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Running Back Best-Ball Rankings Analysis (Part 2)

Many of you who participate in best-ball leagues are planning to continue your involvement until the end of peak draft season. That is why the NFL team at RotoBaller will provide the resources you need to prepare for every remaining draft in this popular format.

We will also deliver breakdowns of the latest tiered rankings following every update. That includes my two-part series that will examine the wide receiver position. This article will place the spotlight on tiers 4-9.

You can find part one with a full breakdown of tiers 1-3 here. 

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RB Best Ball Rankings

Position Rank Position Tier Player Name Overall Rank Overall Tier
1 1 Christian McCaffrey 1 1
2 1 Dalvin Cook 2 1
3 1 Alvin Kamara 3 1
4 1 Derrick Henry 4 1
5 1 Ezekiel Elliott 5 1
6 1 Aaron Jones 6 1
7 1 Jonathan Taylor 7 1
8 2 Saquon Barkley 10 2
9 2 Nick Chubb 12 2
10 2 Austin Ekeler 14 2
11 2 Antonio Gibson 16 2
12 2 Najee Harris 19 2
13 2 J.K. Dobbins 21 3
14 2 Joe Mixon 22 3
15 3 David Montgomery 30 4
16 3 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 31 4
17 3 D'Andre Swift 34 4
18 3 Chris Carson 37 4
19 3 Miles Sanders 39 4
20 3 James Robinson 40 4
21 3 Josh Jacobs 43 4
22 3 Javonte Williams 47 4
23 4 Kareem Hunt 58 6
24 4 Myles Gaskin 61 6
25 4 Mike Davis 63 6
26 4 Darrell Henderson 64 6
27 5 Michael Carter 70 6
28 5 Trey Sermon 73 6
29 5 Chase Edmonds 76 7
30 5 Raheem Mostert 79 7
31 5 Damien Harris 81 7
32 6 Melvin Gordon III 93 8
33 6 James Conner 95 8
34 6 AJ Dillon 98 8
35 6 Leonard Fournette 101 9
36 6 Jamaal Williams 102 9
37 6 Ronald Jones II 107 9
38 6 Kenyan Drake 112 10
39 7 Gus Edwards 117 10
40 7 Zack Moss 120 10
41 7 Sony Michel 123 10
42 7 Kenneth Gainwell 125 10
43 7 Devin Singletary 126 10
44 7 James White 128 10
45 7 Nyheim Hines 131 10
46 7 David Johnson 132 10
47 7 Latavius Murray 133 10
48 7 Rashaad Penny 138 11
49 7 Tony Pollard 142 11
50 8 Phillip Lindsay 155 12
51 8 Tony Jones Jr. 156 12
52 8 Giovani Bernard 164 13
53 8 Qadree Ollison 166 13
54 8 Alexander Mattison 174 13
55 8 J.D. McKissic 175 13
56 8 Tevin Coleman 180 14
57 9 Elijah Mitchell 185 14
58 9 Chuba Hubbard 190 14
59 9 Damien Williams 194 14
60 9 Darrynton Evans 195 14
61 9 Marlon Mack 196 14
62 9 Xavier Jones 197 14
63 9 Rhamondre Stevenson 199 14
64 9 Ty Johnson 203 15
65 9 Tarik Cohen 204 15
66 9 Darrel Williams 211 15
67 10 Le'Veon Bell 212 15
68 10 Samaje Perine 215 15
69 10 Salvon Ahmed 216 15
70 10 Carlos Hyde 218 15
71 10 Jaret Patterson 219 15
72 10 Larry Rountree III 220 15
73 10 Malcolm Brown 221 16
74 11 Kylin Hill 223 16
75 11 Jeff Wilson Jr. 225 16
76 11 Khalil Herbert 227 16
77 11 Chris Evans 229 16
78 11 Wayne Gallman 231 16
79 11 La'Mical Perine 234 16
80 11 Ke'Shawn Vaughn 236 16
81 11 Javian Hawkins 237 16
82 12 Boston Scott 239 16
83 12 Joshua Kelley 240 16
84 12 Devontae Booker 243 16
85 12 Brian Hill 247 16
86 12 Lynn Bowden Jr. 248 17
87 12 Jermar Jefferson 249 17
88 12 Olamide Zaccheaus 250 17
89 12 Devonta Freeman 257 17
90 12 D'Onta Foreman 259 17
91 12 Justin Jackson 260 17
92 12 Peyton Barber 264 18
93 12 Duke Johnson Jr. 270 18
94 12 Anthony McFarland Jr. 273 18
95 13 Ito Smith 277 18
96 13 Benny Snell Jr. 278 18
97 13 Matt Breida 282 18
98 13 Eno Benjamin 287 18
99 13 Mark Ingram II 288 18
100 13 Jerick McKinnon 289 18
101 13 Kalen Ballage 296 18
102 13 Kerryon Johnson 298 18
103 13 Jake Funk 304 19
104 13 Dare Ogunbowale 305 19
105 13 Todd Gurley II 308 19
106 13 Justice Hill 309 19
107 13 JaMycal Hasty 310 19
108 13 Adrian Peterson 312 19
109 13 Bryce Love 314 19
110 13 DeeJay Dallas 321 19
111 13 Jordan Wilkins 322 19
112 13 Jordan Howard 324 19
113 13 Devine Ozigbo 332 19
114 13 Ryquell Armstead 338 19

