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Non-PPR Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Running Back

Writer's picture: Wesley BranchWesley Branch


Preseason football has officially kicked off, meaning we're closer to both football season, and fantasy football season. Draft day is on the horizon for most players and leagues, and with my Non-PPR Quarterback rankings already posted, let's get into my Non-PPR Running Back rankings.

 

1. Christian McCaffery (CAR, 13)

After one of the best fantasy football campaigns of all time in 2019, McCaffery had a disappointing 2020 due to the multiple injuries he faced. In 2019, McCaffery recorded over three-hundred and fifty fantasy points, averaging twenty-two fantasy points per game (fantasydata.com). Although McCaffery’s 2020 campaign was riddled with injuries, fantasy owners should still look at McCaffery as the number one running back and overall player, as McCaffery averaged twenty-four and a half fantasy points per game in just three games.

2. Derrick Henry (TEN, 13)

3. Dalvin Cook (MIN, 7)

4. Saquon Barkley (NYG, 10)

5. Jonathan Taylor (IND, 14)

Jonathan Taylor burst onto the scene last year and had an incredible rookie season as he finished third in rushing yards in 2020 and added eleven rushing touchdowns as well. Taylor started his rookie season like most, splitting snaps with the other veteran backs on the team until he was ready to take over as the lead back for the Colts. The injury to Marlon Mack a season ago helped Taylor get more touches and ultimately sped up the time in which he became the lead running back. Now that the Colts have made it clear that Taylor is the main guy in the backfield, he’s poised for an even better sophomore season.

6. Nick Chubb (CLE, 13)

7. Alvin Kamara (NO, 6)

Kamara is coming off a career year in regards to his fantasy numbers, as he set a new career-high of two-hundred and ninety-four points last season (fantasydata.com) Kamara has always been a dual-threat for the Saints, as his receiving numbers have often been similar, or better, than his rushing numbers. However, Kamara saw his numbers decrease a season ago when Quarterback Drew Brees was out of the lineup, and Taysom Hill was the starter. After Brees’s retirement this offseason, Kamara could see a large decline in his production this season, especially in the passing game. Fantasy managers should be warrier in drafting Kamara this season

8. Aaron Jones (GB, 13)

9. Ezekiel Elliot (DAL, 7)

10. Cam Akers (LAR, 11)

Unfortunately for Akers and the Rams, Akers will miss the entirety of the 2021 season with a torn Achilles. However, I wanted to include Akers in my rankings because of the high expectations I had for him going into this season. Akers had a disappointing 2020 season as a rookie, due to the Rams style of “running back by committee” in their offense. However, Akers was expected to be the main running back to carry the load in 2021 in an offense that should be one of the league’s best this season. If Akers truly ended up being the main back for the Rams this season, he would’ve had the potential to finish as a top-five fantasy running back. Although it’s not clear what the Rams will do now in regards to the backfield, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Rams running back Darrell Henderson.

11. Antonio Gibson (WAS, 9)

12. Najee Harris (PIT, 7)

13. Joe Mixon (CIN, 10)

14. J.K. Dobbins (BAL, 8)

15. Austin Ekeler (LAC, 7)

16. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC, 12)

17. D’Andre Swift (DET, 9)

18. Chris Carson (SEA, 9)

19. Miles Sanders (PHI, 14)

20. David Montgomery (CHI, 10)

21. Myles Gaskin (MIA, 14)

22. Josh Jacobs (LV, 8)

23. Kareem Hunt (CLE, 13)

24. Travis Etienne (JAC, 7)

25. Damien Harris (NE, 14)

26. Raheem Mostert (SF, 6)

27. Mike Davis (ATL, 6)

28. Javonte Williams (DEN, 11)

The Broncos made a bold move on day two of the draft by trading up in the second round to select Williams out of North Carolina, a move that was puzzling to some. Although the selection made sense considering that former pro-bowler Melvin Gordon III is entering the last year of his contract, and certainly has not lived up to the expectations the Broncos have had for him. Williams could see his rookie year play out similarly to Jonothan Taylor, as the Broncos will most likely ease him into the offense more as the season progresses. However, if Williams has a strong showing at training camp and in the preseason, he could end up as the lead back a lot sooner than most imagine.

29. Melvin Gordon III (DEN, 11)

30. Chase Edmonds (ARI, 12)

31. Ronald Jones II (TB, 9)

32. James Robinson (JAC, 7)

33. Darrell Henderson (LAR, 11)

In his Sophomore season, Henderson became more of a presence in the Rams offense as he was one of several running backs who received an inconsistent amount of reps. Nonetheless, Henderson was typically the goal-line back for the Rams due to his size and saw a significant amount of work close to the endzone, which gave him some fantasy value. Henderson could see an even larger role in his third season because of the injury to Cam Akers. Henderson will be a running back with some major value in 2021.

34. Zack Moss (BUF, 7)

35. James Conner (ARI, 12)

36. Leonard Fournette (TB, 9)

37. David Johnson (HOU, 10)

38. Kenyan Drake (LV, 8)

39. Michael Carter (NYJ, 6)

40. Gus Edwards (BAL, 8)

41. AJ Dillion (GB, 13)

42. Devin Singletary (BUF, 7)

43. Latavius Murray (NO, 6)

44. Tony Pollard (DAL, 7)

45. Trey Sermon (SF, 6)

46. Phillip Lindsay (HOU, 10)

47. Alexander Mattison (MIN, 7)

48. Nyheim Hines (IND, 14)

49. Jamaal Williams (DET, 9)

50. Tevin Coleman (NYJ, 6)

Honorable Mention: Todd Gurley II (Free Agent)


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