Many of us eagerly anticipate our fantasy football drafts each year, whether live or online. Trash-talking, crowning a new champion, and laughing at the last-place teams are all part of the fun. Before drafting, having a plan and being familiar with your league mates and settings are essential. One enjoyable way to prepare is by looking at rankings lists and comparing them to your own. Despite recent changes in the fantasy football running back position, it remains crucial to consider this position in your draft. Let’s take a look at the top ten list for running backs in 2023.
1. Christian McCaffery
I know Shenanigans is a real thing when it comes to running backs. But you must throw that out the window when you have a stud like Christian McCaffery. When McCaffery was traded last season to the 49ers, it seemed like a match made in heaven and turned out to be; in the eleven games McCaffery played for the 49ers. He had six games where he had over 100 yards with ten touchdowns. Injuries are the only concern for McCaffery, and he is smack dab in the middle of his prime. He must be the first running back off the boards in your fantasy drafts.
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2. Nick Chubb
I don’t get the love lost for Nick Chubb! He is as consistent as they come in the running back position. Even with Kareem Hunt taking touches away from him over the years. Well, we don’t have to worry about that this year, Hunt is a free agent, and Chubb will run free on opposing defenses. With arguably one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. The Cleveland Browns will provide plenty of running lanes for Chubb to torpedo through! Chubb is still being drafted in the second round in many drafts, a gift from the Fantasy Gods!
3. Austin Ekeler
When it comes to carrying your fantasy, roster look no further than Austin Ekeler! In the last two seasons, Ekeler has averaged nineteen touchdowns, WOW! The one knock on Ekeler is that he never rushed for 1,000 yards in his career, but we aren’t playing who has the most yards. Fantasy football is about getting points, and Ekeler consistently gets points.
4. Saquon Barkley
When it comes to dynamic running backs in the NFL, Saquon Barkley is certainly on the shortlist. He is an exceptional player, mainly when he is healthy. Although the running back market is challenging these days, Barkley has undoubtedly earned the opportunity to be one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. Barkley is a rare workhorse running back who gets better as the game progresses. Last year, only three running backs averaged twenty touches a game, and Saquon was one of them. So, if you’re looking for a true running back in the new NFL, where passing is king, consider drafting Saquon.
5. Tony Pollard
Tony Pollard is the only player who might make some fantasy football managers nervous to draft. Unlike Saquon and the other three running backs mentioned earlier, who had twenty-plus touches per game, Pollard averaged only 13.6 touches per game in 2022. However, Pollard is the perfect example of quality over quantity. This offseason, the Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott, and questions started to arise whether Pollard is ready to be the lead back for the Cowboys. One thing is for sure, his chemistry with Dak Prescott is “special!” Although Pollard suffered an injury late last season, the Cowboys believe Pollard can continue his dominance while on the field.
6. Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry is a dominant workhorse running back entering his eighth season at age 29 with the Titans. He’s hard to keep off the field, but he has averaged 312 touches per season. There are concerns about the offensive line, which is in a full rebuild. However, the Titans acquired DeAndre Hopkins as a free agent this offseason. This is important because Henry experienced the third-most stacked boxes in 2022 for running backs with 160 attempts. With the addition of Hopkins and other solid weapons, the boxes will likely be lighten up, helping the offensive line, Henry, and ultimately your fantasy team if you draft Henry.
7. Rhamondre Stevenson
Having a running back who can catch passes is crucial in the NFL. Rhamondre Stevenson made a significant impact last season with 69 receptions out of 88 targets. In his rookie year, he only caught fourteen passes. Eighty receptions is undoubtedly achievable for Stevenson and would have put him only behind Ekeler and McCaffery in 2022. One of the standout aspects of the Patriots’ team this year is their revamped offense, led by the addition of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. O’Brien is known for his focus on running plays and utilizing running backs in the passing game, making him a strong asset to the team. For those who selected a top-tier pass catcher in the first round, drafting Stevenson in the second round is smart. He’s a talented pick who’s sure to contribute to the Patriots’ success. Ezekiel Elliott did sign with the Patriots. However, this is more of a depth piece for the Patriots.
8. Bijan Robinson
Although Bijan Robinson has yet to play in the NFL, but his impressive college tape suggests he will excel at the professional level. With an elite NextGen Stat score of 96, Robinson is expected to receive 15-20 touches immediately, as Head Coach Arthur Smith plans to use him all over the field. Tyler Allgeier, who had 1,000 yards as a rookie and is considered a top handcuff in fantasy football, should not be overlooked. Furthermore, the Falcons’ strong offensive line will only enhance Robinson’s performance in the upcoming season.
9. Breece Hall
Breece Hall was a standout player before his injury in Week 7 of the 2022 season, averaging an impressive 17.1 points per game in Yahoo full-point PPR leagues on just 14.1 touches per game with Joe Flacco and Zach Wilson leading the New York Jets’ offense. Despite the historically lengthy recovery time for running backs with ACL injuries, Hall is a particular player who may be able to make an impact just eleven months after his injury. While drafting Hall as a second running back can be challenging, it could ultimately pay off for your team. Also, I’d like to point out that it will be a process for the season’s first month while Hall works his way back. The recent free agent signing of Dalvin Cook is a concern however, Hall provides a fantastic upside for a Jets team that will want to run the football.
10. Jonathan Taylor
The only reason that Jonathan Taylor is not in the top 5 is the current situation behind the scenes with him wanting to be traded. Taylor has no leverage at all in this circumstance and other than Taylor also nursing an injury from last season there should be no question he will be on the field in week 1. Taylor will be the unquestioned number-one option on his team. With drafters nervous to take him because of the trade requests, you must be smart and not overlook him. If you get Taylor in the second or even third round, you need to thank the rest of your league for the collective gift they all give you.
Main Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