 

Tier 4

Kareem HuntMyles Gaskin, Mike Davis, Darrell Henderson 

Hunt is just 26, and the former NFL rushing leader (2017) remains effective as both a runner and receiver. His role is also secure as he shares touches with Nick Chubb, within a Cleveland offense that averaged 30.9 attempts per game in 2020. Hunt finished at RB10 in PPR scoring from Weeks 1-17, while averaging 12.4 attempts and 52.6 yards per game on the ground. Those averages also rose to 16.3 carries, and 63.5 yards per game during Chubb’s four-game absence (Weeks 5-8), as Hunt finished at RB8 in scoring during those contests. Hunt can function as a high-end RB3 who would deliver RB1 production if Chubb is sidelined during the season.

Gaskin made an unexpected arrival onto the fantasy landscape in 2020 by accumulating 522 total yards (87 per game) during Miami’s first six matchups. He was also 18th in rushing yardage (340/56.7 per game), and fourth in receptions (27/4.5 per game) during that sequence, while rising to RB16 in scoring. A six-game absence (knee/COVID) interrupted his statistical momentum. But he easily led the Dolphins’ backfield in attempts (142/14.2 per game), rushing yardage (584/58.4 per game) receptions (41/4.1 per game), and receiving yardage (388/38.8 yards per game). Former Ram Malcolm Brown is a candidate to pilfer red zone carries. But Gaskin should lead the Dolphins’ backfield in touches throughout the season.

Davis delivered his most productive season since entering the NFL (2015) .while assembling career highs in attempts (165/11 per game), rushing yards (642/42.8 per game), and rushing touchdowns (6).

He also achieved career-best numbers as a receiver while finishing third among all backs in targets (70/5.0 per game), and receptions (59/3.9 per game), and fourth in receiving yards (373/24.9 per game) from Weeks 2-16. He is now primed to function as the Falcons’ lead back. He will also be operating in a re-designed attack under Arthur Smith, with Qadree Ollison directly below him on the depth chart. That has vaulted Davis among the low-end RB2 options.

The torn Achilles that former first-round selection Cam Akers suffered in July appeared to elevate Henderson into unquestioned RB1 responsibilities, for LA, while dramatically altering his place within the fantasy landscape. Now, the arrival of Sony Michel will reshape Henderson’s status once again. Henderson started 11 games last season, and was second on the Rams in attempts (138/9.2 per game), and rushing yardage (624/41.6 per game). He had been primed to operate with Xavier Jones and Jake Funk below him on the depth chart. But Michel has been inserted into the equation, and the former Patriot will confiscate touches that would have been allocated to Henderson before the trade. This should compel you to avoid selecting him until Round 7 of your drafts.

 

Tier 5 

Michael CarterTrey SermonChase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, Damien Harris

Carter shared touches with Williams during his final two seasons at North Carolina, but he still accumulated 2,248 rushing yards (93.7 per game) and 721 receiving yards (17.5 per game). He also led the Tar Heels in rushing as a senior (1,245/113.2 per game) while also generating 267 yards (24.3 per game) as a receiver. Carter became the beneficiary of a favorable landing spot, as the Jets backfield does not contain an undisputed lead back. Carter will receive touches in a committee with Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson. But his versatility should help him seize an expanding role as the year progresses.

Sermon was infused into a favorable environment when John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan traded up to select him during Round 3 of April’s NFL Draft. Sermon also possesses the size, strength and acceleration to function effectively as a one-cut runner. This should boost his chances of accumulating yardage in Kyle Shanahan's outside zone rushing approach. Jeff Wilson Jr. was placed on injured reserve following meniscus surgery, which will keep him sidelined until Week 8 (or later). This has placed Sermon in position to share the majority of touches in a committee with Raheem Mostert, while providing managers with a productive resource throughout his rookie season.

