X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Dynasty League Running Back Rankings: Top 30 for 2014

I previously looked at the top 15 quarterbacks for dynasty leagues. Today I'll take a closer look at running back rankings for dynasty leagues.

The shelf-life for running backs is so short, it pays to strike on a player while the iron is hot instead of waiting on an investment that may never pay off. For multi-year outlooks, stability at quarterback and offensive scheme will go a long way. From a longevity standpoint, smaller backs who can catch passes often avoid the body shots that wear down bigger backs sooner.

 

One-Year Pluggers

30. Shane Vereen - Too injury prone, not enough juice between the tackles.

29. DeAngelo Williams - He’ll be Carolina’s top back in a crowded backfield.

28. Steven Jackson - He could have a good 2014, but how much more after that?

27. Ben Tate - He underwhelmed when given the keys to the Houston offense. Running in Cleveland won’t be easier

26. Knowshon Moreno - He’s no longer got a light defensive box to run against in Miami, and Lamar Miller is still a potentially potent backup.

25. Rashad Jennings - The Giants offense should bounce back, and Jennings may even thrive here for a season, but it’s doubtful he’s their long-term answer at the position at the age of 29.

 

Flawed With Upside

24. Chris Johnson - The Artist Formerly Known as CJ2K has disappointed fantasy owners every year since 2009. A closer look, however, reveals a player who consistently plays 16 games, exceeds 1400 yards from scrimmage, and finishes in the top 15 at his position every year. His move to the Jets, and their questionable offense, is enough to warrant a slide to the bottom of this tier, but stranger things have happened than former Pro Bowlers having a resurgence with a change of scenery.

23. Ryan Mathews - Mathews has been up and down in his first four seasons, and he is due for a down year if patterns are any indication. The bigger concern from this viewpoint is the presence of Donald Brown, who resurrected his career in his final season with Indianapolis. Mathews ceiling for 2014 is probably a top 12-15 runner.

22. Stevan Ridley - If Ridley can solve his fumbling problems, he can be (and has been) a top 10 back in this league, given the limited competition for goal line carries and his prowess for scoring touchdowns.

21. Andre Ellington - Ellington’s upside is 5.5 yards per carry and 9.5 yards per reception. His flaw is 199 pounds and 4 touchdowns. Will he ever get enough work to justify a higher ranking? Even if he did, would he remain effective enough with the increased workload? Regardless, he is a very intriguing player for 2014.

20. Trent Richardson - With an utterly disastrous 2013, the comparisons to Adrian Peterson and LaDainian Tomlinson evaporated, and they won’t be coming back anytime soon. The Richardson apologists last year cited his in-season trade and his lack of understanding of the playbook, but this scouting eye saw a slow 3rd-down pass protector at best, whose confidence was completely shaken. With Donald Brown gone, Richardson will be given every opportunity to earn that first-round status, but there won’t be any more excuses.

19. C.J. Spiller - Spiller had a breakout season in 2012, but then could never really get healthy in 2013 to become a viable starting option. There are few backs in the NFL with his kind of game-breaking talent. Were he to switch places with Jamaal Charles or LeSean McCoy, we could be talking about an MVP candidate. Unfortunately he is stuck in Buffalo in a crowded backfield waiting on a developing quarterback.

 

Bargaining Chips

18. Maurice Jones-Drew - MJD is obviously on the decline, but don’t forget how high up he is declining from. This was one of the best RBs in fantasy football for the better part of a decade. After a disastrous 2012 season, he bounced back to finish in the top 20 at his position last year, and that was on a joke of a Jacksonville offense.

17. Ray Rice - After 4 years as a rock-solid RB1, Rice took a precipitous drop last year. He is only 26 years old, though, and had a relatively light workload in 2013.  Backup Bernard Pierce is a concern, but Rice deserves the benefit of the doubt, given his track record.

16. Frank Gore - For three years, we’ve been told that Frank Gore is too old and too injury-prone and that his job will be handed over to someone younger. All Frank Gore has done is play 16 games every season, rush for more than 1,100 yards, and keep his starting job. This isn’t spectacular, and it won’t last forever, but at least he’s a sure thing, unlike younger players on this list who are either one-hit wonders or in timeshares.

15. Zac Stacy - Stacy flashed power and wiggle in his breakout rookie season, not to mention some chops catching the ball. It is reasonable to expect him to improve upon last year’s respectable RB2 status. The biggest concern is probably Auburn product Tre Mason, one of the best backs in college football last year, who will eat into Stacy’s carries.

