Top Five Running Backs in Fantasy Football

Gibbs is so good that many other tier lists have him around number three for running backs. Last year, Gibbs averaged 21.3 fantasy points per week as well as rushing for over 100 yards in five games. The only issue that could affect his output would be David Montgomery behind him in the depth chart. Montgomery only played 14 games last season, and the games that he missed were great for Gibbs. Assuming he doesn’t get injured, though, Montgomery might continue to get the goal-line carries, which would take away potential touchdowns from Gibbs.

4. Christian McCaffrey

It seems like drafters, more than ever, are afraid to pick up McCaffrey due to the potential season-ending injury he could get. That does make sense; anybody who took McCaffrey last year missed out on him for most of the season. When healthy, though, McCaffrey still has qualities that no other running back can match. Notably, he’s almost as lethal catching the ball as he is running with it. Of course, it’s very risky taking such an injury-prone running back, but nobody wants to be the guy who passes up on McCaffrey just to watch their opponent pick him up and get 30 fantasy points out of him every week.

3. Bijan Robinson

Many football experts think Robinson is actually the number one rusher in the league, and with good reason. Robinson also rushed for 100 yards in five games last year while having very few poor performances. The hard part about ranking Robinson highly is that Atlanta is very fond of Tyler Allgeier, particularly with what he can do around the red zone. That’s why Allgeier ended up with ten touchdowns last season, and if the trend continues, Robinson could be missing out on some points.

2. Derrick Henry

It’s true that running backs usually take a dip in performance once they turn 30 years of age, but there has never been another Derrick Henry. Not many 30-year-olds can rush for 199 yards in a game, but Henry did last season against Buffalo. Considering how well he takes care of his body, it’s fair to say that Henry should still be viewed as a top performer until proven otherwise. Also, who is taking the ball away from Henry? Whether it’s from the goal line or the Baltimore 20, there’s nobody else better to give the ball to.

1. Saquon Barkley

Barkley’s number one placement has nothing to do with the Super Bowl ring he just won; it’s simply that last season was amazing for him. He had eleven games where he rushed for over 100 yards, including a game against the Rams where he rushed for 255! In some of these games, he wouldn’t even need lots of carries; Barkley only had 17 carries against New Orleans and turned them into 147 yards. So, it doesn’t matter whether or not Philadelphia gives some playing time to A.J. Dillon or Will Shipley; Saquon Barkley will get his numbers regardless.