Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs

[ravensdan]

Sorry for the delay, but these are my early RB's... A few are dependent on camp battles and the like, but this is the early picture.  Assumes PPR of some kind which nearly all leagues are now a days....

 

Tier One:  Undisputed feature backs, dual threats or exceedingly dominant at running and scoring TD's.  There is a shift here with some younger guys advancing over some older stallwarts, it happens every year and if you don't want to be ahead of the curve, just draft the top scorers from last year... good luck with that...

 

1. CJ Spiller

2. Adrian Peterson

3. Doug Martin

4. Marshawn lynch

5. Jamaal Charles

6. Ray Rice

7. Lesean McCoy

8. Arian Foster

 

Tier 2:  The other first rounders:  There is only one guy I put in between these two tiers which is megatron, fyi.  These guys are the rest of the undisputed feature backs of their teams but are somewhat less reliable than the top 8 sure things for various reasons, or only excel at either running or receiving, not both...

 

9. Matt Forte

10. MJD

11. Steven Jackson

12. Darren Sproles

13. Alfred Morriss

14. Chris Johnson

 

Tier 3:  The second rounders.  All of these guys are less of a sure thing than the previous guys for various reasons, all have potential to be top scorers and at minimum, awesome #2 backs...

 

15. Stevan Ridley

16. Frank Gore

17. David Wilson

18. Darren McFadden

19. Demarco Murray

20. Trent Richardson

21. Chris Ivory

22. Lamar Miller

23. Reggie Bush 

24. Ryan Mathews

25. Shane Vereen

 

Tier 4:  high potential... rookies and a couple other high potential players...

 

26. Montee Ball

27. Ahmad Bradshaw

28. Leveon Bell

29. Giovani Bernard

30. Eddie Lacy

31. Deangelo Williams

32. Daryl Richardson

 

Tier 5:  Lower potential guys... you want these as your 4th or 5th guy

 

33. Rashard mendenhall

34. Ben Jarvis Green Ellis

35. Andre Brown

36. Jonathan Stewart

37. Pierre Thomas

 

Tier 6:  Depth guys you need on your squad

 

38. Ronnie Hillman

39. Kendall Hunter

40. mark Ingram

41. Vick Ballard

42. Bernard Pierce

43. Isiah Pead

44. mikel Leshoure

45. Bryce Brown

46. Johnathan Franklin

47. Fred Jackson

 

Tier 7:  Deeper depth guys... need an injury or underperforming starter to be relevant... lottery ticket guys...

 

48. Ben Tate

49. jacquizz Rodgers

50. Isaac Redman

51. Joseph Randle

52. Michael Bush

53. Shonn Greene

54. Ryan Williams

55. Robert Turbin

56. Knowshon Moreno

57. Daniel Thomas

58. Lamichael James

59. Mike Gillisliee

60. Christine Michael.

 

 

[T3hRaven]

CJ Spiller rated above Adrian Peterson?  I don't care what scoring system your league uses, that's crazy.

 

And I normally wouldn't touch Ray Rice, but in a PPR league he might be the number 2 back.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

i'd say that Lamar Miller at 22 is a bit low

[PuRock]

i'd say that Lamar Miller at 22 is a bit low

 

Same.  I think he has the better chance of finishing with more fantasy points than David Wilson because of the split.  I'd much rather have Miller than Ivory.  Who I think is too high.  He can't even get on the field,  teams will be stacking the box and he has no pass-catching ability (so he's a two down back).  

[gabefergy]

Where's Woodhead? I'd slot him in at tier 5.

A few thoughts ( I'm not going to spill all my knowledge)...

Spiller shouldn't be ahead of AD even in a PPR. I think AD might double the TDs and will still have significantly more total yards. Also Fred Jackson will take carries from Spiller.

Too low on Foster even though he has his knocks, Foster is still a TD machine and catches a lot of passes.

Far too low on Trent. As long as he is healthy heading into the season, he is a top 10 back. Turner always feeds his RBs, especially in the RZ. He us also a very capable receiver.

Too high on Chris Ivory. He is strictly a 2 down back and can't stay healthy.

