In fantasy football, the running back position must be the most exciting position to fill on your roster. Modern day running backs are supposed to produce in both the running and passing game. That’s why the past few seasons there has been a resurgence in the importance of the position early in drafts. Only a handful, or slightly more, can be expected to top 250 rush attemptsor 50 receptions. So, getting at least one or two top running backs early can go a long way to winning your fantasy football league depending on the format.
Speak of format, the players below are ranked for non-PPR leagues. To the right of each name is that player’s ranking in a PPR league (points-per-reception). For most players, there is little difference in ranking by format. For some like James White or Tarik Cohen, the ranking can change significantly.
As most fantasy football leagues are twelve-team leagues, we’ll focus on the top twelve running backs, then rank the next best twelve and so on, until we reach running backs who’ll likely need an injury to become relevant outside of the bye weeks. An asterisk denotes an injury or off-the-field issue.
1. Saquon Barkley (2) Giants
2. Alvin Kamara (1) Saints
3. Christian McCaffrey Panthers
4. Ezekiel Elliott* Cowboys
5. Nick Chubb (7) Browns
6. John Conner Steelers
7. David Johnson (5) Cardinals
8. Joe Mixon Bengals
9. Le'Veon Bell (9) Jets
10. Leonard Fournette (11) Jaguars
11. Dalvin Cook (12) Vikings
12. Devonta Freeman (14)Falcons
No real surprises here. The top workhorse running backs are all here.
Alvin Kamaragets a boost in value with Mark Ingram gone. If you’re surprised Devonta Freeman is in the top twelve, don’t be. Reports have been positive since he returned to the team after a season ending injury last season. Little competition for Freeman supports a bounce back season.
13. Kerryon Johnson (10) Lions
14. Todd Gurley II* (13) Rams
15. Marlon Mack Colts
16. Mark Ingram (21) Ravens
17. Chris Carson (16) Seahawks
18. Aaron Jones Packers
19. Josh Jacobs (R)(17) Raiders
20. Tevin Coleman (19) 49ers
21. David Montgomery (R)Bears
22. Melvin Gordon* (23) Chargers
23. Damian Williams* (20) Chiefs
24. Philip Lindsay (25) Broncos
This is a great group of fantasy football RB2s for twelve team leagues. All have potential for RB1-type numbers most weeks. Mark Ingram, Tevin Coleman, andDavid Montgomery are favorites to contend for a top twelve finish at season’s end. Josh Jacobs and David Montgomery are this season’s top rookies.
25. Derrick Henry* (27) Titans
26. Sony Michel (26) Patriots
27. Kenyan Drake (24) Dolphins
28. Lamar Miller Texans
29. Tarik Cohen (22) Bears
30. Latavius Murray(31) Saints
31. Austin Ekeler (29) Chargers
32. Rashaad Penny (30) Seahawks
33. James White (25) Patriots
34. Miles Sanders (32) Eagles
35. Darrell Henderson (R) Rams
36. Royce Freeman(37) Broncos
There are great talents with Derrick Henry and Sony Michel the most impressive. Each are held back in the rankings due to uncertainty about their role this season or because of the potential for a fifty-fifty time share.
37. Jordan Howard (38) Eagles
38. Derrius Guice* (36) Redskins
39. Peyton Barber (35) Buccaneers
40. Kalen Ballage (42) Dolphins
41. Ronald Jones (40) Buccaneers
42. Carlos Hyde (41) Chiefs
43. Justin Jackson (43) Chargers
44.LeSean McCoy (44) Bills
45. Duke Johnson* (34) Texans
46. Dion Lewis (38) Titans
47. Matt Breida (46) 49ers
48. Deonte Thompson (45) Chiefs
Like the previous twelve, there is question as to each of these players’ roles. Players with upside include Carlos Hyde, Jordan Howard, Duke Johnson, andMatt Breida.
And, the best of the rest are:
49. Damien Harris Chiefs
50. Jaylen Samuels(47) Steelers
51. Alexander Mattison (R) Vikings
52. Devin Singletary(R)(48) Bills
53. Justice Hill (R) (50) Ravens
54. Kareem Hunt* (SUS8) Browns
55. C.J. Anderson (53) Lions
56. Alfred Morris (60) Cowboys
57. Adrian Peterson (56) Redskins
58. Gio Bernard (59) Bengals
59. Nyheim Hines (52) Colts
60. Jamaal Williams (55) Packers
Top Quarterbacks 2019