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Updated Running Back Draft Rankings for Half-PPR Scoring

Updated fantasy football running back draft rankings, tiers and analysis for half-ppr scoring. Bill Dubiel analyzes key RB draft targets and avoids for 1/2 PPR.

Running back is the most volatile position in fantasy football. It's possible to put together a winning team while going "zero RB" (not picking a running back in the early rounds), proving how much change there can be in many running backs' value over the course of a year. I don't recommend doing this, for what it's worth.

This year we have a pretty well-established "big four" at the position, although that is contingent on Ezekiel Elliott's holdout situation--and it may be five if not for Melvin Gordon's holdout situation. After that there is a pretty clear second tier...and then it gets dicey.

Given how strong the first couple of tiers are this year, my advice is to jump on one relatively early this draft season to secure a solid floor/ceiling combo for the 2019 season.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Half-PPR Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs

Below are RotoBaller's consensus staff rankings for the 2019 fantasy football season. These rankings are compiled by Nick Mariano, Pierre Camus, Scott Engel, Bill Dubiel, Dominick Petrillo and Spencer Aguiar.

In case you missed it, our very own "Big Pick Nick" Mariano was the #11 overall most accurate industry expert ranker for the 2018 season, and #9 overall in 2017. Additionally, industry legend Scott Engel recently joined the RotoBaller team and provides his insights as well. Scott is an FSWA Hall Of Famer and award winner.

