Fantasy football 2019: Running back tier rankings
By Bill Pivetz
Fantasy Football 2019 Running Back Tier Rankings
Except for the Raiders rookie and the Lions rusher, the running backs in this group have been around for a few seasons.
Ingram joins a run-first team in Baltimore. That would be great if the quarterback also wasn’t a runner. It won’t be the other running backs but Lamar Jackson that will take carries away from Ingram.
The Ravens drafted Justice Hill, and still have Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards on the roster so I expect the carries to be split among the four. Ingram may have the majority but it won’t help his fantasy value.
Michel had a great rookie season with 209 yards, 931 yards and six touchdowns. He is not a receiving back. That job belongs to James White. Though, Michel is working on his pass-catching abilities, which will greatly increase his fantasy value. The Patriots know how to move the ball and control the clock. Michel will be the lead back in a committee.
In three seasons with Alabama, Jacobs rushed for 1,491 yards and 16 touchdowns on 251 carries. The Raiders drafted him in the first round, so he’s expected to see a lot of playing time. According to FantasyPros, first-round running backs have averaged 283.4 touches in their rookie season over the last six years.
The Raiders will not be a high-scoring offense but Jacobs will be a low-end RB2 with guaranteed touches.
In his rookie season, Johnson rushed just 118 times for 641 yards and three touchdowns. Yet, he’s a popular pick in the second and third rounds. While Blount is no longer there, the addition of Anderson doesn’t help his case.
I like the Lions passing game with Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Jesse James and Danny Amendola. The running game is not a focal point for Detroit. Johnson should be drafted in the fourth round in all leagues.
Freeman has had a history of missing time, playing in all 16 games just once. Now that Coleman is off the team, he will get the majority of carries. Though, Ito Smith will have a larger role as the new backup in Atlanta.
FantasyPros noted that Dirk Koetter being the Falcons offensive coordinator should not give fantasy owners hope for Freeman. Koetter hasn’t been able to boost a run-game during his time in Atlanta or Tampa Bay, so Freeman’s value is a bit lower than other backs in this tier.
Fournette had a great rookie season, 268 carries for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. Last season was filled with injuries as he played in just eight games. When healthy, he is a lock for 20 touches per game.
While having Nick Foles under center is an upgrade, they don’t have the best receiving options. Alfred Blue is Fournette’s backup and I don’t see him taking many carries away from Fournette. The health risk is there so wait until Round 4 to draft him.