Fantasy Rankings RB: Your 2022 Season Guide to the Best Running Backs
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of the year again when we're all eagerly awaiting the draft, and what better way to prepare than by diving into the fantasy rankings RB? In this article, we'll explore the top running backs for the 2022 season, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you draft the best RBs for your team. So, grab your snacks, get comfortable, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy rankings rb.
Understanding the Fantasy RB Landscape
Before we delve into the fantasy rankings RB, let's take a moment to understand the current landscape of the running back position. In recent years, we've seen a shift towards pass-catching RBs and committees, making it more important than ever to analyze each back's role within their team's offense. With that in mind, let's explore the top RBs for the 2022 season.
The Elite: Top 6 RBs in Fantasy Rankings
1. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Strong, powerful, and elusive, Jonathan Taylor has quickly established himself as the premier RB in fantasy football. With a monstrous 2021 season under his belt (1,811 rushing yards, 18 TDs), Taylor is the clear-cut RB1 in our fantasy rankings RB. His incredible combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. With a solid offensive line and a reduced role in the passing game, Taylor is primed for another dominant season.
2. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook has been a fantasy RB1 when healthy, and despite missing time in 2021, he still managed to finish as the RB4 in PPR formats. Cook's exceptional receiving skills (44 receptions, 357 yards in 2021) make him an elite option in PPR leagues. With a new head coach and offensive coordinator, there are some concerns about the Vikings' offense, but Cook's talent is undeniable. If he can stay on the field, he's a surefire RB1 in our fantasy rankings RB.
3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is one of the most versatile and dynamic RBs in the NFL. Although he missed some time in 2021 due to injuries and suspensions, he still managed to finish as the RB6 in PPR formats. With a new quarterback in New Orleans, there are some questions about the Saints' offense, but Kamara's pass-catching abilities and red-zone prowess make him a must-draft RB in our fantasy rankings RB.
4. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler has emerged as one of the most valuable RBs in fantasy football, thanks to his elite pass-catching skills. In 2021, Ekeler finished as the RB2 in PPR formats, catching 91 passes for 775 yards and eight TDs. With a talented offensive line and a high-volume passing game, Ekeler is a top-5 RB in our fantasy rankings RB. His only concern is his tendency to miss games due to injury, so handcuffing him with Joshua Kelley or Sony Michel is a wise strategy.
5. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry is a freight train, and there's no stopping him once he gets going. Despite missing some time in 2021, Henry still finished as the RB7 in standard leagues. With a new offensive coordinator in Tennessee, there are some concerns about the Titans' offense, but Henry's workload and goal-line opportunities make him a top-5 RB in our fantasy rankings RB. His only drawback is his lack of involvement in the passing game, but his rushing production more than makes up for it.
6. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris burst onto the scene in 2021, leading the NFL in touches (381) and finishing as the RB8 in PPR formats. Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line, Harris showed incredible durability and production. With an improved offensive line and a new quarterback in Kenny Pickett, Harris has the potential to take a significant step forward in 2022. His elite receiving skills and goal-line opportunities make him a top-6 RB in our fantasy rankings RB.
The Next Tier: RBs to Target in the Mid-Rounds
7. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon finally lived up to his draft capital in 2021, finishing as the RB9 in PPR formats. With a new contract and a dominant offensive line, Mixon is poised for another strong season. His only concern is his tendency to miss time due to injury, but if he can stay healthy, he's a top-10 RB in our fantasy rankings RB.
8. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams burst onto the scene in 2021, sharing the backfield with Melvin Gordon but still managing to finish as the RB12 in PPR formats. With Gordon now in Detroit, Williams is poised for a breakout season. His exceptional athleticism and power make him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. With a new quarterback in Russell Wilson, the Broncos' offense should take a step forward, making Williams a must-draft RB in the mid-rounds.
9. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers missed most of the 2021 season due to an Achilles injury, but he's expected to be fully recovered for the 2022 campaign. When healthy, Akers has shown incredible talent and upside, and with Darrell Henderson now in Buffalo, Akers should have a clear path to the starting RB role. His elite athleticism and pass-catching abilities make him a top-10 RB in our fantasy rankings RB.
10. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb has been a fantasy RB1 when healthy, but injuries have limited his production in recent seasons. With a new head coach and offensive coordinator, there are some concerns about the Browns' offense, but Chubb's elite rushing ability and goal-line opportunities make him a top-10 RB in our fantasy rankings RB. His only drawback is his lack of involvement in the passing game, but his rushing production more than makes up for it.
The Late-Round Sleepers: RBs to Target in the Final Rounds
11. Breece Hall, New York Jets
Breece Hall is a rookie RB with immense talent and upside. With Michael Carter struggling to stay healthy, Hall has the potential to carve out a significant role in the Jets' offense. His exceptional receiving skills and elusiveness make him an attractive late-round option in PPR leagues. If he can win the starting job, Hall has the potential to be a steal in the final rounds of your draft.
12. Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
Dameon Pierce is a rookie RB with a chance to start for the Houston Texans. With a lackluster backfield and a new coaching staff, Pierce has the potential to carve out a significant role in the Texans' offense. His exceptional athleticism and power make him an intriguing late-round option in standard leagues. If he can secure the starting job, Pierce has the potential to outperform his draft position.
13. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Rhamondre Stevenson burst onto the scene in 2021, sharing the backfield with Damien Harris but still managing to finish as the RB20 in PPR formats. With Harris now in Detroit, Stevenson is poised for a larger role in the Patriots' offense. His exceptional power and receiving skills make him an attractive late-round option in all formats. If he can secure the starting job, Stevenson has the potential to be a fantasy RB1.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Rankings RB
There you have it, folks! Our comprehensive guide to the fantasy rankings RB for the 2022 season. With a deep and talented class of running backs, there's no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for an elite RB1 or a late-round sleeper, there's a running back out there to fit your team's needs. So, get out there, dominate your draft, and bring home that championship! Good luck, and happy drafting!