14. Le’Veon Bell - Bell impressed this author last year, who came into the season harboring low expectations for the Big Ten product. His placement on this list is more of a result of the Steelers signing LeGarrette Blount to back him up. Blount was a revelation last year, and if he can carry over any kind of momentum from his days as a Patriot, it’s easy to envision a scenario where Blount cuts into some of Bell's carries.

13. Giovanni Bernard - Bernard has some serious agility. He might be the most elusive back in the game, with all due respect to LeSean McCoy. He makes plays in the passing game and even between the tackles. He may, however, be too small to ever garner the trust of the coaching staff to tote the rock into Pro Bowl numbers.

 

Only For The Right Price

12. Montee Ball - Ball is high on a lot of draft lists this year, as he should top the competition for meaningful (i.e. goal line) carries in a high-scoring offense. This scouting eye, however, views ball as an average talent, whose fantasy value could be tied to the ticking clock of Peyton Manning’s career.

11. Reggie Bush - Bush is a great fit for Detroit’s multi-dimensional offense, as evidenced by his career high in yards from scrimmage last year. He has never topped 8 touchdowns in a season, though, and he is getting up there in years (28).

10. Alfred Morris - Morris is an incredibly hard runner, who is the bellcow in his offense. He offers virtually no impact in the passing game, unfortunately, so his overall career outlook seems limited.

9. Doug Martin - The Muscle Hamster was the revelation of 2012, but crashed down to Earth in 2013. A regression to the mean should be expected, and since there are so few backs (especially young ones) with his level of job security and ability, Martin ranks in the middle of this tier.

8. DeMarco Murray - The players that sandwich Murray are similar in that they carry the same role on their offense, which is that of a 3-down back, as well as Pro Bowl potential. Murray ranks ahead of Martin because of the upward trend in production as opposed to the downward trend of Martin. Murray ranks behind the next guy because the next guy has done it more often.

7. Arian Foster - Even when Foster was putting up MVP numbers, people questioned whether or not he was merely a system back. Now that the system has been overhauled, we’ll find out. Schematics aside, questions also abound about his health, coming off a back injury. He still tops this tier, however, because of his all-around ability and track record that exceeds those ranked below.

 

You’ll Need To Blow Us Away

6. Eddie Lacy - Who doesn't love the way he runs? He makes running hard look easy. One needs to be skeptical about placing too much faith in a player after one season, which is why Lacy isn’t higher on this list than others.

5. Marshawn Lynch - He's the guy in the NFL you'd least want to tackle. The tread on the tires is starting to wear, but Lynch is still two years shy of 30.

4. Matt Forte - He was all world through the end of the regular season. He is also in the conversation for best all-around back in the game. His first year in Marc Trestman’s offense showcased his touchdown abilities, but prior to that, he hadn’t cracked 10 total TDs in 5 years.

 

Untouchables

3. Adrian Peterson - He is the most physically gifted ball-carrier in a generation, putting up reliable numbers for the last seven years with a revolving door at quarterback. He will slow down eventually, but the window is still wide open.

2. Jamaal Charles - Now that he’s the focal point of Andy Reid’s offense, Charles’s explosive abilities have been unleashed upon the league to their fullest potential. He either scored a touchdown or produced 100 yards from scrimmage in every game but two last year.

1. LeSean McCoy - Of the backs in this tier, Shady is the youngest and the most agile in space, so his longevity is of the least concern. He also plays in the most potent offensive system among the group. He could be on the verge of a 2-3 year run as the most valuable commodity in fantasy football.

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Al Horford5 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report
Derrick White6 hours ago

Off The Injury Report
TJ Friedl7 hours ago

Hits 10-Day Injured List
Aaron Gordon7 hours ago

Cleared To Face Phoenix
Michael Porter7 hours ago

Jr. Good To Go Wednesday
Nikola Jokic7 hours ago

Playing Against Phoenix
Jackson Chourio7 hours ago

Will Start In Right Field Friday
Jrue Holiday7 hours ago

Might Return On Thursday
Khris Middleton7 hours ago

Expected To Play On Thursday Night
Joel Embiid7 hours ago

To Return Soon?
Jamal Murray8 hours ago

Out Again On Wednesday
Rudy Gobert8 hours ago

Ready To Rock Against Pistons
LeBron James8 hours ago

Officially Active Against Memphis
Eduardo Rodriguez8 hours ago

Starts Throwing Program
Anthony Davis8 hours ago

Won't Play Against Grizzlies
Victor Wembanyama8 hours ago

Playing On Wednesday
Anthony Edwards8 hours ago

Will Play Against Detroit
Garrett Mitchell8 hours ago

Will Miss 6-8 Weeks
Aaron Nesmith9 hours ago

Back For Pacers Wednesday
Alec Burks9 hours ago

Remains Out On Wednesday
Chad Green9 hours ago

To Lead Closer Committee In Toronto?
Mitchell Robinson9 hours ago

Returns For Knicks Wednesday
Erik Swanson9 hours ago

Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson Officially Heading To Injured List
Kevin Gausman9 hours ago

