The Undisputed Top 25 Fantasy Running Backs
You all might already know, but Stephen Cheah & I are taking over the Fantasy Football Factory podcast presented by Miller Lite for this football season. We are filling the big shoes of Rone, Nick Turani & Hank Lockwood. Thanks to Hank for showing faith and giving us the opportunity! In the first episode, we gave our top 25 Running Back rankings.
Let’s dive into some of my logic. For this list, we are assuming a 0.5 point PPR league.
1. Christian McCaffrey
No surprise here as his receiving ability sets him apart. He could eclipse 1,000 yards rushing & receiving plus catches tons of balls in a Joe Brady led offense that should score points. Big bounce back year off injury plagued season is coming.
2. Dalvin Cook
The only question about Cook is durability. He could average over 100 yards rushing a game again & is dynamic. The Vikings also should score points and he has some value in the screen game.
3. Derrick Henry
Tractorcito had over 2,000 yards last season and has been incredibly consistent. He’s an indestructible force with strong durability. Only knock on him is he will not catch many passes.
4. Alvin Kamara
Kamara is coming off a whopping 21 TD season and is incredible catching the ball (83 catches in 2020).There are concerns about the Saints QB situation and he has not rushed for 1,000 yards. He should still have a fine season.
5. Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas had a year from hell in 2020. Can Dak Prescott and OL stay healthy? I am banking on yes and Zeke returning to form. He looks to be in much better shape too.
6. Aaron Jones
Jones excels at both running and catching the ball. He led the NFL in TDs 2 years ago. Green Bay will score a lot of points too. AJ Dillon might vulture some stats but that is the only mild concern.
7. Nick Chubb
Chubb will excel behind Cleveland’s strong offensive line and should score a bunch of Miller Times (TDs). The only concern is Kareem Hunt will get the bulk of the receiving but Chubb should have a monster year if he stays healthy in this balanced offense.
8. Saquon Barkley
The definition of boom or bust. Coming off a major injury and playing behind a shaky Giants offensive line gives me pause. There’s no denying the tremendous upside.
9. Najee Harris
I LOVE him. Harris was one of the most dynamic SEC running backs I have ever seen. He’s a 3 down athletic work horse that should score Miller Times and excels catching the football. The Steelers offensive line is my only issue but he should still succeed.
10. Jonathan Taylor
Taylor came on strong down the stretch last year and looks to build on that behind a solid offensive line. Carson Wentz & G Quentin Nelson’s injuries do give me a little pause as does Nyheim Hines receiving ability,
11. Austin Ekeler
Ekeler will be dynamic catching the ball in exciting offense led by young QB Justin Herbert.
12. David Montgomery
The #4 Famtasy RB last year looks to build off his heater down the stretch. The Bears will try to run the ball to protect their QB. How much Tarik Cohen’s return cut into his receiving value?
13. Antonio Gibson
Gibson looks athletic and has some receiving ability from his time at Menphis. I still have questions about WFT’s offense after their struggles for years.
14. Joe Mixon
The Bengals OL still concerns me greatly (ESP the interior) but he should be a 3 down back which adds to his value. The Bengals should be playing from behind a lot in tough AFC North.
15. Clyde Edwards Helaire
Love the situation in KC but I am concerned about his durability and lack of red zone success.
16. JK Dobbins
The Ravens have a fantastic rushing attack and Dobbins has a lot of upside. The only problems are Gus Edwards gets carries and he will not catch a lot of balls.
17. Darrell Henderson
With Cam Akers injury, Henderson has a fantastic opportunity to shine in Sean McVay’s offense. The addition of Matthew Stafford will help the Rams score a lot more in 2021.
18. Chris Carson
Can Carson stay healthy for a full season? If he does he will blow by Over 975.5 yard total on Barstool Sportsbook.
19. Josh Jacobs
How much will the addition of Kenyan Drake hurt his output? People are sleeping on Jacobs some after a solid campaign,
20. Miles Sanders
Can Sanders and Eagles OL stay healthy? Will the Eagles be able to score behind Jalen Hurts? Lots of questions.
21. Mike Davis
He’s the unquestioned starter in Atlanta and could be 3 down back on a team known for higher scoring games.
22. Raheem Mostert
I will catch some flack for this one but love his upside in Kyle Shanahan’s rushing offense behind a solid offensive line with his game breaking speed. Tevin Coleman leaving will not hurt either. Trey Sermon could emerge in 2nd half of season.
23, D’Andre Swift
A lot of people like Swift this year as Detroit looks to have a solid OL. I think Jared Goff stinks and they will struggle. Not as high on Swift as most.
Advertisement
24. Travis Etienne
Urban Mayer drafted him in 1st round to make plays. He will split time with James Robinson but could be dynamic in passing game.
25. Chase Edmonds
I like him a lot in Arizona spread attacks catching the ball. Edmonds was the big reason the Cards let Kenyan Drake walk. His skill set fits much better than James Conner in Arizona offense but Conner will get goal line carries.
We also gave out some RB season props on the Barstool Sportsbook. Here are the ones I really like:
Chris Carson Over 975.5 -124
David Montgomery Over 975.5 -120
Ezekiel Elliot Over 1100.5 -110
Leonard Fournette Over 675.5 -112
Please Follow @FFFpod on Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok. We can't wait to bring you more fantasy content and help you win your league!