While running back isn’t the most important position on the field, it is in fantasy football. Last year, Christian McCaffrey was the top-scoring player in fantasy football, averaging 24.5 PPR fantasy points per game.
That said, welcome to my running back positional overview. I will share my thoughts on the top 36 running backs in my 2026 redraft PPR rankings broken down into seven tiers. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
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Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs Overview
Tier 1: Top Pick Worthy
1. Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
Robinson has been a fantasy star since entering the NFL, posting a top-nine PPR finish every year of his career, including back-to-back top-three finishes. Last year, the former Texas star had 366 touches for 2,298 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns despite splitting work with Tyler Allgeier. Robinson is my top pick in all single-quarterback drafts.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – DET)
Detroit put all their faith in Gibbs this offseason, trading away David Montgomery and replacing him with Isiah Pacheco. However, Gibbs was already taking over as the Lions’ featured running back in 2025, accounting for 63.6% of the backfield workload. More importantly, he has averaged over 21 PPR fantasy points per game in back-to-back seasons.
Tier 2: Clear-Cut RB1s
3. James Cook (RB – BUF)
There isn’t a safer running back to draft after the first two than Cook. Despite Josh Allen’s role at the goal line, he has 28 rushing touchdowns over the past two years, posting a 5.4% touchdown rate on the ground. More importantly, Cook has three consecutive top-12 PPR finishes, including as the RB6 in 2025.
4. Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Last year, Taylor was the focal point of the Colts’ offense. He had 369 touches, accounting for nearly 40% of Indianapolis’ total offense in 2025. Furthermore, the superstar was unstoppable with Daniel Jones healthy, averaging 24.8 PPR fantasy points per game and 1.14 fantasy points per touch over the first 13 weeks.
5. Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF)
When he is healthy, McCaffrey has been a fantasy cheat code, averaging 23.3 PPR fantasy points per game over his past three healthy seasons. However, the superstar had 413 touches last year, a career high. The last time McCaffrey had over 400 touches in a year, the superstar missed 69.7% of the games over the next two seasons because of multiple injuries.
6. Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
Hopefully, Joe Burrow can stay healthy because he makes Brown an elite fantasy running back. He has averaged 18.3 touches for 17.1 PPR fantasy points per game over the past two years when Burrow starts. Furthermore, Brown has had back-to-back top-10 finishes, including as the RB7 last season despite the superstar quarterback missing half the year.
7. Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)
Unfortunately, Jeanty fell short of expectations as a rookie, finishing as the RB16 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 14.4 PPR fantasy points per contest. However, Las Vegas’ offensive line was awful and destroyed by injuries. Hopefully, Kolton Miller stays healthy in 2026, and Tyler Linderbaum was worth every penny. I’m betting on a sophomore-year breakout from Jeanty.
8. Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
Hampton should be the biggest benefactor of the Mike McDaniel hire, as De’Von Achane was a fantasy superstar with McDaniel in Miami. He was the RB13 as a rookie on a points-per-game basis despite totaling only four rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, Hampton finished as a top-24 running back in 66.7% of his games as a rookie.
Tier 3: Low-End RB1s
9. Kenneth Walker III (RB – KC)
According to Fantasy Points Data, the Chiefs saw a two-high safety look at the third-highest rate in the NFL last year. If defenses continue to defend Kansas City with that look, Walker will take advantage of the light box. He had the second-highest explosive run rate (8.1%) among qualifying running backs last season (per Fantasy Points Data).
10. Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)
I expect Barkley to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season. The 14.5 PPR fantasy points per game average was his lowest mark since 2021. Furthermore, his 4.1 yards per rushing attempt was more in line with his career average (4.6) compared to the 5.8 he averaged in 2024. Hopefully, the Eagles’ offensive line stays healthy this year.
11. De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
Over half of Achane’s PPR fantasy production during the past two years has come in the passing game. Furthermore, his fantasy points per game average has been horrendous without Tua Tagovailoa under center. I won’t draft him as a first-round pick and would like to avoid picking Achane altogether with Malik Willis as his quarterback.
12. Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)
While Henry is no spring chicken, fantasy players should have no fear drafting him as a low-end RB1. He has played 17 games in three consecutive seasons. Furthermore, the future Hall of Famer has totaled at least 1,150 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in four consecutive years, finishing as a top-eight running back every season.
