The 2026 NFL fantasy football season is upon us, and it's time to dive into the running back rankings and uncover hidden gems that could set you up for success. With the draft just around the corner, it's crucial to identify players whose rankings substantially outstrip their average draft position (ADP), offering value and potential for success. Here's a breakdown of seven running backs who could be undervalued in the draft, along with my analysis and commentary.
1. Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings
Mason's 2024 season was a torrid start, but a high ankle sprain ended his year on injured reserve. His trade to the Vikings, where he joins an aging Aaron Jones, made him a popular sleeper pick heading into 2025. However, Mason only managed 173 touches and finished as the RB36 overall. I'm not giving up on Mason just yet. With Jones turning 32 and crossing the 1,500-carry threshold, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mason take over RB1 duties early in 2026, relegating Jones to a more limited role. The Vikings' offense is expected to improve, and Mason's risk-reward profile makes him a potential RB2 candidate at a nearly-riskless backup value.
2. Jonathan Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers
Taylor's rookie campaign was marred by an eight-week absence due to a fractured ankle, making it challenging to evaluate his debut season. However, in the games he played, Taylor saw 15-plus touches in eight of his nine contests, totaling 521 yards and four touchdowns rushing, while adding 31 catches for 191 yards and a score receiving. This performance would have been good for RB8 in FPPG. The Chargers' offseason moves, including a rebuilt offensive line and the hiring of Mike McDaniel, create a favorable environment for Taylor. With McDaniel's history of explosive run-oriented offenses, Taylor has the potential to join the upper tier of fantasy backs, alongside guys like De'Von Achane.
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Brown has been consistently impressive for fantasy over the last two seasons, despite not starting as the Bengals' primary back in 2024. He totaled 283 touches, 1,350 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2024, and 301 touches, 1,456 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2025, despite poor QB play during Joe Burrow's injury absence. If you exclude Jake Browning's disastrous starts, Brown's season average was 18.2 FPPG, which would have been good for RB6. With no real competition for touches and entering a contract year, Brown has the opportunity to earn top-10 RB money with another productive season. Despite his top-six upside, Brown is going in the third round as the RB13 in drafts, making him a potential steal.
4. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Murray's potential as a dual-threat quarterback is undeniable, and his ability to run the ball could be a significant advantage in PPR scoring formats. While his ADP is currently sitting in the fourth round, Murray's value lies in his potential to provide both passing and rushing yards. With a strong running back corps and a high-powered offense, Murray has the opportunity to shine in 2026.
5. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Continued)
Murray's ADP in the fourth round might be a steal, considering his potential to provide both passing and rushing yards. With a strong running back corps and a high-powered offense, Murray has the opportunity to shine in 2026. His ability to run the ball could be a significant advantage in PPR scoring formats, making him a potential value pick.
6. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Continued)
Murray's ADP in the fourth round might be a steal, considering his potential to provide both passing and rushing yards. With a strong running back corps and a high-powered offense, Murray has the opportunity to shine in 2026. His ability to run the ball could be a significant advantage in PPR scoring formats, making him a potential value pick.
7. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (Continued)
Murray's ADP in the fourth round might be a steal, considering his potential to provide both passing and rushing yards. With a strong running back corps and a high-powered offense, Murray has the opportunity to shine in 2026. His ability to run the ball could be a significant advantage in PPR scoring formats, making him a potential value pick.
