While running backs Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns and Javonte Williams of the Denver Broncos are both likely late-round picks in fantasy drafts, each has a unique situation that makes choosing between them difficult for fantasy managers.
Here’s the fantasy outlook for both running backs for the 2024 season.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Nick Chubb
Chubb is the RB30 in Pro Football Network’s Consensus Fantasy Football Rankings as of Aug. 21. He is working his way back from a devastating left knee injury suffered in Week 2 last season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he tore both his ACL and MCL.
While Chubb’s availability for the start of the season seems unlikely, news of his accelerated rehab has sparked more than a little interest from fantasy managers. And if he does return before, say, mid-season, what can fantasy managers really expect from the veteran?
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At his best, from 2019 through 2022, Chubb was one of the league’s best fantasy running backs, averaging 16.1 fantasy PPG. On the field, Chubb averaged over 1,300 rushing yards a season over this four-season stretch, along with 10 rushing TDs a season and 5.3 yards per carry.
So with Chubb, the question is clearly not about production but how soon he can return to the field and how healthy we can expect him to be upon his return. Jerome Ford did a decent job filling in for Chubb after his injury, but at full strength, Chubb will likely be the Browns’ main ball carrier.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Javonte Williams
As for Williams, he is the RB34 in Pro Football Network’s Consensus Fantasy Football Rankings as of Aug. 21. He knows all about working his way back from an injury, having suffered a terrible knee injury in 2022.
Last season, in his first season after the injury, Williams struggled on the field, especially when compared to his rookie season of 2021. Although his rush attempts for the season (217) were a career-high, his 3.6 yards per carry average was a career-low.
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Still, Williams did demonstrate his ability to produce at times, especially against some of the league’s best teams. His season high in fantasy points in a game — 21.0 — came against the Buffalo Bills, and his third-highest scoring game — 18.8 points — came against the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
But at the same time, he managed fewer than 10 fantasy points in eight of his 16 games.
The biggest obstacle for Williams, though, could be that he may find himself splitting time on the field with one, two, or perhaps even three other running backs.
Who Should I Draft in 2024?
The issue with Chubb appears to be health. With Williams, it’s how much time he will see on the field.
Williams’ pass-catching ability — career-high 47 receptions last season — is an asset for fantasy managers.
But in the end, while Chubb may not see the field right away this season, once he does return to the lineup, he seems to be a more worthwhile choice over Williams in fantasy drafts.