Too low on Johnathan Franklin. He has been the better RB so far in GB and is much more versatile. Should fit in perfectly in that offense and catch a lot of balls.

Michael should be ahead if Turbin.

There are a couple rookie RBs not listed who may end up being a studs.

My predicament: I can only keep 2 of the following in a longtime keeper league, .5 PPR. Lynch, Martin, and Spiller. Leaning towards Martin and Spiller but its a tough call.

[PuRock]

Far too low on Trent. As long as he is healthy heading into the season, he is a top 10 back. Turner always feeds his RBs, especially in the RZ. He us also a very capable receiver.

Michael should be ahead if Turbin.

My predicament: I can only keep 2 of the following in a longtime keeper league, .5 PPR. Lynch, Martin, and Spiller. Leaning towards Martin and Spiller but its a tough call.

 

I didn't even notice Trent Richardson is in tier 3.  Agreed that is too low.  He should at minimum be on par with MJD because of their similar situations .  Bad team, lots of talent, pass-catching ability, bad QB play. I have him higher than the minimum though.  

 

I also agree that Christine should be ahead of Turbin.  

 

.5 PPR league dump Lynch and go with Martin and Spiller.  Though the half point makes it close.  

[PuRock]

Overall not a bad list.  Thank you for giving us something to talk about (Our default mode is to critique).  So Thanks.

 

On a side note.  I hope your drafting next to me in any of the BR leagues, so I can sense who you might be taking, especially if we're at the end of a snake.  

[easternshore97]

Am I the only one that thinks Darren Sproles is too high? I mean way too high?

 

Goodness gracious. He's a passing threat but even with that dimension he's limited because Drew Brees has a lot of greedy hands to fill with Colston, Graham, Moore, Toon, whoever else is next in line in the passing game. Then the guy will be splitting time with Toon

[gabefergy]

Am I the only one that thinks Darren Sproles is too high? I mean way too high?

Goodness gracious. He's a passing threat but even with that dimension he's limited because Drew Brees has a lot of greedy hands to fill with Colston, Graham, Moore, Toon, whoever else is next in line in the passing game. Then the guy will be splitting time with Toon

He should be high. I would project 75+ catches and ~1100 total yards with 6-7 TDs. That's over 200 pts.

[easternshore97]

Overall not a bad list.  Thank you for giving us something to talk about (Our default mode is to critique).  So Thanks.

 

On a side note.  I hope your drafting next to me in any of the BR leagues, so I can sense who you might be taking, especially if we're at the end of a snake.  

Aaaah yes....I would be "thanking my lucky stars" if I drafting behind you @ravensdan if you're taking Sproles before Morris and CJ2k, Bell, Ball, and even Ridley and Run DMC

[gabefergy]

Overall not a bad list. Thank you for giving us something to talk about (Our default mode is to critique). So Thanks.

On a side note. I hope your drafting next to me in any of the BR leagues, so I can sense who you might be taking, especially if we're at the end of a snake.

You are right, I immediately go to where I disagree when I see lists. That means I agree with pretty much everything else and it takes time to compile a list like this.

[easternshore97]

He should be high. I would project 75+ catches and ~1100 total yards with 6-7 TDs. That's over 200 pts.

Darren Sproles has never rushed for more than 603 yards. I don't believe he's ever hit 900 yds in rushing + receiving alone.

 

He may get return yards but in the majority of leagues where you get to have a flex, but there are plenty other guys that would get you combo yards that could be more value later in the draft rather than taking Sproles early.

 

I would say that I see it half empty whereas other see it half full...but there has to be some other critical aspect that I'm missing right now. So if someone could please learn me that'd be great

[gabefergy]

Darren Sproles has never rushed for more than 603 yards. I don't believe he's ever hit 900 yds in rushing + receiving alone.

He may get return yards but in the majority of leagues where you get to have a flex, but there are plenty other guys that would get you combo yards that could be more value later in the draft rather than taking Sproles early.

I would say that I see it half empty whereas other see it half full...but there has to be some other critical aspect that I'm missing right now. So if someone could please learn me that'd be great

2011 he had 86 rec, 1300 yds, 9 TDs. He has done it before and could easily put up the numbers I projected.