Position Rank Overall Rank Player Name Position Tier Overall Tier
1 1 Saquon Barkley 1 1
2 2 Alvin Kamara 1 1
3 3 Christian McCaffrey 1 1
4 4 James Conner 1 1
5 8 David Johnson 2 1
6 14 Joe Mixon 2 2
7 16 Nick Chubb 2 2
8 17 Dalvin Cook 2 2
9 18 Le'Veon Bell 2 2
10 19 Todd Gurley 2 2
11 21 Devonta Freeman 3 3
12 22 Ezekiel Elliott 3 3
13 25 Leonard Fournette 3 3
14 26 Kerryon Johnson 3 3
15 29 Damien Williams 3 3
16 30 Chris Carson 3 3
17 32 Aaron Jones 3 3
18 36 Sony Michel 4 4
19 38 Marlon Mack 4 4
20 40 David Montgomery 4 4
21 42 Josh Jacobs 4 4
22 47 Derrick Henry 4 4
23 49 Mark Ingram 4 4
24 56 Phillip Lindsay 5 5
25 60 Duke Johnson 5 5
26 61 Melvin Gordon 5 5
27 64 James White 5 5
28 66 Tevin Coleman 5 5
29 70 Miles Sanders 5 5
30 72 Austin Ekeler 5 6
31 74 Derrius Guice 5 6
32 76 Kenyan Drake 5 6
33 80 Tarik Cohen 6 6
34 82 Devin Singletary 6 6
35 83 Latavius Murray 6 6
36 96 Rashaad Penny 6 7
37 97 Jordan Howard 6 7
38 99 Royce Freeman 6 7
39 104 Kalen Ballage 6 7
40 107 Peyton Barber 6 7
41 110 Matt Breida 6 7
42 119 Tony Pollard 7 8
43 120 Carlos Hyde 7 8
44 122 Justin Jackson 7 8
45 123 Darrell Henderson 7 8
46 128 Dion Lewis 7 8
47 129 Darwin Thompson 7 8
48 131 Adrian Peterson 7 8
49 139 Ronald Jones II 7 9
50 141 Jaylen Samuels 7 9
51 142 Frank Gore 7 9
52 143 LeSean McCoy 7 9
53 145 Mike Davis 7 9
54 150 Chris Thompson 8 9
55 157 Damien Harris 8 10
56 159 Justice Hill 8 10
57 160 Kareem Hunt 8 10
58 162 Ito Smith 8 10
59 166 C.J. Anderson 8 10
60 170 Alexander Mattison 8 10
61 171 Jalen Richard 8 10
62 175 Nyheim Hines 9 11
63 176 Malcolm Brown 9 11
64 183 Ty Montgomery 9 11
65 197 Jamaal Williams 9 11
66 202 Rex Burkhead 9 11
67 207 Giovani Bernard 9 11
68 209 Chase Edmonds 9 11
69 212 Gus Edwards 9 12
70 229 Theo Riddick 10 12
71 230 Brian Hill 10 12
72 236 Karan Higdon 10 12
73 252 Benny Snell Jr. 10 13
74 266 Corey Clement 10 13
75 271 Zach Zenner 10 13
76 273 Travis Homer 10 14
77 275 Damarea Crockett 10 14
78 279 Ryquell Armstead 10 14
79 282 Bilal Powell 10 14
80 283 Mike Weber 10 14
81 295 Alfred Morris 11 14
82 306 T.J. Yeldon 11 14
83 311 Dexter Williams 11 14
84 316 Dare Ogunbowale 11 14
85 330 Dontrell Hilliard 11 15
86 342 Rhett Ellison 11 15
87 349 Trayveon Williams 11 15
88 356 Darrel Williams 11 15
89 365 Qadree Ollison 11 15
90 376 Alfred Blue 11 16
91 385 Trenton Cannon 11 16
92 395 Ty Johnson 11 16
93 399 Kenneth Dixon 11 16
94 403 Cameron Artis-Payne 11 16
95 409 Josh Adams 11 16
96 414 Jordan Wilkins 12 16
97 421 Spencer Ware 12 17
98 431 Alex Barnes 12 17
99 435 Bryce Love 12 17
100 438 Wayne Gallman 12 17
101 452 Jeff Wilson 12 17
102 459 Devontae Booker 12 17
103 462 Wendell Smallwood 12 17
104 465 Darren Sproles 12 17
105 466 Rod Smith 12 18
106 470 Mike Boone 12 18
107 473 Ameer Abdullah 12 18
108 475 Kyle Juszczyk 12 18
109 476 Myles Gaskin 12 18
110 477 Raheem Mostert 12 18
111 478 Andre Ellington 12 18
112 479 Rodney Anderson 11 18
113 480 James Develin 11 18
114 481 Jordan Scarlett 11 18
115 482 C.J. Prosise 11 18
116 484 Devine Ozigbo 12 18
117 486 Mark Walton 12 18
118 487 J.D. McKissic 12 18
119 488 Deandre Washington 12 18
120 489 Elijah Holyfield 12 18
121 491 Josh Ferguson 13 18
122 494 Marcus Murphy 13 18
123 496 Buddy Howell 13 18
124 498 LeGarrette Blount 13 18
125 499 Paul Perkins 13 18
126 500 Dwayne Washington 13 18
127 505 Jeremy McNichols 13 18
128 506 D'Ernest Johnson 13 18
129 507 Elijhaa Penny 13 18

 

Tier 1

This is a pretty typical top tier, with the feature back dual threats taking the top four spots. If we knew they were going to play 16 games, Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon would likely find themselves in this spot, but obviously they're both a complete question mark until they sign somewhere.

Personally, I like David Johnson as maybe the third back in the group (behind McCaffrey and Kamara) given how different his circumstances are this year versus in 2018. Johnson proved he could be an elite player in 2016, then unfortunately lost his entire 2017 to injury. His 2018 season was a mess thanks to the incompetence of former offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, brutal offensive line play and a quarterback in Josh Rosen who simply didn't represent an aerial threat. With Kyler Murray and Kliff Kingsbury now in place, Johnson should be able to find (and be delivered the ball in) space and get back to his running and gunning ways of 2016.

 

Tier 2

I love Nick Chubb heading into 2019 and would not argue with anybody who put him in that first tier to be honest. The Browns have an improving offensive line, an offense positively loaded with weapons, and the departure of Duke Johnson should free up some receptions out of the backfield for Chubb. At the very least I like him better than Mixon in the early goings.

