2017 Fantasy Football Running Backs Rankings and Stock Scores

With free agency and the draft in the rearview and offseason workouts underway, we present our 2017 .5 PPR fantasy football running back rankings.

The 2017 Running Back Landscape

As should be the case across the industry, David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell, and Ezekiel Elliott are a clear tier ahead of the RB pack, and really any other fantasy talents across the league.  Simply put, nothing is more valuable than three-down workhorses receiving 20+ weekly touches in explosive and creatively called offenses behind strong lines and amidst quality surrounding talents. Their combination of ceiling and floor is unparalleled in the Rotosphere, and these three are the no-brainer top-three picks across all scoring formats in 2017.

We then move to a tier of sturdy RB1s that’s highly difficult to sift through. Out of these names, LeSean McCoy has by far the greatest track record and is coming off the most productive season, but his injury risk makes Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi, and DeMarco Murray all fair considerations. Personally, Gordon is my favorite of the bunch, especially coming off an offseason that saw him secure three down work with Danny Woodhead‘s departure, plus his line has had beef added via the draft; with health, his situation most closely resembles the top tier, and he could easily be on par with that bunch if everything falls in his favor. Ajayi is also promised massive work (350 touches?! Increased receiving usage), behind an improving line, and could easily threaten for top-four numbers, but I’m still a nonbeliever in Ryan Tannehill, and something about Ajayi feels “busty.” Murray was my early favorite for the No. 4 spot, but recent reports that Derrick Henry will be worked in more often have me leery. Regardless, these top-seven (eight if you include Devonta Freeman) represent a massive edge over the remaining options, and I may find myself securing a horse in Round One even with talents like Julio Jones and Odell Beckham on the board, given how fast these guys drop off.

RBs 9-15 (in order: Lamar Miller, Leonard Fournette, Isaiah Crowell, Todd Gurley, Christian McCaffrey, and Marshawn Lynch) represent high-end RB2s, and could pass for RB1s if you’ve stacked up two bonafide WR1s with your first two selections. Any of these names are fully capable of RB1 seasons, but need a few more things to bend right to achieve this.

Thus, we come across a deep tier of “Remaining RB2s.” Carlos Hyde might be this tier’s biggest question mark, as Kyle Shanahan is quite consistent in churning out RB1s… but is equally unpredictable in selecting his lead rusher. Early reports suggest Hyde is a poor fit, and Shanahan has never had a problem starting late round backs over more heralded names as long as they run the outside zone game best; everything suggests Joe Williams is his handpicked man, and is a real threat to usurp Hyde. He could keep falling with a similarly disastrous training camp. Meanwhile, the explosive Joe Mixon is rising amidst Giovani Bernard‘s injuries, as Mixon has a real shot at securing this pass-catching role during Bernard’s early season absence. We may not be higher on a single player than Doug Martin, who drips in RB1 upside once he returns from a three-game ban; his lack of respect from “fantasy experts” is insulting. Tevin ColemanTy Montgomery, and Ameer Abdullah are extremely hard to sift through, but all bring serious ceiling into RB2 spots.

Which brings us to the “Flex Considerations.” This tier will be prone to movement over the summer: Does Adrian Peterson still have it, and how does he fit with the Saints pass-first attack and among a crowded backfield?? Can Spencer Ware secure a firm grip on the valuable Andy Reid lead back role, or will Kareem Hunt force this to be a committee? How much work Bilal Powell should be expected to see and if his high-end talent can transcend his awful fantasy surroundings? Will Mike Gillislee will truly be the “LeGarrette Blount” among this crowded backfield .  Ideally, you’ve secured at least three rushers at this stage, as none of these names are locks to produce. Still, some names will definitely ascend into sturdy RB2, if not RB1, status, but the warts around these rushers makes it tough to project.

From here, it’s all about maximizing your bench’s upside, as well as protecting your lead assets. We’ll have a whole separate article on “Penny Stocks,” but do yourself a favor and dip into this deep, talented rookie RB pool. Guys like Joe Williams, Kareem Hunt, and Jamaal Williams project to be difference makers by midseason. Oh, and I have to just plug Derrick Henry. Love for life. Still worth “The Next David Johnson” label for whenever he gains this starting role.

For audio-based learners / long commuters, check out our Three-Part RB Previews via The Fantasy Fullback Dive:

This wraps up our 2017 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings & Stock Scores. Where is The Wolf insane? Where is he spot on? Are Jordan Howard and CJ Anderson insultingly low? Are Mike Gillislee and Doug Martin way too high? Sound off below, or attack him on Twitter @RotoStreetWolf 

Plus, these rankings will be constantly updated throughout the summer as training camp storylines develop, so be sure to check-in early and often.  To make sure you never miss an update, like our Facebook Page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Plus,  join the #WolfPack, to gain exclusive content and, on August 1st, a free copy of our 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Guide (a $14.99 value). For audio based learners or those with long commutes, make sure to subscribe (and rate us 5 stars) and tune into the Fantasy Fullback Dive on iTunes or Stitcher

Author

  • Founder of Roto Street Journal. Lover of workhorse backs, target hog wideouts, and Game of Thrones. Aspiring to be the "Brady" and "Leo" of the fantasy universe.

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