Fantasy Football Rankings 2015: Top 40 Running Backs
By Matt Snyder
Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) catches a pass and runs for yardage during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Top Tier Fantasy Football Running Backs
Jamaal Charles has seen his yards-per-game averages fall for three consecutive years, but he remains the focus of the Chiefs’ offense and factors into both the running and passing game. Target Round: 1
How many of you drafted Adrian Peterson in the first round last year like I did? Losing him for 15 games due to suspension sucked, but it’s no reason not to take him this year. Start looking at him with the second overall pick and snag him quickly if he falls any further. Target Round: 1
3. Le’Veon Bell
Le’Veon Bell finished a close second to DeMarco Murray in total yards from scrimmage last season, but Bell achieved his 2,215 yard by being a true dual-threat back. Over 850 of his yards came in the receiving game. It’s tough to expect him to repeat that, but his ability to factor into the passing attack will help steady his value in matchups against tough run defenses. Bell will need to serve a two-game suspension to begin the season — so make sure you have a reliable option to begin the year — but he should give you enough value down the stretch to justify a high selection. Target Round: 1
Marshawn Lynch has been a productive back for a number of years now, but, perhaps more importantly, he’s been tremendously durable. He has missed just one game in the last five seasons. Target Round: 1
5. Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy isn’t being asked to carry the offense in Green Bay (that’s Aaron Rodgers’ job), but he’s the main man when it comes to running the ball. He factors into the passing game as well (over 400 receiving yards in 2014) and is rarely the focus of opposing defenses. Target Round: 1
6. Matt Forte
Matt Forte has never tallied a double-digit rushing touchdown total, and has only crossed the 1,100 rushing yard mark twice in his seven-year career, but he has averaged more than 500 yards (with a couple of touchdowns) with his pass catching ability. Target Round: 1
DeMarco Murray was the toast of the fantasy football world last year with over 1,800 yards rushing (and more total yards from scrimmage than any other NFL player), but now that he’s in Philadelphia he’s not likely to see the type of workload that will allow him to duplicate those gaudy totals. Target Round: 1
C.J. Anderson was terrific down the stretch after taking over the starting job in Denver. He averaged 95 yards and a touchdown in his final eight games. He also factored into the passing game, hauling in a couple of touchdowns and receiving double-digit targets on a couple of occasions. Target Round: 1
9. LeSean McCoy
It’s hard to imagine that LeSean McCoy’s departure from Philadelphia could help his value, but he looks to be the main man in Buffalo. He’ll get enough touches in Buffalo to justify a top selection. Target Round: 1
Next: Second Tier Running Backs for 2015