[easternshore97]

2011 he had 86 rec, 1300 yds, 9 TDs. He has done it before and could easily put up the numbers I projected.

Ah. I missed the 86 and 710 for 2011. I think my dislexia has been kicking in

 

I think there are plenty other RBs that can get 1100 + 300 at a bare minimum though...guys that are on an upward trajectory without the same mileage as Sproles. He's pretty close to the avg life span of a good RB and he only had his best year 2 seasons ago...

[gabefergy]

Ah. I missed the 86 and 710 for 2011. I think my dislexia has been kicking in

 

I think there are plenty other RBs that can get 1100 + 300 at a bare minimum though...guys that are on an upward trajectory without the same mileage as Sproles. He's pretty close to the avg life span of a good RB and he only had his best year 2 seasons ago...

That also have 70+ catches? I doubt it, remember we are talking about PPR. Those are hidden points that a lot of people forget about.

[ravensdan]

Thanks for the input. I have a few rebttles for individual points which I will post a bit later. So I just postred this to get some discussion going. One this is my rough draft rankings so guys will move up and down as more is revealed with splits and injuries and the like in the preseason. Two, I wouldn't necressarily follow my rankings to the t in a draft I will follow adp as well as tendencies of other drafters also I haven't revealed my combined overall list. Thirdly br.com leagues are not for cash so I am more willing to post my rankings. I appreciate all the input thus far.

[PuRock]

Thanks for the input. I have a few rebttles for individual points which I will post a bit later. So I just postred this to get some discussion going. One this is my rough draft rankings so guys will move up and down as more is revealed with splits and injuries and the like in the preseason. Two, I wouldn't necressarily follow my rankings to the t in a draft I will follow adp as well as tendencies of other drafters also I haven't revealed my combined overall list. Thirdly br.com leagues are not for cash so I am more willing to post my rankings. I appreciate all the input thus far.

 

I was giving you a hard time earlier about releasing your rankings.  Its cool that you don't mind discussing, neither do I.  Some members are very secretive about guys they like, rankings, etc before the drafts start. 

[ravensdan]

Where's Woodhead? I'd slot him in at tier 5.

A few thoughts ( I'm not going to spill all my knowledge)...

Spiller shouldn't be ahead of AD even in a PPR. I think AD might double the TDs and will still have significantly more total yards. Also Fred Jackson will take carries from Spiller.

Too low on Foster even though he has his knocks, Foster is still a TD machine and catches a lot of passes.

Far too low on Trent. As long as he is healthy heading into the season, he is a top 10 back. Turner always feeds his RBs, especially in the RZ. He us also a very capable receiver.

Too high on Chris Ivory. He is strictly a 2 down back and can't stay healthy.

Too low on Johnathan Franklin. He has been the better RB so far in GB and is much more versatile. Should fit in perfectly in that offense and catch a lot of balls.

Michael should be ahead if Turbin.

There are a couple rookie RBs not listed who may end up being a studs.

My predicament: I can only keep 2 of the following in a longtime keeper league, .5 PPR. Lynch, Martin, and Spiller. Leaning towards Martin and Spiller but its a tough call.

Ok wood head I am not a believer in him getting enough work to be relevant unless Mathews gets hurt again. Also the chargers have a bad line and a bad team. He could probably apear in the late rounds.

So here is my thinking on number one. A repeat is rare and to expect so to repeat the near record breaking performance from last year is too high of an expectation. Without harvin at all the Vikings offense will be even more limited and reducing the td opportunities. Spiller is running behind a good o line with a young qb who will look to the outlet often. And spiller can score on any carry or reception. Jackson is much less of a threat coming off a knee injury at 32 and a new coach not necessarily tied to him. He is primed to improve on the number 6 ranking from a year ago. Also rbs who are used heavily receiving and rushing will give you more consistent scoring which is the most important thing on this head to head weekly game
I am not high on Trent. That's pretty common knowledge. I don't think he's very tough. Very injury prone and not really a special player.