To Make Season Debut Sunday Or Monday
Dejounte Murray9 hours ago

Upgraded To Available
John Konchar9 hours ago

Downgraded To Out
Vince Williams9 hours ago

Jr. Misses Another Game On Wednesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo9 hours ago

Expected To Face The Pelicans
Gleyber Torres10 hours ago

Will Bat Leadoff On Opening Day
Mark Hubbard10 hours ago

Coming Off A Career Performance
Davis Thompson11 hours ago

Looking To Pay Off A Stellar Run Of Ball-Striking
Max Scherzer11 hours ago

Making Solid Progress
Akshay Bhatia11 hours ago

Coming Into Houston With Confidence
Thorbjorn Olesen11 hours ago

Still Trying To Find Footing On U.S. Soil
Patrick Rodgers11 hours ago

Fighting Inconsistencies Heading Into Houston
Malik Nabers12 hours ago

Shines At Pro Day
Carolina Panthers12 hours ago

Jadeveon Clowney Signing Two-Year Deal With Panthers
Jordan Lawlar12 hours ago

To Have Thumb Surgery, Out A Couple Months
Wyndham Clark13 hours ago

Battling Back Injury Ahead of Houston Open
San Francisco 49ers13 hours ago

Talanoa Hufanga Expected To Return At Training Camp
MLB13 hours ago

Braves And Phillies Rained Out On Thursday
Jayden Daniels13 hours ago

Raiders To Meet With Jayden Daniels
MLB13 hours ago

Mets And Brewers To Be Postponed Thursday
Tank Bigsby14 hours ago

Jaguars Want Tank Bigsby More Involved
Will Smith14 hours ago

Inks 10-Year Extension With Dodgers
Josh Reynolds14 hours ago

Signs Two-Year Deal With Broncos
Jon Berti15 hours ago

Yankees Acquire Jon Berti From Marlins
Kodai Senga15 hours ago

Throws Wednesday
Matt McLain15 hours ago

Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
Doug Ghim16 hours ago

Looks To Bounce Back At Houston Open
PGA16 hours ago

Cameron Davis Seeking Consistency Ahead Of Houston Open
Thomas Detry16 hours ago

A Gamble At Houston Open
Ryan Fox16 hours ago

Lacks Upside Heading Into Houston Open
Andrew Novak16 hours ago

Will Be Chalk At Houston Open
Josh Doan17 hours ago

Scores Twice In His NHL Debut
Filip Forsberg17 hours ago

Makes History In Big Comeback Win
Jamie Benn17 hours ago

Scores In Fifth Consecutive Game
Sidney Crosby17 hours ago

Collects Three Points Versus Carolina
Artemi Panarin18 hours ago

Continues Scoring Tear With Three Assists
Joey Daccord18 hours ago

Shuts Out Ducks
Sahith Theegala18 hours ago

Showing Consistency This Season
Wyndham Clark19 hours ago

Working Toward Star Status
Scottie Scheffler19 hours ago

Heads To Houston At His Best
Colton Cowser19 hours ago

Makes Opening Day Roster
Sam Ryder19 hours ago

Putting The Lights Out Of Late
Joel Dahmen19 hours ago

All Systems Go For Joel Dahmen In Houston
Kurt Kitayama19 hours ago

Ready For Houston Debut
Ben Griffin20 hours ago

Finding Form Heading To Houston
Yariel Rodriguez1 day ago

Optioned To Triple-A
Taylor Moore1 day ago

Continues Made-Cut Streak Heading To Houston
Adam Svensson1 day ago

Hoping For Consistency In Houston
Taylor Montgomery1 day ago

Looks To Bounce Back In Houston
Jordan Montgomery1 day ago

Diamondbacks Agree On One-Year Deal
Amon-Ra St. Brown1 day ago

Discussing Extension With Lions
Jared Goff1 day ago

Lions Discussing New Deal
J.K. Dobbins1 day ago

Cleared For Football Activities
Los Angeles Rams1 day ago

Tre'Davious White To Join Rams
Jon Gray1 day ago

Dealing With Stiff Neck
PIT1 day ago

Sam Poulin Recalled From AHL
Jack Quinn1 day ago

Could Return Wednesday
Scott Mayfield1 day ago

Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
TOR1 day ago

Mitch Marner Skates On His Own Tuesday
Trevor Zegras1 day ago

To Return Tuesday
Justus Annunen1 day ago

Inks Two-Year Extension
Nick Chubb1 day ago

Expected To Start Load Running Next Month
Justin Verlander1 day ago

Throws Successful Live BP Session
D'Andre Swift1 day ago

Bears View D'Andre Swift As Receiving Weapon
Cordarrelle Patterson1 day ago

Signing With Steelers
Sam Howell2 days ago

