RB · BUF · 28 yrs · exp 7 · Maryland
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Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 1,244
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This article ranks the top 10 running back duos in the NFL for the 2026 season, considering individual stardom, balanced backfields, and recent production against projections. It also includes honorable mentions and discusses specific player pairings and their potential impact
Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell was one of the most productive pass-catchers in college football in 2025, recording 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns across 13 games at the University of Connecticut. After being drafted in the fourth round this past April by Buffalo, Bell has a chance to emerge as an immediate contributor in the NFL. The Bills added veteran wideout DJ Moore over the offseason to a wide receiver corps that also features Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, and Keon Coleman. However, Buffalo has been searching for high-impact wide receiver talent for the last several seasons. If Bell proves that he can be a difference-maker with a strong showing this summer, the Bills' incumbent wide receiver options will not hold him back from seeing the field. As the WR106 by current redraft ADP, Bell is a late-round sleeper for fantasy managers to target entering 2026
Adds: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
Adds: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
The Buffalo Bills need more Ty Johnson in their life. So much so that the veteran runner distinctly becomes the team’s RB2 behind reigning rushing champ James Cook. Sure, Josh Allen has called Johnson “the best third-down running back in the league,” and while that descriptor comes directly from a common football label unrelated to depth-chart hierarchy, it does insinuate said player is his respective club’s RB3. Teams land their RB2 in many ways, but a homegrown draft pick is typically favored over a journeyman in these battles for complementary roles. As a draft nerd, I get it. But it’s time for Johnson to serve as Buffalo ’s clear RB2 ahead of Ray Davis . Last season, discounting what felt like an exhibition game in Week 18 against the Jets, Davis and Johnson both toted the rock exactly 37 times. Here’s how they compared statistically: Johnson was indisputably more effective — especially considering all of Davis’ 10-plus yard carries came in one game, against Pittsburgh . The term “third-down back” originates from yesteryear, when first and second down were unmistakably rushing downs, and third down was the clear passing down in the NFL. Of course, that’s no longer the case. And I assume with Joe Brady operating what should be his — completely unencumbered — offense in 2026, the Bills will migrate from their standing as one of the run-heaviest teams in football to closer to the middle of the pack in passing frequency. In short, second down is a passing down. Heck, for the Bills, first down should be too, even with Cook in the backfield. Cook has become of the NFL’s best bellcow backs. Josh Allen is, in my estimation, the best player in the NFL , and it’s always more efficient moving the football through the air than on the ground. Johnson’s pass-catching prowess should be prioritized as playing-time justification over Davis too. When Davis was on the field in 2025, the Bills ran the ball close to 58% of the time. When Johnson was on the field, Buffalo threw it nearly 75% of the time. If the latter becomes their unquestioned RB2, let’s assume the Bills would give Johnson more than three carries per game, right around what he averaged in 2025. In theory, that would tip the play-prediction scales closer to a 50-50 split if Johnson’s out there. And this push for an increased role for Johnson goes well beyond Johnson himself. It’s not insinuating Davis should be cut. Or that the Bills should adopt a true running back committee. Davis was an All-Pro returner last season. If that’s what he can focus on and be utilized for — while slotting into RB3 duties — he becomes tremendous return-on-investment as a former fourth-round pick. As for Cook, he proved more than capable of handling an old-school sized workload in 2025. But the Bills have now entered the period of his career — and contract — when optimizing his workload becomes vital. History suggests if they want three more years of prime Cook, they should ever-so-slightly lighten his carry totals… starting in 2026. And I want Johnson, the more multi-dimensional and explosive running back, as Cook’s primary backup in 2026
Last season, the Buffalo Bills led the NFL in rushing yards and dynamic running back James Cook was the NFL’s rushing champion after scampering for 1,621 yards on 309 carries, a robust 5.2 yards per run. The Bills have a crowded running back room, led by Cook, Ty Johnson , Ray Davis and practice squad back Frank Gore Jr., but on Thursday, Brandon Beane brought in another option for the Bills’ backfield when he signed United Football League MVP Ian Wheeler. Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by introducing Wheeler to Bills fans, although some fans will recall Wheeler enjoying a pair of solid preseason performances for the Chicago Bears against Buffalo. Check out the assessments of Wheeler’s skillset and then let us know how you think Wheeler will contribute in the comments section. The Buffalo Bills know a little bit about their latest member of the backfield, as Ian Wheeler made an impression on the team through his performances in both the 2024 and 2025 NFL preseasons. Wheeler, who signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Howard University in 2024, played two preseason games for the Bears against the Bills. In 2024, he rushed five times for 43 yards with a pair of touchdowns in a 33-6 Bears win at Highmark Stadium. Then, in a 38-0 win in 2025, Wheeler rushed 19 times for 80 yards and a pair of TDs, giving him 24 carries for 123 yards and four TDs against the Bills in two preseason games. Wheeler