Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Every year we see some of our favorite household names begin or continue to decline in not only fantasy football leagues but on the football field as well. Typically the running back age cliff comes at 28 years old and can cause a brutal decline in production. Today we're going to look at four running backs to avoid in 2024 fantasy football.
Austin Ekeler
LAC (28)
Austin Ekeler is 28 going on 29, and he had a high ankle sprain at the beginning of the year, which could be the reason for his down numbers. However, if you watched Ekeler, even toward the end of the year, the burst was not there. In past seasons, Ekeler had become known for his versatility as a running back. Ekeler excels not only in traditional running plays between the tackles but also as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Ekeler's ability to catch passes and make plays in the passing game adds an extra dimension to the Chargers offense that is pivotal. Ekeler finished the year with 628 yards, 5 TDs, and five fumbles (10 in the last two years). Ekeler was only able to average a meager 3.5 yards per carry. The Chargers have new leadership, and Ekeler might not be a part of those future plans.
Is Austin Ekeler hurt? This is a wild clip for someone who was looking to get a long term deal this last offseason ? pic.twitter.com/wtmUCZr2hw
Raheem Mostert
MIA Dolphins (31)
Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane were two of the most electric backfields in the NFL this year. The story of the journeyman running back will be remembered, as Mostert's journey in the NFL has been characterized by perseverance and hard work. Mostert initially entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. Over the next few years, he had stints with several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and San Francisco 49ers.
One of the standout moments in Mostert’s career occurred during the 2019 NFC Championship Game when he rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns, helping the 49ers secure a trip to Super Bowl LIV. Now in Miami, fresh off a 1000-yard campaign, Mostert is still showing off his breakaway speed and ability to make tacklers miss.
However, Achane is quite the issue for Mostert. If Achane is healthy, he will be the RB1 for the Dolphins. I would be wary about drafting Mostert too early as he very likely could end up being, at best, a 1B to Achane’s 1A. What's more likely however is that Mostert is the RB2 and Achane is the RB1.
Joe Mixon
Cincinnati Bengals (27)
Joe Mixon quickly became a key player for the Bengals after he was drafted. Mixon showcased his versatility as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to break tackles, Mixon has been a consistent contributor to the Bengals' offense. Mixon is due to become a free agent, and the Bengals seem to have liked what they saw out of Chase Brown.
The Bengals can’t seem to get over the “hump” and might be looking for a fresh spark to bring some of that juice to the offense. Mixon might be ready for a scenery change, but I am not sure what team he would land on and become an immediate impact player. Whether it’s the Bengals or another team, I believe Mixon might be playing in a committee during 2024.
Kareem Hunt
CLE Browns (28)
The Browns were fun this year, but they had no business being a contending team with all the injuries they suffered. The Browns were able to keep their offense afloat with the help of their, as usual, productive running game. Kareem Hunt is another example of a running back who is standing on the running back cliff (age 28-30).
Hunt was originally a free agent when the season started, but Nick Chubb’s unfortunate injury gave Hunt an opportunity to unite with an old friend. Hunt was able to score nine touchdowns (9th amongst RBs) this year, which is usually his forte. That said, with Jerome Ford looking like a productive NFL running back, I would be shocked to see Hunt as anything more than an emergency running back, even if Nick Chubb isn’t ready for week one.
