Top 10 Running Backs for Fantasy Football
Hey there, fellow fantasy football enthusiasts! As someone who has been playing fantasy football for years, I know how frustrating it can be to draft a running back who ends up being a bust. That’s why I’ve done my research and put together a list of the top 10 running backs for fantasy football. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, this list will help you dominate your league.
Curiosities and Interesting Information
- Christian McCaffrey was the top scoring running back in fantasy football in 2019 and 2020.
- Derrick Henry was the top rushing running back in the NFL in 2019 and 2020.
- Alvin Kamara had the most receptions by a running back in 2020.
- Saquon Barkley missed most of the 2020 season due to injury, but is expected to make a comeback in 2021.
- The average lifespan of an NFL running back’s career is 2.57 years.
1. Christian McCaffrey
As I mentioned earlier, McCaffrey was the top scoring running back in fantasy football in both 2019 and 2020. In 2019, he had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns. Although he was limited to just three games in 2020 due to injury, he’s expected to bounce back in a big way in 2021. If you have the first overall pick in your draft, McCaffrey should be your guy.
2. Derrick Henry
Henry led the NFL in rushing yards in both 2019 and 2020, and he’s a touchdown machine. In 2020, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. He’s a workhorse and the focal point of the Tennessee Titans’ offense. If you’re looking for a running back who will get a ton of touches and rack up yards and touchdowns, Henry is your man.
3. Alvin Kamara
Kamara had a fantastic 2020 season, with over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. He’s a versatile back who can run, catch, and even throw the ball. He’s a key part of the New Orleans Saints’ offense and should continue to put up big numbers in 2021.
4. Dalvin Cook
Cook had a breakout season in 2020, with over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. He’s a dynamic runner who can make defenders miss and break off big plays. He’s also a threat in the passing game. The only concern with Cook is his injury history, as he’s missed time in each of his first three NFL seasons. If he can stay healthy, he’s a top-tier fantasy running back.
5. Saquon Barkley
Barkley missed most of the 2020 season due to injury, but he’s one of the most talented running backs in the NFL when he’s healthy. In 2019, he had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns. He’s a big-play threat who can score from anywhere on the field. If he’s fully recovered from his injury, he’s a top-five fantasy running back.
6. Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott had a down year in 2020, with just over 1,300 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns. However, he’s still one of the most talented running backs in the NFL and is the focal point of the Dallas Cowboys’ offense. He has a track record of success and should bounce back in 2021.
7. Nick Chubb
Chubb is a powerful runner who can break tackles and pick up big chunks of yardage. In 2020, he had over 1,200 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He’s also a solid receiver out of the backfield. The only knock on Chubb is that he shares the backfield with Kareem Hunt, which limits his upside slightly.
8. Aaron Jones
Jones had a fantastic 2020 season, with over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. He’s a versatile back who can run, catch, and even line up at receiver. He’s also a key part of the Green Bay Packers’ offense. The only concern with Jones is the presence of A.J. Dillon, who could steal some carries.
9. Jonathan Taylor
Taylor had a slow start to his rookie season in 2020, but he came on strong in the second half. He finished the season with over 1,100 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He’s a powerful runner who can break tackles and pick up tough yards. He’s also a solid receiver out of the backfield. The only concern with Taylor is the presence of Marlon Mack, who could take some carries.
10. Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire had an up-and-down rookie season in 2020, but he showed flashes of brilliance. He finished the season with over 1,100 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. He’s a dynamic runner who can make defenders miss and break off big plays. He’s also a solid receiver out of the backfield. The only concern with Edwards-Helaire is the presence of Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon, who could steal some touches.
FAQs
1. Who is the top fantasy football running back?
Christian McCaffrey is widely considered the top fantasy football running back due to his ability to rack up yards and touchdowns both on the ground and through the air.
2. Who is the most versatile running back in fantasy football?
Alvin Kamara is widely considered the most versatile running back in fantasy football due to his ability to run, catch, and even throw the ball.
3. Who is the best fantasy football running back for PPR leagues?
Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara are both excellent options for PPR leagues due to their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
4. Who is the best fantasy football running back for standard leagues?
Derrick Henry is an excellent option for standard leagues due to his ability to rack up rushing yards and touchdowns.
5. Who is the best fantasy football running back for dynasty leagues?
Jonathan Taylor is widely considered the best fantasy football running back for dynasty leagues due to his youth and upside.
6. Who is the most underrated fantasy football running back?
Nick Chubb is often overlooked in fantasy football drafts due to the presence of Kareem Hunt, but he’s a talented runner who can put up big numbers.
7. Who is the riskiest fantasy football running back?
Saquon Barkley is a risky pick due to his injury history, but he has the potential to be one of the top running backs in fantasy football if he can stay healthy.