Fantasy football is based on many decisions throughout the year that can make or break your team.
Nick Chubb and Jonathon Brooks are two running backs who bring different styles to the field in 2024.
Chubb, a veteran coming off an injury, plays for one of the better teams in the NFL but has questions about his health and age. Meanwhile, Brooks is an incoming rookie who will try to help elevate one of the worst teams in the league, the Carolina Panthers.
Let’s break down Chubb and Brooks’ fantasy outlook for the 2024 season.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Nick Chubb
Chubb has an average draft position (ADP) of No. 87 overall, which lands him firmly in the dead zone and may be the perfect term to describe Chubb in 2024.
An aging running back at 28 years old who’s coming off a gruesome injury, we don’t know if we will see the same running back that we’ve known from years past. It also seems as though we may not see him for at least the first four weeks, with the latest reports suggesting he could be starting the season on the reserve/PUP list.
Last season, on 28 total carries, Chubb averaged 6.1 yards per carry, according to TruMedia. Chubb also ran for eight first downs in that time frame.
We know the talent lies within, but his body will struggle in his late 20s, having had multiple knee injuries in his career.
2024 Fantasy Outlook for Jonathon Brooks
Unlike Chubb, Brooks provides an upside to our fantasy team with his youthful legs.
Brooks has an ADP of No. 93 overall, so you’ll have to decide between Chubb and the Panthers rookie for your team.
Brooks possesses the ideal size, speed, strength, and agility fantasy managers crave at running back. For an RB over 200 pounds, his ability to change directions at the drop of a dime speaks to how strong his footwork is.
He also brings a strong game between the ears, as his vision is above average for a running back entering the NFL, showcasing incredible instincts that he pairs with serviceable hands — a perfect three-down back for your fantasy team.
Brooks’ biggest issue is his tunnel vision to go north-south. Typically, you’d see this as a plus, but he needs more creativity within his game. He is also set to start the season on the Non-Football Injury list, which means managers will not have him until at least Week 4.
Who Should I Draft in 2024?
In 2024, managers have to go after high-ceiling players. This has me leaning toward Brooks at 93rd overall instead of Chubb at a higher ADP.
At this point of the draft, we are living within a running back dead zone, and it makes sense to chase the young running back who can provide upside at the end of the season.
Though he may start the season on the PUP, Brooks has a better upside coming into the league with that combination of skills than an aging veteran coming off of an injury.