Ivory could be said the same as Trent with his injury past but he has proven to be quite effective when given the chance. He has also been good at receiving when used that way. He is behind a stud o line in an offense that he is the clear number one that wants to feature thd run.
The Green Bay and Seattle are 2 situations I want to see how they shake out in the preseason.
Whinch other rookie rbs are you thinking of ?

[PuRock]

Ok wood head I am not a believer in him getting enough work to be relevant unless Mathews gets hurt again. Also the chargers have a bad line and a bad team. He could probably apear in the late rounds.

So here is my thinking on number one. A repeat is rare and to expect so to repeat the near record breaking performance from last year is too high of an expectation. Without harvin at all the Vikings offense will be even more limited and reducing the td opportunities. Spiller is running behind a good o line with a young qb who will look to the outlet often. And spiller can score on any carry or reception. Jackson is much less of a threat coming off a knee injury at 32 and a new coach not necessarily tied to him. He is primed to improve on the number 6 ranking from a year ago. Also rbs who are used heavily receiving and rushing will give you more consistent scoring which is the most important thing on this head to head weekly game
I am not high on Trent. That's pretty common knowledge. I don't think he's very tough. Very injury prone and not really a special player.

Ivory could be said the same as Trent with his injury past but he has proven to be quite effective when given the chance. He has also been good at receiving when used that way. He is behind a stud o line in an offense that he is the clear number one that wants to feature thd run.
The Green Bay and Seattle are 2 situations I want to see how they shake out in the preseason.
Whinch other rookie rbs are you thinking of ?

[PuRock]

Ok wood head I am not a believer in him getting enough work to be relevant unless Mathews gets hurt again. 

So here is my thinking on number one. A repeat is rare and to expect so to repeat the near record breaking performance from last year is too high of an expectation. Without harvin at all the Vikings offense will be even more limited and reducing the td opportunities. Spiller is running behind a good o line with a young qb who will look to the outlet often. 

Ivory could be said the same as Trent with his injury past but he has proven to be quite effective when given the chance. He has also been good at receiving when used that way. He is behind a stud o line in an offense that he is the clear number one that wants to feature thd run.
 

I think Woodhead will see plenty of work and is worth a look in ppr league drafts.  They'll be playing from behind a lot and they're switching to a quick-short pass offense (not the vertical attack they've been used to).

 

Peterson isn't human.  He's like LT, perennial 1st overall pick.  He's faced 8 men in the box before on worse offenses and he still shows why he's a beast.  Actually, the worse the offense, the better he has been.  I actually like Spiller a lot this year (for the first time ever).  But their QB situation is an engima. I just can't deny Peterson after what he did last year.

 

I don't think I can call the Jets O-line 'stud'.  Middle of the pack suits them better.  I also don't know how you can say he's been good at receiving.  He only has three career receptions.  And during his college career, 15 catches.  And he just can't stay healthy when given a long look.  

[gabefergy]

I think Woodhead will see plenty of work and is worth a look in ppr league drafts. They'll be playing from behind a lot and they're switching to a quick-short pass offense (not the vertical attack they've been used to).

Peterson isn't human. He's like LT, perennial 1st overall pick. He's faced 8 men in the box before on worse offenses and he still shows why he's a beast. Actually, the worse the offense, the better he has been. I actually like Spiller a lot this year (for the first time ever). But their QB situation is an engima. I just can't deny Peterson after what he did last year.

I don't think I can call the Jets O-line 'stud'. Middle of the pack suits them better. I also don't know how you can say he's been good at receiving. He only has three career receptions. And during his college career, 15 catches. And he just can't stay healthy when given a long look.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[ravensdan]

I think Woodhead will see plenty of work and is worth a look in ppr league drafts. They'll be playing from behind a lot and they're switching to a quick-short pass offense (not the vertical attack they've been used to).

Peterson isn't human. He's like LT, perennial 1st overall pick. He's faced 8 men in the box before on worse offenses and he still shows why he's a beast. Actually, the worse the offense, the better he has been. I actually like Spiller a lot this year (for the first time ever). But their QB situation is an engima. I just can't deny Peterson after what he did last year.

