Running backs in dynasty fantasy football are notoriously volatile, making the difference between a bust and a cornerstone often hinge on timing and market perception.
This season the author has identified five RBs whose ADP significantly undersells their upside, prompting an aggressive stance in startup drafts.
Bhayshul Tuten sits at RB20 in the author’s rankings, outpacing his market ADP of RB24, and benefits from Liam Coen’s proven ability to develop talent, while his injury history remains limited.
Jonathon Brooks, a top‑50 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and the first running back selected that year, is ranked RB28 by the author versus a market ADP of RB36, suggesting a clear misalignment.
Emmett Johnson is projected as the No. 2 back in a Patrick Mahomes‑led offense, earning a RB40 ranking from the author while drafts often push him to RB47, creating a value window.
Contract Considerations and Market Impact
Travis Etienne Jr. carries a RB18 author rank against a market RB21, backed by a four‑year, $48 million contract with the New York Saints that guarantees $24 million, underscoring both financial security and on‑field expectations.
Breece Hall, despite a recent injury, is placed at RB10 by the author, outranking his late‑fourth‑round startup value, after signing a three‑year, $43.5 million deal with the New York Jets that makes him the fifth‑highest‑paid RB per year.
The broader implication is that contract security, offensive context, and coaching pedigree converge to create undervalued assets, and targeting these players can tilt a startup draft in a manager’s favor.