In the realm of fantasy football, one player stands above the rest for the 2023 season: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey, along with Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard, lead my Top 75 fantasy football running back rankings for the upcoming NFL season. The Top 5 also includes the likes of Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb.
When it comes to drafting running backs, it’s essential to balance their potential value with the risk of injuries. While elite running backs are often the first to go in drafts, their history of missing games can make their status uncertain. For those looking to avoid running backs in the first round, I recommend researching mid- to late-round players with average draft positions (ADP) to find hidden gems.
To help you navigate the vast landscape of fantasy football running backs, I have divided my top targets into five tiers: Hall of Fame, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Just Napping, and Deep Sleepers. Let’s dive into each category and explore the players to watch for the 2023 season.
In the Hall of Fame tier, we find the consensus No. 1 overall pick, Christian McCaffrey. His versatility as a runner and pass catcher makes him an invaluable asset to any fantasy team. Although he battled injuries in the past, McCaffrey’s 2022 season showcased his potential with 1,880 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns. With a full season ahead as a member of the 49ers, McCaffrey is poised to exceed expectations with over 100 receptions, 15 touchdowns, and 2,000 scrimmage yards.
Moving on to the All-Pro tier, we have Nick Chubb as a standout option. Chubb’s consistency and workload in the past five seasons with the Cleveland Browns make him an attractive choice. While he may not singlehandedly win you games, his reliable production will significantly benefit your lineup.
In the Pro Bowl tier, two players to keep an eye on are Aaron Jones and Saquon Barkley. Despite the overshadowing of the Green Bay Packers’ offense due to Aaron Rodgers’ departure, Jones remains a high-value sleeper with his impressive rushing yards and receiving stats. As for Barkley, injuries have plagued him in recent years, but his 2022 season showcased his potential with 1,650 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, Barkley has the potential to finish as a top fantasy points producer.
The Just Napping tier features Alexander Mattison and J.K. Dobbins. Mattison’s opportunity as a starting running back for the Minnesota Vikings, following Dalvin Cook’s departure, positions him for a breakout season. Expect him to surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards and double-digit touchdowns. Dobbins, on the other hand, showed promise in the final games of the previous season and is poised to outperform his ADP. He’s a great option for those employing a running-back-by-committee strategy.
Finally, in the Deep Sleepers tier, Raheem Mostert and Jamaal Williams shine. Mostert’s explosiveness and increased focus on becoming an elite pass catcher make him an exciting RB2 option. With the New Orleans Saints, Williams provides consistent production as a touchdown-dependent RB2 or flex play.
These rankings offer a comprehensive perspective on the top running backs for the 2023 fantasy football season. Whether you’re aiming for the Hall of Fame tier with McCaffrey or searching for hidden gems in the Deep Sleepers tier, use this guide to build a winning fantasy team. Happy drafting!
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