13. Jeremiyah Love (RB – ARI)
Unfortunately, Love won’t be a featured guy as a rookie with Tyler Allgeier on the roster. Yet, the former Notre Dame star should have no trouble finishing this season as an RB1. According to PFF, Love averaged 4.5 yards after contact and a 32.7% forced missed tackle rate during his two years as the starter in college.
Tier 4: Happy to Draft RB2s
14. Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
Williams has become one of the most reliable running backs for fantasy players, totaling at least 1,110 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns every year of his career since his rookie season. More importantly, he finished last year as the RB9, averaging 15.5 PPR fantasy points per game, posting his third consecutive top-10 finish.
15. Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)
Before suffering a season-ending ankle injury, Skattebo was outstanding as New York’s starter, ranking as the RB6 from Week 2 through Week 7, averaging 18.8 touches for 96.3 scrimmage yards, a touchdown, and 19.1 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he averaged 0.96 fantasy points per opportunity as a rookie.
16. Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)
A potentially looming suspension and injury concerns have pushed Jacobs down in my rankings. The former Alabama star wore down at the end of last season, averaging only 4.1 yards per rushing attempt over the final month. Jacobs is a solid RB2 assuming he maintains a featured role and doesn’t miss time.
17. Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
After missing Week 1 as a rookie, Judkins had at least 18 rushing attempts for 110 yards or a touchdown in three consecutive games to start his career. Furthermore, he averaged 17.4 PPR fantasy points per game in the six contests with 18 or more rushing attempts. Thankfully, the Browns completely remade their offensive line during the offseason.
18. Javonte Williams (RB – DAL)
Williams had a breakout year in his first season with the Cowboys, finishing as the RB12, averaging 15.2 PPR fantasy points per game. However, he cooled off after a hot start, averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game over the first eight weeks but only 11.8 over the final nine. Yet, the veteran has no competition for touches and is a solid fantasy RB2.
19. Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
Please don’t listen to Aaron Glenn when he talks about using multiple running backs. The Jets signed Hall to a massive contract extension this offseason, so expect him to be the featured guy. Despite playing on a historically awful offense, Hall still had a 7% explosive run rate and averaged 5.1 yards per touch.
Tier 5: Stable Low-End RB2s
20. David Montgomery (RB – HOU)
The former Iowa State star is one of my favorite RB2 draft targets this year, especially when using a Hero RB strategy. Last season, Montgomery passed the torch to Jahmyr Gibbs. Yet, the veteran averaged 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game in 2024, the second-highest total of his career. More importantly, Montgomery will be the featured guy in Houston.
21. D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)
Some believe Kyle Monangai will replace Swift as the Bears’ starter. However, that isn’t the case. Last year, the veteran averaged more rushing attempts (13.9 vs. 9.9) and yards per game (67.9 vs. 46.1) than Monangai. Furthermore, Swift had a higher fantasy points-per-touch average (0.89 vs. 0.79) than the backup running back.
22. Travis Etienne Jr. (RB – NO)
New Orleans holding onto Alvin Kamara limits Etienne’s upside. Kamara will likely play in passing situations, which isn’t ideal for Etienne. Last year, he had six receiving touchdowns in Jacksonville, the second-most among running backs. Furthermore, 39.9% of Etienne’s PPR fantasy production from 2025 came in the passing game. He will need double-digit rushing touchdowns to finish the season as an RB1.
Tier 6: Boom-or-Bust RBs
23. Jadarian Price (RB – SEA)
The Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker III in free agency, while Zach Charbonnet is coming off a torn ACL and won’t be ready to start the season, creating a massive opportunity for Price. Furthermore, the rookie has had an impressive start to training camp. Don’t be surprised if Price is Seattle’s featured running back until Charbonnet is healthy.
24. Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC)
Fantasy players are excited for Tuten this season after the Jaguars swapped out Travis Etienne Jr. for Chris Rodriguez Jr. in free agency. While many believe the second-year pro will run away with a featured role, reports from training camp suggest Rodriguez and Tuten are closer to co-starters than lead guy and backup.
25. TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)
Unfortunately, it looks like Henderson will split the backfield workload with Rhamondre Stevenson again in 2026. However, he was a superstar as a rookie when Stevenson missed time with an injury, averaging 19 touches for 110 scrimmage yards, 1.7 touchdowns, and 24.3 PPR fantasy points per game. By comparison, Henderson averaged 11.3 touches and 9.5 fantasy points per game in the regular season with Stevenson healthy.
26. Bucky Irving (RB – TB)
After an impressive rookie season, Irving regressed last year as he struggled to stay healthy. He averaged two fewer yards per rushing attempt and 0.28 fewer PPR fantasy points per touch in 2025 compared to 2024. More importantly, the Buccaneers signed Kenneth Gainwell to a significant contract in free agency, calling the veteran a co-starter during training camp, showing their lack of trust in Irving as a featured running back.
27. Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)
Carolina letting Rico Dowdle walk in free agency shows their faith in Brooks despite his injury history. Reportedly, the former Texas star has had a positive offseason and has been a standout guy at the start of Carolina’s training camp. Brooks could be the Week 1 starter, especially with Chuba Hubbard dealing with a hamstring injury.
Tier 7: Flex Options
28. Tony Pollard (RB – TEN)
Pollard will be the Titans’ lead running back again in 2026. Last year, the veteran running back was a solid flex option for fantasy players, finishing as a top-36 running back in 87.5% of the games during the fantasy season. Furthermore, he ended the year well, averaging 17 fantasy points per game from Week 14 through Week 17.
29. Rico Dowdle (RB – PIT)
I have had Dowdle ranked higher than Jaylen Warren all offseason for one reason: Mike McCarthy. It was McCarthy who gave Dowdle a starting role in 2024 with the Dallas Cowboys, leading to the veteran having a breakout year. He finished that season as the RB23, averaging 12.4 PPR fantasy points per game despite having only two rushing touchdowns.
30. Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
Unfortunately, Stevenson’s ceiling is limited with TreVeyon Henderson healthy. Last year, the veteran was the better fantasy running back, averaging 12.8 PPR fantasy points per game. By comparison, the rookie averaged 9.5 fantasy points per game with Stevenson healthy. While I expect Henderson to earn more work than he did as a rookie, Stevenson should handle most of the critical touches.
31. Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
I’m sorry, Warren truthers, but it’s never going to happen. Pittsburgh brought in Rico Dowdle after losing Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. However, Dowdle won’t be the passing game running back. That job will go to Warren. Unfortunately, Warren sees the same 85 targets Gainwell did last year because of the additions the Steelers made at wide receiver.
32. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)
Washington put all their eggs in the Croskey-Merritt basket last season, and it backfired. However, he finished his rookie year strong, ranking as the RB16 during the fantasy playoffs, averaging 75.3 rushing yards and 15.5 PPR fantasy points per game. Reportedly, Croskey-Merritt has improved as a pass catcher after totaling nine receptions as a rookie.
33. Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
While Mason averaged only 8.1 PPR fantasy points per game last year, he had better rushing yards per attempt (4.8 vs. 4.2), yards after contact per attempt average (2.42 vs. 1.67), and touchdown per touch rate (3.5% vs. 1.9%) than Aaron Jones. More importantly, Minnesota reportedly plans to make Mason their lead running back with Jones playing primarily in passing situations.
34. Rachaad White (RB – WAS)
No matter what Jacory Croskey-Merritt does, White will be Washington’s primary passing-down running back. However, he has far more upside than just as a pass-catching specialist. If the veteran can carve out a featured role, White averaged 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game the last time he was the clear-cut guy in the backfield (2023).
35. Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)
Monangai averaged 8.6 PPR fantasy points per game as a rookie. However, he earned more work as the year progressed, averaging six rushing attempts per game over the first eight weeks compared to 13.4 over the final nine weeks of the fantasy season. Furthermore, Monangai would be a borderline must-start running back if D’Andre Swift missed time after scoring 22.8 fantasy points in his lone game without the veteran last year.
36. RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
Last season, Harvey averaged five rushing attempts, 7.5 total touches, and 10 PPR fantasy points per game with J.K. Dobbins healthy. By comparison, he averaged 13.7 rushing attempts, 16.9 total touches, and 15.2 fantasy points per game without the veteran. Unfortunately for him, the Broncos re-signed Dobbins and drafted Jonah Coleman, leaving Harvey with no pathway to a featured role.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
