For fantasy running back production, it is all about volume. Simply looking at the players who are given the most touches (weighing a reception twice as much as a carry), can give you a good idea of which players are thriving in a more stable fashion. At the running back position, I’m mainly evaluating their likely future role. Those who are poised to be three-down backs for a long period of time are coveted, and it’s important to keep in mind that running back production tends to decline after the age of 27. Thus, younger players, as well as those with draft capital attached to them, are more likely to receive a favorable ranking.
Before we get to the rankings, let’s go over some of the key points to touch on:
- Jonathan Taylor is producing at an unbelievable level right now. He’s averaging 5.9 yards/rush attempt with an 87 PFF rushing grade, and has solidified himself as a top-five running back right now. Still just 22-years-old and with no question about his talent, he’s an easy call as the #2 dynasty running back.
- Antonio Gibson has been a disappointment this year and has yet to carve the three-down role many were hoping he’d get. Thus, he moves down the list below Javonte Williams, who may be in a better position to get that role next year.
- Aaron Jones is almost at that running back dead age, and has been quite inconsistent this year, splitting carries with AJ Dillon. He’s someone I’d try to trade immediately.
- Elijah Mitchell has officially separated himself as the alpha running back in San Francisco, and with his explosiveness, is a top-20 running back moving forward.
- Michael Carter has seen an uptick in his usage after the Jets’ Week 6 bye, and is showing off his abilities as a receiver.
- The biggest riser on this list. Cordarrelle Patterson, who is as much a receiver as he is a running back. The 30-year-old is an absolute cheat code in fantasy currently, and it will be interesting to see if he stays in Atlanta following this season.
- James Conner and Leonard Fournette are both rising up the rankings, as they’ve proven a lot of doubters wrong this season.
- Rhamondre Stevenson is a great player to try to acquire now, as his role in New England should only grow moving forward.
- I still have faith Trey Sermon will have some role with the 49ers in the future, but it’s unclear when that will be. Still, he’s worth a complete buy low.
- Khalil Herbert, Jaret Patterson, and Chris Evans are all rookie running backs who are worthy of stashing on your bench and hoping for a bigger role moving forward.