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Howdy RotoBallers! The moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived. It's officially fantasy football championship week. We are here to lead you to that coveted fantasy football crown and take down your league with our PPR fantasy football running back rankings for Week 17 to help fantasy managers with those tough start/sit decisions.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (quad) is doubtful to play Sunday against the Colts. Zamir White will be the Raiders lead back for the third straight week. While filling in for Jacobs, White has rushed for 214 yards on 39 attempts and a rushing touchdown over the last two weeks. He's also caught three of five targets for 16 yards. Below, you will find where RotoBaller ranked White and other vital backs such as Ty Chandler, Zamir White, Kenneth Walker III, Khalil Herbert, Ezekiel Elliott, De'Von Achane, D'Andre Swift, De'Von Achane, and Devin Singletary for fantasy football championship week.
Our PPR fantasy football running back rankings for Week 17 are assembled by Nick Mariano, Scott Engel, Andersen Pickard, and Brandon Murchinson. In addition to our staff rankings, below you will find a summary of this week's important fantasy football injury news. There are always critical injuries to track, so check back until kickoff.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Week 17 Running Back Fantasy Football News and Injuries
- Josh Jacobs Officially Out In Week 17
- Raheem Mostert Inactive Against Ravens
- Elijah Mitchell Set To Return For Week 17
- Kenneth Walker III Expected To Play In Week 17
- Isiah Pacheco Listed As Questionable For Week 17
- Kendre Miller Has A Chance To Play In Week 17
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire Questionable For Week 17
- Brian Robinson Jr. Cleared To Return In Week 17
- D'Onta Foreman Inactive For Week 17
- Zack Moss Ruled Out Against Raiders
- Alvin Kamara Expected To Play In Week 17
Week 17 Running Back Rankings Analysis
A new feature has been added to our weekly fantasy football rankings article. Below, you will find our fantasy football outlooks for key running back options in Week 17, which gives readers a matchup preview of that player and advice on whether to start or avoid for the upcoming week. We provide outlooks for all 32 NFL teams, which can be found on our player profile pages and our fantasy football news desk.
Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
Week 17 Overall PPR Rankings: 53
Week 17 Running Back PPR Rankings: 25
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White was the starter for the team again in Week 16. White had 22 carries for 145 yards in the matchup. The Raiders running back failed to bring in his only target of the game, but he was productive with his touches on the ground. White was pivotal in the Raiders sealing the win against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. With Josh Jacobs sidelined, White has been very productive as the Raiders starting running back.
The Raiders take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. The Colts are among the most advantageous matchups for running backs, so White could be in for a big game if Jacobs misses. Jacobs was officially listed as doubtful after not practicing all week, so all signs point to White being the starter again. Fantasy managers should prepare to head into championship week with White as a starter on their team.
Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Week 17 Overall PPR Rankings: 34
Week 17 Running Back PPR Rankings: 16
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry notably had a disastrous Week 15 showing against the Houston Texans, rushing 16 times for nine yards and catching four passes for one yard. In Week 17, he'll get a chance to seek revenge against the Houston defense. The Texans have been a neutral matchup for running backs this season, but the Tennessee offensive line has been one of the worst units in the NFL.
Although Henry's floor is clearly low, he still has mid-range RB2 value due to his hefty workload. He's a touchdown-or-bust option, but he has 11 rushing scores this year.
Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers
Week 17 Overall PPR Rankings: 40
Week 17 Running Back PPR Rankings: 20
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will go on the road to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. The veteran was limited in practice this week due to a finger and knee injury but was left off of the final injury report and is ready to roll for Sunday night. Jones exploded for 135 total yards last week against the Carolina Panthers and will look to parlay that performance into another successful night against Minnesota.
The Vikings' defense has been solid against the run this season and held Jones to just 29 rushing yards in their meeting earlier this year. However, with Jones seeing the bulk of carries, he remains a top-24 option heading into the weekend.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, New England Patriots
Week 17 Overall PPR Rankings: 45
Week 17 Running Back PPR Rankings: 22
New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (illness) logged a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the final injury report. He will play versus the Buffalo Bills, ranking as a solid RB2 option in most fantasy leagues. The 28-year-old has looked great operating as the Patriots' top running back with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined.
