With the NFL season about to start, it's time to find out who some of the best fantasy football running backs will be this year. Typically, finding workhorse running backs are ideal for fantasy football, as the more carries they receive, the more points they produce.

Selecting an elite running back should ensure more fantasy football RB gain touches, but there are a couple of running backs that can be found outside of the first round who could be one of the running backs gaining most carries. The best backs to target are the ones who help in the passing game, as they can earn extra points with receptions.

At the end of the day, the best players receive the ball more often than not. The running backs gaining most carries will be highly sought after in fantasy football. For that reason, most of the top options are taken within the first two rounds. With that said, here are five fantasy football running backs gaining most touches.

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5. D'Andre Swift

D'Andre Swift is the surprise choice on this list, as he's the only one being taken outside of the first round of fantasy drafts. There are reasons for that though, as the Detroit Lions have a bad roster. Additionally, Swift is currently dealing with a groin injury. However, he's in the perfect situation to perform as one of the top running backs in fantasy football. Swift has the size to run between the tackles and has the receiving ability to help in the passing game. Jared Goff loves throwing underneath routes, which means Swift could become one of Goff's favorite short-yardage targets.

4. Christian McCaffrey

After struggling with injuries last year, the Carolina Panthers will have Christian McCaffrey back in the lineup. He's the consensus number one pick in fantasy drafts this year and for good reason. Not only is McCaffrey one of the running backs gaining most carries, but he plays like an additional wide receiver in the Panthers' offense. He will be Sam Darnold's best friend, as McCaffrey is bound to have another elite season under his belt. It'll be interesting to see how McCaffrey bounces back as Carolina continues to improve the roster. Either way, the Panthers star running back is a safe bet to provide elite fantasy production.

3. Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor was a monster in the back end of last season and that should carry over into 2021. Although the Indianapolis Colts are dealing with injuries in Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson, Taylor should be a focal point of the offense. The wide receiver group is less than exciting, which means Indianapolis should be a run-first offense. He's being taken as a late first-round pick, making him a great value selection right out of the gate. Taylor might not have many receptions on the year, but he'll have enough carries to make up for it.

2. Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings offense runs throughout Dalvin Cook. There is a ton of hype building around second-year receiver Justin Jefferson, but Cook will continue to be the focal point on this team. Cook is arguably the best running back in the league, which translates to fantasy football gain touches. He's going to score a ton of fantasy points this year and most are taking him as a top-three pick because of it. Look for Dalvin Cook to be a reliable fantasy option this year, as the Vikings attempt to make a playoff push.

1. Derrick Henry

What more could you ask for in a running back? Derrick Henry rushed for 2,000 yards last year for the Tennessee Titans and has a stiff arm built like a battering ram. Opposing defenses have to load the box to slow him down, otherwise, he'll run all over the place. This offseason, the Titans front office acquired Julio Jones, giving Tennessee two elite receivers out wide. It's a “pick your poison” scenario for their opponents, as someone is bound to be open. Due to the passing threat the Titans possess now, the box might not be as loaded, opening more running lanes for Derrick Henry. If that's the case, he has a path to rushing for over 2,000 yards again, which would make him the only player in NFL history to accomplish that feat twice.