Fantasy RB Reset: Walker, Etienne, Montgomery & The Most Confusing Backfields (04/03 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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).

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.

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

Transcript

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

Got a fun Fantasy Football Today express for you here as we take a look at the running back rankings for 2020. Football Tech Express. I'm Jamie. That's Dave. We're looking at the running back rankings following free agency and some of the changes that may have occurred. As we know, the NFL draft coming up later this month, that will change the rankings as well. But, Dave, when we start at the top, I don't think much has changed necessarily from who the two guys are going in the top two picks, but maybe the order that they're going is different for a lot of people. Jameer Gibbs gets Isaiah Pacheco. Bijan Robinson gets Brian Robinson. Not confusing there at all. Who's number one overall for you at the running back spot?

[Dave Richard]

Both also get new offensive coordinators, which is. Which is interesting. I'm going with Gibbs, who had a great year last year, 21.6 PPR points per game. That was with David Montgomery healthy, David Montgomery swiping touchdowns, David Montgomery even taking a few catches away. Now that he'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. Drew Petzing is the offensive coordinator. Not sure if he's going to be the play caller, but either way, Gibbs is really, really good. And we've seen flashes in the past of him with what he does without David Montgomery on the field. And it's over 30 PPR points per game. I don't think he's going to do that, but it wouldn't surprise me if you finish 20, 26 north of 22 or 23 PPR points per game. That's not to say that Bijan can't, but I do think that Bijan will probably stick somewhere between, let's call it 19 and 21 PPR points per game. It's that close. They're both great. I don't want to pick third. Jamie, give me one of these two running backs to start my fantasy draft if I can help it.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Bijan actually better than Gibbs last year, as you noted, though, David Montgomery did stay healthy. But Bijan over 100 targets. We'll see if that stays the same with Kevin Stefanski calling plays. But everything looks like it's in a great spot for both of these running backs. You want to have one of the first two picks, as Dave said. So whether you like Gibbs or like Bijan, and maybe you're torn, you take that number two overall pick and you take the one that's left over. Unless, of course, somebody takes a wide receiver first overall and you have to make another tough call. I'm agreeing with Dave. I think Gibbs is in a little bit better spot. It was over 32 PPR points per game actually in the final four games of 2024 when Montgomery was out. So he was just absolutely dominant and hopefully that will be the case once again in Detroit. Although the offensive line being a little bit turned over doesn't exactly make me encouraged, but I still think great situation for him, great offensive environment for Jameer Gibbs. We had another big signing this off season of Ken Walker going to the Kansas City Chiefs and we've seen in the drafts that we've done he's gone as early as the beginning part of round two. I think some people would probably make the argument he belongs in round one. I don't think we're taking him that high. But where do you want to draft Ken Walker now that he's a member of the Chiefs?

[Dave Richard]

I want to draft him in round 12 if I can help it. I don't think. I don't think it'll last that long. Would I go to Round two if it's half PPR or non ppr? I think I would. I'm just a little bit nervous about how big of a role he'll have. Even though he's clearly the best running back that Kansas City's got. This is a team that's been known to throw the ball a lot and I don't see that changing. Even with Mahomes coming back from his injury, looks like he's making great progress. Everybody saw the video on social media and Walker himself has injury concerns and the Seahawks really made an effort not to overwork him until the end of the year when they didn't have another running back that they could go and use. So I. I don't. I'm probably going to be out on Walker if he's going to be like a mid second round pick in full ppr. If he's late round two, then maybe if I really want to get a running back and he's the best guy left on my board, yeah, I'll take him at that point. But ideally round three is where I'd get him. I just don't think he's going to make it there. I think people, there's probably going to be half the managers in every draft that are going to be excited about Kenneth Walker and they're going to take him in round two, if not early round two. I just think that that's a little too steep.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'll take him in round Two, I think the fit is good. Love the setup for him. With Mahomes coming back from the injury, I think this is clearly an indication. Andy Reid and this offense wants to get back to being more balanced. They haven't had a run game really since Damian Williams has left the team. Dealing with the injuries to Clyde Edwards, Hilaire and his failures and Isaiah Pacheco, you know, had that flash of, you know, strong performance in 2024 and then couldn't stay healthy. It's been a disaster for them and you know, taking pressure off my homes coming off the ACL tear. I think the signing speaks to what they want to get out of Ken Walker. We saw him when featured, absolutely dominant. You're right, he's got to stay healthy. That's been a problem for him. But if he does stay healthy in this offense, I think he 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 as we talk about the back end of the top 10 running backs, that's where he belongs. So don't reach for Ken Walker, but that middle of the second round I think is a good spot to target him and hopefully he can deliver. In Kansas City we had Travis etn. Now Travis Hn, as he said everybody was pronouncing his name incorrectly goes from Jacksonville to New Orleans. Currently they still have Alvin Camara on the team. Does that make you nervous about what Travis HN can do in New Orleans as a member of the Saints?

