Fantasy Football RB Half PPR Draft Rankings

Last update . Sep 08 . 10:35 AM EDT


#	Player	TM	BYE	FF Pts	ADP12	ADP10	GC	DIF	RuAtt	RuYdsRushing	RuTD	Ru1D	Rec	RecYdsReceiving	RecTD	Rec1D	Fum
1	Austin Ekeler Draft Note If not for a dicey contract situation, he might be the no-brainer RB1 in all formats this season. Ekeler wanted a long-term extension, then a trade, but ultimately he agreed to play for the Chargers this season after they added $1.75 million in incentives to his expiring contract. Ekeler is a pro, so he’ll show up and do his job this year, but one wonders if he’s a bit less likely to play through injury or lay it all on the line for a franchise that doesn’t want to show him a long-term commitment. He was the fantasy RB1 last year after finishing as the RB2 in 2021, gaining a total of 3,195 yards and 38 touchdowns in the process. We should see more of the same from Ekeler in 2023.	LAC	5	262	1.04	1.04	4	3	203	870	9.2	43.6	75	557	5.0	25.6	2
2	Christian McCaffrey Draft Note McCaffrey actually saw a slight dip in touches (19.7 vs. 19.2) after the trade to San Francisco, but his fantasy production saw a positive bump from 16.9 to 19.3 points per game (half-PPR) thanks primarily to a spike in touchdowns. He was able to score more in fewer snaps (85% vs. 68%) because the 49ers’ used him efficiently and tried to feature him whenever he was on the field. The reduction in snaps should be good for his overall health and durability. The one glaring concern is his usage in the four games in which Elijah Mitchell played. In those games, McCaffrey averaged 15.0 touches, which paled in comparison to his 21.6-touch average he had with Mitchell sidelined. His carries took the biggest hit (10.5 with Mitchell vs. 16.7 without Mitchell), while his receiving role remained relatively unchanged. In the four games they played together, Mitchell actually out-touched McCaffrey 8-to-7 inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. If both backs are healthy, it appears that the 49ers want to give a significant amount of work to Mitchell to keep from overworking McCaffrey. CMC still has major weekly upside given Mitchell’s propensity to get injured and the likelihood that the 49ers lean on McCaffrey in close games, but he’s not a shoo-in to see 19+ touches per game this season.	SF	9	258	1.03	1.03	1	-1	188	799	6.5	40.0	76	752	5.0	34.2	2
3	Nick Chubb Draft Note Chubb is arguably the best pure runner in the league. He has finished as the fantasy RB6 and RB10 (due to a few missed games) in the last two seasons, but his per game averages have been remarkably consistent. He averaged 15.5 and 15.3 points per game (half-PPR) in 2022 and 2021, respectively. He was sixth in both yards after contact per attempt and broken tackles per attempt after finishing second and fourth, respectively, in 2021. He set career-highs in carries (302), rushing yards (1,525), and total touchdowns (13), and should continue to see major usage with Kareem Hunt no longer in the picture. Since 2019, Chubb has seen 20.1 touches without Hunt in the lineup, and that has led to a bump in fantasy scoring (15.0 vs. 16.7). Specifically, I’m excited about his receiving opportunity in 2023. The Browns have a top-ten offensive line and should continue to feature Chubb as the centerpiece of the offense. He’s one of the safest picks at his position.	CLE	5	258	1.09	1.09	2	-1	248	1225	13.1	61.4	32	358	1.5	16.3	2
4	Tony Pollard Draft Note The Cowboys used the franchise tag on Pollard, so he’ll remain in Dallas for another season. In 16 games, Pollard finished as the fantasy RB7 and had the ninth-highest per game average, all while playing in a timeshare with Ezekiel Elliott. Per PFF, he had the fourth-highest run grade and the ninth-highest receiving grade among running backs. Per Pro Football Reference, he led the league in yards after contact per attempt (2.6) and was 15th among running backs in rush attempts per broken tackle (17.5). In other words, he's really, really good. With Elliott gone, Pollard’s RB7 ADP is entirely justified.	DAL	7	250	2.01	2.03	6	2	214	1077	7.6	54.0	49	503	4.2	22.9	2
5	Bijan Robinson Draft Note As the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Robinson is one of seven running backs since 2010 to be drafted inside the top ten. As rookies, the other six backs averaged 296 touches for 1,510 total yards and 11.7 touchdowns, so Robinson’s RB3 ADP certainly seems justified. Considered the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley, Robinson should immediately become the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense. My only question is whether Arthur Smith will use him properly (and effectively) after squandering the talent of Kyle Pitts last season. Atlanta’s offensive line was a top-five unit according to Football Outsiders’ Adjusted Line Yards, and Robinson was reportedly lining up all over the formation in OTAs, so the rushing and receiving production should be there. However, Tyler Allgeier posted the sixth-highest rushing grade at PFF as a rookie, so he’s no slouch–it’s possible that Smith elects to somewhat limit Robinson’s snaps as he acclimates to the NFL. I still expect him to lead this backfield from the get-go, but given Smith’s recent history, I don’t think Robinson is a no-brainer fantasy pick in the first round.	ATL	11	244	1.07	1.07	3	-2	259	1133	11.7	56.8	46	319	1.8	14.7	3
