Running Back Tiers: Tier One – Part 2
Thunder Dan
Saquon Barkley – There are some concerns with stacked boxes this year and the Giants lacking other weapons on offense, and that’s warranted. But Barkley is such a special talent that I think he still ends up a top 3 RB on volume alone.
Alvin Kamara – Kamara belongs in this top tier even if he gets less volume that these other backs. He plays in one of the best offensive systems in the NFL and is such a dynamic runner and pass catcher.
Christian McCaffrey – C-Mac is getting a lot of love this preseason, and in PPR leagues I totally get taking him 1 or 2. He has a massive ceiling this season and the Panthers would be wise to feed him as many touches as possible.
David Johnson – Johnson is primed for a big bounce back year. He’s an explosive runner and elite pass-catching back. There is a lot of buzz around this offense and it would make a ton of sense for them to feature Johnson as much as possible to take some pressure off their rookie QB.
Ezekiel Elliot – Zeke clearly belongs in the conversation as one of the top backs in fantasy. But until the contract situation is resolved, I just can’t justify taking him over these other four guys. He seems to be ready to hold out and miss games and that will absolutely kill your fantasy team if he pulls a Leveon Bell.
James Conner – I am really high on Conner this year. He looks to be in great shape and is going to get the majority of the work in a great offense for backs. He showed great pass catching ability last year, too, and I really don’t think Samuels eats into his production all that much.
Nick Chubb – Chubb was awesome for Cleveland once he got the gig full time and he is primed for a big sophomore season. This offense should be good and move the ball well, giving Chubb plenty of chances for touchdowns. With Duke Johnson being traded away, Chubb should be in line for more passing game work now, too.
Adam
Christian McCaffrey – This kid just never came off the field last year, playing 90 percent or above in 15 of 17 games. One of the only backs with a shot at 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in 2019.
Alvin Kamara – The league altering potential was realized in the four games without Mark Ingram last year – 611 total yards, 35 receptions and six touchdowns. Latavius Murray is still going to be involved but Kamara has the talent to be the overall top scorer who isn’t a quarterback.
Ezekiel Elliott – I’m of the mindset that Zeke will be there when it matters and with the years left on his contract, the leverage really isn’t there. As things evolve and he’s away from the team longer, he will start to slip through the tiers.
David Johnson – In an offense that should cater to his receiving skills and wants to play at a super fast pace. Sign me up.