Introduction

The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching, and with it comes the perennial fear among fantasy football enthusiasts regarding shared backfields. The nostalgia for workhorse backs like LaDainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander feels like a distant memory as data from the past decade reveals an increasing trend towards running back rotations. This article delves into various teams with murky backfield situations, cautioning fantasy owners to tread carefully.

Cleveland Browns: A Potential Disaster

The Cleveland Browns' backfield may spell trouble for fantasy owners. Despite a stout offensive line featuring veterans like Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, uncertainty reigns at quarterback, with Dawand Jones needing to prove himself at left tackle. The running back situation is no clearer, primarily due to the unsigned status of Quinshon Judkins, the second-round draft pick. His recent arrest for battery and domestic violence only adds to the unpredictability. Jeremiah Ford will likely assume the lead role, but with the addition of Dylan Sampson, who led the SEC in rushing, and Pierre Strong Jr. as a third-down back, it remains a crowded and unreliable rotation.

Dallas Cowboys: Too Many Options

Once lacking depth, the Dallas Cowboys now face a logjam in their backfield. Last season, Rico Dowdle showed promise, rushing for over 1,000 yards, but has since left for the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys responded by signing veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, while also drafting promising rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. However, uncertainty looms as these options may cancel each other out in a fantasy context, leading to scattered production week-to-week.

Denver Broncos: A Crowded Room

The Denver Broncos have also revamped their running back lineup, signing J.K. Dobbins and drafting R.J. Harvey, adding to a mix that already includes Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. Despite an improved talent pool, the variety of skill sets complicates the offensive scheme under head coach Sean Payton. The lack of a traditional run-game approach may inhibit any back's ability to emerge as a consistent fantasy contributor.

Houston Texans: Injuries Cloud the Future

While the Houston Texans have a presumed bell cow in Joe Mixon, an ongoing injury complicates the situation. Even if Mixon returns, his age and declining performance call into question his reliability. The addition of Nick Chubb provides depth, but both backs' histories of injuries might limit their effectiveness. Dameon Pierce is expected to bounce back this season, but the Texans’ revamped offensive line will need time to jell.

Miami Dolphins: A Dispersed Approach

In Miami, head coach Mike McDaniel has yet to establish a true lead back in his system. De'Von Achane had a decent 2023, yet concerns about his size and reliance on a pass-heavy offense keep him from being a reliable option. The Dolphins' backfield loaded with talent proves to be yet another situation where distribution of touches is likely to hinder any individual’s success.

New Orleans Saints: A Hard Pass

Finally, the Saints seem poised for a rough season, being pegged as a contender for the worst team in 2025. With uncertainty at quarterback and an aging Alvin Kamara, who may struggle to showcase his versatile skill set without consistent offensive support, the running back situation appears grim. Although recent draft picks Kendre Miller and Devin Neal show some potential, the lack of a workhorse mentality makes the Saints’ backfield another to avoid in fantasy drafts.

Conclusion

As fantasy football enthusiasts prepare for the upcoming season, navigating the uncertain backfields throughout the NFL will be crucial. From the Browns' and Cowboys' crowded rotations to the Dolphins' pass-heavy game and the Saints' uphill battle, careful consideration is advised when drafting running backs. Avoiding high-risk situations could make all the difference in building a successful fantasy roster.