With the NFL season right around the corner, it's time to get back in the groove of fantasy football. The top fantasy football running backs play a detrimental role in the fantasy world, as they provide a huge advantage in weekly matchups.
Typically, all of the best running backs fly off the board rather quickly. There are only 32 NFL teams and there is a scarcity of elite-level rushers in the league. This year, there are a plethora of solid running backs available. Additionally, the added regular-season game creates more opportunities for backup players, increasing the depth of the position altogether.
Either way, it's important to know who the best fantasy football running backs are, as it'll set you up nicely for your fantasy season. It should be an interesting year, as there are plenty of running backs to be had. With that said, here are the top 15 fantasy football running backs for the 2021 season.
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Top Fantasy Football Running Backs
15. Joe Mixon
The Cincinnati Bengals have an exciting offense heading into the new season. Their passing game should be on full display, as the Bengals have a three-headed monster in the wide receiver room. However, Joe Mixon is still in the backfield and has been a solid fantasy option throughout his career. Mixon is being taken between rounds 2-3, making him a nice first or second running back for your fantasy roster.
14. Najee Harris
The Pittsburgh Steelers had a putrid run game last year. To counter that, the front office made sure to select Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Harris is explosive, big, and can be utilized in the passing game. He will be a major contributor in his rookie campaign, making him a great target in fantasy football. With the Steelers' receiving core rather deep, the running lanes should be open for Harris throughout the season.
13. Clyde Edwards-Helaire
The hype was insane last year after Clyde Edwards-Helaire was announced the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. He played well but didn't quite live up to expectations. With a year under his belt, Edwards-Helaire aims to provide consistency in the running back position. He's being selected in the third round, giving him incredible value to kick-off your fantasy drafts.
12. D'Andre Swift
The Detroit Lions offense is interesting, as the passing game might suffer. However, D'Andre Swift looks to have a monster season ahead of himself. He's a dual-threat running back that should see plenty of work with Jared Goff under center. Considering he's being taken in the late second-early third round, Swift very well could be the biggest steal in fantasy football.
11. Antonio Gibson
He didn't have much experience as a running back entering the NFL, but Antonio Gibson has proven to be a solid rusher in the backfield. He's separating himself as the workhorse for the Washington Football Team, with head coach Ron Rivera comparing him to Christian McCaffrey. That's high praise for a second-year player. Gibson has the potential to finish as one of the top fantasy running backs in the league.
10. Nick Chubb
One of the best pure runners in the NFL, Nick Chubb looks to continue his dominance, providing the Cleveland Browns with consistency. If it wasn't for Kareem Hunt being his teammate, Chubb would likely wind up higher on this list. However, he's talented enough to score a ton of fantasy points even with Hunt splitting his carries. He's being taken in the early portion of the second round, which is phenomenal value for an elite running back.
9. Aaron Jones
The Green Bay Packers run game should be on full display yet again, as Aaron Jones looks to continue working as the lead option. AJ Dillon will get his fair share of carries, as the Packers utilized Jamaal Williams throughout the season last year. Even so, Jones is in no danger of losing his starting job and should be a valuable fantasy football running back in 2021.
8. Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler is arguably the best pass-catching running back in the league. That's actually how he consumes most of his fantasy points. There should be no worry of any of the other running backs on the Los Angeles Chargers depth chart taking many reps away from Ekeler. The Chargers have an electric offense and Austin Ekeler will be a major contributor.
7. Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor absolutely dominated the league in the back portion of the 2020 season. He came alive come playoff time and likely won many people their league. With uncertainty at quarterback and a weak wide receiver room, the Indianapolis Colts are likely to be a run-first offense. For that reason, Taylor has to be considered one of the best fantasy football running backs.
6. Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott seemed to fall flat on his face once Dak Prescott fell to injury. The Dallas Cowboys have a stacked offensive group which should open up the running lanes once again. Elliott had a down season, but even so, he should be a top target in fantasy football. He has the tools to have a major bounce-back season, making him a must-have option this year.
5. Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry has led the league in rushing yards for two straight years now. He aims to do it a third time this season as he's the driving force of the Tennessee Titans offense. He doesn't provide much help in the passing game, which is why he shouldn't be considered a top-three option. However, with Julio Jones in town, opposing defenses won't be able to load the box anymore. Henry is the safest bet to finish within the top five this year, as he's one of the best fantasy football running backs in the league.
4. Saquon Barkley
After suffering an injury last year, many have faded Saquon Barkley. The New York Giants don't seem like an exciting team, but Barkley should be able to bounce back from his injury. There is a lot of risk with Barkley this year, but his talent cannot be ignored. He's the ultimate “high-risk, high-reward” player in fantasy football this year.
3. Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook has the privilege to play in a run-first option with the Minnesota Vikings. For that reason, he's been able to finish as a top-three running back throughout his career. If you have a top-three pick, you can feel safe selecting Dalvin Cook, as you just secured a top fantasy football running back.
2. Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara finished as the number one fantasy asset last year. He's a great running back but remains involved in the passing game. With the New Orleans Saints dealing with a weak receiver room due to Michael Thomas' absence, Kamara looks to be the main weapon on the offense. Alvin Kamara will be utilized often and could have a repeat performance as the best fantasy football running back in 2021.
1. Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey missed multiple games last year. Even so, he dominated anytime he touched the field. McCaffrey is an absolute stud and should be taken as the first overall selection. The Carolina Panthers have built a nice offense, which could give McCaffrey more opportunities to shine.
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