Fantasy RB Ranks

We've already taken a look at quarterbacks when it comes to fantasy, now let's look at running backs. First off, running backs are again the fad of fantasy football. After trending away from running backs over the last few years, it is again the position to heavily hit early in drafts. In my overall rankings, RB's make up the top ten. Getting one in the first round is vital. Getting your second somewhat early is important too.

There are a number of "workhorses" this year after it seemed they were all going away. Plus, there are still some fairly attractive RBBC's too (such as the Patriots last year). With that in mind here are my top 50 running backs in fantasy football. This list is based off of PPR, in large part because they have become more popular now than normal leagues, and secondly because every league I'm in is a PPR league this year.

Fantasy RB Top 50

1. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

He rushed for over 2,000 yards last year and is a lock for double digit touchdowns. No brainer!

2. Arian Foster - Houston Texans

If you've played fantasy football for a few seasons, you should know his name is always near the top of drafts, and rightfully so. He is a touchdown machine that's become a workhorse for the run first Texans.

3. Jamaal Charles - Kansas City Chiefs

AD got all the pub for returning from an ACL injury, but Charles ran for over 1,500 yards doing the same thing last year. And with Andy Reid directing things now, he'll have an even bigger year, particularly catching passes. He also is the all-time leader in YPC in NFL history.

4. Doug Martin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Only reason he's behind Charles is that I'm afraid of the sophomore slump (but not enough to drop him any lower).

5. CJ Spiller - Buffalo Bills

He's a threat to score on any player and is dynamic running and catching the football. He's on the rise and a player I want in fantasy this year.

6. Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens

He remains a fixture alongside Joe Flacco despite many other losses around them. He's also still a great player in PPR leagues no matter if backup Pierce poaches a few carries.

7. LeSean McCoy - Philadelphia Eagles

There is a small injury risk here, but the upside is massive running for new coach Chip Kelly. His RB's at Oregon dominated and they run it, a lot!

8. Trent Richardson - Cleveland Browns

Despite struggling at times last year, he was a touchdown machine. This year, the offense around him will improve and he'll have more holes to run through. Plus, he's bound to be a little healthier.

9. Marshawn Lynch - Seattle Seahawks

They remain a run first team even under Russell Wilson. "Beast Mode" will again help lead them to the playoffs and Wilson will have the field spread even more for Lynch to use to his advantage.

10. Alfred Morris - Washington Redskins

A true surprise last year but we can expect him to be a workhorse again. Shanahan finally found who he was looking for and will ride him once more in his second season.

11. Matt Forte - Chicago Bears

New coach Marc Trestman will do wonders with this offense. The offensive line should be better and added playmakers should give Forte more room to run. He remains a great target through the air also.

12. Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans

A down year last season have cooled people on CJ2K. But he remains a great talent and someone who is bound to perform better than in 2012.

13. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars

He's in a contract year and is healthy once again. What's not to like?

14. Steven Jackson - Atlanta Falcons

He is getting older, but his new team gives him new life. Finally he'll score some TD's to go with his yardage.

15. Reggie Bush - Detroit Lions

Looking for a PPR gem? Look no further than this guy. He'll light it up through the air with Stafford throwing it to him often.

16. Stevan Ridley - New England Patriots

In a traditional league, he'd likely leapfrog a few guys ahead of him. The Patriots have become a run heavy team and he leads the way, particularly in the redzone.

17. Lamar Miller - Miami Dolphins

Hidden by Bush last year, Miller will get his chance to shine now. With an improving offense around him, his speed and power will leaned upon.

18. Le'Veon Bell - Pittsburgh Steelers

If there is a rookie to invest in early, it's Bell. He will become an instant every down back for a team that historically loves to run. He can do it all just like he showed at MSU.

19. Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers

Getting old in the tooth but showed last year how valuable he still can be.

20. Darren Sproles - New Orleans Saints

Classic PPR dynamo but should be ranked much lower in standard leagues. Threat to catch 90 passes though.

21. DeMarco Murray - Dallas Cowboys

Talent and skillset is there to make him a star, but the injury history lingers threatening each game.

22. David Wilson - New York Giants

Should become their lead back with Bradshaw gone. Andre Brown remains though as a TD vulture and was his small sample size last year enough to warrant a top pick?

23. Darren McFadden - Oakland Raiders

See DeMarco Murray. Has never played a full season.

