In dynasty leagues, running backs are critical to winning. However, when you consider the short career span running backs tend to have, it’s important to weigh age and production when considering which ones to target when building your team. Let’s run down the top ten according to our dynasty rankings.
2023 Dynasty Running Back Rankings: The Top 10 Running Backs to Watch
1.) Breece Hall, NYJ
Few rookies made the kind of impact Hall did during his rookie season before he tore his ACL. While his 463 rushing yards, 19 catches, 218 receiving yards and five total touchdowns don’t exactly jump off the page, keep in mind he played in only seven games as a rookie before an acl injury derailed his season. In the games he played, he looked dynamic and torn ACLs are like the Tommy John surgery for baseball and much easier to come back from. We’ve seen enough from Hall to know he’s going to be a PPR weapon for years to come. Expect the Jets to let former Jaguar James Robinson walk in free agency and build around Breece Hall. You should, too,
2.) Jonathan Taylor, IND
The undisputed top player in dynasty leagues at this time last year, Taylor was a bit of a disappointment last season. Fresh off a season where he posted over 1,800 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, Taylor could only muster 861 yards and four scores a year ago. As dynasty owners were watching Jamaal Williams score 17 touchdowns last season, many wondered if their investment was sound. Rest easy as Taylor should have a bounce-back campaign and provide massive fantasy points for a new coaching staff.
3.) Kenneth Walker, SEA
Much like Hall, Walker had a solid rookie year. After posting a 1,000-yard rookie season with nine touchdowns, he has clearly supplanted Rashaad Penny as the future in Seattle and there are few teams who like to run the football more than the Seahawks. Walker averaged 4.6 yards per carry and showed more ability to catch passes than many thought he had and simply looks like a clear RB1 in fantasy and reality. He is a great target as a lead back who can punish defenders and catch the ball – perfect in ppr and non-ppr leagues.
4.) Saquon Barkley, NYG
Wow. Those who held on to Saquon Barkley and hoped he could come back strong this season were rewarded with a great pro football season. He is now back towards top of the dynasty tiers when it comes to running backs and his market value has taken a giant leap from where it was last year. After a career-high 1,312 rushing yards this past season, he enters free agency this off season as a coveted asset in the market. The Giants will likely attempt to keep him as they made the post season for the first time in years and while they still need to address their offensive line, he is one of the top running backs in the league again in our rb rankings for 2023 after his comeback season in a contract year.
5.) Christian McCaffrey, SF
The former Panthers superstar was sent to San Francisco during this past season and reclaimed his spot as one of the top fantasy running backs, basically carrying the 49ers at the end of the season. McCaffrey has been on top of mock drafts for years, but injuries had set him back. We saw what he could do in a Kyle Shanahan system and there are few players who can post the kind of rushing and reception numbers McCaffrey can. Injuries are a concern, but McCaffrey’s slide out of the top 12 in dynasty fantasy football RB rankings was stopped quickly with his fresh start.
6.) Travis Etienne, JAX
Much was expected from Etienne last year as he was towards the top of the positional rankings going into the 2022 season. His fantasy output was solid as Etienne’s 1,125 rushing yards were ninth best in the NFL. Etienne checks every box when it comes to talent and will be a coveted asset this off-season as he’s moved all the way up the running back tiers and currently sits sixth overall in our fantasy football dynasty rankings. Trevor Lawrence really gelled with Doug Pederson and Jacksonville now boasts a great offense built around the two former Clemson superstars.
7.) Austin Ekeler, LAC
Few players were more valuable than Ekeler in fantasy or reality last season. With 915 rushing yards, 107 catches, 722 receiving yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns, Ekeler enters the offseason as one of the most productive running backs in all of fantasy football and a truly elite pass catcher from the running back position. After all, what you get from him in eight games in a ppr league is more than you get from most an entire season. At 27 years old, there seems to be a drop-off looming. However, Ekeler keeps himself in great shape, the Chargers don’t overuse him, and he can win you a game nearly on his own each week. Any questions?