I don't think I can call the Jets O-line 'stud'. Middle of the pack suits them better. I also don't know how you can say he's been good at receiving. He only has three career receptions. And during his college career, 15 catches. And he just can't stay healthy when given a long look.

Perhaps I am writing off wood head too easily. He doesn't have nearly the competition he did in New England.

I love ap trust me. Since his days at ou I knew he would be something special. I just like the idea of what spiller can do this year.

On ivory, I stand corrected. I forgot they lost herremans so only half their line is really strong. Also my memory failed me on ivorys receiving. He hasn't gotten any targets there to speak of really.

[PuRock]

Perhaps I am writing off wood head too easily. He doesn't have nearly the competition he did in New England.

I love ap trust me. Since his days at ou I knew he would be something special. I just like the idea of what spiller can do this year.

On ivory, I stand corrected. I forgot they lost herremans so only half their line is really strong. Also my memory failed me on ivorys receiving. He hasn't gotten any targets there to speak of really.

I think Spiller can have a special season as well. Especially in a ppr. He could very well end up as the #1 RB. But there is just too much uncertainty on that team.

As for Ivory, I too had him high on my initial rankings. But now I see him as an Mirage. Because the closer I look at him and his situation, the more I realize he might not be what he appears.

[flaccopoe]

I think Spiller can have a special season as well. Especially in a ppr. He could very well end up as the #1 RB. But there is just too much uncertainty on that team.

As for Ivory, I too had him high on my initial rankings. But now I see him as an Oasis. Because the closer I look at him and his situation, the more I realize he might not be what he appears.

 

Not to mention Rex Ryan has a history of underutilizing his RBs.

[CARavensFan]

I think Spiller can have a special season as well. Especially in a ppr. He could very well end up as the #1 RB. But there is just too much uncertainty on that team.

As for Ivory, I too had him high on my initial rankings. But now I see him as an Oasis. Because the closer I look at him and his situation, the more I realize he might not be what he appears.

I think you mean mirage.

[ravensdan]

He's just an optical illsion. He's not really there.

[PuRock]

I think you mean mirage.

 

Correct.   A mirage of an oasis.  

 

Saying he's just an oasis, makes you want to hang out with him night & day.  

[CARavensFan]

Correct.   A mirage of an oasis.  

 

Saying he's just an oasis, makes you want to hang out with him night & day.  

 

Picture (Apparently I've posted too many pictures recently and can't post more :P)

 

o·a·sis  (-ss)

n. pl. o·a·ses (-sz)

1. A fertile or green spot in a desert or wasteland, made so by the presence of water.

2. A situation or place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness; a refuge: an oasis of serenity amid chaos.

 

Source

 

An oasis is something that is a safe haven in the midst of a wasteland, I don't think I would argue that Ivory is far and away better than the other RBs out there by any stretch of the imagination. He is a mirage in that he appears to have more upside than other guys at the same level as him, but when you get closer you see he's nothing worth chasing.

 

Ok grammar rant over :P

[PuRock]

Picture (Apparently I've posted too many pictures recently and can't post more :P)

 

o·a·sis  (-ss)

n. pl. o·a·ses (-sz)

1. A fertile or green spot in a desert or wasteland, made so by the presence of water.

2. A situation or place preserved from surrounding unpleasantness; a refuge: an oasis of serenity amid chaos.

 

Source

 

An oasis is something that is a safe haven in the midst of a wasteland, I don't think I would argue that Ivory is far and away better than the other RBs out there by any stretch of the imagination. He is a mirage in that he appears to have more upside than other guys at the same level as him, but when you get closer you see he's nothing worth chasing.

 

Ok grammar rant over :P

 

If Ivory were a 2. a place of peace, safety, or happiness in the midst of trouble or difficulty

 

I'd want to hang out with day & night.  

[CARavensFan]

If Ivory were a 2. a place of peace, safety, or happiness in the midst of trouble or difficulty

 

I'd want to hang out with day & night.  

 

If he was, but he isn't. Therefore he's a fake oasis, otherwise known as a mirage.