Quality running backs will litter the opening rounds of fantasy football drafts. With the quarterback position featuring so much depth, running backs will be at a premium.
Here is a ranking of the top 20 running backs in fantasy football.
1. Adrian Peterson
The Minnesota Vikings running back should be considered the top overall player in this year’s fantasy football draft. He missed almost an entire year, but for a running back with an increasing age, the time off actually may have done him well. There’s no question he has the talent, and the Vikings have far more weapons than last year, forcing defenses to be honest in their coverage.
2. Le’Veon Bell
Don’t be scared off from his two-game suspension. The goal of any fantasy football owner is to have the best team at the end of the year, and Bell will be a top running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the end. He can run between the tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield.
3. Eddie Lacy
The loss of wide receiver Jordy Nelson may actually put more emphasis on Lacy in Green Bay’s offense. Lacy is another one of those running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield (he has 77 catches in two years) and can run on every down (he has more than 1,000 yards during each season in his career). There’s not as much tread on Lacy’s tires, making him an even more desirable option.
4. Jamaal Charles
The Kansas City Chiefs running back battled through injuries last season, so he should be motivated this season. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield and will be the main runner on first and second downs. There is a concern for injury, but if he’s healthy, he’s a top-five option.
5. Marshawn Lynch
A man of considerable consistency, Lynch has double-digit touchdowns in each of his last four seasons, and more than 1,000 yards during those seasons. The biggest issue with Lynch is the amount of carries he’s been exposed to during his career. He has 280 or more carries in each of the last four seasons.
6. C.J. Anderson
Usually running backs don’t get as many opportunities to shine with Peyton Manning as the quarterback. But the Denver offense would be wise to incorporate Anderson into the game plan, as Denver attempts to keep Manning as injury-free as it can during the season. Anderson should enjoy plenty of carries and more opportunities to score touchdowns.
7. Matt Forte
The Chicago Bears will likely throw less this season and concentrate more on getting Matt Forte the ball. Forte is another player who shines out of the backfield through the passing game, so he will add quality numbers in receptions and carries.
8. Jeremy Hill
The Cincinnati offense doesn’t do much, especially in the passing game, but Hill was a pleasant surprise for the Bengals during his rookie season. He should only get better and could actually end up as a top-five running back if he continues to grow as a player.
9. Justin Forsett
Forsett burst onto the scene last season with more than 1,200 yards on only 235 attempts. He’s been in the league for awhile, but last season he showed the ability to run for big yardage and score touchdowns. He will get even more opportunities this season.
10. DeMarco Murray
The Philadelphia Eagles offense is a fantasy football juggernaut. And Murray ran away with the rushing title last season. However, head coach Chip Kelly doesn’t care about giving his starting running backs touches in the red zone. Murray also will have to share time with Ryan Mathews, making Murray a player who could get the yards, but may not get the touchdowns.
11. LeSean McCoy
With a new team, McCoy won’t have to worry about giving away carries inside the red zone. However, how good can McCoy be without the benefit of playing in a wide open Philadelphia offense? He was a top choice last season, but he will face far more defenders in the box this go around.
12. Alfred Morris
The Washington Redskins may trail in plenty of games, but Morris has been a constant in his years with the Redskins. He’s good for 1,000 yards and should be able to put the ball into the red zone. His ADP also is around 32, so fantasy football owners can expect to draft him later in the third round.
13. Lamar Miller
The Miami Dolphins should feature a better team overall, especially the offense. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will grab most of the headlines, but Miller still turned in more than 1,000 yards last season.
14. Mark Ingram
New Orleans will look to a new identity with less weapons at Drew Brees’ disposal. The running game should feature more attention this season and Ingram could be the beneficiary.
15. Joseph Randle
The Dallas Cowboys running back may have to share the carries in the beginning, but he has the most upside to be the featured back at the end of the season. The goal is to have the best fantasy football team at the end of the season. His ADP currently is 52nd overall, meaning he should be available in the fifth round.
16. Melvin Gordon
The upside is big for the San Diego rookie. There are still some issues (he will have to battle for playing time with Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead), but he should get the bulk of his carries.
17. Frank Gore
A new scenery for Gore may be just what he needs to continue his ability to reach more than 1,000 yards rushing each season. The only worrisome factor is that Gore is entering his 11th season, and when running backs go downhill, it happens quickly. However, Gore will get plenty of opportunities, since the Colts will lead big in the majority of their games.
18. Latavius Murray
The Raiders are young and Murray fits that mold. But he came on late last year for Oakland and will get the bulk of the carries. The biggest issue is that the youth of the Raiders will likely make him and the offense inconsistent.
19. Carlos Hyde
San Francisco will likely struggle, but Hyde should be a quality option. The biggest issue is the 49ers will likely trail in plenty of games, making Hyde non-existent in some situations. But when the 49ers are in games, he should get plenty of action.
20. Andre Ellington
If he’s healthy, he can produce quality numbers. The problem for Ellington is his inability to stay healthy. You may have to handcuff him, but while he’s available, he will get plenty of carries.
