Fantasy Football Rankings 2015: Top 40 Running Backs
By Matt Snyder
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams (29) during the second quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Third Tier Fantasy Football Running Backs
LeGarrette Blount suffered a knee injury in practice, but an MRI came back clean without lasting damage, and it looks like he’ll be ready to resume work shortly. Bill Belichick is known for shuffling his backs often, so hopefully you’re not relying on Blount for consistent scoring, but he has a knack for finding the end zone when he’s in the lineup. Target Round: 3-4
19. Andre Ellington
Andre Ellington’s 2014 campaign was a disappointment — just three rushing touchdowns and a 3.3 yards-per-carry average — but he did retain some value in the passing game with nearly 400 receiving yards and a couple of touchdown catches. If he can tick up his YPC rushing average, he could turn into a good second fantasy running back or dynamite third option. Target Round: 4
20. Latavius Murray
Latavius Murray didn’t grab the starting gig until late in the season, but he showed enough in his limited opportunities to make him an interesting option in 2015. He’ll be Oakland’s starter full-time now. Target Round: 4
21. Joseph Randle
Joseph Randle should have the inside track to win Dallas’ starting job, but he’s not the workhorse that DeMarco Murray was. Target Round: 4
22. T.J. Yeldon
It doesn’t sound like rookie T.J. Yeldon has wrapped up the Jacksonville starting job — so keep an eye out for that if you’re targeting him — but it looks like he’ll be the guy to start the season. Target Round: 4
23. Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley is a high-upside rookie, but there are concerns that his injured knee won’t be ready to go for week one. The Rams have said that he’s unlikely to see any preseason game action. Target Round: 4
24. Tevin Coleman
Tevin Coleman might not be the majority starter in Atlanta right away, but if you’re looking for a breakout rookie, this could be your guy. Target Round: 4
25. Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart is not a sexy name when it comes to fantasy football, but he’ll be the go-to guy in Carolina to start the year. He’s been reasonably dependable when healthy. Cam Newton’s legs may steal some of Stewart’s potential rushing touchdowns. Target Round: 5
26. Joique Bell
Joique Bell is no stranger to having to split carries in Detroit. Reggie Bush is out and Ameer Abdullah is in but Bell’s role hasn’t changed. He’ll still get a good number of carries, including almost all of the looks on the goal line. Target Round: 5
27. Rashad Jennings
Rashad Jennings is once again tabbed as the starting running back for the Giants. He’ll be a nice bench option for your fantasy team as long as he can stay healthy. Target Round: 5
28. Arian Foster
Arian Foster suffered a groin injury in practice and ended up having surgery last Friday. It’s looking like he might be able to return mid-year, in which case he’d be worth drafting and stashing. We’ll keep an eye out. Target Round: 5
Next: Fourth/Fifth Tier Running Backs for 2015