NEWSLETTER
Fantasy Football Expert Justin Edwards looks at the initial Fantasy Football RB rankings and projections for 2023.
“We have a few surprises that sit atop the list. Though the rankings will shift throughout the Summer months, it’s important to keep an eye on fluctuating average draft positions (ADPs) to keep a leg-up on your league mates!”
2023 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings
*As always, the projections and rankings are courtesy of 4for4’s half-point RB PPR rankings!
| # | Player | Team |
| 1 | Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers |
| 2 | Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers |
| 3 | Nick Chubb | Cleveland Browns |
| 4 | Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans |
| 5 | Bijan Robinson | Atlanta Falcons |
| 6 | Josh Jacobs | Las Vegas Raiders |
| 7 | Tony Pollard | Dallas Cowboys |
| 8 | Breece Hall | New York Jets |
| 9 | Saquon Barkley | New York Giants |
| 10 | Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts |
*Get the Full 2023 RB Draft Rankings
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What Stands Out:
With touch competition leaving both Dallas and Cleveland, Nick Chubb and Tony Pollard find themselves squarely in the top 10.
Analysis:
Due to two veterans leaving a gaping hole for touches, the incumbent backs have shot up consensus rankings.
Tony Pollard (Mostly) All Alone in the Cowboys Backfield
Ezekiel Elliot remains a free agent, which means that Tony Pollard has the reigns to the Dallas backfield almost entirely to himself, which has him sitting at No. 7 in the initial set of fantasy rankings for 2023. The rest of the running back depth chart is sparse, with only Malik Davis, journeyman Ronald Jones, and sixth-round rookie Deuce Vaughn standing in the way of a monster workload.
This is fantastic news for fantasy managers, as Pollard has been one of the most efficient running backs in the game with the ball in his hands. According to 4for4’s Player Stat Explorer, Pollard averaged 0.75 rushing yards over expectation per carry (RYOE/carry) last season, the third-highest mark among 41 qualifying running backs. For comparison’s sake, Ezekiel Elliot ranked 34th in that same metric, turning 2022 into what may end up being the least efficient season of his career.
The Browns let Kareem Hunt Walk, Ignored the Position in the Draft
As one of the best “pure” runners in the sport, Nick Chubb is going to benefit in spades with Kareem Hunt moving on. Hunt accrued much of his fantasy running back points in the passing game, including the 166 targets he earned in his four seasons with Cleveland. But, much like Ezekiel Elliot, his effectiveness in the running game has diminished as he gets closer to the dreaded RB age cliff and bottomed out in 2022 by recording a career-low 3.8 yards per attempt.
With Hunt moving on, the Cleveland Browns have a lot of vacated RB touches to fill in, and much of that work should go to Chubb. Barring any unforeseen injury, drafting Nick Chubb early in the second round of fantasy drafts should translate to a huge win.
Who is Tony Pollard?
Tony Pollard is a professional American football player who currently plays as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Memphis and was drafted by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Pollard showed great potential as a versatile and dynamic player.
Who is Nick Chubb?
Nick Chubb is an American football running back for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Georgia and was drafted in the second round by the Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. During his NFL career, he has become known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles.
Are there any other running backs to look out for in the 2023 fantasy drafts?
It’s difficult to predict with certainty who will emerge as top running backs in the 2023 fantasy drafts. However, several up-and-coming players to keep an eye on include Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, and Dameon Pierce of the Houston Texans. With their potential and youthfulness, they could make valuable additions to fantasy teams in the future.
How often are fantasy football RB rankings updated?
Fantasy football rankings are updated frequently during the offseason and leading up to the start of the regular season. It’s important to check for the latest updates to make informed decisions.
