In the realm of fantasy football, where fortunes can be made or lost on the basis of a single player's performance, it's crucial to identify the potential busts. This year, the running back position is particularly intriguing, with a few players who might not live up to the hype. Let's delve into three running backs who could be a disappointment in the 2026 season, and why.
RJ Harvey: A Second-Round Flop?
The Denver Broncos' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, RJ Harvey, had a less-than-stellar rookie campaign. While he managed to rush for 540 yards and seven touchdowns, his average of 3.6 yards per carry and only eight runs of 10+ yards raise some red flags. The arrival of new weapons like Jonah Coleman and Jaylen Waddle could further diminish Harvey's role. With the Broncos' offensive line not being the best in the league, Harvey might struggle to find the necessary space to showcase his skills. Personally, I think Harvey's inefficient running and the team's lack of depth at the position make him a bust in the second round. What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for a player to be overhyped due to draft position, and Harvey's story is a cautionary tale for fantasy managers.
De'Von Achane: A Talent in a Talents-Starved Team?
De'Von Achane's situation is a bit more complex. On one hand, he's a talented player with a quarterback who isn't afraid to take off and run. However, the Miami Dolphins' lack of talent and defensive-minded head coach could lead to Achane being overworked. The absence of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, and the uncertain status of Jalen Tolbert, could put even more pressure on Achane. In my opinion, Achane's success will depend heavily on the team's ability to game-plan for him and manage his workload. What many people don't realize is that Achane's performance could be significantly impacted by the team's overall talent level, and this could be a hidden bust for fantasy managers.
Jeremiyah Love: A Deep Pool of Talent?
Jeremiyah Love is a player who has the potential to be a breakout star, but the Arizona Cardinals' running back depth chart is loaded with talent. While Love is by far the most talented running back the team has had since David Johnson, the competition for snaps is fierce. Last year, all Cardinals rushers combined for 1,583 yards on 366 carries, averaging just 4.3 yards per tote. The two top ball-carriers, Bam Knight and Michael Carter, each averaged fewer than four yards per carry. Love might lead the group in snaps, but he's far from a clear-cut No. 1 RB, workhorse-type role. The Cardinals' offensive line is far from the best in the NFL, and Love's success will depend on his ability to navigate this challenging environment. From my perspective, Love's potential bust is a result of the team's depth and the challenges of playing on a bad team behind a bad offensive line.
In conclusion, while these three running backs have the potential to be busts, it's important to remember that fantasy football is a game of probabilities and uncertainties. The 2026 season is still a long way off, and many things could change between now and then. However, for fantasy managers, it's crucial to be aware of these potential busts and to make informed decisions based on the latest information and trends. As an expert, I think it's essential to approach these players with a critical eye and to consider the broader implications of their performance on the team and the league as a whole.
