Running back rankings for the 2017 Fantasy Football season: 40-31

People usually have their own draft strategies, but drafting two straight running backs is a common one. As I previously stated, it is the most coveted and important position in fantasy football. This list of running backs is important because of how scarce the position is. Here are the Running back rankings for the 2017 Fantasy Football season: 40-31.

 

40. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers)–

When the Panthers went 15-1 in 2015, Stewart had a great year, rushing for 989 yards and 6 touchdowns. Last year we saw his production decrease a little bit. With the poor play of Carolina’s offensive line, Stewart rushed for about 200 less yards. He did have 3 more touchdowns, but with the addition of Christian McCaffrey, I see his production decreasing even more. Add that to the fact that J-Stew hasn’t played a full season since 2011. Don’t take Stewart too early but if he’s there for the right price then snag him.

39. James White (New England Patriots)- The Super Bowl hero, James White, has the opportunity to take a big step this year. After the departure of LeGarrette Blount, there is no clear number one running back for the New England Patriots. Primarily a receiving back, White recorded 551 receiving yards on only 60 receptions. White also quietly averaged 4.3 yards per carry. I’d like to put him higher on this list but because of the ample amount of running backs on the Patriots roster this is where he should be. Draft him in later rounds and wait for his time to breakout.

38. C.J. Prosise (Seattle Seahawks)– Another running back in a running back by committee situation, Prosise is a difficult player to rank. As the lead back on the Seahawks last year, Prosise rushed for 172 yards on only 30 attempts, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. The Seahawks also use him a lot in the passing game (208 receiving yards on only 17 receptions last season). After acquiring Eddie Lacy in the offseason, Prosise isn’t the lead back but given Lacy’s injury history and Prosise’s success as a number one back, if he gets his chance he’ll produce for you.

37. Giovanni Bernard (Cincinnati Bengals)– Bernard has the ability to be a great fantasy player this year. He was on the field for 394 of his team’s offensive snaps last season in 10 games and expect that to continue. He isn’t a three down back but he is used in the passing game as one of Andy Dalton’s primary weapons (at least 39 receptions every season since he’s been in the league). Don’t expect any breakouts this year, especially rushing behind Joe Mixon and Jeremy Hill, but if you’re looking for consistency (8.5 standard fantasy PPG last year) then draft Bernard.

36. Kenneth Dixon (Baltimore Ravens)– Coming off of a decent rookie season, riddled by injuries, Dixon is an interesting fantasy candidate this season. After rushing for 382 yards in 12 games, Dixon can take the lead back role this year. He will miss the first four games because of PED use, so his draft stock is low right now. Draft Dixon as a steal late, and wait for him to get back on the field.

35. Jamaal Charles (Denver Broncos)– A former first round pick in most fantasy leagues, Jamaal Charles is definitely past his prime. That doesn’t mean he still can’t produce RB3 numbers however. After only playing in eight games over the past two seasons, there is always risk coming with the draft pick of Jamaal Charles. From 2012-2014, Charles had three straight 1,000+ rushing seasons. Yes we all know the Broncos running back situation is hard to decipher but for the price Charles is going at right now, currently the 40th running back taken off draft boards, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take him.

34. Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)– Doug Martin is fantasy frustration at it’s finest. Another former first round fantasy pick has had success and has struggled over the course of his career. If he can stay healthy he will produce. In the two seasons where he’s played all 16 games he’s eclipsed 1400 yards both times. He will be missing the first four games of the season, but with the revamped Tampa Bay offense, when he gets back there’s no reason why he shouldn’t produce and succeed. Draft Martin but handcuff Jacquizz Rodgers for some certainty.

33. Adrian Peterson (New Orleans Saints)– After a very successful tenure in Minnesota, Adrian Peterson and the Vikings have parted ways and “All Day” now finds himself in New Orleans. Only two years ago Peterson rushed for 1485 yards and 11 touchdowns, so obviously he still has some juice left in the tank. Typically AP would be higher on this list but because of how pass-heavy the Saints offense is and Mark Ingram still on the roster, I don’t see Peterson being much higher.

32. Duke Johnson (Cleveland Browns)– Another running back who is primarily a receiving back, Duke Johnson has found some nice success in the NFL. After having a combined 872 yards last season and with the revamped Browns offensive line, Johnson should enjoy another good season. The only problem with his fantasy game is the lack of touchdowns Johnson has, only three in his career. Plus playing behind the breakout star, Isaiah Crowell, Johnson is no more than a RB3.

31. Ameer Abdullah (Detroit Lions)– Ameer Abdullah plays a crucial role in the Lions offense. Last season the Lions ran the ball 396 times and threw it 604 times, and Abdullah is important in both of those departments. The main rusher on the team and the second receiving running back behind Theo Riddick, if Abdullah can stay healthy he will produce for the lions and your fantasy team.

 

 

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