2011 Updated Fantasy Football RB Rankings

Ryan LesterJun 7, 2018

DeAngelo Williams caused a shuffle. Here’s an updated and expanded look at my 2011 running back rankings.

1. Arian Foster, Houston Texans: As if leading the NFL in rushing with 1616 yards wasn’t enough, he added 66 catches for 604 yards. Oh, and he had 18 total touchdowns—16 rushing, two receiving. He is the perfect back for Houston’s zone blocking scheme.

2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: With a rookie quarterback likely leading the way, the focus of the Vikings’ offense will shift back to All Day. He ran for at least 1298 yards with double-digit touchdowns in every one of his four seasons.

3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs: Charles should get a heavier workload this year, which is scary considering he ran for 1467 yards on 230 carries (6.4 ypc). He is less likely to score a touchdown than the top two—which is why he’s ranked third on my list—but he is capable of being the most productive fantasy back in the league.

4. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: I actually think he may be the third best running back in the NFL, but he is a holdout risk. The Titans should play him, but until they do I’d rather have Jamaal Charles.

5. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers: His tweets can stir up controversy, but when it comes to running the football the kid is alright. 1273 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and he’ll be just 24 years old when—or should I say if?—the season starts.

6. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: Run DMC has finally lived up to the hype, collecting 1664 total yards—1157 rushing—and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. If he can stay healthy, he could rank right up there with the big four.

7. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: Rice will probably never be a touchdown guy, but he’s a yardage—and PPR—beast. He’s averaged more than 1900 total yards during the past two seasons.

8. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: McCoy caught 78 passes for 592 yards and two touchdowns—solid receiving numbers. Don’t forget about the 1080 rushing yards—5.2 ypc—and seven rushing touchdowns. Did I mention that he's only 23 years old?

9. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons: I still like Turner, but I moved him down a few slots. The Falcons could open it up more this year.

10. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars: Mojo showed the toughness to battle through injuries last year, but I don’t know if he could be as effective—1641 total yards and seven total touchdowns—if his knee acted up again.

11. Shonn Greene, New York Jets: I know he was supposed to be a beast last year, but LaDainian Tomlinson ran like a kid in the early going. This is Shonn's chance to put it all together.

12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers: When he’s healthy there are only a few backs that can match his production. Unfortunately he’s averaging just 13 games in the past two years.

13. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams: Jackson had just 3.8 yards per carry last year and six touchdowns, but the offense should be improved in Sam Bradford’s second year.

14. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears: Forte bounced back with 1616 total yards—1069 rushing—and nine touchdowns with six rushing. He’s particularly valuable in PPR leagues.

15. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants: Bradshaw is said to be healthy. If he stays with the Giants then it's a good bet that he will put up big numbers again.

16. LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blount ran for 1000 yards in just 200 carries. The Bucs could bring in a back to share the load, but until they do he’s a solid RB2.

17. Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns: I rattled some cages by not having Hillis in my top 15. I have him at 17 though, which isn’t too shabby.

18. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers: Returning to Carolina minimizes his fantasy value. They paid him to play though.

19. Cedric Benson, Free Agent: Getting arrested prior to negotiating a new deal wasn’t smart. That shouldn't cost him a starting gig or a big payday. His value and ranking will be determined by where he lands.

20. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers: Call me a sucker, but I’m willing to give Mathews another shot. Hopefully he can remain healthy this year and deliver on his high expectations.

21. Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints: First round Rookie running backs have not had a lot of success in recent years—Spiller, Mathews, Best, Moreno, Donald Brown, Beanie—but that doesn’t mean Ingram can’t produce. Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles will steal some carries, but Ingram will likely carry the main load.

22. Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins: Thomas’ value will be linked to what the Dolphins do in the free agent market. Thomas is a good bet to handle lead back duties.

23. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers: Stewart had a disappointing season, but the ability is still there. D-Will's presence keeps him from a top 15 season.

24. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers: If he’s healthy he should be the starting running back. James Starks earned some touches though.

25. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks: Lynch doesn’t have much competition for carries and the addition of Robert Gallery only increases his value.

26. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills: Is there an RB in the league that is as under-appreciated as Jackson is outside of Buffalo?

27. Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys: Perhaps this is his last crack at it. DeMarco Murray scares me a little, but I think Felix will be fine.

28. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos: He’s not out of the woods yet, but not having D-Will come to town increases his worth.

29. Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions: Best will have to share with Leshoure, but his explosiveness will make him a force at times. Health is his main concern.

30. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts: Unless the Colts bring somebody in, Addai is the non-sexy option that Peyton counts on.

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