Here’s an analysis of the 2024 season rushing yard projections for each player and their outlook: All projections available on the iBET Networks site, in a pick format More/Less.
Christian McCaffrey (SF) – 1150.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: McCaffrey is one of the most versatile and productive backs in the league when healthy. Given the 49ers’ strong offensive line and McCaffrey’s ability to create yards on his own, this projection is within reach, though his involvement in the passing game could slightly reduce his rushing attempts.
Saquon Barkley (PHI) – 1000.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Barkley is the centerpiece of the Eagles offense, and when healthy, he’s capable of easily surpassing this projection. Given his talent and the volume of carries he’s expected to receive, Barkley should be a safe bet to exceed 1,000 rushing yards, provided he avoids injuries.
Jonathan Taylor (IND) – 1025.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Taylor is a proven workhorse back, and despite an injury-marred 2023 season, he remains a top candidate to surpass 1,000 yards. If he stays healthy, Taylor should easily exceed this projection, especially in a Colts offense likely to lean heavily on the run.
Bijan Robinson (ATL) – 1000.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Robinson enters the league as one of the most highly anticipated running backs. The Falcons are likely to use him as the centerpiece of their offense, making this projection well within reach, assuming he stays healthy. The addition of QB Kirk Cousins will take defenses out of their 8-man fronts which will open up holes for Bijan.
Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) – 900.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Gibbs, is expected to be heavily involved both as a runner and a receiver. His dynamic playmaking ability gives him a good chance to surpass this projection, though the presence of Montgomery might cap his ceiling slightly in terms of pure rushing yards.
Kenneth Walker III (SEA) – 875.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Walker had a strong rookie & sophomore season, he should have no trouble surpassing this projection. Seattle’s commitment to the run should give him plenty of opportunities to rack up yards, though the presence of Zach Charbonnet could cut into his workload slightly.
James Cook (BUF) – 875.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Cook is expected to take on a larger role in Buffalo’s backfield with the loss of WR’s Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs. His versatility and explosiveness make this projection achievable, but it will depend on how the Bills manage their running back rotation and whether they maintain their pass-heavy approach.
Isiah Pacheco (KC) – 875.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Pacheco emerged as a solid contributor in the Chiefs offense. With Kansas City’s commitment to balancing the run and pass, Pacheco should see plenty of opportunities to exceed this projection, especially given his tough running style and the likelihood of playing with a lead in many games.
Rachaad White (TB) – 850.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: White is expected to take on a large role in Tampa Bay’s backfield. This projection is reasonable, especially if White is given the lion’s share of the carries, though Tampa Bay’s offensive struggles could limit his overall effectiveness.
Zack Moss (CIN) – 850.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Moss could see an increased role in Cincinnati’s backfield with the departure of Joe Mixon. This projection is challenging but achievable if Moss becomes the primary ball carrier or if the Bengals use a run-heavy approach in certain games.
David Montgomery (DET) – 825.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Montgomery is on a Lions team that loves to run the ball, and he’s likely to be a key part of their backfield rotation. This projection is achievable if he stays healthy and gets consistent carries, though he will share the workload with Jahmyr Gibbs.
D’Andre Swift (CHI) – 750.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Swift joins the Bears backfield, with his versatility and explosiveness you could see him take a significant role. If he stays healthy and is utilized effectively, this projection is attainable, although his usage might be capped by the presence of other backs like Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.
De’Von Achane (MIA) – 750.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Achane is dynamic with big-play potential in Miami’s offense. While the Dolphins might use a committee approach, Achane’s speed and ability to break long runs give him a good chance to meet or exceed this projection if he carves out a significant role.
Devin Singletary (NYG) – 750.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Singletary joins a New York team to be the lead back. While this projection is within reach, Singletary’s actual production will depend on the balance of carries in a potentially crowded backfield.
Raheem Mostert (MIA) – 700.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Mostert has been productive when healthy, but his injury history and Miami’s deep backfield might limit his opportunities. This projection is within reach if he can stay on the field, but it’s risky given the Dolphins potential to rotate backs frequently.
Alvin Kamara (NO) – 625.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Kamara’s role has shifted more towards a receiving back in recent years, his rushing yardage could be limited. However, if he plays a full season, this projection is reasonable given his talent, though the Saints might continue to use him more in the passing game.
Jalen Hurts (PHI) – 550.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Hurts is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league, and his rushing ability is a significant part of his game. Even with the Eagles focus on improving the passing attack, Hurts ability to scramble and run designed plays should allow him to surpass this yardage, assuming he stays healthy.
Anthony Richardson (IND) – 550.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Richardson’s athleticism and ability to run the ball were major reasons he was drafted by the Colts. He’s likely to rely on his legs frequently, especially if passing opportunities are limited. This projection is realistic, and he could easily exceed it if he becomes a focal point in the running game.
Josh Allen (BUF) – 480.5 SZN Rush Yards
Outlook: Allen’s rushing ability is a significant part of his game, particularly in the red zone. While the Bills might want to protect him by reducing his rushing attempts, this projection is still achievable given his penchant for scrambling and designed runs, especially in key situations.
These projections give a mix of realistic expectations and potential upside, depending on health, team strategy, and individual player performance throughout the 2024 season.