24. Ryan Mathews - San Diego Chargers

Once again, injuries have prevented him from becoming a great RB.

25. Rashard Mendenhall - Arizona Cardinals

Coach Bruce Arians brought him in to fulfill the role of workhorse for Arizona. Seriously undervalued in fantasy circles right now.

26. Ahmad Bradshaw - Indianapolis Colts

Great mid-round selection as long as he beats out Ballard for the starting job in Indy. Follow that battle closely in the preseason.

27. Montee Ball - Denver Broncos

This rookie is getting a lot of early love on draft boards, but it's unknown if he'll even start. Ronnie Hillman is doing the first team thing currently, although Ball possesses the upside.

28. Giovani Bernard - Cincinnati Bengals

Love his ability catching the ball, which is why he ranks so high in these PPR rankings. Will split time with BJGE though.

29. Chris Ivory - New York Jets

Now on the Jets, he's out of the logjam that took place in New Orleans. But he's on an atrocious offense team now...

30. Eddie Lacy - Green Bay Packers

Drafted to become a viable running back, which Green Bay has lacked recently. Can he cause them to actually run the ball though instead of throwing it constantly?

31. BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Cincinnati Bengals

Should start initially, but Bernard will likely steal the show by the end of the year. In PPR leagues (like these rankings are based on), he should go behind his teammate.

32. Shane Vereen - New England Patriots

While Ridley will garner more carries and TD's, Vereen will get loads of passes thrown his way. Think Danny Woodhead but better.

33. Bryce Brown - Philadelphia Eagles

Broke out late last year when McCoy was injured, now is a must own handcuff. Plus, in Kelly's system, there will be plenty of running plays for him too each game.

34. Andre Brown - New York Giants

Outside chance he becomes the feature back in New York over Wilson, but guaranteed chance he's the guy in short yardage and inside the 5.

35. Ronnie Hillman - Denver Broncos

Most expect Ball to beat him out but Hillman will play a role all year and could actually earn the starting job because he's the better pass protector... which is important for Peyton Manning.

36. Bernard Pierce - Baltimore Ravens

Pierce has begun to take more and more carries away from Ray Rice, as you may have seen in the playoffs. This year, they will inch even more towards a committee approach.

37. Jonathan Stewart - Carolina Panthers

The younger and more talented back in the muddy Carolina backfield, but injuries are a cause for concern.

38. DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers

If Stewart is beat up, Williams becomes the guy. Although they will both likely play on and off.

39. Mark Ingram - New Orleans Saints

Sproles catches the ball but Ingram will get the most carries. He's also the guy that will rack up the most touchdowns.

40. Vick Ballard - Indianapolis Colts

This second year player broke out as a rookie and helped lead them to the playoffs. He got rewarded by being placed likely behind Ahmad Bradshaw on the depth chart.

41. Daryl Richardson - St. Louis Rams

Nobody knows who will end up starting at RB for the Rams, but Richardson is my best guess.

42. Danny Woodhead - San Diego Chargers

Now in San Diego, he will play the Darren Sproles role from many years ago (although not nearly as well). He's also a threat for carries when Mathews gets hurt.

43. Ben Tate - Houston Texans

A name that's very familiar to Foster owners, as he's become a must own handcuff. When healthy, he's a decent flex option himself since they run a lot as a team.

44. Michael Bush - Chicago Bears

Not only a handcuff for injury-prone Forte, but he is their goal line back.

45. LaMichael James - San Francisco 49ers

This young athlete excites people within their organization. He can do a lot well which is why he'll steal carries from Gore repeatedly.

46. Johnathan Franklin - Green Bay Packers

Another rookie RB for Green Bay. If Lacy fails to secure the starting job, then Franklin will step in.

47. Mikel Leshoure - Detroit Lions

Bush may get a lot of action, but Mikel earned himself some carries based on last year's performance.

48. Jacquizz Rodgers - Atlanta Falcons

He is their change of pace back and likely third down guy. He may get decent minutes too if they try and keep Jackson fresh until the playoffs.

49. Pierre Thomas - New Orleans Saints

This third option in New Orleans is used a lot between the 20's. The offense is so good though he'll also have a decent role running and catching.

50. Zac Stacy - St. Louis Rams

If I'm wrong about Richardson, Stacy could be next in line for the starting job for the Rams. Although it could be Pead too...

By: The Sports Guys