6	Derrick Henry Draft Note Fading the then 28-year-old Derrick Henry in 2022 turned out to be a mistake. He played 16 games, amassed 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns on 349 touches, and smashed his career high with 33 catches for 398 yards. His 1,936 total yards was the second-highest of his career. He finished as the fantasy RB4 in half-PPR behind only Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs. On a per-game basis, he finished just 0.5 fantasy points per game out of the RB2 spot (McCaffrey). Given his age (still sub-30 at 29-years-old) and light usage early in his career–just 501 total carries in his first three seasons–there should still be quite a bit of tread left on Henry's tires. His advanced stats–fourth in both yards after contact per attempt and broken tackles per attempt–showed no signs of a decline. We know he's going to be the Titans' workhorse–he's one of two backs (Jonathan Taylor) to average more than 20.0 touches per game in each of the last two seasons–in an era when true bellcow running backs are a rarity. He led his position in yards per route run, so the Titans should continue to involve him in the passing game.	TEN	7	243	2.03	2.05	5	-1	249	1183	12.7	59.2	30	315	1.1	14.3	2
7	Saquon Barkley Draft Note Barkley was the fantasy RB5 last season after a 13-game, RB33 finish in 2021. In 2022, he basically returned to his 2018-19 production. Barkley and the Giants had been unable to come to terms on a long-term contract, but as camp opened, the two sides agreed to a one-year deal that potentially pays Barkley more than he would have made under the franchise tag. His ADP should creep back up into the first round.	NYG	13	239	1.10	1.10	7	0	260	1192	9.7	59.7	56	337	0.8	15.6	2
8	Josh Jacobs Draft Note After a summer where a few Raider beat writers openly wondered if he’d be able to keep his job, Jacobs turned in the best season of his career, racking up 2,053 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 393 touches, finishing as the fantasy RB3 for the year. Other than a quarterback change, the pieces remain in place for another big season for Jacobs–though given his contract situation, Jacobs may not see it that way. The Raiders have a good offensive line and the team didn’t bring anyone that could threaten Jacobs’ stranglehold on the starting job. However, the Raiders slapped Jacobs with the franchise tag and it’s not clear if he’s willing to play under the tag after the Raiders’ offseason. The window for an extension has passed, so Jacobs has to decide if he’s willing to forgo millions of dollars by taking his holdout into the season.	LV	13	228	2.09	3.01	8	0	259	1220	9.4	61.1	43	279	0.7	12.9	2
9	Rhamondre Stevenson Draft Note As a rookie, Stevenson was fourth in yards after contact per attempt and second in broken tackles per attempt, per Pro Football Reference. These were positive indicators that led to a fantasy RB10 finish in 2022. It was especially impressive considering he didn’t start a game until Week 6 and only started seven games in total. Stevenson finished 9th in yards after contact per attempt and third in broken tackles per attempt and posted the 13th-highest PFF rushing grade. With Damien Harris gone, Stevenson has little competition for touches though the Patriots are always a threat to use a committee when one isn’t really necessary. The offensive line was a mediocre run-blocking unit, but the fact that the Patriots actually have a coordinator in charge of the offense (Bill O’Brien) should help the offense as a whole. He’s a solid pick near the second/third-round turn.	NE	11	204	3.09	4.03	10	1	179	905	6.3	45.3	62	406	1.3	18.7	2
10	Jahmyr Gibbs Draft Note The Lions made Gibbs the second running back off the board when they took him with the No. 12 overall pick. Four running backs have been drafted in the No. 8 to No. 15 range since the 2010 season and they have averaged 211 touches for 1,009 yards and 6.0 touchdowns as rookies (in 13.8 games played). Gibbs has 4.36 speed and racked up 1,370 total yards in his final (and only) season at Alabama, including 44-444-3 as a receiver. (Appreciate the shoutout, Jahmyr.) The Lions have a great offensive line and a strong running game, but after the team brought in David Montgomery to replace Jamaal Williams (262 touches, 1,066 yards, 17 touchdowns), it’s unlikely that Gibbs sees a huge (18+ touch) workload. He is a threat for 70+ catches and 1,200 total yards, however.	DET	9	203	3.08	4.02	13	3	134	556	3.8	27.8	72	639	4.5	29.2	1

