HOW TO PICK AN EFFICIENT TEAM (cont.)
Not unlike the quarterback, running backs can AND will anchor your fantasy team. Many RBs are talented runners but not great receivers, while some may be good receivers but not great runners. The key is to find a balance, and with a balanced running back comes a great team. Here’s our top fantasy football running backs for 2021.
Check out the rest of our 2021 Fantasy Football Guide articles.
2021 NFL Fantasy Football Guide: https://thewhistleblowersports.com/2021-nfl-fantasy-football-guide/
Top 5 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: https://thewhistleblowersports.com/top-5-fantasy-football-quarterbacks/
#5 Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones is an elite fantasy weapon! Jones thrived under Matt LeFleur’s new system in Green Bay. In 2020, he averaged 20 points, which was a marked improvement from 15 points in 2019. Jones runs behind one of the NFL’s best O-Lines, receives handoffs from the current league MVP (Aaron Rodgers), and is a dual-threat back. Expect a big year from Jones.
#4 Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Sa-Quads was injured for half of 2019 followed by a torn ACL in 2020, which left his future in doubt. Back-to-back injuries are serious and potentially career-threatening for any athlete, especially a running back. However, Barkley has shown he can be a RB1, given that he was the 2nd best fantasy running back in his rookie season. The Giants revamped their offensive line, signing Nate Solder, and drafting Andrew Thomas in 2020. Barkley has worked ridiculously hard to get back into top shape and now has the blockers he lacked in his first few seasons.
#3 Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland has the most upside of any NFL team giving Chubb, potentially, a big year. The Browns have a great O-line and a good receiving corps: Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. Meanwhile in 2020, Chubb exploded and rushed for the second-most yards in the league (Derrick Henry), while splitting carries with former Pro Bowler, Kareem Hunt. Chubb will be the Browns offensive focal point again, even if Baker Mayfield has a better passing season than in 2020. If you are really all in on Chubb, you can draft Hunt to maximize your running back performance.
#2 Christian McCaffery, Carolina Panthers
CMC had a disappointing 2020 with injuries and inconsistent play factoring into his poor fantasy performance. But don’t count him out quite yet. The Panthers are setting up their star for a big 2021 year. Carolina traded for Sam Darnold, who couldn’t save the Jets franchise, but still has untapped potential. Also, the Panthers have a decent receiving corp surrounding CMC and Darnold including DJ Moore and Robby Anderson. However, none of these WRs stack up to CMC’s receiving volume. McCaffery rushed and received 1,000 yards in 2019 with a worse O-Line AND an injuried Cam Newton. In Matt Rhule’s run-based system, CMC should resume his 2019 form.
#1 Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
King Henry is without a shadow of a doubt, in my mind, the top fantasy football running back. For example, Henry rushed for nearly 2,000 yards last season while leading the league in rushing TDs. Henry is a non-factor in the receiving game because he is a pure power rusher. Therefore, he will score points purely on his rushing stats, which by the way, he averaged 105.6 yards a game in 2020. Tennessee has a strong skill position core, with WRs AJ Brown and Julio Jones, so there will not be any pressure on Henry to contribute in the passing game. Henry, with an explosive receiver core, will receive less carries in 2021, but I would still pick him #1 overall in your draft.
