford.
De’Von Achane: A Star in a Struggling System
De’Von Achane is a talent, no doubt. But talent alone doesn’t win fantasy leagues—opportunity does. And Achane’s situation in Miami is far from ideal. The Dolphins’ offense is in flux, with a new quarterback in Malik Willis and a coaching staff that hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard in recent years. Bobby Slowik’s track record in Houston doesn’t inspire confidence, and the loss of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill leaves Achane as the de facto focal point of the offense.
What many people don’t realize is that this could be a double-edged sword. While Achane might see more touches, he’ll also face defenses that can key in on him without fear of other game-breakers. Add to that the injury concerns that come with being a workhorse back, and you’ve got a recipe for disappointment. In my opinion, Achane’s ceiling is high, but his floor is dangerously low.
Jeremiyah Love: Talent in a Crowded Room
Jeremiyah Love is the kind of player who looks great on paper—explosive, versatile, and with the potential to be a breakout star. But here’s the catch: he’s on the Cardinals. Their offensive line is a liability, and their backfield is a traffic jam of talent. James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, Trey Benson—these aren’t just backups; they’re players who could easily eat into Love’s snaps.
One thing that immediately stands out is how the Cardinals’ run game struggled last season, with their top rushers averaging fewer than four yards per carry. Love might be the most talented back they’ve had in years, but talent doesn’t matter if the team can’t create lanes for him. What this really suggests is that Love’s path to fantasy relevance is fraught with obstacles. If you’re drafting him, you’re betting on a best-case scenario that might never materialize.
The Bigger Picture: Why Running Backs Are a Risky Bet
If there’s one thing these three players highlight, it’s the inherent risk of drafting running backs early. The position is more volatile than ever, with injuries, committee backfields, and shifting offensive strategies making it hard to predict who will thrive. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the NFL’s evolution—toward pass-heavy offenses and shorter player lifespans—has turned the RB position into a high-stakes lottery.
From my perspective, the key to fantasy success isn’t just about identifying talent; it’s about understanding context. Who’s around them? What’s their team’s game plan? How durable are they? These are the questions that separate the savvy drafters from the rest.
Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game
As we head into the 2026 fantasy season, I’d urge caution when it comes to running backs. Harvey, Achane, and Love all have the potential to be stars, but their situations are fraught with uncertainty. Personally, I think the smarter move is to wait, to let others take the risk, and to focus on players with clearer paths to success.
Fantasy football is as much about patience as it is about strategy. And sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.