Seahawks Believe Sam Howell Can Be A Full-Time Starter
Tennessee Titans2 days ago

L'Jarius Sneed Agrees On Four-Year Contract With Titans
Dak Prescott2 days ago

No Indication A Deal Is Coming For Dak Prescott
Calvin Ridley2 days ago

To Have Big Role In Tennessee
Josh Jacobs2 days ago

To Be Used More In Passing Game
Brandon Saad2 days ago

Gets Another Goal In Monday's Loss
Logan Thompson2 days ago

Stretches Winning Streak To Three Games
Shea Theodore2 days ago

Maintains Good Scoring Form With An Assist
Brock Boeser2 days ago

Hits Goal No. 37
Cam Talbot2 days ago

Collects Fourth Consecutive Win
Anze Kopitar2 days ago

Records Fourth Straight Multi-Point Game
Oskar Sundqvist2 days ago

Suffers Knee Injury
Elias Lindholm2 days ago

Sits Out Monday
Jonathan Marchessault2 days ago

Bags Overtime Winner Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers2 days ago

Cameron Heyward Expected To Be Healthy For Training Camp
Zach Wilson2 days ago

Jets Could End Up Keeping Zach Wilson
Jarrett Stidham2 days ago

To Compete For Starting Job
Amanda Ribas2 days ago

Takes Decision Loss
Rose Namajunas2 days ago

Snaps Losing Streak
Edmen Shahbazyan3 days ago

Scores Vicious Comeback Knockout
AJ Dobson3 days ago

Knocked Out In The First Round At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla3 days ago

Gets Back On Track With Submission Win
Luis Pajuelo3 days ago

Submitted In UFC Debut
William Byron3 days ago

Dominates For Victory At COTA
Ty Gibbs3 days ago

Grabs Another Solid Finish At COTA
Chris Buescher3 days ago

Texas Native Chris Buescher Finishes Eighth At COTA
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Kyle Busch Confronts Christopher Bell Following A Top-10 Finish At COTA
Justin Haley3 days ago

Disqualified After Strong COTA Run
Martin Truex Jr3 days ago

. Rounds Out Top Ten At COTA
NASCAR3 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Worms Way Up To Sixth At COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen3 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Comes Down to Earth After Mediocre COTA Run
Ross Chastain3 days ago

Ran Well at COTA as Usual Despite Late-Race Fade
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Furious Charge Falls Just Short at COTA
Tyler Reddick3 days ago

Scores Strong Finish of Fifth at COTA
Chase Elliott3 days ago

Finishes 16th at COTA After Lackluster Performance
Billy Quarantillo4 days ago

Suffers Submission Loss At UFC Vegas 89
Youssef Zalal4 days ago

Gets Submission Win In Return To The UFC
Cameron Saaiman4 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Vegas 89
Payton Talbott4 days ago

Scores KO Win At UFC Vegas 89
Justin Tafa4 days ago

Drops To .500 In The UFC
Karl Williams4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Is One Of The Optimal DFS Options For COTA
Denny Hamlin4 days ago

Should Denny Hamlin Be Rostered For DFS Lineups At COTA?
Kaz Grala4 days ago

Is A Serviceable DFS Play For COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Will Start 12th In First COTA Cup Start
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

Is A Sneaky DFS Play With Upside For COTA
William Byron4 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win At COTA
Christopher Bell4 days ago

Is A Comfortable DFS Play For COTA
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

the Favorite to Win at COTA
Ty Gibbs4 days ago

Looking for First Career Win at COTA
Rose Namajunas6 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Amanda Ribas6 days ago

Set For Main-Event Matchup
Edmen Shahbazyan6 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
AJ Dobson6 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 89
Fernando Padilla6 days ago

Seeking Victory In Third UFC Appearance
Luis Pajuelo6 days ago

Makes His UFC Debut
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 NFL Free-Agency Winners and the Fantasy Football Impact - Part I

