The short answer. The Balladex projection model's #1 fantasy running back for 2026 is Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) — projected for 19.6 PPR fantasy points per game, an ADP around round 1. Rounding out the top five: Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, Christian McCaffrey, De'Von Achane.
Top running backs · 2026 projected
Ranked by projected PPR points per game and value over replacement. Tap any player for his full projection.
| # | Player | Team | Projected line | Proj PPG | VOR | ADP Rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bijan Robinson |  ATL | 1,549 rush · 66 rec · 9 TD | 19.6 | +10.8 | 1 |
| 2 |  Jahmyr Gibbs |  DET | 1,450 rush · 61 rec · 11 TD | 19.5 | +10.7 | 1 |
| 3 |  Josh Jacobs |  GB | 1,378 rush · 46 rec · 14 TD | 17.6 | +8.8 | 1 |
| 4 |  Christian McCaffrey |  SF | 1,171 rush · 64 rec · 9 TD | 17.5 | +8.7 | 1 |
| 5 |  De'Von Achane |  MIA | 1,190 rush · 90 rec · 6 TD | 17.4 | +8.6 | 1 |
| 6 |  Jonathan Taylor |  IND | 1,366 rush · 39 rec · 12 TD | 16.1 | +7.3 | 1 |
| 7 |  Kyren Williams |  LAR | 1,292 rush · 34 rec · 10 TD | 15.2 | +6.3 | 2 |
| 8 |  Saquon Barkley |  PHI | 1,392 rush · 29 rec · 8 TD | 14.4 | +5.6 | 2 |
| 9 |  Chuba Hubbard |  CAR | 1,390 rush · 36 rec · 9 TD | 14.0 | +5.2 | 2 |
| 10 |  Omarion Hampton |  LAC | 953 rush · 62 rec · 7 TD | 13.6 | +4.8 | 2 |
| 11 |  Bucky Irving |  TB | 1,123 rush · 49 rec · 5 TD | 13.5 | +4.7 | 2 |
| 12 |  Breece Hall |  NYJ | 1,000 rush · 62 rec · 4 TD | 13.4 | +4.6 | 2 |
| 13 |  James Cook III |  BUF | 1,215 rush · 28 rec · 8 TD | 13.3 | +4.4 | 3 |
| 14 |  Cam Skattebo |  NYG | 844 rush · 45 rec · 10 TD | 13.3 | +4.4 | 3 |
| 15 |  Kenneth Walker III |  KC | 907 rush · 49 rec · 6 TD | 12.6 | +3.8 | 3 |
Method. A Balladex model estimate (illustrative), not a guarantee: each player projected forward from his last three seasons, bent along a position aging curve and availability, TDs regressed toward red-zone opportunity, defensive scheme and weekly matchups folded in, scored PPR and ranked by value over replacement. See the full 2026 draft board, the weekly start/sit & streamers board, matchups grid, and the model's sleepers & busts.