Fantasy football (NFL) drafts are heating up, and it's time to move forward with my PPR rankings for running backs. What's important in a PPR (point per reception) league is to properly value running backs who can cach the ball and will get enough targets during the season to score you additional points.
Here are my top 10 running backs and reasons why I have each ranked where they are below.
#1. Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Why? Bell is still the best running back in the NFL and a PPR monster. With 85 receptions in 2017, Bell led all running backs, and he came within 40 yards of winning the rushing title.
#2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Why? Many experts are calling for Ezekiel Elliott to be the top pick in fantasy football drafts this year after news spread that Elliott should receive an increase in targets. Others expect the loss of Dez Bryant to result in defenses solely focusing on stopping Elliott. I am very high on the Cowboys' running back and would not blame you a bit if you took him #1 overall.
#3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Why? The reigning NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year is headed towards another big season. Teammate Mark Ingram is serving a 4-game suspension, giving Kamara even more opportunities to score points for your fantasy team. Kamara led all running backs last year in receiving yards with 826 on 81 receptions.
#4. Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Why? The Rams are loaded with talent, including star running back Todd Gurley who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 13. While he offers less value in the passing game, Gurley is surrounded by a great group of receivers, meaning he may have more room to run on the ground.
#5. Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
Why? I'm taking a leap of faith on Devonta Freeman. I believe he can stay healthy and contribute at a greater level than he did last year, and he's had a great training camp so far. Freeman took a short step back last year with only 36 receptions and 865 rushing yards, but was still able to score 8 touchdowns. His receiving ability should help him have a much better 2018 campaign.
#6. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Why? When else would you see the rushing champion listed as the 6th best running back going into the next season? It's safe to say this is a deep running back class at the top. Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards and caught 53 passes for an additional 455 yards. The Kansas City offense is a little uncertain with young quarterback Patrick Mahomes in charge, so he likely has a lower ceiling than others I've ranked above him.
#7. Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars
Why? The Jacksonville Jaguars were just a quarter of football away from earning their first appearance in the Super Bowl. Leonard Fournette was a big reason why, and he's looking to improve on his 1,000-yard performance in 2017. The downsides of having Fournette on your team is that he's not a great receiver and the Jaguars have lost their top two wide receivers, meaning he will garner the most attention from defenses among the Jaguars' limited offensive weapons.
#8. David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Why? I am very skeptical of the very talented David Johnson in 2018. After missing the season with a wrist injury last year, and with the loss of offensive weapons in Arizona, I believe Johnson will have a difficult time catching the ball and keeping the Cardinals close in games. The team will be careful with his use, especially if the Cardinals are down big in games, and his statistics will suffer. He will go in the top 5 of most fantasy drafts, but he will be on my "do not draft list."
#9. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Why? I am always skeptical of rookie running backs, especially when they are playing behind a weak offensive line that has failed to protect quarterback Eli Manning. He was an absolute stud at Penn State, but when moving up to the pros, it's hard to know what to expect. I will likely stay away from Barkley unless he's still on the board in the second or third round.
#10. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Why? With former teammate Jonathan Stewart gone, McCaffrey is now the lead running back in Carolina and he's primed for a gigantic season. The versatile back is an excellent receiver and should improve on his impressive 80 catches he hauled in last season. McCaffrey is a great addition to your PPR fantasy team if you can grab him around the third round.
11-20: Melvin Gordon (SD), Mark Ingram (NO), Dalvin Cook (MIN), LeSean McCoy (BUF), Jordan Howard (CHI), Jay Ajayi (PHI), Kenyon Drake (MIA), Joe Mixon (CIN), Jerick McKinnon (SF), Derrick Henry (TEN)
Other rankings to use as draft resources:
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