Fantasy Football RB Draft Rankings

Last update . Sep 05 . 06:50 PM EDT


#	Player	TM	BYE	FF Pts	ADP12	ADP10	GC	DIF	RuAtt	RuYdsRushing	RuTD	Ru1D	Rec	RecYdsReceiving	RecTD	Rec1D	Fum
1	Christian McCaffrey Draft Note Christian McCaffrey is the first running back off the board for good reason. He finished as the RB1 in 2023 after an RB2 finish the year before. Last season, he scored 358 (half-PPR) fantasy points, which was over 100 more than the RB2, Raheem Mostert. He just turned 28 years old, so age isn’t much of a concern. There was some question whether he would see a mega workload with Elijah Mitchell healthy, but Mitchell’s status didn’t matter–McCaffrey averaged 21.2 touches per game, which was second only to Kyren Williams. He should continue to be the focal point of the 49ers’ highly-efficient offense.	SF	9	289	1.01	1.01	1	0	249	1261	7.9	63.2	60	484	6.9	22.2	2
2	Breece Hall Draft Note The Jets eased Breece Hall in early last season as he was recovering from a torn ACL in October of 2022. He saw just 37 total touches (9.3 per game) in the first four games. From Week 5 on, he led all running backs in total touches (262) and was second to Saquon Barkley in touches per game (20.2). In that span, Hall was the fantasy RB2, which is where I have him ranked this season. Not only is he talented and versatile, but the Jets did a major overhaul of the offensive line, adding veterans Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, John Simpson, and drafting Olu Fashanue with the No. 11 overall pick. Aaron Rodgers’ return should also help the offense as a whole, creating more scoring opportunities for Hall. He’s a rock-solid pick in the middle of the first round in most formats.	NYJ	12	255	1.04	1.04	2	0	187	891	8.1	44.6	70	599	4.3	27.4	2
3	Bijan Robinson Draft Note Bijan Robinson’s rookie season was inconsistent thanks in no small part to HC Arthur Smith’s insistence of limiting Robinson’s touches for most of the season. However in the 15 games where Robinson played at least 60% of the snaps, he averaged 14.5 (half-PPR) fantasy points per game, which would have been the 12th-highest per-game average last season. If Robinson gets Christian McCaffrey/Kyren Williams treatment–i.e. snap shares averaging 80%+ instead of last year’s 67.9%–then Robinson should live up to his RB3 ADP. Coming over from the Rams, Zac Robinson is the new offensive coordinator, and last season he and Sean McVay fed Kyren Williams to the tune of 21.7 touches per game. If Robinson sees that sort of work at his same fantasy point per touch efficiency, then he would average around 17.3 fantasy points per game, good enough to finish RB3 on a per-game basis last season.	ATL	12	246	1.05	1.05	3	0	218	963	7.2	48.3	58	481	5.5	22.0	2
4	Derrick Henry Draft Note Derrick Henry finished as the RB8 in his age-29 season running behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Tennessee running backs averaged 2.2 yards before contact per attempt last season, while the Ravens were second (3.2) in the league. Henry posted the No. 6 rushing grade at PFF, and was 11th in yards after contact per attempt and 16th in broken tackles per attempt. His age is a minor concern, but if Henry can stay healthy he has the potential to put up monster numbers in the Baltimore offense, which has generated an average of 15.0 (running back) rushing touchdowns since 2020. Working backward, he has finished RB8, RB4, RB14 (eight games played), RB2, and RB3 in the last five seasons. He has legit 20-touchdown upside in the Baltimore offense.	BAL	14	230	2.05	2.07	7	3	282	1197	13.7	60.0	24	188	0.3	8.6	2
5	Jonathan Taylor Draft Note Taylor missed the first few games due to an ankle injury (and subsequent surgery) from the 2022 season and didn’t play 50%+ of the snaps until Week 7. From that point on he had the third-highest per-game average (16.8) at his position even though he missed three games due to a thumb injury later in the season. He missed six games in 2022, but played 15 and 17 games in his first two seasons. In 2021 he was the overall RB1, outscoring the RB2 (Austin Ekeler) by 60 points. Taylor should have a productive 2024, though there are a couple of areas of concern. Anthony Richardson only targeted his running backs on 10 of his 72 pass attempts (13.9%) and in the two full games that Richardson played, he saw three carries inside the opponents’ five-yard line while Indy running backs saw five carries. It’s obviously a small sample size, and Taylor’s availability may change the ratio, but Richardson’s 38% goal-line carry rate is pretty high. (For reference, Jalen Hurts had a 47% goal-line carry rate last season.) Taylor is a fantasy RB1, but perhaps lacks the receiving and touchdown upside of the backs being drafted ahead of him.	IND	14	218	1.10	1.10	4	-1	318	1263	8.8	63.3	30	211	1.3	9.7	3
