Fantasy Football Rankings Running Backs
Tier 1- Guys who will carry your team
These are your first round picks, maybe even the first eight picks in the draft. These are running backs who are stars on their team and will put up consistent numbers.
Christian McCaffrey, CAR
Derrick Henry, TEN
Alvin Kamara, NO
Nick Chubb, CLE
Aaron Jones, GB
Jonathan Taylor, IND
Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
Tier 2- Talented running backs with some questions.
These guys could be stars, but there’s also some worries with them. Injuries, a crowded backfield and team concerns make this group more of a gamble.
Saquon Barkley, NYG
Joe Mixon, CIN
Clyde Edwards Hillaire, KC
Najee Harris, PIT
Austin Eckler, LAC
Antonio Gibson, WAS
David Montgomery, CHI
Chris Carson, SEA
Josh Jacobs, LV
Tier 3- Probable starters, but high risk
These guys are just like tier 2, but with higher concern. They could be in a timeshare, they could be unproven, or their team could have major worries. Special shout out to Mike Davis, a back who looks to have the number one running back spot with no challengers in Atlanta.
JK Dobbins, BAL
Miles Sanders, PHI
D’Andre Swift, DET
Chase Edmonds, ARI
Darrell Henderson, LAR
Raheem Mosert, SF
Mike Davis, ATL
James Robinson, JAX
Tier 4- Depth that could turn into starters
If you’re planning on having any of these guys as your starters for your season, you’re living on the edge. Important guys that are a play away from being every week starters, but aren’t right now.
Kareem Hunt, CLE
Javonte Williams, DEN
Gus Edwards, BAL
Trey Sermon, SF
Melvin Gordon, DEN
Damien Harris, NE
Zack Moss, BUF
Leonard Fournette, TB
Tier 5- Deeper depth, but could be important at some point
We’re getting deeper on the depth chart here. It’s tough to say who will start for teams like the Jets or the Texans, but they are expected to struggle. Then there’s the other guys in timeshares who could produce, especially if an injury happens.
Mark Ingram, HOU
Michael Carter, NYJ
Ronald Jones II, TB
James Conner, ARI
Devin Singletary, BUF
Malcolm Brown, MIA
Phillip Lindsay, HOU
Tier 6- Handcuffs
I’m going all in on handcuffs this year. I want star running backs early and I want their backup later on. It’s a beautiful safety blanket, so you can be nice and relaxed during the season. Also, a Texan and a Jet because who knows?
Tony Pollard, DAL
AJ Dillon, GB
Myles Gaskin, MIA
Rashaad Penny, SEA
Kenyan Drake, LV
Jamaal Williams, DET
David Johnson, HOU
Tevin Coleman, NYJ
Latavius Murray, NO
Alexander Mattison, MIN
Nyheim Hanes, IND
Darrel Williams, KC
Benny Snell Jr., PIT
Joshua Kelley, LAC
Tier 7- You can never have enough running backs.
Seriously though, you can never have enough running backs. What will New England do at the running back position? Will Jerick McKinnon be a pass catching back for the Chiefs? Will one of my favorite sleepers Jake Funk emerge as the starter for the Rams? Anything’s possible. Use your late round picks on lottery tickets. You never know when one will pay off.
Sony Michel, NE
La’mical Perrine, NYJ
Jerick McKinnon, KC
Jake Funk, LAR
Boston Scott, PHI