A healthy Dalvin Cook has sky-high potential in the Vikings offense that should lean on the run a bit more given that Gary Kubiak is now influencing the decision-making. The obvious risk factor is his injury history, and that has to be factored into your draft strategy. Understand what the upside is but don't necessarily count on 16 games from him

 

Tier 3

Kerryon Johnson represents an interesting case heading into 2019, and he's one of my top breakout targets for 2019. Johnson was immediately effective for the Lions, averaging 5.4 yards per carry on 12.5 carries per game along with four targets per game. With Theo Riddick now gone, I expect Johnson to maintain that carry average while adding more targets, which should allow him to be a true dual-threat feature back. C.J. Anderson will certainly be in the mix, but it's the Kerryon Johnson show in 2019.

Aaron Jones is criminally underrated here, and I know that's become a popular opinion in many fantasy circles. Jones has averaged 5.5 yards per carry over the last two years, but has suffered from limited playing time and some minor injuries. Jones should be the leader in the backfield this season and get enough work in the passing game to make him a solid value at his current ADP.

 

Tier 4

The hate on Marlon Mack due to the Thanos-like disappearance of Andrew Luck has gone way too far. Mack averaged a healthy 4.66 yards per carry and found pay-dirt 10 times in just 12 games in 2018. Although it's now Jacoby Brissett under center instead of MVP-caliber Andrew Luck, the Colts offensive line is one of the best in football heading into the season, and there will obviously be a renewed focus on the run game. Mack is a strong RB2 and should provide consistent value every week.

I'm not sure why Mark Ingram is widely regarded as a low-end RB2 going into this season. The bruising Alabama product will have the clear lead in the Baltimore backfield, which should be one of the most run-heavy offenses in football. We've seen from his time in New Orleans that Ingram is also a capable pass-catcher, and with Lamar Jackson still adjusting to NFL defenses Ingram will be an integral part of the offense on all three downs. I love him as a top-15 back and I think he's a steal at his current ADP.

 

Tier 5

Tevin Coleman may also be an excellent value given that Jerick McKinnon appears to be out of the picture for the time being. He should receive the healthy portion of the split between him and Matt Breida, and his reunion with Kyle Shanahan can be nothing but good news.  Coleman's best season (2016) came under Kyle Shanahan's guidance in Atlanta, and it saw him score 11 touchdowns as a secondary back to Devonta Freeman. As the 1A he should be a top-20 back in an improving 49ers offense.

James White is possibly the premier pass-catching back in the NFL, putting up an 87-751-7 receiving line in 2018 while adding 425 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. He was ticketed for a RB1 season until Sony Michel was finally unleashed, and White regressed to more of a change-of-pace option. That time share should return for 2019, rendering White no more than an every-week flex option with RB3 upside.

 

Tier 6 and Lower

The above rankings don't reflect the LeSean McCoy release (McCoy has been removed but no other changes have been made yet). The obvious change is going to occur with Frank Gore and rookie Devin Singletary. What I'm picturing is the sort of 1A/1B setup that the Saints had with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Note: I am not comparing them in skill or production, merely the opportunity that will be presented. Both backs should start the season with RB3 value in the run-heavy Bills offense, but Singletary obviously has the upside of the two.

Jaylen Samuels may very well have stand-alone flex value even if James Conner is fully healthy all year. Samuels will be deployed like Ty Montgomery was with the Packers--he may be a running back in some situations and act as a wideout in others. In the high-powered Steelers offense that means he should be startable in most weeks, and should Conner go down he would immediately become a RB2 for me.

More Fantasy Football Analysis


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.




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
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Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
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LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
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Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
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Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
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Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
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to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
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Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
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Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
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Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

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Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
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Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
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' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
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Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
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Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
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Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

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Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
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Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

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Jonathan Kuminga

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Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

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Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

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Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

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Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
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Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
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Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

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NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
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Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
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NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

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has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
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Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
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Corey Perry

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Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
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RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP