What used to be the top position in all Fantasy Football, the running back position has taken a major hit over the last few years. NFL teams are choosing to run running back-by-committee and many teams have two or even three Running Backs and just ride the hot hands. However, as this year’s fantasy football draft is starting to take shape, there are still a number of great running back options as many teams are once again discovering how one special back can turn their team from a contender into a champion.
Here is a look at the 2017 fantasy football draft running back rankings as the NFL training camps are officially underway.
Tier 1: Running Back Rankings
The first tier of 2017 fantasy football draft running back rankings are those players you want to target in the first round of most drafts. The battle at the top of the running back depth chart is objective and really depends on whether a league gives points for receptions or not. For example, if a league is a point-per-reception (PPR) league, David Johnson is a clear No. 1 running back. However, if a league focuses mostly on just yards and touchdowns, it narrows the gap between Johnson, Ezekiel Elliott, and Le’Veon Bell.
1. David Johnson
2. Le’Veon Bell
3. Ezekiel Elliott
Tier 2: Running Back Rankings
The second tier of 2017 fantasy football draft running back rankings include those remaining players that should be starting for most fantasy teams.
This is where the running backs who really carry the load and don’t share carries sit. These backs will help a fantasy team win a championship and will also be some of the top point providers in every week of the NFL season that they play. Names here include older backs like Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy and younger players like Jay Ajayi.
4. Melvin Gordon
5. Devonta Freeman
6. LeSean McCoy
7. Jordan Howard
8. Jay Ajayi
9. DeMarco Murray
10. Lamar Miller
11. Adrian Peterson
12. Todd Gurley
Tier 3: Secondary Running Backs
The third tier of 2017 fantasy football draft running back rankings are RB2 players – second running backs who will try to bolster lineups each week. These are players you could start but should never be your first option.
13. Carlos Hyde
14. Leonard Fournette
15. Christian McCaffrey
16. Ty Montgomery
17. Isaiah Crowell
18. Mark Ingram
19. Tevin Coleman
20. Paul Perkins
21. Dalvin Cook
22. Bilal Powell
23. C.J. Anderson
24. Marshawn Lynch
Tier 4: Backup Running Backs
Finally, here are running backs you should only use as backups and spot starters.
25. Spencer Ware
26. Joe Mixon
27. Eddie Lacy
28. Frank Gore
29. Theo Riddick
30. Mike Gillislee
Matt Forte
Doug Martin