[Dave Richard]

I think it caps his receiving upside, but that's it. I don't think Alvin Camara is capable of of being a high volume running back anymore. Certainly he hasn't been a goal lion vulture for several years now. Occasionally he's done it, but they've gone in a different direction there and HN is good. Like this is a player that we've seen. He averaged almost 15 PPR points per game last year in Jacksonville. He had a good role there. I, I think he'll have a similar role here in New Orleans. It's a good offensive line. I think Tyler Shuck is going to be good form as well under center and this is a team that I expect to add another wide receiver. That'll take a little bit of that eight in the box mentality away from the defenses that New Orleans plays. So I think he's going to be in line to get north of 15 touches per game. Should easily leave their running backs in terms of touchdowns. That number could look like 88. Provided that he stays healthy, I think he's a solid number two running back. Obviously I'd rather have somebody like Kenneth Walker ahead of Travis E. Chan, but it's, it's really that type of range for him. And late round three I don't think is too early for, for him.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I'm out at round three for him, I probably would look like round five. He makes me nervous with Camara still there because he did a great job last year illustrating how Kellen Moore does not throw to his running backs to the same level that what some of these guys have done prior to being with Kellen Moore. We saw that with Camara last year. He was an absolute disaster even when he was healthy. And so if you have Camara there, that's a big sticking point. So if they move on from Camara, then I'll change my opinion. But if Camara is still there, we saw what Travis Hn looked like prior to Liam Cohen. It was a disaster of a 2024 campaign. And so I don't love the fit right now. I like it better if there is no, know, competition for a guy that's been a franchise staple. But if they keep both guys there, I'm going to be nervous and I will not be drafting him until probably round five at the earliest. Which, similar to what you said about Walker, I don't think we see him get to round five. So he was almost the guy I brought up when we were talking about Bus. I just don't love right now that he's going early round four, so I'm probably out on him. All right, we'll take a quick break right now. We're going to get back into more running back conversation here on Fantasy Football Today Express.

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[Jamie Eisenberg]

Firm. All right, Dave, looks like you want to jump in more on.

[Dave Richard]

I just wanted to get an idea of just how far down he was in your rankings. So I'll give you some names. You tell me who you like better than Travis Hn. It's Kyron Williams. You're going to take him?

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Definitely.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah, I would too. Scatter.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Boo. Scottaboo.

[Dave Richard]

Same breeze hall right now.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Bristol.

[Dave Richard]

Yeah, I've got a chan higher DeAndre Swift.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I'd rather have Swift.

[Dave Richard]

Javante Williams.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I have Javante. Okay.

[Dave Richard]

I, I, I think I like ETN E Chan A Chan, whatever the hell his last name is. However you want to say it. I think I like him better than most of those guys. Still.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would have him over everybody, probably except Kyron. If Camaro's gone as of right now, just again, looking at a guy that's gonna have, I don't know, a significant role, but enough of a role that I think it could get a little bit messy in New Orleans. So I would like to see.

[Dave Richard]

I guess I'm just, I'm just not expecting Camara to have a big role, period. Even if he's.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Yeah, I don't, I don't think big role. I just think enough of a role that this becomes a little bit more of a split backfield. And you know, right now, looking at it like Kellen Moore's best playmakers include both of his running backs. I don't, I don't know if there's a receiver out there, including where they're probably draft one, that's going to necessarily change that because Camara is a great playmaker still when he's healthy on the field. All right, a few more running back situations that we'll touch on here. You know, you alluded to the name. With the Lions moving on from David Montgomery now the new running back, the new starting running back for the Houston Texans, what do you think about Montgomery? Where do you have him ranked?

[Dave Richard]

I've got him ranked as a low end, number two fantasy running back. Like him a little bit better and non PPR. There's been 11 games in the past two years where he's had at least 15 touches and he's had 15.4 PPR points in seven of those 11. And it's because of touchdowns. And that's why Houston got him, is they need somebody who can hook them up with short yardage scores. They didn't really have confidence in Woody Marks in that role. Nick Chubb didn't get a lot of those chances. In fact, no running back in Houston has had a lot of those chances over the last two years. 24 rushes inside the five in 2025, 17 in 2024. Not a lot of touchdowns coming off of it. 10 combined they were bottom five in short yardage touchdowns each of the last two years. So maybe Montgomery helps them out there. I just don't know how many opportunities there will be. But he's been solid for fantasy managers and so if we're drafting him as a low end number two running back, I think we'll do okay.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

The best running back in Jacksonville will be who after they lose HN ETN and they bring in Chris Rodriguez.

