As the days tick down before the NFL season it is important that we get ahead of the curve and decide on the top 10 fantasy running backs. This list is coming out early and could change depending on events yet to occur in the offseason.
Note I am ranking these players based off of PPR leagues. Although they will still be good in non-PPR leagues the order of the players would change if I were to be ranking them in standard or half-PPR leagues.
10 Travis Etienne
Etienne had a good season recording over 1,000 rushing yards, 472 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. This upcoming year the Jaguars plan to improve after the embarrassing end to last season and I am sure Etienne will be a part of the changes made to get better. Although I don’t believe he will be as good as last season, I still think he will be top 10 at the end of the year.
9. Isaiah Pacheco
Pacheco has definitely earned the title of the most aggressive running back in the league with extremely physical plays on the field. Despite only playing in 14 games he still nearly recorded 1,000 rushing yards and averaged more fantasy points per game than Derrick Henry, and Bijan Robinson. This year will be another year of being a strong workhouse back for the Chiefs.
8. Josh Jacobs
Josh Jacobs is the newly acquired running back for the Green Bay Packers. Last year in Vegas he played decently, although disappointing compared to his monstrous 2022 season. However I see him having a great year in Green Bay since he will be on a more competent team with a great coach.
7. Kyren Williams
Last season Kyren Williams was the clear waiver wire MVP and he came onto the scene and instantly left a mark recording 1,144 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in only 12 games. Williams was a great pick up for those following the no rb strategy and was a surprise to see as a top 5 fantasy running back at the end of the season. He will continue to reign terror on defenses in the upcoming season, and although some are worried about the new rookie running back taking touches from him I don’t think it is concerning enough to pass up on him in the draft.
6. Jamyr Gibbs
In his rookie year fans were worried that he would not perform well due to David Montgomery splitting carries with him, but Gibbs showed that they could coexist on the team. Gibbs was able to play very well his rookie season being third in yards per carry. I believe this season will be even better for the Lions running back and the touchdowns will even out between the two.
5. Saquon Barkley
Barkley has always been a good running back with bad luck, but now that he will be playing for an Eagles team that is better than the Giants in every regard. It wouldn’t be shocking if Barkley had his best season yet this year. What held Barkley back last season besides missing some games was the struggle to find the end zone with the Giants. I think that even with Jalen Hurts taking some red zone targets away Barkley will still have an easier time getting touchdowns this year.
4. Jonathan Taylor
Taylor has struggled to get back to his 2021 form these last two years mainly due to struggling with injuries. However, his glaring talent makes it very difficult to draft him outside of the top 5. If the injury Gods avoid him he could have a very good season
3. Bijan Robinson
Bijan had a good rookie year, but with Kirk Cousins now playing quarterback along with new coaches in the building big things are coming for the Atlanta Falcons players, especially Bijan Robinson. Honestly he could very easily be in this 2 spot instead, but I am going to play it conservative and prioritize the running back with less question-marks on his team.
2. Breece Hall
The Jets had a disappointing season last year, but Hall still had a great year despite the chaos. He was fourth in rushing yards after contact and finished as the second best fantasy running back. The two most glaring problems for the Jets last season was quarterback play and the porous offensive line. unless Rodgers is hurt again we should not see the same struggles in that division. Offensive line was absolutely brutal for Breece hall to deal with last season causing him to have the third most tackles for loss in the NFL. With a vastly improved offensive line Breece Hall should be able to have a great season.
1. Christian McCaffrey
This is the obvious first overall pick especially in PPR leagues. McCaffrey outscored the second highest running back last year by 100.8. If he isn’t the first overall pick in your fantasy league then clearly an under the table deal was made because there is no excuse to not draft him if he is on the board. He is the clear best fantasy running back for the upcoming season.