8.) Josh Jacobs, FA
While Jacobs has always had potential, there were major questions going into last season regarding his true dynasty value. Those were answered emphatically during his contract season as Jacobs carried the Raiders with 1,653 rushing yards, 53 catches, 400 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Many went into last season believing he was more of an RB2 or RB3, but Jacobs proved to be a true RB1 on the year and hits free agency at the perfect time. He looks to be a workhorse for dynasty teams and the NFL for years to come.
9.) D’Andre Swift, DET
There’s no doubting the talent Swift has, but the Lions continue to be committed to a committee at running back, making Swift’s dynasty value tough to really pin down. With only 99 rushing attempts and 48 catches last season, Swift was used more as a luxury than a primary option. While his pass-catching chops are always going to keep him a PPR weapon, it’s hard to see the Lions committing fully to him unless they lose Jamaal Williams in free agency and fail to add a suitable replacement. Still, the upside with Swift is salivating and he clearly has a ton of talent and youth on his side.
10.) Nick Chubb, CLE
Few players have made the kind of pure rushing impact Chubb has over the past five seasons. With a massive 6,341 rushing yards (on 5.2 yards per carry) and 48 rushing touchdowns in his career, Chubb has been an RB1 from day one. However, the challenge with Chubb is the fact the Browns have never used him as a three-down back, opting to use Kareem Hunt as their pass-catching option. With Hunt likely gone in free agency, Chubb could get his chance. However, at 27 years old, is it too late?
Just Missed
A number of players sit just outside the top ten and those include Derrick Henry, J.K. Dobbins, Miles Sanders, Javonte Williams, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon, and Rhamondre Stevenson. Once the NFL Draft is complete, top rookie players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs will undoubtedly enter the top ten as well.
Dynasty Running Backs Rankings Methodology Explained
It’s important to understand the relative shelf life of different positions when it comes to evaluating players. In rookie drafts, it’s not nearly as important as you should be able to get at least six or seven seasons from virtually any player you draft, regardless of position. Still, running backs are always going to be the riskiest picks as they tend to have shorter careers. In a start-up draft, you don’t want to spend first or second-round draft capital on an aging running back, despite how productive they may be. In short, you need to balance youth and talent and build a team in a strategic fashion, knowing wide receivers are likely going to have longer careers, but carry more volatility from week to week.
Dynasty Running Back Rankings Resources
For a complete list of all the Dynasty Rankings by position, check out our sister site Dynasty League Football’s extensive resources;
- 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings
- 2023 Dynasty Rookie Running Back Rankings
- 2023 Dynasty Rookie Superflex Rankings
- 2023 Dynasty Running Back Rankings
Dynasty Running Back Rankings FAQ
What is the difference between Dynasty Running Back Rankings and Superflex Running Back Rankings?
Dynasty running back rankings consist of a list of the top players who are expected to make an impact in the NFL for the upcoming season and for future seasons. These rankings are crucial for fantasy football players in dynasty leagues as they help determine the best players to add to their roster for long-term success.
The main difference between the two is that Superflex running back rankings include an additional aspect for the players’ fantasy football value, as the Superflex format allows for the starting of a second quarterback in the lineup. In Superflex Rankings, the players’ value as potential quarterback starters is taken into account, whereas in Dynasty Running Back Rankings, the rankings are primarily based on the players’ overall long-term value and contribution to a dynasty fantasy football team.
In short, quarterbacks are going to be valued more in superflex leagues as there are fewer in the league, and score points on a more consistent basis, making them the premier players to have in leagues.
Why are quarterbacks and wide receivers often at the top of Dynasty Player Rankings?
Quarterbacks and wide receivers are often at the top of dynasty rankings because they are key positions in fantasy football. Quarterbacks are the most valuable players on the field as they control the offense and have the ability to rack up points through passing touchdowns. Wide receivers are also valuable as they can make big plays and score touchdowns. Both positions also have a longer career arc than running backs.
How important are running back rankings in building a successful fantasy football team?
Running backs are very important in building a successful fantasy football team. By focusing on the top running backs, you’ll be able to build a strong foundation of talent that will bring you long-term success as they essentially get guaranteed touches each week. This is especially important in dynasty leagues, where you’re looking to build a team for the future, not just the current season.