Early 2019 Fantasy Rankings: RB

Matt Lutovsky

Early 2019 Fantasy Rankings: RB image

Our early 2019 fantasy RB rankings are loaded. There will likely be at least nine first-round running backs in next fall's fantasy football drafts, and you can make a case for up to 11 depending on how you feel about the upper tier of wide receivers. Sure, some will probably bust, either because of injuries or simply not living up to expectations, but as we saw this year (and see every year), plenty of sleepers will emerge from the middle and lower tiers. 

Offseason moves will have a big effect on these rankings. All eyes will be on Le'Veon Bell, but Mark Ingram figures to be a big-time free agent, as well. We also know at least a few rookies will gain steam after the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, there doesn't look to be a Saquon Barkley-like impact rookie this year (though Damien Harris seems to be the consensus top-rated prospect), but few expected Phillip Lindsay to break out the way he did, so we're ready for anything. Players returning from injury, such as Derrius Guice, Jerick McKinnon, Jay Ajayi, and Devonta Freeman, are always wild cards, while guys like Kerryon Johnson, Aaron Jones, and Dalvin Cook will look to really break out in what will hopefully be their first full seasons.

EARLY 2019 FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/STKicker

Leonard Fournette, Derrick Henry, and even David Johnson are relative question marks, as they've alternately looked like first-round stars and mediocre FLEXes at various points last season. You could probably throw Jordan Howard and Kenyan Drake in that group, too (and Kareem Hunt, but for a different reason). It would also be silly to just write off three of last year's top pre-draft rookies, Rashaad Penny, Ronald Jones II, and Royce Freeman, though all three will have to prove they can earn steady carries before fantasy owners can take them seriously.

Ultimately, things are looking good for running backs heading into 2019, and barring any Le'Veon Bell-style surprises, fantasy owners will likely walk away feeling good about their RB depth chart on draft day. That will change once the season starts and injuries kick in, but let's just enjoy the calm before the inevitable storm of the season kicks in.

Early 2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: RBs

These rankings are for standard, non-PPR leagues.

1 Todd Gurley, Rams
2 Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
3 Saquon Barkley, Giants
4 Alvin Kamara, Saints
5 Le'Veon Bell, TBA
6 Melvin Gordon, Chargers
7 Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
8 Nick Chubb, Browns
9 James Conner, Steelers
10 Joe Mixon, Bengals
11 David Johnson, Cardinals
12 Dalvin Cook, Vikings
13 Aaron Jones, Packers
14 Leonard Fournette, Jaguars
15 Kerryon Johnson, Lions
16 Phillip Lindsay, Broncos
17 Derrick Henry, Titans
18 Mark Ingram, TBA
19 Marlon Mack, Colts
20 Chris Carson, Seahawks
21 Sony Michel, Patriots
22 Jordan Howard, Bears
23 Tarik Cohen, Bears
24 Devonta Freeman, Falcons
25 Derrius Guice, Redskins

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.