As we reflect on the fantasy football journey from our initial drafts last August or September to the climax of Week 17, one constant remains -— the pivotal role of running backs. The unforeseen rise of players like Kyren Williams, James Cook, and Saquon Barkley among the top-10 fantasy RBs in Week 17's PPR rankings highlights the unpredictable nature of the fantasy football landscape.

Injuries, as expected, have wreaked havoc on the running back position. In the previous week, another key player, Isiah Pacheco, succumbed to injury. This casts doubt on his availability for Week 17 and paves the way for a potential sleeper to emerge.

Despite recent struggles, Travis Etienne has reclaimed a spot in the top five. He should have a rebound against the Carolina Panthers. Austin Ekeler finds himself back in the top five due to a favorable matchup in Denver. D'Andre Swift has surged back into the top 10, whereas Tony Pollard finds himself outside the top tier. The dynamic nature of fantasy football keeps us on our toes. As Week 17 unfolds, the performances of these running backs could be the deciding factor in the pursuit of fantasy glory.

Here we will look at our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back rankings entering Week 17 of the 2023 regular season.

Top Fantasy Football Picks

Once again, Christian McCaffrey remains at the pinnacle of our rankings, set to face the Commanders. Joining him in the top five are Kyren Williams, poised for action against the Giants, and Travis Etienne in a matchup against the Panthers. Austin Ekeler is also there, looking to exploit the Broncos' vulnerability to RBs, and Jonathan Taylor gearing up against the Raiders.

Christian McCaffrey with dollar signs on his eyes

Christian McCaffrey ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the 49ers' 33-19 loss against the Ravens. He also caught 6-of-10 targets for an additional 28 yards through the air. McCaffrey continued the dominance he has displayed all season. He continues to dominate weekly and saw double-digit targets for the second time this season. He has a prime matchup next week against the Commanders.

Kyren Williams rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the Rams' 30-22 win over the Saints on Thursday night. He was curiously not targeted in the passing game. Williams kept up his strong streak of performances, albeit this one was along the lines of his floor. However, if 100 rushing yards and a score is the floor for a player, fantasy football managers will take that all day. It was interesting that he was not used at all in the passing game. However, that game plan likely played a part in that with the Rams running up the score early on.

Fantasy Football Sleepers

The decision to start Ty Chandler against the Packers and Jerome Ford against the Jets often boils down to matchups. Both face defenses that ranked in the top 10 for fantasy football points allowed to running backs. In 12-team leagues, both Chandler and Ford are viable options. The same holds for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. They have a favorable matchup against the Seahawks' bottom-five RB defense.

Should Pacheco be sidelined, Clyde Edwards-Helaire becomes a must-start against the Bengals. Even if Pacheco is cleared, CEH's potential is boosted by the matchup and Jerick McKinnon's groin injury.

For those in deeper leagues, consider the potential of Tyjae Spears and Kenneth Gainwell. Both present favorable matchups, with Spears and Gainwell holding solid upside. Spears excels in targets and Gainwell benefits from the best possible matchup.

Fantasy Football Busts

Week 17 brings forth matchups that pose challenges for Tony Pollard, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Gus Edwards. Sure, these players possess solid ceilings, especially Gibbs. However, exploring potentially “safer” or higher-upside options might be advisable. Montgomery and Edwards, in particular, have lower floors due to limited involvement in their teams' passing games, though their touchdown potential remains.

Exercise caution with any Bears' RBs facing the Falcons or Commanders' RBs against the 49ers. Even if Brian Robinson Jr. returns from a hamstring injury, the unpredictable distribution of carries in Washington's backfield makes him challenging to trust. Chris Rodriguez Jr. may find a place in standard leagues if he plays through an ankle injury. That said, his value diminishes in PPR formats due to his reliance on touchdowns.

Fantasy Football Injuries

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Christian McCaffrey on the left, with his brother Luke on the right.

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The running back position, plagued by injuries throughout the season, appears relatively stable. Notable injuries include Pacheco, who suffered a concussion in Week 16, casting doubt on his availability for Week 17.

Josh Jacobs' status is under scrutiny. He participated in only one limited practice last week and missed two consecutive games. Zamir White has shone in Jacobs' absence. He has accumulated 145 rushing yards. If Jacobs sits out again, White may have a good game.

Other running backs to monitor for Week 17 include Zack Moss (forearm), Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), Brian Robinson (hamstring), and D'Onta Foreman (personal).

Now, let's dive into our NFL Fantasy Football Running Back rankings for Week 17 of the 2023 regular season. Standard rankings are indicated in parentheses.

NFL Fantasy Football Week 17 Running Back Rankings

1. Christian McCaffrey, SF @ WAS (1)
2. Kyren Williams, LAR @ NYG (2)
3. Travis Etienne Jr., JAC vs. CAR (3)
4. Austin Ekeler, LAC @ DEN (4)
5. Jonathan Taylor, IND vs. LV (5)
6. James Cook, BUF vs. NE (20)
7. Alvin Kamara, NO @ TB (10)
8. D'Andre Swift, PHI vs. ARI (12)
9. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET @ DAL (22)
10. Saquon Barkley, NYG vs. LAR (8)
11. Bijan Robinson, ATL @ CHI (15)
12. Kenneth Walker III, SEA vs. PIT (6)
13. Joe Mixon, CIN @ KC (23)
14. Tony Pollard, DAL vs. DET (28)
15. Breece Hall, NYJ @ CLE (9)
16. Aaron Jones, GB @ MIN (30)
17. Rachaad White, TB vs. NO (13)
18. Raheem Mostert, MIA @ BAL (11)
19. Derrick Henry, TEN @ HOU (21)
20. Ty Chandler, MIN vs. GB (17)
21. Ezekiel Elliott, NE @ BUF (14)
22. Chuba Hubbard, CAR @ JAC (25)
23. David Montgomery, DET @ DAL (31)
24. James Conner, ARI @ PHI (29)
25. Devin Singletary, HOU vs. TEN (19)
26. De'Von Achane, MIA @ BAL (32)
27. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC vs. CIN (16)
28. Javonte Williams, DEN vs. LAC (18)
29. Jaylen Warren, PIT @ SEA (26)
30. Josh Jacobs, LV @ IND (7)
31. Najee Harris, PIT @ SEA (24)
32. Jerome Ford, CLE vs. NYJ (27)
33. Antonio Gibson, WAS vs. SF (40)
34. Tyjae Spears, TEN @ HOU (33)
35. Gus Edwards, BAL vs. MIA (35)
36. Khalil Herbert, CHI vs. ATL (41)