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6 Running Backs Our Experts Like More Than ECR (2021 Fantasy Football)

6 Running Backs Our Experts Like More Than ECR (2021 Fantasy Football)

Rankings are the backbone of your fantasy football draft preparation. Rather than use the rankings from a single person, we provide you with a consensus of over 100 fantasy football experts via our Expert Consensus Rankings.

Today, we’re taking a look at players our experts — Mike Tagliere, Kyle Yates, Dan Harris, and Joe Pisapia — are higher on versus our Expert Consensus Rankings. You can find the consensus of our four analysts here.

Rankings referenced for half-PPR scoring formats.

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Najee Harris (PIT)
Our Experts RB9 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB13

Running backs are at their prime when they enter the NFL, which makes them the most valuable their rookie season, unlike quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends. Because of that, Harris, who takes over as the Steelers’ lead back, is someone you want to have on your roster. The Steelers are a team that hasn’t been shy about giving running backs 18-plus touches per game with Mike Tomlin at the helm. You don’t draft a three-down back like Harris in the first round and put him in some timeshare. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him average 20-plus touches per game, which puts him smack dab in the middle of the RB1 conversation.
– Mike Tagliere

Chris Carson (SEA)
Our Experts RB15 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB17

It’s true, Carson has yet to play a 16-game season in his NFL career. While he does have the new contract to his name, there’s still absolutely the concern that Carson is going to miss time yet again with an injury. His running style is one of the reasons why he’s so successful in the NFL, but it’s also a main reason why he fails to remain healthy each season. As long as Carson is healthy and on the field though, he’s going to be an incredibly reliable option for fantasy football. In this explosive offense, Carson’s going to have plenty of scoring opportunities and volume. As an RB2 on your roster, you can afford to live with Carson’s injury concerns, while also enjoying his high-level production when he’s active.
– Kyle Yates

Darrell Henderson (LAR)
Our Experts RB18 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB20

While it’s unfortunate how we got here, Henderson’s now in the conversation for a potential league-winner this upcoming season. With Henderson’s talent and explosiveness, plus the projected leap this offense is about to take, Henderson could easily finish as a top-10 RB now. He might not see heavy target totals through the air, but he should see enough to compliment his work on the ground. If you drafted Henderson late already, you got an absolute steal. If your draft is still to happen, Henderson’s worth viewing as a mid-range RB2 with incredible upside.
– Kyle Yates

Travis Etienne (JAC)
Our Experts RB20 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB24

Urban Meyer is certainly known for valuing speed on the football field and the Jaguars have not been shy about their intent to draft Kadarius Toney if he were there at pick No. 25 in the NFL Draft. With Toney off the board, they went with the explosive RB prospect that can absolutely fly in Etienne. My belief is that the Jaguars intend to deploy Etienne as a traditional RB, but then also as a player that they will use all over the formation and simply get the ball in his hands. If that’s the case, Etienne’s going to be extremely valuable for fantasy football right away. He’s a true home-run threat and he’s an excellent receiver out of the backfield. As we sit here in early June, I wouldn’t be shocked if Etienne finishes as a top-15 RB in fantasy right out of the gates. My Very Early Projection: 184-881-5 rushing & 71-607-2 receiving.
– Kyle Yates

Michael Carter (NYJ)
Our Experts RB29 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB32

Don’t sleep on Carter in redraft formats. The only player standing in his way of 15-plus touches is Tevin Coleman, who’s played just 22-of-32 games the last two seasons. On top of that, he’s never been efficient when asked to carry a heavy workload. Carter reminded me of Justin Forsett while scouting him. He does everything well, and though he’s undersized, that shouldn’t stop him from getting plenty of opportunity, especially in the passing game. The Jets are no longer an Adam Gase-led team. There’s value to be had in this offense, and Carter is one of the best late-round values in fantasy football.
– Mike Tagliere

Trey Sermon (SF)
Our Experts RB32 | Expert Consensus Ranking RB34

As of now, we have to assume it’s Raheem Mostert as the starting running back, though Kyle Shanahan did trade up into the third round to get Sermon. This should tell you that Mostert is on a short leash, and to be fair, he hasn’t been able to hold up to a workhorse workload. The 49ers have one of the softest schedules in the league among running backs, so if we start hearing whispers that Sermon will start right out of the gate, he should shoot up draft boards. For now, he should be viewed as one of the best bench stashes in fantasy football.
– Mike Tagliere

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