More than likely, a running back is going to be the first player selected in your fantasy football draft. And because a top-tier running back can carry you a long way, it’s important to nail this position.
Health is always a concern at RB, so you might be inclined to avoid players who missed significant time last season like Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey. But there’s also an upside to those guys that has to be considered.
This is a ranking of running backs to draft for non-PPR formats, so while receiving helps, it’s not quite as important. That’s where running backs who do the bulk of receiving in committee backfields take a hit. Let’s get into it.
1
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
2021 Fantasy PPG: 19.6 (2nd)
2021 Stats: 1,811 rush yds, 18 td & 360 rec yds, 2 td in 17 games
The 23-year-old Taylor had his big breakout in 2021, and the Colts will continue to ride him as far as he can take them.
2
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
2021 Rank: 21.9 (1st)
2021 Stats: 937 rush yds, 10 td & 154 rec yds, 0 td in 8 games
When Henry was healthy, no back in the league was more productive. With A.J. Brown gone, the Titans will rely on his steady presence even more.
3
Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
2021 Fantasy PPG: 17.1 (3rd)
2021 Stats: 911 rush yds, 12 td & 647 rec yds, 8 td in 16 games
A threat as a runner and receiver, Ekeler’s job is made easier by the Chargers’ dangerous downfield passing attack.
4
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
2021 Fantasy PPG: 12.9 (11th)
2021 Stats: 442 rush yds, 1 td & 343 rec yds, 1 td in 7 games
McCaffrey’s best season as a pro came with Kyle Allen at quarterback. Baker Mayfield is an upgrade. The only question here is health.
5
Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
2021 Fantasy PPG: 13.3 (10th)
2021 Stats: 1,159 rush yds, 6 td & 224 rec yds, 0 td in 13 games
Cook has a lot more to give as a receiver than he did in an injury-riddled 2021. He should also be able to bounce back into double-digit touchdowns.
6
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
2021 Fantasy PPG: 15.4 (4th)
2021 Stats: 1,205 rush yds, 13 td & 314 rec yds, 3 td in 16 games
If Cincinnati’s offensive line proves to be better, the downfield passing could render Mixon less of a receiving threat. But he’ll remain dangerous on handoffs.
7
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
2021 Fantasy PPG: 14.0 (7th)
2021 Stats: 1,259 rush yds, 8 td & 174 rec yds, 1 td in 14 games
Chubb is arguably the best runner in the league, but a committee backfield and uncertainty at quarterback limits his true upside.
8
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
2021 Fantasy PPG: 14.4 (6th)
2021 Stats: 898 rush yds, 4 td & 439 rec yds, 5 td in 13 games
Last season, in his fewest games played as a pro, Kamara saw his most career touches as a runner. That’s his new reality in a world without Drew Brees.
9
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Fantasy PPG: 13.3 (8th)
2021 Stats: 1,200 rush yds, 7 td & 467 rec yds, 3 td in 17 games
Harris had a huge workload last season, and I don’t expect that to change much without better quarterback play. The only issue is the loaded boxes he’ll be running into.
10
Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2021 Fantasy PPG: 13.3 (9th)
2021 Stats: 812 rush yds, 8 td & 454 rec yds, 2 td in 14 games
Fournette became one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets in the passing game last season. That should continue and help boost his fantasy stock.
11
Next 15
11. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
12. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
13. D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
14. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
15. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
16. Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders
17. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
18. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
19. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears
20. Damien Harris, New England Patriots
21. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
22. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
23. Devin Singletary, Buffalo Bills
24. Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
25. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders
