Fantasy Football: Top 10 NFL Running Backs To Draft
By Andrew Kahn
Quarterbacks are breaking records left and right in the pass-happy NFL, but that makes high-caliber running backs all the more valuable. Many of last season’s top performers appear on this list, but keep in mind there’s usually a major bust or two, likely due to the heavy workload of the position causing a hangover effect.
1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
2013 Stats: 1,607 rushing yards, 9 rushing TD, 52 receptions, 2 receiving TD
Easily last season’s rushing champ, McCoy is poised for another stellar season in Chip Kelly’s offense. Dave Richard, a senior fantasy writer for CBSSports.com, analyzed how Kelly used his running backs at Oregon and determined new acquisition Darren Sproles will eat into McCoy’s production a bit, but not much.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
2013 Stats: 1,266 rushing yards, 10 rushing TD, 29 receptions, 1 receiving TD
Injuries have kept him off the field a bit the last few seasons, but he’s still a dominant fantasy force. Don’t be silly and think he’s due for significant regression.
3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
2013 Stats: 1,287 rushing yards, 12 rushing TD, 70 receptions, 7 receiving TD
Much like the quarterbacks, there seems to be a clear threesome at the top, and you certainly wouldn’t complain about landing Charles, who led all running backs in fantasy points last season, with the third pick.
4. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
2013 Stats: 1,339 rushing yards, 9 rushing TD, 74 receptions, 3 receiving TD
It’s a bit easier to envision a decline for Forte, given his workload as a runner and pass catcher. But Chicago’s versatile offense keeps him as a top fantasy asset.
5. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
2013 Stats: 1,257 rushing yards, 12 rushing TD, 36 receptions, 2 receiving TD
Lynch is a unique character, and fantasy owners who draft him will hope that any unhappiness about his contract won’t affect his play. Even as Seattle gives more slack to Russell Wilson, Lynch is still the workhorse of the offense.
MORE: Fantasy Football Draft Advice
6. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
2013 Stats: 1,178 rushing yards, 11 rushing TD, 35 receptions, 0 receiving TD
Relied upon more than expected with Aaron Rodgers sitting out, Lacy will look to build off his Rookie of the Year campaign. He’s a bruiser who scored 11 times last year.
7. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
2013 Stats: 1,121 rushing yards, 9 rushing TD, 53 receptions, 1 receiving TD
Is Murray the new Darren McFadden? If you could guarantee good health for the entire season, you’d likely nab him in the first round.
8. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
2013 Stats: 542 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 22 receptions, 1 receiving TD
Another injury risk, Foster recently admitted that he contemplated retirement after back surgery limited him to eight games last season. Playing in an offense that will need him to succeed, a fully healthy Foster could be a steal.
Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks for yards during a second quarter run in front of Stephen Tulloch #55 of the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field on November 17, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
9. Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
2013 Stats: 860 rushing yards, 8 rushing TD, 45 receptions, 0 receiving TD
Bell is always a threat to catch passes out of the backfield, so if Pittsburgh’s offensive line improves and Bell is more decisive in hitting the holes, he could improve upon his successful rookie season.
10. Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
2013 Stats: 559 rushing yards, 4 rushing TD, 20 receptions, 0 receiving TD
Another rookie out of the Big Ten, Ball, like Bell, had an inconsistent rookie year. An appendectomy will keep him out of remaining preseason work but he should be ready to suit up for the high-scoring Broncos in Week 1.
Also consider: Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals; Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions; Zac Stacy, St. Louis Rams.
Andrew Kahn is a regular contributor to CBS Local who also writes for Newsday and The Wall Street Journal. He writes about the NFL and other sports at AndrewJKahn.com. Email him at andrewjkahn@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @AndrewKahn
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