Free agency symbolizes the start of a new NFL season. It's the first opportunity for NFL clubs to start addressing their weaknesses and considerably impacts how the upcoming season plays out. Just as free agency can improve or worsen a team's outlook, a player's fantasy football value is also impacted. Free agency marks the real... Read More


Malik Nabers - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, WR, NFL Draft Sleepers

Coach Knows Ball: Malik Nabers 2024 NFL Draft Film Breakdown of LSU WR

Welcome to Coach Knows Ball, an NFL Draft series analyzing the top prospects in the 2024 class. I'm a college football coach with nine years of NCAA experience and have been scouting NFL Draft prospects for over 15 years. This series will give a deep dive into the film of some of the top players... Read More


Avoid These Running Backs in 2024: Fantasy Football Outlook

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! The staff is already looking ahead to the 2024 season to help our readers get the jump on their competition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones discusses five Running Backs that you should AVOID in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Win MORE in 2024 with RotoBaller! Be sure to tune into RotoBaller Radio... Read More


Brock Bowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers, NCAA College Football, Prospects

Brock Bowers 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Georgia TE Be Selected?

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers was arguably the top tight end in college football over the past few years. Bowers was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slightly slipped in 2022 as defenses started to game plan for the star tight end. Bowers had... Read More


Xavier Worthy 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update – When Will the Texas WR Be Selected?

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been one of the top pass-catchers in college football over the past few years. The explosive receiver was outstanding his freshman year, totaling 62 receptions for 981 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, his production slipped in 2022. Worthy had 60 receptions for 760 receiving yards and nine touchdowns... Read More


Blake Corum - Fantasy Football Rankings, College FB, RB, NFL Draft Sleepers

Blake Corum 2024 NFL Draft Stock Update - When Will the Michigan RB Be Selected?

Former Michigan running back Blake Corum is one of the most popular prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The 23-year-old is fresh off a College Football National Championship victory and a 2023 campaign consisting of over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. However, given the devaluation of the running back position and Corum not being an... Read More


Brandon Aiyuk - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News

Will The 49ers Trade Brandon Aiyuk?

Brandon Aiyuk had a career year last season, finishing seventh in the league in receiving yards (1342), second in yards per catch (17.9), and catching seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named to the Second-team All-Pro. However, despite many expecting them to do so, the 49ers failed to win Super Bowl LVIII and now... Read More


Players to Avoid Drafting in 2024 Best Ball

In my first article of the offseason, I highlighted four players to target in 2024 Best Ball leagues. In this article, I'll turn my attention to players you should avoid drafting in Best Ball leagues this season. There are lots of reasons to avoid a player in Best Ball, whether it's a new role, a... Read More


2024 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 Predictions (Post-Free Agency Update) - Picks from All 32 Teams

We've now reached the point in the year where the disappointment of there not being any live football until the fall has subsided and hope has begun to renew for each fanbase heading into draft season. The first wave of NFL Free Agency has also passed and the rosters of all 32 teams have begun... Read More


Drake London - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2024 Top-200 Fantasy Football Rankings - Post Free Agency Edition

Fantasy football drafts are still five months away, but rankings and how fantasy managers value all of the players are constantly changing. With the better part of free agency in the rearview mirror and the best players on their new teams, we can re-evaluate our rankings to see which players have moved up and down.... Read More


Deshaun Watson - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Deshaun Watson- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook

The NFL offseason has been scorching hot. It's been fun to watch. While redraft fantasy football players have been able to put their feet up and relax, dynasty players know their work never stops. With major signings and big names on the move, the start of the offseason is one of the busiest times of... Read More


NFL DRAFT - Bold Predictions Round 2 2024

2024 NFL Draft: Bold Predictions and Potential Surprises for Round 2

Football never sleeps at RotoBaller! With the 2024 NFL Draft fast approaching, we're digging into what might transpire in this year's edition. RotoBaller analyst LaQuan Jones previews the 2024 NFL Draft and makes some BOLD Predictions about possible surprises and potential landing spots for the second round of the draft. Don't forget to check out... Read More


UFL SCHEDULE - Fantasy Football, 2024

2024 UFL Schedule (United Football League): Full 10-Game Schedule For Each Team

Check out the full 2024 UFL schedule for each team in the United Football League. The inaugural season of the UFL begins on March 30, and the first year of the XFL-USFL merger should be a fun one to keep tabs on. Each team will play ten regular season games before a four-team playoff consisting... Read More