Fantasy Football Week 2 Running Back Rankings

The 2023-24 NFL season has begun which means fantasy football is back! Already after the first week of the season the perception of multiple players have been changed in the world of fantasy football. Although, it’s important not to overreact to what happened in the first week of the season because there’s a lot of season left. Since every week is important it would be irresponsible to start a player with a rough matchup over a player with a more favorable one that is ranked or projected to perform similar to the original player. Here are fantasy football Week 2 running back rankings.

*Ratings are subject to change due to injury reports or possible move to the Injured Reserve List

(Check out the section below for details on players already rumored to possibly miss this week and how their replacement options rank for the week)

Key:

Must Start- a player who is in your lineup regardless of the matchup or most circumstances. They Will likely finish near the top of the league in points that week and in most weeks.

Starting RB1- a player who makes fantasy owners comfortable starting week after week. Regardless of the matchup, this player has a high floor.

High-End RB2- a player who may not be likely to carry a lineup that week, but has the ability to have a breakout game and is teetering between RB1 and RB2 territory.

Starting RB2- a player who should be started in most lineups and should reach their point projection. This player is started because of their consistency and moderately high floor

Low RB2- a player who may not be a lock to start for a team every week, but will start more times than not. Their production may not be pretty or win a person their lineup but the production is consistent enough to make a fantasy owner comfortable starting them.

Flex- a player who could float around the territory of being benched, but is started due to the potential to play better than their point projection. However, this player has the potential to flop and cause a fantasy team to lose if he has a bad game.

Deep League Flex- a player who is more of a Hail Mary throw at the position. There are enough reasons to leave this player on the bench, but their upside makes them an attractive option. Desperate times may call for a player like this to be inserted into starting lineups.

Leave on the Bench- a player who should be avoided in all lineups that week. Many times this player could even be left on waivers.

Possible Changes that can occur before Sunday

RB2 Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler missed practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury. It is unclear whether he could play this week with the injury. If Ekeler misses Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans Joshua Kelley moves up to RB21 between Dameon Pierce and Jahmyr Gibbs.

RB10 Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s game against the Chicago Bears. He missed practice on Wednesday because of the injury. If Jones misses Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons A.J. Dillon moves up to RB16 between Rachaad White and Javonte Williams.

RB12 James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

James Conner was limited in practice on Wednesday with a calf injury. If he misses Week 2 against the New York Giants Keontay Ingram becomes the RB35 between Brian Robinson Jr. and Samaje Perine.

RB26 Breece Hall, New York Jets

Breece Hall was on a snap count last week during his regular season debut against the Buffalo Bills. He was limited in practice on Wednesday because of his knee. His limited practices could be a way to give Hall rest between games. But if he suffered a setback and misses Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys Dalvin Cook moves up to RB20 between David Montgomery and Alexander Mattison. Michael Carter becomes the RB50 between Sean Tucker and Jerome Ford. Israel Abanikanda becomes the RB64 between Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Jusczcyk.

RB28 Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins

Raheem Mostert missed practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Jeff Wilson Jr. already is missing the first four games of the season because he is on Injured Reserve. If Mostert misses Week 2 against the New England Patriots Devon Achane moves up to RB39 between Antonio Gibson and Ezekiel Elliott. Salvon Ahmed becomes the RB46 between Tank Bigsby and Jerick McKinnon.

RB49 Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans

Tyjae Spears was limited by a groin injury in practice on Wednesday. His huge snap percentage Week 1 is something to take notice of early in the season. If Spears misses Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers Julius Chestnut becomes the RB65 after Rico Dowdle.

RB53 Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints

Kendre Miller missed last week’s game with a. hamstring injury. He is expected to have an expanded role with Alvin Kamara missing the first three games due to suspension. If Miller was to miss Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers Jamaal Williams would retain his RB24 position. Versatile offensive weapon Kirk Merritt would be the team’s backup running back behind Williams. 

Players that are currently not expected to play

Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles

Kenneth Gainwell has been ruled out for Philadelphia’s Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He is currently dealing with a rib injury. It is unclear how much time he is expected to miss and what his injury means for the Eagles crowded backfield going forward.

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