6	Kyren Williams Draft Note The Rams drafted Blake Corum to take some of the load off of Kyren Williams, but I still think Williams is a good bet for a top-five season. He was the RB2 on a per-game basis while handling 21.7 of the team’s 28.0 backfield touches in his 12 games played. Even if his touches fall to the 18.0-19.0 range–or 64% to 68% of the team’s backfield touches–he’s still looking at 16.5-17.5 (half-PPR) fantasy points per game. That would have been good enough to remain the RB2 behind McCaffrey.	LAR	6	208	2.04	2.06	9	3	189	951	10.3	47.6	32	193	3.2	8.9	2
7	Travis Etienne Draft Note Travis Etienne finished the season as the fantasy RB3 with the fifth-highest per-game average in half-PPR formats. He was the RB16 in 2022, but didn’t play big snaps until Week 7. From that point on, he was the RB12. As he enters his third season, Etienne has a clear role and a high floor as the Jaguars’ bellcow back. He should provide solid RB1 numbers again this season.	JAX	12	207	2.07	2.09	8	1	230	895	9.3	44.8	47	368	0.9	16.9	2
8	De'Von Achane Draft Note As a rookie, De’Von Achane finished as the fantasy RB22 while missing six games. He posted the fourth-highest per-game average, just behind his teammate Raheem Mostert. He led the league in yards before contact per attempt (4.7), yards after contact per attempt (3.1), and was fourth in broken tackles per attempt (0.126). He was first in PFF’s rush grade and 13th in receiving grade. He’s a star in the making and has overall RB1 upside, but his workload is a concern. The 32-year-old Mostert is still around and should absorb 10-15 carries if he remains healthy. Achane only averaged 11.2 touches in the nine games he played with Mostert, but he did see an average of 13.9 touches in seven games when his first game (two touches in Week 2 vs. NE) and his injury game (two touches in Week 11 vs. LV) are removed. He averaged 20.1 fantasy points per game in those seven games, which is actually more than the 17.2 fantasy points he averaged in the two games that Mostert missed. If Achane sees around 14 touches per game and can stay healthy, he’s going to finish as a solid fantasy RB1. Any increase in touches could lead to a top-three type season.	MIA	6	207	2.12	3.04	11	3	125	937	6.9	47.0	38	300	4.2	13.8	1
9	Jahmyr Gibbs Draft Note As a rookie, Jahmyr Gibbs finished as the fantasy RB9 with the seventh-highest per-game average. In the three games that David Montgomery missed, Gibbs showed overall RB1 upside, averaging 23.0 touches for 132 yards and 0.67 touchdowns, or 22.2 fantasy points per game. The issue is that Gibbs’ workload took a hit when Montgomery was active. The duo played 15 games together, including the postseason. Montgomery averaged 16.8 touches and 14.2 (half-PPR) fantasy points while Gibbs averaged 13.7 touches and 13.7 fantasy points, so Montgomery outscored Gibbs in the 15 games they played together. In the last 12 games they played together, Gibbs turned 14.2 touches into 15.3 fantasy points, while Montgomery posted 15.0 touches and 12.7 fantasy points. So down the stretch, they were basically splitting the work and Gibbs was more productive on a per-touch basis, posting midrange RB1 numbers in the process.	DET	5	206	2.02	2.04	5	-4	179	898	8.4	45.0	49	363	1.2	16.7	1
10	Saquon Barkley Draft Note The Eagles upgraded from D'Andre Swift to Saquon Barkley, who finished as the fantasy RB16 in 13 games played in 2023. (He was the RB11 on a per-game basis, which didn't quite live up to his RB5 ADP.) Still in his prime, Barkley should fit in nicely with the Eagles' offense, though he's likely to see his receptions decline, at least a bit. Swift's receptions per game fell from 3.4 (with the Lions) to 2.4 last year with the Eagles. Still, Barkley is joining a much better offense and will command bell-cow touches, though touchdowns may also be an issue given the Eagles' ability to run the Brotherly Shove/Tush Push. He should go off the board near the 1st/2nd turn.	PHI	5	204	1.12	2.02	6	-4	296	1264	6.9	63.3	33	188	1.0	8.7	2