Edmonds confiscated the role of Arizona’s receiving back during 2020 and finished fourth on the Cardinals in target share (12.5%). This propelled him to seventh among backs in targets (67/4.2 per game), and receptions (53/3.3 per game). He was also sixth in both receiving yards (402/25.1 per game), and red-zone targets (11), and tied for third in touchdowns (4). Edmonds also attained a career-high 46.4% snap share, while working in rotation with Kenyan Drake (58.0%). He should exceed that percentage while sharing touches with former Steeler James Conner, as Edmonds’ pass-catching responsibilities remain intact.

Mostert has only dropped from RB28 to RB30 since April, despite the looming presence of promising newcomer Trey Sermon.  Both backs will share touches as the primary components in San Francisco’s backfield rotation, although Sermon could easily commandeer the majority of opportunities during the season. Mostert can deliver highly productive outings, which sustains his viability as an option in the best-ball format. But managers should remain aware that he has yet to reach 140 rushing attempts or finish among the top 25 in PPR scoring during any of his six professional seasons.   

Harris' ADP remained stationary in Round 8 entering July (80/32). But the combination of his usage during the preseason, and the departure of Sony Michel have ignited his rise to Round 6 (ADP 66/RB28). Michel’s exodus has also cemented Harris’ status as New England’s primary back. Harris led the Patriots in rushing last season (691 yards/69.1 per game), despite missing six matchups (hand) and finished fifth among backs in yardage during his first six matchups (Weeks 4-10).

Weeks 4-10 Yards Yards/Gm Attempts YPA
Dalvin Cook 660 132 126 5.2
Derrick Henry 627 104.5 119 5.3
Ronald Jones 588 84 106 5.5
James Robinson 479 79.8 112 4.3
Damien Harris 471 78.5 85 5.5
Josh Jacobs 448 74.7 114 3.9
Kareem Hunt 429 71.5 95 4.5
Kenyan Drake 393 78.6 81 4.9
Todd Gurley 387 64.5 110 3.5
Ezekiel Elliott 353 58.8 92 3.8
Clyde Edwards-Helaire 346 57.7 71 4.9
Mike Davis 338 48.3 78 4.3
Alvin Kamara 333 55.5 73 4.6

James White will function as New England's pass-catching back, while rookie Rhamondre Stevenson will also receive a weekly allotment of carries. But Harris will commandeer the majority of rushing attempts, and could eclipse 1,000 yards if he can evade any lingering health issues. He would also collect additional red zone carries if Mac Jones overtakes Cam Newton as the Patriots’ starting signal-caller.  

 

Tier 6

Melvin Gordon IIIJames ConnerAJ DillonLeonard Fournette, Jamaal Williams, Ronald Jones II,  Kenyan Drake  

Gordon led Denver in multiple rushing categories during his first season with the Broncos, including attempts (215/14.3 per game), and yardage (986/65.7 per game). Those totals were his highest since 2017, while also placing him ninth among all backs in each category. But Gordon has entered the final year of his contract with Williams lurking as an enormous threat to confiscate Denver’s RB1 duties.

Touches will be distributed between Conner and the aforementioned Chase Edmonds in Arizona's backfield. However, Conner missed 14 games during four seasons with Pittsburgh, while his career-highs from 2018 (215 attempts/16.5 per game), (973 rushing yards/74.8 per game), (71 targets/5.5 per game), and receiving yards (497/38.2 per game), have declined during the past two seasons (12.4 attempts/52 yards/40.5 targets/20.2 receiving yards per game). His track record of lingering injuries should be considered before selecting him at his Round 9 ADP. 

After the nebulous situation surrounding Aaron Rodgers was finally resolved, the incentive for targeting Dillon increased considerably. The former second-round pick has been presented with a clear runway toward operating as Aaron Jones’ backup, following the departure of Jamaal Williams. Dillon should also commandeer a large percentage of Williams’ 2020 workload, which included 154 touches, 119 rushing attempts, and 23 red zone carries during 2020. This makes him a viable option during Round 8 of your drafts. 

Fournette finished the regular season with forgettable averages of 7.5 attempts, 28.2 rushing yards, 3.6 targets, and 17.9 receiving yards per game. But he ignited for 448 total yards during the playoffs, while averaging 16 attempts, 75 rushing yards, 5.3 targets, and 37 receiving yards per game. However, there is a clear risk in becoming enamored with any Tampa Bay running back, due to the congested nature of the Buccaneers' backfield.