In particular, he has been a key pass-catching threat over his last four games, garnering 30 targets, 25 receptions, 166 receiving yards, and two touchdowns during that span. He should continue to be started in most leagues while operating as one of Bailey Zappe's top options in the passing attack.
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Week 17 Overall PPR Rankings: 35
Week 17 Running Back PPR Rankings: 17
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (shoulder, illness) is officially questionable to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but the team is leaving the door open for him to play with this designation. The 23-year-old was somewhat underwhelming last week with 3.38 yards per carry but could bounce back if active against the Steelers.
In the event that he can't suit up, rookie Zach Charbonnet would be in line to start at running back, ranking as a low-end RB3/flex play. UPDATE: Walker was able to practice on Friday but will be a game-time decision on Sunday.
Week 17 Fantasy Football Running Back PPR Rankings
Rankings are updated until kick-off. Be sure to bookmark our weekly PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, Standard rankings.
| RB Tier |
RB Rank |
Player Name |
Pos. | Overall Rank |
| 1 | 1 | Christian McCaffrey | RB | 1 |
| 1 | 2 | Kyren Williams | RB | 4 |
| 1 | 3 | Rachaad White | RB | 7 |
| 1 | 4 | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | 8 |
| 1 | 5 | Alvin Kamara | RB | 12 |
| 1 | 6 | James Cook | RB | 15 |
| 2 | 7 | D'Andre Swift | RB | 16 |
| 2 | 8 | Jonathan Taylor | RB | 17 |
| 2 | 9 | Bijan Robinson | RB | 18 |
| 3 | 10 | Travis Etienne Jr. | RB | 22 |
| 3 | 11 | Breece Hall | RB | 25 |
| 3 | 12 | Saquon Barkley | RB | 26 |
| 3 | 13 | Isiah Pacheco | RB | 27 |
| 3 | 14 | De'Von Achane | RB | 30 |
| 3 | 15 | Joe Mixon | RB | 33 |
| 3 | 16 | Kenneth Walker III | RB | 36 |
| 3 | 17 | Austin Ekeler | RB | 37 |
| 4 | 18 | Derrick Henry | RB | 38 |
| 4 | 19 | Tony Pollard | RB | 39 |
| 4 | 20 | Aaron Jones | RB | 40 |
| 4 | 21 | David Montgomery | RB | 43 |
| 4 | 22 | Zamir White | RB | 45 |
| 5 | 23 | Ezekiel Elliott | RB | 46 |
| 5 | 24 | Chuba Hubbard | RB | 49 |
| 5 | 25 | James Conner | RB | 50 |
| 5 | 26 | Devin Singletary | RB | 53 |
| 5 | 27 | Ty Chandler | RB | 59 |
| 5 | 28 | Javonte Williams | RB | 61 |
| 5 | 29 | Najee Harris | RB | 62 |
| 5 | 30 | Jerome Ford | RB | 64 |
| 6 | 31 | Gus Edwards | RB | 67 |
| 6 | 32 | Khalil Herbert | RB | 77 |
| 6 | 33 | Jaylen Warren | RB | 79 |
| 6 | 34 | Brian Robinson Jr. | RB | 85 |
| 7 | 35 | Tyjae Spears | RB | 96 |
| 7 | 36 | Antonio Gibson | RB | 100 |
| 8 | 37 | Kareem Hunt | RB | 102 |
| 8 | 38 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | RB | 104 |
