Fantasy Football: Justin Boone's backup running back rankings for 2026

It's also important to understand which backups have a chance to rise the depth chart based on talent, which ones are poised for a leading role when injuries strike and those who would max out as part of a less appealing replacement committee.

Here's how I'm ranking the top backup running backs based on their fantasy potential in 2026.

While I believe it's only a matter of time before Henderson emerges as the lead back in New England , it's clear he'll once again start the season behind Rhamondre Stevenson . The goal with my work is always to project how the next campaign will look and get ahead of how backfields will develop, but Henderson still has work to do in order to prove he deserves the top spot on the depth chart.