suffered a torn ACL before roster cuts were made in 2024 and was released by the Bears. He spent time on the New Orleans Saints ’ practice squad before claiming United Bowl MVP honors after rushing for 81 yards and the go-ahead TD as the Louisville Kings won the UFL championship. During the 2026 UFL season, Wheeler amassed 541 rushing yards on 83 carries in 11 games, scoring eight touchdowns. In the playoffs, Wheeler averaged 10 yards per carry, finishing with 170 yards and two TDs on 17 carries. While at Howard, Wheeler totaled 1,154 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns, caught 23 passes for 234 yards, and averaged 25.4 yards per kickoff return on 42 runbacks with three TDs. He will look to make another impression on the Bills’ brass with a strong showing at training camp. Bills sign UFL standout running back Ian Wheeler – Buffalo News (subscription required) 5 things Bills fans need to know about Ian Wheeler, the explosive UFL MVP joining Buffalo’s loaded backfield – newyorkupstate.com Bills sign UFL MVP who put medical school on hold for NFL dream – Democrat & Chronicle Bills sign running back Ian Wheeler – WGR 550 Bills sign RB Ian Wheeler – BuffaloBills.com Bills Create Preseason RB Competition, Bring Spring League Star Back Into NFL – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills Bills sign UFL RB Ian Wheeler – NBC Sports Hear from quarterback Josh Allen on what impressed him the most about Buffalo ’s offseason workout program. Plus, how rookie offensive lineman Jude Bowry came to be called “The Bear;” checking in on Buffalo’s roster after the conclusion of mandatory minicamp; identifying the best and worst Bills uniforms in franchise history; and more! Josh Allen feels Bills had good spring – WGR 550 Recapping 2026 OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp – BuffaloBills.com ‘He is such a protector’: Bills rookie Jude Bowry earns his nickname, ‘The Bear’ – Buffalo News (subscription required) Buffalo Bills full updated roster following minicamp moves – Democrat & Chronicle Every NFL team’s best and worst uniform in franchise history – The Athletic (subscription required) AFC East preview: Jets take over from Sabres as most playoff-starved major pro franchise – Buffalo News (subscription required) Bills fans are snapping up Highmark Stadium seats at Wegmans – WGRZ How close have Bills and Rams been the past nine seasons? – Buffalo Rumblings The metric with strong predictive power to pick the Super Bowl winner – Buffalo Rumblings Cole Bishop is the right man at the right time for Jim Leonhard’s defen [... truncated ...]
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis flashed upside as a rookie in 2024, finishing the year with 631 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 130 touches. However, Davis' production fell across the board in his second season in 2025, as he logged just 361 scrimmage yards and two scores on 68 touches. Buffalo chose to feature star running back James Cook III more heavily in 2025, and Davis also fell behind Ty Johnson on the Bills' running back depth chart. With former Bills play-caller Joe Brady being promoted to head coach, Cook III's usage seems unlikely to change in 2026. Because Johnson profiles as more of a receiving threat, Davis may be more likely than Johnson to take over the RB1 role if Cook III were to suffer an injury. Still, Davis and Johnson would likely split snaps to some degree in that scenario. Cook III has also been exceptionally durable in his career, missing just two games across his first four NFL seasons. Davis is worth stashing in deeper dynasty formats, but his handcuff upside may not be high enough to make him roster-worthy in shallower leagues
Drops: Ty Johnson
The Buffalo Bills are in the midst of conducting their Organized Team Activities as the team prepares for a pivotal 2026 season. But for the third straight year, Buffalo ’s players, including superstar quarterback Josh Allen, surprised Western New York children and showed up at their schools during Community Takeover Day. “You see how important the Buffalo Bills are to these kids,” head coach Joe Brady told WKBW . “If I can be a part of it, it makes my life a lot better, too.” Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by recapping some of the most memorable interactions Allen, Brady and the Bills had during the 3rd Annual Community Takeover Day. Getting off the football field and into the community that supports Western New York’s NFL team is very important for Brady, Allen and the other members of the Bills who spent Wednesday afternoon visiting eight schools across the region. “Anytime you can be around the kids, have a little fun and be in the community, it’s always a good thing,” Brady said. “It’s pretty cool just seeing the smiles on their faces.” Brady participated in his first community takeover day, visiting with children at Hillery Park Elementary School, while Josh Allen exchanged high-fives and took photos with students at Big Tree Elementary School, joined by running back Ty Johnson , tight end Jackson Hawes , wide receiver Skyler Bell, and others. “All it takes is one of these opportunities that could potentially change one of these kids’ lives,” Brady said. “I remember just being a kid, and I would’ve died to have my favorite football players come to my school.” ‘It’s always a good thing’ | Bills take part in third annual full team community takeover – BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills visit local schools for third annual Community Takeover Day – WIVB ‘This is what community is all about’: Buffalo Bills bring Community Takeover Day to WNY schools – WKBW Alan Pergament: Josh Allen gives schoolchildren and ‘Today’ viewers a ‘Boost’ – Buffalo News (subscription required) Explaining why tight end Dalton Kincaid could be the key to unlocking the Bills offense this year. Plus, new pass rusher Mike Danna reflects on the Bills/Kansas City Chiefs rivalry and why he’s excited to be in Buffalo; examining which players are most likely to receive a contract extension; wide receiver Khalil