Running back is one of the most important positions in fantasy football. Having an elite player in this position can be a great way for you to dominate your league. Considering there are only 32 starters in the NFL, locking down one of these 10 players early in your fantasy drafts is a must.
Many people enjoy going with a “zero running back approach” in fantasy drafts; essentially punting on the position and loading up everywhere else. It’s a strategy that holds merit, as there is plenty of talented wide receivers to be had. However, there is a scarcity of productive running backs in fantasy football. With a plethora of receivers available these days, taking an elite running back (or two) could be what separates you from everyone else in your league.
As the NFL season approaches, fantasy lists and rankings will change. However, this early top 10 list will provide you an early outlook at some of the potential best running backs for next year. Here is my way too early top 10 running backs list for the 2021 season.
2021 Fantasy Football: Top 10 Running Backs
1 | Christian McCaffrey | Carolina Panthers
Like most people, Christian McCaffrey remains at the top of the board despite suffering from two injuries last year that sidelined him for 13 games. Even so, when McCaffrey was on the field, he played as advertised. In just three games, the Carolina Panthers’ star running back put up 225 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 149 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
McCaffrey is the best fantasy football running back in the game. His ability to carry the ball makes him an elite running back, but it’s his play in the passing game that truly makes him elite. He’s essentially an extra wide receiver that runs routes out of the backfield. For single quarterback leagues, you can expect McCaffrey to be the first pick in your fantasy league next year.
2 | Saquon Barkley | New York Giants
It feels like it’s been five years since we last saw Saquon Barkley hit the field. He dealt with injuries in 2019 just to turn around and suffer a season-ending injury last year as well. The New York Giants running back only played two games last season and didn’t look all that impressive in those games. He only totaled 34 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards.
Although that’s true, there is room for optimism for Barkley’s return. The Giants had a putrid offense last year, but so far during this offseason, the front office has gained some top talent. Having a true wide receiver in Kenny Golladay should open up the running lanes for Barkley. If he can stay healthy next year, Barkley has the potential to finish as the top running back in the league.
3 | Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans
The 2020 rushing champ proved last year he is the best pure running back in the NFL. Derrick Henry ran for over 2,000 yards last season, making him just the eighth player in NFL history to accomplish that feat. He played all 16 games, finishing with 2,027 rushing yards, 114 receiving yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns.
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Henry doesn’t get too involved in the passing game, which is why he typically falls in fantasy drafts. His play is capped to the run game, however, he’s such a dominant force, he still provides consistency week in and week out. With the Tennessee Titans offense beginning with Henry, draft him with confidence and know that you have a top-five finisher (almost) every week.
4 | Dalvin Cook | Minnesota Vikings
Another running back known for being a pure rusher. Dalvin Cook is the main focus of the Minnesota Vikings offense and it doesn’t look like that’ll slow down anytime soon. Last year Cook capped off the season with 1,557 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 361 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdowns.
Cook is a phenomenal athlete who reads his rushing lanes perfectly. He’s a modern-day wrecking ball on the field with agility and impressive foot speed. Now with Justin Jefferson emerging as a potential elite receiver, those run lanes might open up a bit more for Cook. If that’s the case, watch out.
5 | Nick Chubb | Cleveland Browns
If it wasn’t for his injury that kept him out for four games, Nick Chubb likely would have finished as a top-five running back in fantasy football last year. It felt like every time he carried the ball he was breaking away for a long run. He recorded 1,067 rushing yards, 150 receiving yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns in a 12 game time span.
The Cleveland Browns have made a ton of moves to improve the roster for next year. They aim to take over the AFC North with an improved defense and better offensive play. Look for Chubb to continue dominating, even with Kareem Hunt splitting carries throughout the year.
6 | Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts’ rookie running back didn’t really come alive until the second half of the season. However, Jonathan Taylor proved he has the potential to be an elite running back in the league. He gained most of his stats in the back-half of the year but still finished with 1,169 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 299 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
The guy is a monster coming out of the backfield and aims to take the league by storm next year. After trading for Carson Wentz, the Colts plan to make a playoff push in 2021, but they could be leaning on Taylor throughout the season. Draft Taylor in your fantasy leagues with confidence, as he has the potential to finish as a top-three running back in fantasy football.
7 | Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints
It’s weird to see Alvin Kamara this low on a top 10 list for running backs. Especially when it comes to fantasy football. He had a solid season last year for the New Orleans Saints, finishing with 932 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 756 receiving yards, and an additional five receiving touchdowns.
He’ll still likely finish as a top 10 running back in fantasy football, but now with Drew Brees retiring, it’s unclear how the Saints will move forward with their offense. Whenever Taysom Hill was under center, Kamara’s fantasy production plummeted. It’s possible he stays more engaged with the offense if Jameis Winston earns the starting job. But for now, approach Kamara with caution.
8 | D’Andre Swift | Detroit Lions
Another prominent player from the 2020 rookie class. D’Andre Swift was putting it together in the second half of the season and aims to be the focal point of the Detroit Lions offense next year. In his rookie campaign, Swift finished with 521 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 357 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns.
He has the same type of skillset as Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey. Swift has the ability to be a strong runner behind the line of scrimmage, while also providing consistency as a pass-catcher as well. It’s yet to be seen how Jared Goff adjusts to the Lions offensive scheme, but he should be searching to dump it off to Swift often.
9 | Aaron Jones | Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers opted to re-sign Aaron Jones to the roster. It was a head-scratching move considering they drafted AJ Dillon in the second round of the draft last year. Either way, Jones is here to stay and is set up to be a solid fantasy option again. Last year he ended with 1,104 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 355 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers has the unique ability to almost always find the open man. He’s a superstar quarterback that has made Jones’s life easy in the backfield. Opposing defenses have to respect Aaron Rodgers, opening up run lanes and dump-off opportunities for Aaron Jones. Expect much of the same next year.
10 | Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers
The final player on the list, Austin Ekeler has the potential to finish as a top 10 running back option in fantasy football next year. He’s very involved with the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense, as he finished last season with 530 rushing yards, 403 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns.
He might just be the best receiving running back in the league. He typically scores more fantasy points through the air than he does on the ground. If you play in a PPR league, drafting Ekeler can give you a massive advantage every week. If he can stay healthy, look for Ekeler to have a monster season in 2021.