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Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings for 2023

Within the realm of RB draft rankings, fantasy football draft rankings emerge as indispensable tools, empowering astute decision-making during the draft process. These rankings meticulously outline players' prospects for the forthcoming season.

Drawing on historical achievements, injury assessments, team contexts, and possible avenues, these rankings take a comprehensive approach. By consulting these draft rankings, you gain the advantage of strategically arranging running back options based on their projected value, enabling you to secure optimal selections when your turn arrives.

As the preseason unfolds, these fantasy football rankings undergo consistent updates, capturing the fluidity of player performance and team dynamics. Embracing these rankings as a resource empowers you to construct a potent and fiercely competitive fantasy football lineup.

What are RB Draft Rankings?

RB draft rankings are a crucial tool in fantasy football that help you make informed decisions specifically about the running back position during your draft. These rankings list RBs based on their projected performance for the upcoming season.

They consider factors like past rushing/receiving performance, injuries, team offensive strategies, and other potential opportunities. By referring to the RB draft rankings, you can prioritize running backs based on their expected value and choose the best available player to lead your fantasy football team when it's your turn to pick.

Fantasy football RB rankings for 2023 are regularly updated throughout the preseason to reflect changes in player performances and team dynamics. This constant updating ensures that you have the latest insights into the RB landscape. So, make sure to study these RB draft rankings and use them as a valuable resource to build a strong and competitive fantasy football team, with a top-notch running back.

How do Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings Work?

Understanding how RB draft rankings work is important for making the best decisions when selecting a running back during your fantasy football draft. RB draft rankings are used to rank the top running backs based on their projected performance for the upcoming season.

These rankings are crafted by experts, such as those at 4for4, who meticulously analyze RB statistics, offensive team dynamics, and other factors affecting a running back's performance, including play style and injury history.

The RB rankings are specifically organized to make comparing players within the running back position easy. Higher-ranked RBs are generally expected to perform better, but it's essential to consider your team's needs and the overall strategy you want to implement when making your selections.

When drafting your RB, you can use these rankings to determine which running back to select and when. Utilizing the RB draft rankings gives you a targeted insight into the running back landscape, allowing for a more precise decision-making process and enabling you to craft a powerful fantasy football team.

RB Draft Rankings Cheatsheet 2023

Use this Fantasy Football RB Draft cheatsheet for the upcoming 2023 season to ensure you have an edge in selecting the top-performing running backs for your fantasy team.

The RB draft rankings cheatsheet for 2023 is a valuable tool that provides you with a comprehensive list of running backs ranked by their projected performance for the upcoming season.

It considers various factors such as touches/volume, receiving ability, team offensive strategies, and previous rushing statistics to give you a clear picture of the top running backs in the league.

Using this RB-specific cheat sheet, you can strategically plan your draft picks and target the running backs likely to have the biggest impact on your fantasy team. This focused approach allows you to hone in on the vital RB position and make informed selections that align with your overall strategy.