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Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings for 2023

Within the realm of RB draft rankings, fantasy football draft rankings emerge as indispensable tools, empowering astute decision-making during the draft process. These rankings meticulously outline players' prospects for the forthcoming season.

Drawing on historical achievements, injury assessments, team contexts, and possible avenues, these rankings take a comprehensive approach. By consulting these draft rankings, you gain the advantage of strategically arranging running back options based on their projected value, enabling you to secure optimal selections when your turn arrives.

As the preseason unfolds, these fantasy football rankings undergo consistent updates, capturing the fluidity of player performance and team dynamics. Embracing these rankings as a resource empowers you to construct a potent and fiercely competitive fantasy football lineup.

What are RB Draft Rankings?

RB draft rankings are a crucial tool in fantasy football that help you make informed decisions specifically about the running back position during your draft. These rankings list RBs based on their projected performance for the upcoming season.

They consider factors like past rushing/receiving performance, injuries, team offensive strategies, and other potential opportunities. By referring to the RB draft rankings, you can prioritize running backs based on their expected value and choose the best available player to lead your fantasy football team when it's your turn to pick.

Fantasy football RB rankings for 2023 are regularly updated throughout the preseason to reflect changes in player performances and team dynamics. This constant updating ensures that you have the latest insights into the RB landscape. So, make sure to study these RB draft rankings and use them as a valuable resource to build a strong and competitive fantasy football team, with a top-notch running back.

How do Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings Work?

Understanding how RB draft rankings work is important for making the best decisions when selecting a running back during your fantasy football draft. RB draft rankings are used to rank the top running backs based on their projected performance for the upcoming season.

These rankings are crafted by experts, such as those at 4for4, who meticulously analyze RB statistics, offensive team dynamics, and other factors affecting a running back's performance, including play style and injury history.

The RB rankings are specifically organized to make comparing players within the running back position easy. Higher-ranked RBs are generally expected to perform better, but it's essential to consider your team's needs and the overall strategy you want to implement when making your selections.

When drafting your RB, you can use these rankings to determine which running back to select and when. Utilizing the RB draft rankings gives you a targeted insight into the running back landscape, allowing for a more precise decision-making process and enabling you to craft a powerful fantasy football team.

RB Draft Rankings Cheatsheet 2023

Use this Fantasy Football RB Draft cheatsheet for the upcoming 2023 season to ensure you have an edge in selecting the top-performing running backs for your fantasy team.

The RB draft rankings cheatsheet for 2023 is a valuable tool that provides you with a comprehensive list of running backs ranked by their projected performance for the upcoming season.

It considers various factors such as touches/volume, receiving ability, team offensive strategies, and previous rushing statistics to give you a clear picture of the top running backs in the league.

