The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era at running back in 2024, as the team allowed Josh Jacobs to leave in free agency, leaving Zamir White as the projected starter for the upcoming season.
The team also added former Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison in free agency to provide a solid one-on-two punch and an insurance policy for the unproven White.
Mattison is coming off a disappointing season in which he had the opportunity to play a starting role in Minnesota but failed to deliver. Despite his failure in that role, Mattison has proven himself to be a very good backup over the course of his career.
While White doesn’t have much experience as a starter, he proved himself in the final four games of last season when Jacobs was sidelined due to injury. White had two games over the 100-yard mark and accumulated 397 total yards and a touchdown during that span while adding nine receptions for 60 yards.
So how will things look in the Raiders backfield in 2024? Let’s analyze the depth chart.
Raiders RB Depth Chart
| Position | Player |
| RB1 | Zamir White |
| RB2 | Alexander Mattison |
| RB3 | Ameer Abdallah |
| RB4 | Dylan Laube |
The Raiders had White at the top depth chart throughout the offseason and there’s no indication he won’t get his first chance to become the starting running back.
He’ll have the more experienced Mattison by his side, though, and it’s not crazy to think the veteran could take the job if White falters. Keep in mind that the current Raiders regime isn’t the one that drafted White.
Mattison should be involved regardless, and there’s a chance he’ll take on the majority of the passing work as well. Still, White shouldn’t have a problem getting at least 15 touches per game as long as he plays well, and he seems to be the preferred option on the goal line thanks to his size and running style.
Fantasy football owners investing in White should look to grab Mattison later in the draft to ensure they aren’t victimized if White loses his job at some point.
As for the final two spots, there’s not much cause for concern for Abdullah or Laube unless White and Mattison get hurt. It’s worth noting, however, that Laube could supplant Abdullah as the RB3 at some point this season and has shown promise as a pass catcher.