Seize the opportunity to gain a significant advantage over your opponents by utilizing the RB draft rankings cheat sheet for the 2023 season. It's the perfect resource to help you find the ideal running back to lead your fantasy football team to victory.

RB Draft Rankings Strategy

Developing a well-thought-out strategy for selecting running backs in your fantasy draft can greatly increase your chances of building a championship-caliber team.

The best RB draft rankings strategy considers your league's scoring system and roster requirements, specifically regarding the running back position.

Understanding how RBs score in your particular league will help you prioritize and identify the running backs with the most value.

Studying a running back's rushing and receiving performance from previous seasons and analyzing their potential for the upcoming season can give you a unique edge in selecting the perfect player for your team.

It's also crucial to stay updated on injury reports and any changes in team offensive strategies or supporting casts that could affect an RB's performance.

Is the team run-heavy or pass-heavy?

Who are the supporting wide receivers and offensive line?

These factors can make a significant difference in an RB's success.

When considering RBs, don't be afraid to take calculated risks and trust your instincts. While RB draft rankings are an invaluable guide, they shouldn't be your only resource. Look at matchups, coaching changes, and even a player's motivation or contract year.

With a well-executed running back-focused strategy, you can secure the best ball carrier for your team and significantly increase your chances of fantasy football success

It's not just about grabbing any running back; it's about understanding the landscape and making the right choice at the right time.

This approach puts you in a strong position to navigate the all-important decision of selecting a running back in your fantasy football draft for the 2023 season.

How Many RBs Should I Draft?

When it comes to drafting running backs in fantasy football, the number of running backs you should aim to draft depends on various factors, including your league format, scoring system, and overall team strategy.

In standard fantasy leagues, where most teams start one or two running backs, targeting at least two or three solid running backs early in the draft is often a prudent approach. These running backs typically serve as the backbone of your team, providing consistent points week after week. Having a mix of reliable starters and potential breakout players ensures you're well-equipped to handle bye weeks, injuries, and unfavorable matchups.

In more complex formats like PPR (points per reception) leagues, the value of pass-catching running backs increases significantly. In such leagues, where receptions contribute significantly to a player's points, it might be wise to prioritize running backs who excel in both rushing and receiving roles.

Most Accurate Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings

When it comes to drafting the running back for your fantasy football team, accuracy is crucial. You want rankings that reflect RB performance and give you the best chance of success in the vital role of your team's leader.

That's why it's vital to consult the most accurate fantasy football RB draft rankings.

4for4 Fantasy Football has consistently provided precise preseason and in-season RB rankings, specifically tailored to help you find the best running backs.

4for4's success with RB rankings is built on a scientific approach focusing on offensive tendencies, strength of schedule, running back efficiency, and player talent through predictive modeling.

They delve into factors like offensive line quality and even receiver or QB talent to predict RB performance. The result? Measurable, objective, and consistently replicated success in identifying fantasy football's most promising running backs.

So don't leave the all-important decision of selecting your running back to chance - trust the most accurate fantasy football RB draft rankings from 4for4 and increase your chances of victory in the 2023 season. With the right RB on your team, your team is well-positioned to dominate the competition.

Fantasy Football Draft Rankings by Position

QB Draft Rankings: Check out the latest draft rankings for running backs.
RB Draft Rankings: See the draft rankings for running backs.
WR Draft Rankings: Discover the draft rankings for wide receivers.
TE Draft Rankings: Explore the latest draft rankings for tight ends.
Kicker Draft Rankings: Get the latest rankings for kickers.
Defense Draft Rankings: Review the latest draft rankings for defenses.

Fantasy Football RB Draft Rankings by Format

Standard RB Draft Rankings: Explore the standard draft rankings for running backs.
PPR RB Draft Rankings: Explore the PPR draft rankings for running backs.
Half PPR RB Draft Rankings: Explore the latest Half-PPR RB draft rankings