Shakir praises the competitive mentality of new wideout DJ Moore ; and more! Dalton Kincaid may be the X factor in Bills’ mission to improve on offense in 2026 – Buffalo News (subscription required) From bitter rival to the Bills, this pass rusher embraces his new role – Democrat & Chronicle Two Bills Star Players Most Likely to Receive Contract Extensions Including TE Dalton Kincaid – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills Khalil Shakir Explains How D.J. Moore’s Mentality Makes Him Perfect Bills’ Fit – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills Legislators approve policy on access to Erie County’s luxury box in the new Bills stadium – Buffalo News (subscription required) How financially healthy are the Bills in 2026 and beyond? – Buffalo Rumblings ESPN panel provides hypothetical Keon Coleman trade offers – Buffalo Rumblings Can this newcomer with Bills bloodlines become a serviceable backup OL? – Buffalo Rumblings Can you guess this Bills DE/OLB in today’s in-5 trivia game – Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills led the NFL in rushing yards last season. That was due in large part to the success of top running back James Cook , who led the NFL in rushing yards himself. It doesn’t hurt that quarterback Josh Allen is among the best running quarterbacks in the league, either. With Buffalo returning their top three running backs from last season, it would appear on the surface that there isn’t much room for new names to crack the rotation heading into the 2026 NFL season. No one would blame the Bills for breaking camp with the same three running backs that they rostered last season. However, there is a fourth name that should sound familiar for multiple reasons. In today’s edition of “91 players in 91 days,” we discuss the son of a future Hall of Fame running back, a player who is looking to make the team on his own for the first time in his third professional season. _____________________________________________________________________________ Name: Frank Gore Jr. Number: 20 Position: RB Height/Weight: 5’8” 201 lbs. Age: 24 (25 on 3/13/2027) Experience/Draft: 1; signed with Bills following the 2024 NFL Draft College: Southern Mississippi Acquired: UDFA signing Financial situation (per Spotrac): Gore signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bills following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season. That two-year contract is worth $1.935 million in total. For the 2026 season, Gore Jr. carries a cap hit of $885,000 if he makes the active roster. There is no guaranteed money on the deal, so Buffalo will carry no dead cap charge if he is released. 2025 Recap: Gore Jr. once again carried the load during the preseason, leading the Bills in rushing attempts (23), rushing yards (104), rushing touchdowns (1), and fumbles (1) during the exhibition slate. Gore Jr. was once again released as part of final cuts, and he stuck with the Bills on their practice squad. He did not appear in a game during the regular season, but thanks to an injury to Ty Johnson , Gore Jr. made his professional debut during Buffalo’s 27-24 Wild Card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars . In that game, he played four snaps on offense, catching his only target for a six-yard gain. He had zero carries in the win. During the following week, Buffalo’s 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round, Gore Jr. was active once again. This time, he did not appear on offense, but he played 10 special teams snaps, notching his first career tackle. Positional outlook: Gore Jr. is one of five running backs on the current roster. James Cook, Ray Davis , Ty Johnson, and Desmond Reid are the others. Jackson Acker and Ben VanSumeren are the fullbacks on the 91-man roster. 2026 Offseason: Gore Jr. is healthy and he has attended OTAs to date. 2026 Season outlook: Buffalo could save a touch over $2 million by releasing Johnson, as his dead cap number ($820,000) is much lower than his $3.275 million cap hit for the year. If we assume that they’d swap Gore Jr. in for him, that means that Buffalo would pay around half of Johnson’s cap hit to release him and keep Gore Jr. instead. In order for that to happen, the team would have to be sure that Gore Jr. provides the same juice in the passing game and as a backup that Johnson does. A savings of $1.6 million would be nice, but is it worth moving on from a productive player to obtain it? Right at this moment, my answer to that question is “no.” However, I reserve the right to change my mind over the summer. Buffalo is clearly going to roll with Cook as their RB1, and I’d be stunned if Davis isn’t on the roster after the success he had as a kickoff returner last season, which only added to his all-around value. Of all the seasons where Gore Jr. has been with the Bills, I think this is the one where he has the clearest path to the 53-man roster. He showed that he can step up in clutch situations last year by making his NFL debut in the playoffs. What’s wild is that, technically, he still doesn’t have off [... truncated ...]
Adds: Ty Johnson
Johnson is a subpackage specialist for the Bills -- a firecracker off the bench who runs designated routes in passing situations to the point that he's almost like a RB-WR hybrid to the Bills rather than a true RB2 behind starter James Cook. It's worth making the distinction because while fantasy investors often look to the RB2 on any given depth chart as the handcuff pick for the starting running back in question, Johnson probably isn't the handcuff pick even though he's the RB2. There's a role for Johnson but not RB3 Ray Davis when Cook is healthy, but if Cook isn't available then most of Cook's tasks are better suited to Davis. Johnson will remain a constant presence in the Bills offense, but if more opportunity arises it still might present a scaling opportunity for Johnson's otherwise strong per-snap numbers
Adds: Ty Johnson. Drops: Cole Kmet
Drops: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
Drops: Ty Johnson
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.
