2011 Updated Fantasy Football RB Rankings

Ryan LesterJun 7, 2018

With the preseason in full swing, there has been some movement in the fantasy RB rankings.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: All Day is tried and true. He's ran for at least 1298 yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of his four seasons. Foster's hammy moves AP to #1.

2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans: I still like him over Charles and Rice, but AP is just a safer pick than a guy entering the year with a nagging injury.touchdowns in each of his four seasons.

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3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs: Charles should get a heavier workload this year, which is scary considering he ran for 1,467 yards on 230 carries (6.4 YPC). He is less likely to score a touchdown than Arian, AP, or CJ2K, but he’s capable of being the most productive fantasy back in the league.

4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: With McGahee not vulturing touchdowns and Vonta Leach paving the way, Rice should be a top-five fantasy back.

5. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: I actually think he’s number three, but he is a holdout risk. I think the Titans pay him, but until they do I’d rather have Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice.

6. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: Run DMC finally lived up to the hype, collecting 1,664 total yards (1,157 rushing) and 10 touchdowns (seven rushing) in 13 games. If he can stay healthy, he could rank right up there with the big four.

7. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers: His tweets can stir up controversy, but when it comes to running the football, the kid is alright. He had 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and he’ll be just 24 years old if and when the season starts.

8. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: McCoy caught 78 passes for 592 yards and two touchdowns. Those are solid receiving numbers. Don’t forget about the 1,080 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and seven rushing touchdowns. He’ll be just 23.

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 (1,641 total yards, 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 the year Shonn puts it all together.
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12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers: When he’s healthy there are only a few backs who can match his production. Unfortunately, he’s averaging just 13 games 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 1,616 total yards (1,069 rushing) and nine touchdowns (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 he’s a good bet to put up big numbers again.

16. LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blount ran for 1,000 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, Cincinnati Bengals: Nothing sexy about Benson, but he’s steady.

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 led back duties.

23. 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.

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

25. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills: Is there an RB in the league who is as unappreciated as Jackson is outside of Buffalo?

26. Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions: With Leshoure out for the year, Best gets a boost in value.

27. Tim Hightower, Washington Redskins: Shanahan is unpredictable, especially with running backs, but Hightower is well-equipped to be on the field in passing situations…and he is looking like the best runner on the team, too.

28. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos: Willis McGahee limits his value, but at least he doesn’t have to share with D-Will.

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

30. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers: Coming back from injury and in the midst of the dreaded RBBC with James Starks.

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