Running Back · New York Giants
Cam Skattebo — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis by Shawn Childs, from his 2026 guide — his words, unedited.
The case
- · Skattebo brings a high motor and intensity to the running back position, but his light bulb appears to be dimly lit based on his lack of regard for his health and some unfavorable off-the-field moments in his rookie season.
- · He was on a difference-maker run across five games from Week 3 to Week 5 (85/356/4 with 19 catches for 163 yards and one score), resulting in him averaging 20.18 PPR fantasy points per game over this span.
- · A dislocated right ankle ended his rookie season in Week 8.
- · The Giants gave him an elite opportunity over his best five games (20.8 per game).
- · His final season at Arizona State (293/1,711/21 with 45 catches for 605 yards and three touchdowns) paints a higher three-down ceiling.
- · New York’s new head coach wants to run the ball, and their offense should be much better if their top three players stay healthy.
Question marks
- · New York will rotate in Tyrone Tracy, which may add length to Skattebo’s value.
- · Will Skattebo’s willingness to take on physical contact lead to another injury?
- · How many touchdowns will Jaxson Dart snipe in the Giants’ run game?
- · Will his explosives be less in 2026 after suffering a severe ankle injury?
Shawn's conclusion
I had Skattebo circled as a value running back with breakout upside last year in my research, but he didn’t fall late enough for me to fight for him in drafts. There’s a lot to like about his direction. At the same time, his decision-making with the ball in his hands could derail his ceiling with one bad hit when a safer route would be to step out of bounds or take what a defense gives him.
More on Skattebo
Skattebo launched his college career at Sacramento State, starting 16 of 24 games and carrying 252 times for 1,892 yards and 13 touchdowns, with a blistering 7.5 yards per carry. He was equally reliable as a receiver out of the backfield, adding 43 catches for 495 yards and four scores.
After transferring to Arizona State, Skattebo blossomed into one of college football's most complete backs. In his first season with the Sun Devils, he totaled 1,069 combined yards, 10 touchdowns, and 24 receptions on 188 touches. He followed that up with a monster final season, 293 carries for 1,711 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns, paired with 45 catches for 605 yards and three more scores.
Between the lines, Skattebo plays like someone with a personal score to settle. He seeks out contact rather than avoiding it, finishes runs with a punishing physicality, and approaches every carry as an opportunity to impose his will. There's a relentless quality to his game, a 60-minute intensity that suggests he refuses to be the lesser back on the field. That same edge carries over to his pass protection, which he handles with the casual confidence of someone who genuinely enjoys the assignment.
His 40 time (estimated around 4.55) won't turn heads among elite NFL timers, but Skattebo compensates with strength and leverage. At 5'9" and 220 pounds, he's a compact, powerful build that doesn't fit the prototype but doesn't need to. His thick lower half generates quick, decisive footwork through traffic, allowing him to make the most of creases that taller, leaner backs might miss entirely.
In his rookie season, Skattebo proved to be a value at running back for the Giants and the fantasy market from Week 3 to Week 7 (519 combined yards with five touchdowns and 19 catches), resulting in him averaging 20.18 PPR fantasy points per game on 104 touches. He scored 10.00 fantasy points or higher in seven consecutive games, while being at his best in Week 3 (24.10) and Week 6 (31.00). Unfortunately, Skattebo saw his season end in Week 8 with a dislocated right ankle that required surgery.
In mid-June, Skattebo ranked 19th at running back in the National Fantasy Football Championship, while having a 4/5 turn ADP (49). New York has the same RB2 (Tyrone Tracy) and RB3 (Devin Singletary) on their opening depth chart in 2026. He projects as the favorite for the bulk of early down carries and goal-line chances. The Giants will give him chances to catch the ball, helping his fantasy floor. Trending toward 300 touches with 1,300+ yards with 10 scores and 30 catches.
Get Shawn's full 2026 Draft Kit — free
Every breakdown like this one, plus his tiers, the top-200 cheat sheet, and how his 2025 season actually graded out. One email, instant download.