[Dave Richard]

We really need to figure out how to say Travis's last name and stick to it. At some point here I'm going to say Basil Tutin. I'll take the young guy. Second year player, does have some speed. Had some good moments last year, including short yardage scores for Jacksonville. I think he's a little underrated as a pass catcher. We could see that role grow and I, I think Chris Rodriguez is someone that Liam Cohen. He knows what he's getting with him, but I don't see him as the same type of difference maker that Bashel Tutin could be. Now all that being said, I mentioned this on the main show. Cohen said that it's going to take a stable of running backs to replace Travis what's his name in Jacksonville and so just because Tune might be my favorite guy doesn't mean I want to reach for him. He could be a trap back that finishes the year with a thousand total yards, but four touchdowns with it. That's not super exciting for fantasy. I wouldn't look at a Jaguars running back until like around six the absolute earliest.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

The best running back in Pittsburgh will be who after they sign Rico Doddle.

[Dave Richard]

I'm going to lean on it being Jalen Warren and I am starting to become more optimistic that he picks up the Kenny Gainwell role and I know that they've got a new head coach and he's bringing a new offense in Pittsburgh, but Aaron Rodgers is still going to get that ball out fast. He doesn't want to get smashed around by defenses and he threw a ton to Kenneth Gainwell last year. Gainwell's off to Tampa. Jalen Warren's a good pass catcher. Rico Dowdle isn't nearly as good. I could see Warren being a little bit better and certainly in PPR having an edge on Rico Daddle.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

The best running back in Washington will be who after they add Rashad White.

[Dave Richard]

Can I answer that after the draft? Because I think they'll draft somebody that'll end up being their best guy.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

All right, so TBD on the commander situation. A couple more scenarios that we'll get to here. The Broncos Bring back J.K. dobbins. Who do you like better in Denver, Dobbins or RJ Harvey?

[Dave Richard]

I'd rather spend earlier draft capital on RJ Henry but I didn't say early draft capital. If if I'm getting Harvey rather RJ Harvey in round six. Ish. I don't even know if we'll make it that late by the time we get to August. I bet he gets steamed up into like round five pick. I would take him first because I think there's just more upside. He scored double digit or 12 PPR points per game last year. That was better than Dobbins then when Dobbins was the lead guy in Denver.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

Who is the best running back in Arizona after they add Tyler Algier?

[Dave Richard]

I believe I have Connor just behind Tyler Algier and I I bet I'm going to flip flop those guys 18 times between now and September 1st. But But I like the idea of the new coaching staff signing Tyler Algier and we know what he's capable of doing and that includes converting short yardage carries for touchdowns or for first downs. And I also think he's got a little bit more explosion to him than what his stats suggest. It's still not a great situation. Arizona is not going to be a good offense. We talked about this on the main show on Thursday but James Conner age concerns, injury concerns. Trey Benson has barely been good over the course of his career injury and he's coming off of an injury of his own. So Algiers probably the one I like best but it's back half of the draft for any of these guys.

[Jamie Eisenberg]

I would probably take Connor first just because I think when he's healthy he'll give you better production than Algier will because of his ability to catch the ball. Whether that gets highlighted or not. We did not see him in Jacoby Brissette's offense because when Conor was injured Kyler Murray was still the quarterback. So we'll see if a pocket passer with a pass catching running back benefits James Conner. I just we haven't seen Algier involved in the passing game in two different regimes in Atlanta. Even in his rookie season when he ran for a thousand yards he just was not involved in the passing game. He's so touchdown dependent. And I still think Connor has the best chance to be a complete running back. They're not that he's going to get every touch now because of the addition of Algier. I just think that when Conor's healthy, even at his age, he will be better than what Tyler Algier will offer. Algier may have a longer stint because of Conor misses time. That could help the case. But both guys, I think you get drafted, as we've seen in our drafts, in a very similar range. All right, that'll do it for us here. Looking at the running back rankings following free agency, obviously a lot more running back conversation coming with the NFL draft for Dave Richard Thomas E From Jamie Eisenberg. Thanks for watching. Listening to Fantasy Football Take. Paramount podcasts.