In my rankings for the 2023 fantasy football season, I have identified San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey as the top option at his position. Alongside him, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard also stand out as strong choices for fantasy owners. Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb round out the top five in my rankings.
When it comes to drafting running backs, it’s important to keep in mind their injury history. While they are typically the first players chosen in drafts, they also tend to miss games due to their physicality on the field. If you’re looking to take a different approach and avoid selecting running backs early on, I suggest researching mid- to late-round players who have the potential to outperform their average draft positions.
To help you navigate through the numerous options, I have categorized my top 75 ranked players into five tiers: Hall of Fame, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Just Napping, and Deep Sleepers. Each tier represents a different level of potential and value.
In the Hall of Fame tier, Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler, Tony Pollard, and Derrick Henry take the lead. McCaffrey is widely regarded as the number one overall pick due to his versatility as both a runner and a pass catcher. Despite some injury setbacks in recent seasons, he was active for all 17 games last year and delivered an impressive performance. With his new team, the 49ers, I anticipate McCaffrey to have an even more impactful season, surpassing 2,000 yards from scrimmage for the second time in his career.
Moving on to the All-Pro tier, I have Nick Chubb as my sole selection. Chubb may not have explosive weekly performances, but he consistently produces and provides stability to fantasy lineups.
In the Pro Bowl tier, Aaron Jones and Saquon Barkley stand out. Jones, from the Green Bay Packers, offers excellent value in later rounds of drafts and has the potential to perform at RB1 levels in favorable matchups. Barkley, who has dealt with injuries in recent years, bounced back last season with a strong showing. If he can maintain his health, he has the potential to finish as a top-three fantasy producer.
The Just Napping tier includes Alexander Mattison and J.K. Dobbins. Mattison, who steps into a starting role for the Minnesota Vikings, has shown glimpses of RB1-level talent throughout his career. With this opportunity, I expect him to make a significant impact and exceed 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Dobbins, from the Baltimore Ravens, struggled with injuries in previous seasons but finished the most recent campaign with impressive rushing performances. If he can stay healthy, he could surpass expectations and outperform his current draft position.
Finally, in the Deep Sleepers tier, I have Raheem Mostert and Jamaal Williams. Mostert, a member of the Miami Dolphins, looks set to have a prominent role in their running back rotation. With his explosiveness and expected workload, he has the potential to deliver strong performances early in the season. Williams, who previously played for the Detroit Lions and now joins the New Orleans Saints, led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season. While he may not replicate that success, Williams should provide decent production during Alvin Kamara’s suspension and may keep a relevant role afterward.
These rankings aim to provide guidance and strategy for your fantasy football drafts. Remember to consider factors such as injury history, workload, strength of schedule, and performance history when making your selections. Good luck in your fantasy football endeavors!
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