The running back position is at a weird crossroads in the NFL. On one hand, 2018 saw the fewest rushing attempts per team per game at 25.9. The bottom six seasons in that category have actually been the past six seasons. But, 2018 had the highest yards per carry ever at 4.4 and seven of the past nine seasons have seen the highest number in that category. An RB’s role in the passing game is bigger than ever, too, with 14 different backs getting 70+ targets last year compared to just six 10 years ago.
1. Saquon Barkley, NYG
1307 rushing yards, 721 receiving yards, 15 TDs, 340.3 points.
The Giants best weapon was unstoppable as a rookie breaking more tackles (94) than the second-place finisher by 32.
2. Alvin Kamara, NO
883 rushing yards, 709 receiving yards, 18 TDs, 313.7 points.
Since entering the NFL, Kamara has had the highest score from a RB in seven different weeks. The next-best RB over that span is Gurley with five weeks.
3. Christian McCaffrey, CAR
1098 rushing yards, 867 receiving yards, 13 TDs, 332.0 points.
Led RBs in receiving yards and was one of 11 players with 100+ receptions in 2018.
4. David Johnson, ARI
940 rushing yards, 446 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 221.6 points.
Despite what felt like a down season, DJ actually finished as a top-10 RB, but was a top-12 RB in just two weeks.
5. Le’Veon Bell, NYJ
Did not play in 2018
Despite sitting out the 2018 season, Bell leads all RBs in yards after the catch since 2014.
6. James Conner, PIT
973 rushing yards, 497 receiving yards, 13 TDs, 252.5 points.
Didn’t miss a beat stepping in for the holding-out Bell in 2018, averaging 105.2 total yards per game.
7. Todd Gurley II, LAR
1251 rushing yards, 580 receiving yards, 21 TDs, 342.6 points.
There are concerns over his knee and some load management, but could reportedly play see 75-80% of snaps.
8. Nick Chubb, CLE
996 rushing yards, 149 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 184.5 points.
Only became a starter in Week 7 and still nearly reached the 1,000-yard milestone, but offensive line is a concern.
9. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
1434 rushing yards, 567 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 290.6 points.
His holdout reportedly could last into October, but he’ll immediately be a workhorse top-five RB once he signs on.
10. Joe Mixon, CIN
1168 rushing yards, 296 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 221.9 points.
Had 40.6% of the Bengals’ total touches last year, the fifth highest in the league.
11. Dalvin Cook, MIN
615 rushing yards, 305 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 132 points.
Durability is a big concern, but could have a big season in the Vikes’ run-heavy offence.
12. Kerryon Johnson, DET
641 rushing yards, 213 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 123.4 points.
Was RB14 despite getting a limited workload before his season-ending injury in Week 11.
13. Devonta Freeman, ATL
68 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards, 11.6 points.
Played just 64 snaps last season due to injury, but has a solid track record with 29 TDs from 2015-17.
14. Josh Jacobs, OAK
2019 rookie
The top running back in the 2019 draft, Jacobs has the skillset to be a feature back out of the gate.
15. Chris Carson, SEA
1151 rushing yards, 163 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 191.4 points.
Only Elliott and Gurley averaged more rush attempts per game than Carson.
16. Aaron Jones, GB
728 rushing yards, 206 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 158.4 points.
The most efficient rusher in the league with a 5.5 YPC average, he’s poised to lead the Pack backfield.
17. Damien Williams, KC
256 rushing yards, 160 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 87.1 points.
In the six games that Damien Williams had 10+ touches, he averaged 24.4 points per game.
18. Leonard Fournette, JAC
439 rushing yards, 185 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 109.4 points.
There’s a lot of issues (11 missed games in two seasons, 3.3 YPC in 2018), but a lot of opportunity in a run-heavy offence and a much-better QB to alleviate stacked boxes.
19. Mark Ingram II, BAL
645 rushing yards, 170 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 132 points.
There will be no shortage of opportunity as the Ravens ran more than any team last season and figure to continue the trend.
20. Derrick Henry, TEN
1059 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards, 12 TDs, 193.8 points.
Averaged an astounding 31.4 points per game in the fantasy playoffs, with 585 of his of 1057 yards and seven of 12 TDs in the final four weeks.
21. Melvin Gordon III, LAC
885 rushing yards, 490 receiving yards, 14 TDs, 250.5 points.
Remains a huge question mark as a contract holdout, but could be a game-changer if/when he signs.
22. Marlon Mack, IND
908 rushing yards, 103 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 169.6 points.
Expectations have been dampened by Andrew Luck’s retirement, but should see plenty of volume in carries.
23. James White, NE
425 rushing yards, 751 receiving yards, 12 TDs, 233.1 points.
He’s a beast in PPR leagues, racking up 87 receptions (third-most) compared to 94 carries.
24. Kenyan Drake, MIA
535 rushing yards, 477 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 179.7 points.
Despite often being stuck behind Frank Gore last season, Drake finished as RB17 thanks to his work in the passing game.
25. Duke Johnson Jr., HOU
201 rushing yards, 429 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 108.5 points.
Lamar Miller’s torn ACL could thrust the ex-Brown into a massive role for the Texans if they don’t sign anybody.
26. Tevin Coleman, SF
800 rushing yards, 276 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 177.6 points.
