In my opinion, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is the top choice for the 2023 fantasy football season. Alongside him, Austin Ekeler and Tony Pollard also stand out as strong options 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 consider their injury history and potential workload. While elite running backs are often taken early in drafts, there are also valuable players available in the mid to late rounds. Researching these players’ injury history, workload, strength of schedule, and performance history can help determine which ones are the prime targets for your team.
In my rankings, I’ve divided the top targets into five tiers: Hall of Fame, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, Just Napping (early to mid-round targets), and Deep Sleepers (mid to late-round sleepers). The full rankings are as follows:
Hall of Fame:
1. Christian McCaffrey
2. Austin Ekeler
3. Tony Pollard
4. Derrick Henry
McCaffrey is considered the consensus number one overall pick in most fantasy football rankings. Despite some injury concerns in recent years, he has shown his value as both a runner and a pass catcher. With a full season ahead with the 49ers, McCaffrey is expected to have a stellar season with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and at least 15 touchdowns.
All-Pro:
5. Nick Chubb
Chubb is known for his consistent production over the last five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. While he may not singlehandedly win you many weeks, his reliability makes him a great addition to your lineup.
Pro Bowl:
6. Aaron Jones
7. Saquon Barkley
Jones has been overlooked due to the Packers’ changing offense, but he remains a valuable fantasy option. Barkley, on the other hand, has battled with injuries but showed promise in the previous season. If he stays healthy, Barkley has the potential to finish the season as a top three fantasy point producer.
Just Napping:
10. Alexander Mattison
14. J.K. Dobbins
Mattison takes on the starting role for the first time in his career, and I expect him to make the most of this opportunity. With at least 1,000 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns, Mattison can be a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. Dobbins, too, has the potential to outperform his draft position if he stays healthy and is utilized in a running-back-by-committee approach.
Deep Sleepers:
31. Raheem Mostert
38. Jamaal Williams
Mostert’s explosiveness and expected early workload make him a great RB2 play at the start of the season. With increased involvement in the passing game, Mostert has the potential to surpass 1,200 yards from scrimmage and improve on his touchdown total from the previous season. Williams, who had a strong performance last season, should provide moderate production during Alvin Kamara’s suspension and could maintain flex play status even after Kamara returns.
These rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the top running back options for the 2023 fantasy season. By considering factors such as injury history, workload, and potential performance, fantasy owners can make informed choices to build a winning team.
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