Top Tier Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings: Your 2022 Cheat Sheet
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another thrilling season. Today, we're diving headfirst into the fantasy footballers running back rankings for the 2022 season. We've crunched the numbers, analyzed the tape, and consulted the football gods to bring you the ultimate RB rankings cheat sheet. So, grab your pads and helmets, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy footballers running back rankings.
The Elite: Top 6 Fantasy Football Running Backs
1. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Why settle for second best when you can have the best? Jonathan Taylor is the cream of the crop when it comes to fantasy football running backs. The 2021 rushing champ racked up an astonishing 1,811 yards and 18 TDs, solidifying his spot as the RB1.
Taylor's combination of elite speed, power, and agility makes him a nightmare for defenses. With a solid offensive line and a scheme that features him heavily, Taylor is a lock for another monster season. He's our top pick in the fantasy footballers running back rankings and should be your first-round target.
2. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
The Incredible Hulk of the NFL, Derrick Henry, is back and ready to pound defenders into submission. Despite missing some time in 2021, Henry still managed to rush for 937 yards and 10 TDs. When healthy, Henry is an absolute beast.
Henry's combination of size, strength, and surprising speed makes him a constant threat in the ground game. With a new offensive coordinator in town, Henry's role in the passing game could increase, making him even more valuable in fantasy. If you can't snag Taylor, Henry is the next best option in your fantasy footballers running back rankings.
3. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Meet the new sheriff in town, Austin Ekeler. After a breakout 2021 campaign, Ekeler has cemented himself as a top-tier fantasy asset. With 1,658 total yards and 12 TDs, Ekeler was a PPR machine last season.
Ekeler's versatility is his greatest strength. He's a receiving threat out of the backfield, a dangerous runner, and a reliable pass protector. With Justin Herbert under center and a talented receiving corps drawing attention, Ekeler should have plenty of room to operate in 2022. He's a top-3 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
4. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is like fine wine; he just keeps getting better with age. Despite playing in just 11 games in 2021, Kamara still managed to rack up 1,337 total yards and 7 TDs. When healthy, Kamara is a fantasy force.
Kamara's ability to create yards after contact and his elite receiving skills make him a matchup nightmare. With Jameis Winston back under center and Michael Thomas returning from injury, Kamara could be in for a bounce-back season. He's a top-5 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
5. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris burst onto the scene in 2021, leading all rookie running backs in rushing yards (1,200) and total yards (1,667). Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line, Harris showed elite potential.
Harris' combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a complete back. With a new coaching staff and some offensive line improvements, Harris could take another step forward in 2022. He's a top-5 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
6. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook is one of the most talented and explosive running backs in the league. Despite battling injuries in 2021, Cook still managed to rush for 1,159 yards and 6 TDs. When healthy, Cook is a fantasy force.
Cook's combination of speed, agility, and power makes him a constant threat in the ground game. With Alexander Mattison in a timeshare, Cook's receiving role could increase in 2022, making him even more valuable in fantasy. He's a top-6 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
The Next Level: RBs 7-12
7. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon is coming off a monster 2021 season, where he rushed for 1,205 yards and 13 TDs. With the Bengals' offense clicking on all cylinders, Mixon should continue to see plenty of touches in 2022.
Mixon's combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a complete back. With a solid offensive line and a pass-catching role, Mixon is a top-7 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
8. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb is one of the most talented and underrated running backs in the league. Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line in 2021, Chubb still managed to rush for 1,259 yards and 12 TDs.
Chubb's combination of power, agility, and breakaway speed makes him a constant threat in the ground game. With a new coaching staff and some offensive line improvements, Chubb could take another step forward in 2022. He's a top-8 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
9. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones has been one of the most consistent and productive fantasy running backs over the past few seasons. Despite sharing touches with A.J. Dillon, Jones still managed to rush for 1,121 yards and 7 TDs in 2021.
Jones' combination of speed, agility, and receiving skills makes him a versatile weapon. With a new coaching staff and a potential increase in passing game involvement, Jones is a top-9 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
10. Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
Javonte Williams burst onto the scene in 2021, leading all rookie running backs in rushing TDs (4) and yards per carry (5.9). Despite sharing touches with Melvin Gordon, Williams showed elite potential.
Williams' combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a complete back. With a new coaching staff and a potential increase in passing game involvement, Williams is a top-10 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
11. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Cam Akers was on his way to a monster season in 2021 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. When healthy, Akers showed elite potential, rushing for 896 yards and 2 TDs in just 13 games.
Akers' combination of speed, agility, and power makes him a constant threat in the ground game. With a Super Bowl-winning offense and a potential increase in passing game involvement, Akers is a top-11 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
12. Breece Hall, New York Jets
Breece Hall was one of the most productive college running backs in recent memory, and he's ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. With a potential timeshare with Michael Carter, Hall could still see plenty of touches in 2022.
Hall's combination of speed, agility, and receiving skills makes him a versatile weapon. With a new coaching staff and a potential increase in passing game involvement, Hall is a top-12 pick in our fantasy footballers running back rankings.
The Rest: RBs 13-24
The rest of the top-24 fantasy footballers running back rankings are filled with talented and productive backs. Here are some names to keep an eye on:
- 13. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks - 14. Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans - 15. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots - 16. Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders - 17. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions - 18. Michael Carter, New York Jets - 19. Kareem Hunt, Cleveland Browns - 20. David Montgomery, Chicago Bears - 21. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars - 22. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs - 23. Darrell Henderson, Los Angeles Rams - 24. Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! Our ultimate 2022 fantasy footballers running back rankings. Whether you're looking for a top-tier RB1 or a sneaky late-round sleeper, we've got you covered. So, get out there and dominate your draft!
Remember, the key to fantasy football success is staying informed, being patient, and always keeping an eye on those waiver wires. Good luck, and happy drafting!