The 2026 fantasy football season is already generating buzz as analysts pinpoint the next wave of breakout running backs.
Jeanty’s New Line
Among them, Ashton Jeanty emerged as a surprise RB11 in points‑per‑receiving leagues last year, even though his Las Vegas Raiders squad was saddled with the league’s worst offensive line.
This offseason the Raiders addressed that weakness by signing center Tyler Linderbaum and adding veteran quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza, moves that could finally unlock Jeanty’s full potential.
A Vacancy in Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, the departure of Travis Etienne has left 260 touches up for grabs, a vacuum that Bhayshul Tuten is poised to fill.
Tuten’s 2025 campaign featured five touchdowns on 83 carries and a 5‑yard average in Week 11, despite a finger injury that limited his overall production.
Price’s Draft Arrival
Seattle’s draft strategy also set the stage for a fresh face: Jadarian Price was selected with the final pick of the first round, inheriting a backfield that lost 221 rushing attempts and 36 targets after Kenneth Walker III’s exit.
Price brings a college résumé that includes six yards per carry over three seasons and 280 carries, giving the Seahawks a promising foundation for a breakout year.
The Value of Opportunity
The team’s 2026 schedule ranks among the fourth‑easiest for running backs, a factor that fantasy owners will watch closely as the season unfolds. History shows that when a player finally secures a clear role, the fantasy market often rewards that momentum with a sudden surge in value.