Using this RB-specific cheat sheet, you can strategically plan your draft picks and target the running backs likely to have the biggest impact on your fantasy team. This focused approach allows you to hone in on the vital RB position and make informed selections that align with your overall strategy.

Seize the opportunity to gain a significant advantage over your opponents by utilizing the RB draft rankings cheat sheet for the 2023 season. It's the perfect resource to help you find the ideal running back to lead your fantasy football team to victory.

RB Draft Rankings Strategy

Developing a well-thought-out strategy for selecting running backs in your fantasy draft can greatly increase your chances of building a championship-caliber team.

The best RB draft rankings strategy considers your league's scoring system and roster requirements, specifically regarding the running back position.

Understanding how RBs score in your particular league will help you prioritize and identify the running backs with the most value.

Studying a running back's rushing and receiving performance from previous seasons and analyzing their potential for the upcoming season can give you a unique edge in selecting the perfect player for your team.

It's also crucial to stay updated on injury reports and any changes in team offensive strategies or supporting casts that could affect an RB's performance.

Is the team run-heavy or pass-heavy?

Who are the supporting wide receivers and offensive line?

These factors can make a significant difference in an RB's success.

When considering RBs, don't be afraid to take calculated risks and trust your instincts. While RB draft rankings are an invaluable guide, they shouldn't be your only resource. Look at matchups, coaching changes, and even a player's motivation or contract year.

With a well-executed running back-focused strategy, you can secure the best ball carrier for your team and significantly increase your chances of fantasy football success

It's not just about grabbing any running back; it's about understanding the landscape and making the right choice at the right time.

This approach puts you in a strong position to navigate the all-important decision of selecting a running back in your fantasy football draft for the 2023 season.

How Many RBs Should I Draft?

When it comes to drafting running backs in fantasy football, the number of running backs you should aim to draft depends on various factors, including your league format, scoring system, and overall team strategy.

In standard fantasy leagues, where most teams start one or two running backs, targeting at least two or three solid running backs early in the draft is often a prudent approach. These running backs typically serve as the backbone of your team, providing consistent points week after week. Having a mix of reliable starters and potential breakout players ensures you're well-equipped to handle bye weeks, injuries, and unfavorable matchups.

In more complex formats like PPR (points per reception) leagues, the value of pass-catching running backs increases significantly. In such leagues, where receptions contribute significantly to a player's points, it might be wise to prioritize running backs who excel in both rushing and receiving roles.

Most Accurate Fantasy Football Draft RB Rankings

When it comes to drafting the running back for your fantasy football team, accuracy is crucial. You want rankings that reflect RB performance and give you the best chance of success in the vital role of your team's leader.

That's why it's vital to consult the most accurate fantasy football RB draft rankings.

4for4 Fantasy Football has consistently provided precise preseason and in-season RB rankings, specifically tailored to help you find the best running backs.

4for4's success with RB rankings is built on a scientific approach focusing on offensive tendencies, strength of schedule, running back efficiency, and player talent through predictive modeling.

They delve into factors like offensive line quality and even receiver or QB talent to predict RB performance. The result? Measurable, objective, and consistently replicated success in identifying fantasy football's most promising running backs.

So don't leave the all-important decision of selecting your running back to chance - trust the most accurate fantasy football RB draft rankings from 4for4 and increase your chances of victory in the 2023 season. With the right RB on your team, your team is well-positioned to dominate the competition.

Fantasy Football Draft Rankings by Position

QB Draft Rankings: Check out the latest draft rankings for running backs.
RB Draft Rankings: See the draft rankings for running backs.
WR Draft Rankings: Discover the draft rankings for wide receivers.
TE Draft Rankings: Explore the latest draft rankings for tight ends.
Kicker Draft Rankings: Get the latest rankings for kickers.
Defense Draft Rankings: Review the latest draft rankings for defenses.

Fantasy Football RB Draft Rankings by Format

Standard RB Draft Rankings: Explore the standard draft rankings for running backs.
PPR RB Draft Rankings: Explore the PPR draft rankings for running backs.
Half PPR RB Draft Rankings: Explore the latest Half-PPR RB draft rankings