Williams’ Round 10 ADP underscores the tepid level of interest that many managers have demonstrated for securing the fifth-year back. But Williams appears destined to procure a sizable workload in a committee with D'Andre Swift (ADP31/RB15).. He averaged 10.4 touches and 49 total yards per game as a Packer from 2017-2020, and statements from Detroit’s offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn have indicated that he will remain consistently involved in the Lions’ restructured attack. This will lead to output that easily exceeds the expectations of his ADP.

Jones generated career-highs in every major rushing category during his third season including attempts (191/13.7 per game), yardage (978/69.9 per game), touchdowns (7), and 100-yard performances (4). But his per-game averages dropped to 11.3 attempts and 46.3 yards during the postseason. His snap share also dwindled significantly (49%/28%), while Fournette’s usage and output soared. Jones and Fournette will operate in a rotation, while Gio Bernard should also siphon targets.

Drake’s 2020 results were largely considered to be a disappointment by managers who secured him at his Round 2 ADP (16/RB12). But he still established career-highs in rushing attempts (239/15.9 per game), and rushing yardage (955/63.7 per game). His target per game average dropped from 4.9 during 2019 to 2.1 last season. However, the Raiders signed him to an $11 million contract, and Jon Gruden is committed to the deployment of Drake as both a rusher and receiver. 

 

Tier 7

Gus Edwards, Zack Moss, Sony Michel, Kenneth GainwellDevin SingletaryJames White, Nyheim HinesDavid JohnsonLatavius MurrayRashaad PennyTony Pollard 

Edwards has eclipsed 700 rushing yards during each of his three seasons with Baltimore, and will retain a consistent weekly role in an offense that led the league in run play percentage during 2020 (55.9%).

The allocation of touches between Moss and Singletary will prevent both backs from accumulating sizable numbers, while ensuring that frustration will ensue for anyone who targets them during the draft process.

Michel’s improved efficiency during 2020 went largely unnoticed. But he established a new career-highs in yards per carry (5.7), after averaging 4.1 during 2018/2019 (4.5/3.7). Michel also averaged 3.6 yards after contact per rush, after managing just 1.85 during his first two seasons. Now, Michel has been presented with an opportunity to resurrect his career while sharing touches with Darrell Henderson.

Gainwell finished 12th among backs in rushing yardage during his final season at Memphis (1,459/102.2 per game). He also collected 51 receptions, and gained experience while operating in the Tigers' RPO (run/pass option) spread offense. All of which should translate into a complementary role behind Miles Sanders. 

White’s unwavering ability to perform efficiently as the Patriots’ primary receiving back includes finishing among the top 10 at his position in targets for five consecutive seasons.

Hines finished third among all backs in targets (76/4.8 per game). receptions (63/3.9 per game) and receiving yards (482/30.1 per game). His recurrent role as Indy's pass-catching back should propel him to a cluster of highly productive outings during the year.

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Johnson averaged 13.6 points per game during 2020, while leading the Texans in attempts (147/12.3 per game), rushing yards (691/57.6 per game), and rushing touchdowns (6). However, it is difficult to manufacture enthusiasm for targeting Johnson since he could be relegated to a pass-catching role while residing below Phillip Lindsay, on the depth chart.

New Orleans enters Week 1 with a severe shortage of proven weapons. This presents Sean Payton with rationale for increased reliance on his ground game. That could expand Murray’s workload beyond the 11.2 touches per game that he has averaged in two seasons with the Saints. However, Tony Jones Jr. could also leapfrog Murray after his promising performances during the preseason.

Penny’s career-best numbers (85 carries/419 yards) were assembled back in 2018, as injuries have hampered his availability and effectiveness. He has resurfaced following his latest health issue (knee) but it is uncertain if he can re-capture Seattle’s RB2 responsibilities.

Pollard finished at RB20 in (PPR) scoring from Weeks 8-15, due to a combination of talent and expanded opportunities during those matchups. His value would skyrocket if Ezekiel Elliott would be absent for any reason.

 

Tiers 8-9

Phillip Lindsay, Tony Jones Jr.Giovani Bernard, Qadree OllisonAlexander MattisonJ.D. McKissicTevin ColemanElijah MitchellChuba Hubbard, Damien Williams. Darrynton Evans,  Marlon MackXavier Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson,  Ty Johnson, Tarik CohenDarrel Williams  

The collection of backs that comprise these tiers are located from RB50-RB66 in our updated rankings. Their value could surge or decline if various factors emerge during upcoming weeks.



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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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