Week 1 offered fantasy football managers plenty of clues about which running backs are positioned for monster seasons. Those early usage patterns are already shaping the Week 2 rankings. Jahmyr Gibbs leads the charge after combining explosive rushing production with a significant receiving role. Derrick Henry once again looks like the centerpiece of Baltimore's physical offensive identity. Christian McCaffrey also showed why he remains one of fantasy football's most complete backs. Of course, the sleeper pool is where Week 2 could become particularly interesting. Also, several injury situations could dramatically alter backfield workloads before kickoff.
Week 2 Top Fantasy Football Picks
Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (@ BUF)
In Week 1, Gibbs exploded for 29 carries, 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns while adding five receptions for another 30 yards. The challenge gets tougher against Buffalo. However, Gibbs' particular skill set makes him especially dangerous in this matchup. Detroit can move him around the formation and manufacture touches outside the tackles. His speed can neutralize some of the physicality of the Bills' front. A projected 18-20 touches, 115 total yards and four-plus catches puts him firmly among the week's best running backs.
Derrick Henry, BAL (vs. NO)
Henry wasted no time establishing himself as Baltimore's battering ram. He carried the ball 24 times for 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He wore down the defense as the game progressed and reinforcing the Ravens' preference for a physical rushing attack. A home matchup with New Orleans sets up well for another heavy workload. Baltimore should have opportunities to establish the run. Henry's role inside the 10-yard line gives him one of the strongest touchdown projections on the slate. Fantasy football managers should expect approximately 20-24 carries and 95-110 rushing yards.
Christian McCaffrey, SF (vs. MIA)
McCaffrey looked sharp while remaining heavily involved in every important area of San Francisco's offense. He recorded 10 carries for 68 rushing yards, then added five receptions for 20 yards. Miami's defensive structure can create opportunities for a back who is equally dangerous as a runner and receiver. McCaffrey's receiving involvement gives him an especially attractive PPR floor. A projection of 18-22 combined touches, 100 total yards and five-to-seven receptions makes him an easy top-five play.
Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers
Kyren Williams, LAR (vs. NYG)
Williams made his touches count in the opener. He rushed 11 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. Williams also contributed three receptions for 24 yards. A home matchup against the Giants could create considerably more running room. Williams should see his workload increase, particularly in goal-to-go situations. A projection of 16-18 carries and around 80 total yards gives him a strong RB2 foundation.
De'Von Achane, MIA (@ SF)
Achane's Week 1 production was modest. He rushed 11 times for 36 yards and added four receptions for 30 yards. Still, Miami showed that they can use him as both a traditional runner and a weapon in space. The matchup against San Francisco is intimidating on paper. However, Miami has ways to manufacture touches for Achane. Expect screens, flat routes and other space-oriented concepts. His projected 12-15 touches and 75-85 total yards may not sound overwhelming, but four or five catches could make him a particularly valuable PPR option.
Article Continues BelowChase Brown, CIN (@ HOU)
Brown showed some explosiveness during Cincinnati's opener. He finished with 16 carries for 56 rushing yards while adding five receptions for 22 yards. His ability to create after the catch and generate yards in the open field gives him a path to fantasy football relevance. If Cincinnati is forced into a pass-heavy approach against Houston, Brown should remain involved. A projection of 14-16 touches, 70-85 scrimmage yards and three-to-four catches gives him a strong RB2/FLEX profile.
Injury and late-week notes
The running back injury report will have a major influence on Week 2 fantasy football decisions. TreVeyon Henderson is dealing with an ankle issue after being ruled out for New England's opener. Even if Henderson is active, Rhamondre Stevenson remains the primary option in the Patriots' backfield.
Dylan Sampson is also listed with a knee injury. Alvin Kamara is dealing with a knee issue, too. Both situations warrant monitoring as the week progresses.
Week 2 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings â 2026
25. Jeremiyah Love, ARI (vs SEA)
24. Bhayshul Tuten, JAC (@ DEN)
23. Cam Skattebo, NYG (@ LAR)
22. Jadarian Price, SEA (@ ARI)
21. Travis Etienne Jr., RB NO (@ BAL)
20. Chuba Hubbard, CAR (@ ATL)
19. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (vs PIT)
18. Bucky Irving, TB (vs CLE)
17. David Montgomery, HOU (vs CIN)
16. Chase Brown, CIN (@ HOU)
15. DeâÂÂVon Achane, MIA (@ SF)
14. Breece Hall, NYJ (vs GB)
13. DâÂÂAndre Swift, CHI (vs MIN)
12. Kyren Williams, LAR (vs NYG)
11. Javonte Williams, DAL (vs WAS)
10. Kenneth Walker III, RB KC (vs IND)
9. Saquon Barkley, PHI (@ TEN)
8. Omarion Hampton, LAC (vs LV)
7. Ashton Jeanty, LV (@ LAC)
6. Jonathan Taylor, IND (@ KC)
5. Christian McCaffrey, SF (vs MIA)
4. James Cook III, RB BUF (vs DET)
3. Derrick Henry, BAL (vs NO)
2. Bijan Robinson, ATL (vs CAR)
1. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (@ BUF)
Bottom Line
For fantasy football managers, volume, receiving opportunities, goal-line work, and game script are equally important. Week 2 therefore presents a compelling mix of established stars and potential breakout options. Gibbs, Henry, and McCaffrey provide the elite workload profiles. Williams, Achane, and Brown offer avenues to gain an edge over the competition. With injuries still capable of changing the equation, keeping an eye on practice reports through the end of the week could prove just as important as the rankings themselves.