Fantasy Football Today: Fantasy RB Reset – Walker, Etienne, Montgomery & The Most Confusing Backfields

Date: April 3, 2026
Hosts: Jamie Eisenberg, Dave Richard (CBS Sports)
Theme: A comprehensive update on running back rankings and backfields following NFL free agency, with early insights ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The episode breaks down elite RB strategies, new team fits, and the most puzzling RB situations for fantasy football managers.

Episode Overview

Jamie Eisenberg and Dave Richard discuss how NFL free agency and coaching moves have reshaped the running back (RB) landscape, focusing on where the top options now stand, the impact of key player moves, and the most confusing RB committees. Through arguments, quotes, and a few heated debates, they help listeners recalibrate their rankings for the upcoming fantasy season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Top Running Backs: Jameer Gibbs vs. Bijan Robinson

(02:11–03:53)

• New OC Impacts: Both Gibbs and Bijan have new offensive coordinators, adding a new layer of uncertainty.
• Gibbs’ Upside:
  • Dave prefers Gibbs for 2026, citing his explosive ceiling without Montgomery (“Gibbs is really, really good. We’ve seen flashes in the past of him with what he does without David Montgomery on the field... over 30 PPR points per game.” – Dave, 02:52).
  • Predicts over 22 or 23 PPR points per game for Gibbs this year.
• Bijan’s Outlook:
  • Jamie notes Bijan outperformed Gibbs in 2025, especially as a receiver (over 100 targets), but says “everything looks like it’s in a great spot for both of these running backs.” (03:53)
• Draft Strategy:
  • Both agree these are the RBs you want at the top—don’t overthink pick 1 vs. 2; just take whichever is left if WRs go first.

Notable Quote:

“I don’t want to pick third. Jamie, give me one of these two running backs to start my fantasy draft.”
– Dave Richard (03:31)

2. Kenneth Walker’s Arrival in Kansas City – Draft Value & Risk

(03:53–06:08)

• Where to Draft Walker:
  • Dave is wary of the hype: “I’m probably going to be out on Walker if he’s a mid second-round pick in full PPR... Ideally round three.” (05:00)
  • Jamie is more bullish: “I’ll take him in round two, I think the fit is good.” (06:08)
• Health & Role Questions:
  • Both analysts cite Walker’s injury history and Kansas City’s pass-heavy tendencies as caution flags.
  • Jamie sees Walker as a response to Mahomes’ recovery and KC’s struggles at RB, arguing Walker “could end up challenging to be a top five running back.” (06:08)
• Advice:
  • Don’t reach, but mid-to-late round two is reasonable, particularly in non-PPR formats.

3. Travis Etienne (Travis Hn?) to the Saints – Crowded Backfield Analysis

(06:08–08:28; 10:31–11:30)

• Etienne/Hn vs. Kamara:
  • Dave sees Etienne as a solid No. 2 RB, confident Kamara won’t be a full workhorse (“I don’t think Alvin Kamara is capable of being a high volume running back anymore.” – 07:18).
  • Jamie is hesitant, warning that Kamara’s presence (paired with OC Kellen Moore’s reluctance to throw to RBs) caps Etienne’s ceiling: “If Kamara is still there, ... I will not be drafting him until probably round five at the earliest.” (08:28)
• Round Table Comparison:
  • Compared Etienne to peers like Kyren Williams, Breece Hall, DeAndre Swift, and Javonte Williams (10:41–11:00).
  • Jamie would only draft Etienne above most if Kamara is gone; Dave is more optimistic about Etienne (11:00–11:25).

Memorable Exchange:

“We really need to figure out how to say Travis’s last name and stick to it at some point.”
– Dave Richard (13:03)

4. David Montgomery Joins Houston – Goal Line Potential

(11:30–12:55)

• Touchdown Upside:
  • Dave: “He’s been solid for fantasy managers... if we’re drafting him as a low-end number two running back, I think we’ll do okay.” (12:55)
• Role Clarity:
  • Houston needs a short-yardage specialist; Montgomery fits that mold.

5. RB Battles & Confused Backfields

– Speed Round (12:55–16:12)

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Best RB after Etienne leaves?
  • Dave’s pick: Bashel Tutin, but calls it a “trap backfield” (13:03–13:56).
  • Not a priority until round six at earliest.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Jalen Warren vs. Rico Dowdle:
  • Dave leans Warren, citing pass-catching edge: “Warren’s a good pass catcher. Rico Dowdle isn’t nearly as good.” (14:01)

Washington Commanders

• Rashad White & Company:
  • Dave: Wait for the draft to clarify (14:36).

Denver Broncos

• Dobbins vs. RJ Harvey:
  • Dave prefers Harvey for the higher upside (14:51–15:18).

Arizona Cardinals

• James Conner vs. Tyler Allgeier:
  • Dave: Slight lean to Allgeier but expects to flip-flop throughout preseason (15:22).
  • Jamie: Prefers Conner for his pass-catching and overall production when healthy (16:12).

Timestamps for Major Segments

• RB1 Debate (Gibbs vs. Bijan): 02:11–03:53
• Ken Walker in KC & Draft Range: 03:53–06:08
• Etienne (HN) in New Orleans: 06:08–08:28
• Etienne vs. the Field – Peer Check: 10:31–11:30
• David Montgomery in Houston: 11:30–12:55
• Jaguars New RB & Backfield Risks: 12:55–13:56
• Steelers: Warren vs. Dowdle: 13:56–14:31
• Commanders: Rashad White & Mystery: 14:31–14:42
• Broncos: Dobbins vs. Harvey: 14:42–15:18
• Cardinals: Conner vs. Allgeier: 15:18–16:12

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Now that Montgomery’s gone, I don’t think Isaiah Pacheco is going to do anything close to what David Montgomery did, which means a lot more on the plate for Jameer Gibbs in a great offense.”
  – Dave Richard (02:52)

• “[Walker] could end up challenging to be a top five running back. So I don’t want to get over excited about it but I do think round two... is a good spot.”
  – Jamie Eisenberg (06:08)

• "I don't think Alvin Kamara is capable of being a high volume running back anymore. Certainly he hasn't been a goal line vulture for several years now."
  – Dave Richard (07:18)

• “We really need to figure out how to say Travis's last name and stick to it at some point.”
  – Dave Richard (13:03)

Analyst Advice & Tone

• Pragmatic & Playful: The hosts continually re-examine player roles as situations evolve, mixing stats and player tracking with banter (“Scottaboo. Boo.” – Jamie on Breece Hall/DeAndre Swift, 10:44).
• Cautious on Hype/Uncertainty: “Don’t reach” for uncertain backfields; prefer late-round upside swings.
• Emphasize Context: League format (PPR vs. non-PPR), new OCs, and pending NFL Draft are critical used to project future value and risk.

Summary Takeaways

• The top tier is clear (Gibbs/Bijan), but new offenses and backfield commitments demand close monitoring.
• Free agency has left several prominent RBs in ambiguous timeshares (Etienne/Kamara, Conner/Allgeier, etc.)—be wary of over-investing until depth charts are clear.
• Prioritize volume and role clarity, especially with rookies entering tricky RB committees after the draft.
• There are more value traps and sneaky committee risks at RB than ever—patience and real-time draft monitoring are essential.

For more updates: Listen for draft fallout episodes & check FFT for updated rankings as news develops!