Fantasy Football Rankings 2015: Top 40 Running Backs
By Matt Snyder
Dec 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) during warmups prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. The Steelers won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Second Tier Fantasy Football Running Backs
10. Jeremy Hill
Jeremy Hill averaged over 100 yards per game over the final nine weeks of the season in 2014. If he matches that production level, he’d end up as a steal early in the second round. Target Round: 2
11. Justin Forsett
Justin Forsett was waiver wire gold in 2014 with over 1,200 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. It may seem like he came out of nowhere — and he did– but his career rushing average stands at 5.1 yards per carry. Target Round: 2
12. Mark Ingram
Mark Ingram nearly broke the 1,000 yard threshold despite starting only nine games and missing three completely due to injury. His nine rushing touchdowns tied him (with a list of others) for the third-best mark in the NFL. He’s the one on the field when the Saints are looking to punch it in at the goal line. Target Round: 2
13. Carlos Hyde
Carlos Hyde is now the number one back in San Francisco with Frank Gore out of the picture. He’ll see extra touches, be fantasy owners will need to hope that comes with extra production as well. Target Round: 2
14. Lamar Miller
After a couple of years of hype without production, Lamar Miller finally turned into a bona fide fantasy running back. He’s not going to see the number of touches required to put him alongside the Top-5 type backs, but he’d make a good number two starting option. Target Round: 2-3
15. Melvin Gordon
It’s always a risk to bet your fantasy season on a rookie, but Melvin Gordon checks all the boxes with his combination of size and speed. He’ll enter the season as the top back in San Diego. Target Round: 3
16. Alfred Morris
Alfred Morris carry and yardage totals have dropped in each of his three years in the league, but he’s surpassed the 1,000 yard mark each season and has done a tremendous job of staying on the field. He’s not going to put up striking numbers each week, but he should end the season with a reliable total. Target Round: 3
17. Frank Gore
Frank Gore moves to Indianapolis this season where he’ll serve as the Colts’ number one running back. The knock on Gore is his age, but he’s been mostly productive throughout the years. His touchdown total was cut in half from previous norms in 2013, but he still managed to cross the 1,100 yard mark (something he’s done in each of the last four seasons). The Colts haven’t had a 1,000 yard rusher since Joseph Addai in 2007, so they’ll welcome Gore with open arms. Target Round: 3
Next: Third Tier Running Backs for 2015