Efficient ex-Falcon reconnects with former OC Kyle Shanahan and could be in for a big year after never passing 167 carries in his first four seasons.
27. Austin Ekeler, LAC
554 rushing yards, 404 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 149.3 points.
A top-25 RB while splitting time with Gordon last year, Ekeler should have a bigger role while the former holds out.
28. Phillip Lindsay, DEN
1037 rushing yards, 241 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 205.3 points.
Came out of nowhere last season to finish as RB12, but could cede more carries to fellow sophomore Royce Freeman.
29. Miles Sanders, PHI
2019 rookie
Figures to play in a timeshare with Jordan Howard, but the rookie’s receiving skills give him the edge in PPR leagues.
30. Sony Michel, NE
931 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 135.6 points.
Doesn’t offer much in the passing game (11 targets in 2018), but was top-15 in carries and top-seven in goal-line carries.
31. David Montgomery, CHI
2019 rookie
Third-round pick out of Iowa State figures to be the lead back in a committee approach form the Bears.
32. Derrius Guice, WAS
Did not play in 2018
A pre-season torn ACL ended his rookie campaign early, but has received rave reviews this year and could be poised for a breakout.
33. Tarik Cohen, CHI
444 rushing yards, 725 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 198.4 points.
Another PPR dynamo, Cohen will be big in the passing game, but may see even fewer carries.
34. Latavius Murray, NO
578 rushing yards, 141 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 120.9 points.
Only three RBs have scored at least six rushing TDs in each of the past four seasons: Gurley, Murray and Ingram, who the ex-Vike is replacing.
35. Tony Pollard, DAL
2019 rookie
If Elliott sits or gets hurt, this fourth-round pick will step into a massive role.
36. Jordan Howard, PHI
935 rushing yards, 145 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 170 points.
Should play the role of bruiser to compliment Sanders’ shifty style, goal-line carries should be the ex-Bear’s domain.
37. Peyton Barber, TB
871 rushing yards, 92 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 140.3 points.
Probably the least-effective RB to get a ton of carries last season, Barber was seventh with 234 carries but averaged just 3.7 YPC.
38. Darrell Henderson Jr., LAR
2019 rookie
Averaged an astounding 8.9 YPC on 214 carries in college last year and should see some decent touches while the Rams load manage Gurley.
39. Gus Edwards, BAL
718 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 87.8 points.
The Ravens will run the ball a ton and Edwards showed great chemistry with QB Lamar Jackson. Has a high ceiling as a handcuff.
40. Adrian Peterson, WAS
1042 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 179 points.
His own laughable goal is 2,000 yards, but veteran AP could be a decent bargain in your draft.
41. Rashaad Penny, SEA
419 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 65.9 points.
Is a Carson injury away from a big role, having been efficient during very limited carries in 2018.
42. Royce Freeman, DEN
521 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 94.3 points.
Had his spotlight stolen by Lindsay and a lack of receiving skill led to plenty of stacked boxes.
43. Matt Breida, SF
814 rushing yards, 261 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 149 points.
Despite a breakout sophomore season and a great 5.3 YPC average, he’s now stuck behind Coleman.
44. Nyheim Hines, IND
314 rushing yards, 425 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 129.4 points.
Struggled to run the ball, but saw a ton of usage in the passing game, finishing among the top-10 RBs in targets.
45. Jalen Richard, OAK
259 rushing yards, 607 receiving yards, 1 TD, 88.6 points.
His main role will be as a passing-down compliment to rookie Jacobs, but could have flex appeal.
46. Dion Lewis, TEN
517 rushing yards, 400 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 131.2 points.
Clearly behind Henry on the depth chart, he’s a solid receiving RB that could shine as a handcuff.
47. Jaylen Samuels, PIT
256 rushing yards, 199 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 76.5 points.
Lost his game-breaking TE eligibility from last year, but remains a high-end handcuff for Conner.
48. C.J. Anderson, DET
403 rushing yards, 41 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 64.9 points.
Stepped in for Gurley late in the season and became a fantasy playoff hero. In a backup role again, he could make hay if Johnson goes down.
49. LeSean McCoy, BUF
514 rushing yards, 238 receiving yards, 110.2 points.
Was one of the worst RBs in the league last season and touches figure to be limited in a RBBC.
50. Darwin Thompson, KC
2019 rookie
Has been confirmed as the Chiefs RB2 and a valuable handcuff if Williams falters.
HANDCUFFS TO WATCH
Alexander Mattison, MIN
2019 rookie
Ryquell Armstead, JAC
2019 rookie
Justin Jackson, LAC
206 rushing yards, 135 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 53.6 points.
Ito Smith, ATL
315 rushing yards, 152 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 84.2 points.
Devin Singletary, BUF
2019 rookie
Chase Edmonds, ARI
208 rushing yards, 103 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 53.1 points.
Giovani Bernard, CIN
211 rushing yards, 218 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 78.4 points.
Jamaal Williams, GB
464 rushing yards, 210 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 100.9 points.
Kalen Ballage, MIA
191 rushing yards, 56 receiving yards, 1 TD, 33.2 points.
Damarea Crockett, HOU
2019 rookie
Kareem Hunt, CLE
824 rushing yards, 378 receiving yards, 14 TDs, 217.2 points.