Fantasy Football: Pre-Draft Running-Back Rankings

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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 14: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers leaps over Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns in the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Los Angeles Chargers won 38 to 14. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Fantasy Football – Pre-Draft Running-Back Rankings

5. Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams)

2018 Stats: 1,251 Yards | 17 TDs | 59 Receptions | 4 TDs

We saw a dominating beginning to Todd Gurley’s season last year once again but going in to the playoffs we saw the Los Angeles Rams be very cautious with him. There have been reports that he is dealing with arthritis or some unknown leg injury. Gurley is a Top 5 back and can still be considered the best running-back in the league currently. But that leg injury is something to be very cautious with as the Rams have already mentioned that he won’t be the usual work horse that he once was.

4. Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)

2018 Stats: 1,098 Yards | 7 TDs | 107 Receptions | 6 TDs

If you are in a PPR league then Christian McCaffrey should be one of your top choices early on in the drafts. Not only does he get the job done rushing, Cam Newton loves to hit him out of the backfield. He almost recorded 2,000 yards from scrimmage last season. With over 100 receptions, McCaffrey averaged 8.1 yards per receptions and found the end-zone 6 times. He combined for 13 touchdowns on the ground and through the air. With a healthy Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers could be a dangerous teams mixing the pair.

3. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)

2018 Stats: 1,307 Yards | 11 TDs | 91 Receptions | 4 TDs

The New York Giants are in an ugly spot as they just don’t know the direction that they are actually heading. What we do know though is that Barkley is their guy and can easily be the force of the offense. Now Berkley had some questionable games throughout the season but he has shown he can be utilized as a rusher and a receiver. He averaged 5 yards per carry and 7.9 yards per reception. Him and Christian McCaffrey make for two great PPR running-backs if you have an early draft pick.

The Giants are a mess on offense, especially after sending Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns to kick off their off-season. They also don’t have the best offensive line but their backs did average 4.7 yards per carry last season.

2. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)

2018 Stats: 883 Yards | 14 TDs | 81 Receptions | 4 TDs

I may just be overly excited with this New Orleans Saints team as Drew Brees has a true weapon at every position. Alvin Kamara was a solid player last year and will remain one once again. He did share carries with Mark Ingram when he returned from suspension but since his departure, the Saints have signed Latavius Murray. I expect the same to happen once again which means you should look to hand cuff the pair.

Kamara averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 5.4 yards per reception. He also recorded 1,592 yards from scrimmage last season with a total of 18 touchdowns. He also only missed one game throughout the year. Now with Murray being in the backfield the Saints have a chance of keeping both running-backs with fresh legs throughout the season and playoffs even.

1. Melvin Gordon (Los Angeles Chargers)

2018 Stats: 885 Yards | 10 TDs | 50 Receptions | 4 TDs

I won’t lie, I did everything in my power last year to trade for Melvin Gordon to pair him with Todd Gurley who I traded for after draft day. Gordon was able to rack up 885 yards rushing in just 12 games and had a total of 1,375 yards from scrimmage with 14 touchdowns. With a full season ahead of him, he’ll be looking to record his best season yet in a Charges offense that looks pretty solid.

The Chargers offensive line allowed their running-backs to average 4.7 yards per carry last season which ranked them 10th. With a full season and a weapon like Keenan Allen at the wide receiver position, I expect Melvin Gordon to do what he does best and that’s abuse defenses with his running.

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