| 8 | 39 | AJ Dillon | RB | 110 |
| 8 | 40 | Tyler Allgeier | RB | 111 |
| 8 | 41 | Roschon Johnson | RB | 113 |
| 8 | 42 | Chase Brown | RB | 118 |
| 8 | 43 | Justice Hill | RB | 127 |
| 9 | 44 | Zach Charbonnet | RB | 128 |
| 9 | 45 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | 131 |
| 9 | 46 | Kenneth Gainwell | RB | 136 |
| 9 | 47 | Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | 139 |
| 9 | 48 | Alexander Mattison | RB | 141 |
| 9 | 49 | Miles Sanders | RB | 151 |
| 10 | 50 | Samaje Perine | RB | 152 |
| 10 | 51 | Cordarrelle Patterson | RB | 154 |
| 10 | 52 | Dameon Pierce | RB | 156 |
| 10 | 53 | Jamaal Williams | RB | 158 |
| 11 | 54 | Emari Demercado | RB | 162 |
| 11 | 55 | Leonard Fournette | RB | 163 |
| 11 | 56 | Deuce Vaughn | RB | 169 |
| 11 | 57 | Chase Edmonds | RB | 171 |
| 11 | 58 | Kevin Harris | RB | 176 |
| 11 | 59 | Jordan Mason | RB | 186 |
| 12 | 60 | Israel Abanikanda | RB | 190 |
| 12 | 61 | Matt Breida | RB | 193 |
| 12 | 62 | Ameer Abdullah | RB | 195 |
| 12 | 63 | Trey Sermon | RB | 197 |
| 13 | 64 | Ty Johnson | RB | 198 |
| 13 | 65 | D'Ernest Johnson | RB | 199 |
| 13 | 66 | Joshua Kelley | RB | 202 |
| 13 | 67 | Elijah Mitchell | RB | 206 |
| 13 | 68 | Isaiah Spiller | RB | 207 |
| 13 | 69 | Latavius Murray | RB | 208 |
| 13 | 70 | Pierre Strong Jr. | RB | 210 |
| 13 | 71 | Royce Freeman | RB | 213 |
| 14 | 72 | Ronnie Rivers | RB | 214 |
| 14 | 73 | Patrick Taylor Jr. | RB | 222 |
| 15 | 74 | Dalvin Cook | RB | 226 |
| 15 | 75 | Kyle Juszczyk | RB | 235 |
| 15 | 76 | Boston Scott | RB | 240 |
| 15 | 77 | Dare Ogunbowale | RB | 244 |
| 15 | 78 | Tyler Goodson | RB | 252 |
| 15 | 79 | Lynn Bowden Jr. | RB | 267 |
| 15 | 80 | Michael Carter | RB | 274 |
| 15 | 81 | Alec Ingold | RB | 281 |
| 15 | 82 | Hunter Luepke | RB | 283 |
| 15 | 83 | Kene Nwangwu | RB | 309 |
| 15 | 84 | Trayveon Williams | RB | 310 |
| 15 | 85 | Patrick Ricard | RB | 311 |
| 15 | 86 | DeeJay Dallas | RB | 313 |
| 15 | 87 | Derrick Gore | RB | 315 |
| 15 | 88 | La'Mical Perine | RB | 317 |
| 15 | 89 | Michael Burton | RB | 319 |
| 16 | 90 | Raheem Blackshear | RB | 323 |
| 16 | 91 | C.J. Ham | RB | 327 |
| 16 | 92 | Tank Bigsby | RB | 330 |
| 16 | 93 | JaMycal Hasty | RB | 332 |
| 16 | 94 | Deneric Prince | RB | 333 |
| 16 | 95 | Melvin Gordon III | RB | 335 |
| 17 | 96 | Craig Reynolds | RB | 342 |
| 17 | 97 | Malik Davis | RB | 354 |
| 17 | 98 | Brandon Bolden | RB | 355 |
| 17 | 99 | Eric Gray | RB | 380 |
| 17 | 100 | Reggie Gilliam | RB/TE | 382 |
| 17 | 101 | Travis Homer | RB | 384 |
| 17 | 102 | Kenyan Drake | RB | 385 |
| 17 | 103 | Khari Blasingame | RB | 387 |
| 17 | 104 | Myles Gaskin | RB | 391 |
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