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Each fantasy football season brings new opportunities for all NFL players. Situations can significantly change entering a new year, including switching teams or a different supporting cast surrounding a particular player. These types of scenarios can sometimes signify a potential bounce-back season, especially for players coming off of a down year or an injury-plagued season.
Running backs have always been among the most important assets in fantasy football due to their massive upside in the right situations. Targeting players in this position who could be in line to get back on track in an upcoming season can offer managers a valuable player at a discounted price. Here are five running backs who can do so in the 2024 season.
Rebound RB candidates in 2024 fantasy football
#1 - JK Dobbins
JK Dobbins was once one of the top running back prospects in the NFL in his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, injuries have shortened each of his past four seasons, plummeting his value in fantasy football.
He enters a new situation in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers with Jim Harbaugh as his head coach. If he can stay healthy in what will likely be a run-heavy scheme, he has the upside to get back to an elite level.
#2 - Jonathan Taylor
In his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Jonathan Taylor finished as the overall RB1 and RB4 in fantasy football. In his two seasons since then, he has missed 13 total games due to injuries. He was considered to be the best fantasy running back prior to his two shortened seasons, so if he can stay healthy this year, he could be a steal in drafts beyond the first few picks.
#3 - Ezekiel Elliott
After spending just one season with the New England Patriots, Ezekiel Elliott will make his return to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 NFL season. He is in a prime position to return to his workhorse role, especially with Tony Pollard departing during the offseason. In one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL and no real threat to challenge his workload, Elliott may be in line for a major bounceback.
#4 - Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara finished as a career-worst RB24 in fantasy football last season. This number is a bit deceiving, considering he averaged more fantasy points per game last year than he did in the season before. He is still an attractive player to target due to his reliable receiving contributions, including exceeding 65 targets and 400 yards every year with the New Orleans Saints.
#5 - Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler had one of the most disappointing years of any player in the 2023 fantasy football season. After finishing among the top eight running backs in three of his past four seasons, he ended the year ranked as just the RB31.
This likely contributed to the Los Angeles Chargers moving on from him during the offseason, so he will be in a new situation with the Washington Commanders. His recent history suggests that a bounceback is likely, even if he doesn't get back to the top eight again.
