2020 Fantasy Football Rankings: RB

Matt Lutovsky

2020 Fantasy Football Rankings: RB image

The NFL free agency period didn't affect our 2020 fantasy RB rankings as much as some other positions, but a few big running back moves (David Johnson's trade, Todd Gurley's release, Melvin Gordon's signing in Denver) shook things up and changed some of the names throughout the various tiers. 

The biggest news at the top is Derrick Henry staying put in Tennessee after the Titans placed the franchise tag on him. Of course, now fantasy owners have to worry about Henry holding out until he gets a long-term deal, but at least we know that he'll be in an ideal offense when he is on the field. Future owners of Kenyan Drake and Austin Ekeler also got some peace of mind with the departures of Johnson and Gordon, respectively. 

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Perhaps the biggest RB-related move of the offseason was Gurley's release by the Rams and subsequent signing by the Falcons. Gurley went to a favorable situation, as he should dominate touches and get a good amount of receptions, and now there's a chance for either Malcolm Brown, Darrell Henderson, or a draft pick to emerge as a sleeper in L.A. On the flip side, Gordon's move to Denver only muddles up an already crowded situation. Both Phillip Lindsay and Gordon lose some value, while Royce Freeman falls off the radar completely. 

Another move that might be overlooked is Jordan Howard's signing in Miami. Howard should get the bulk of the carries for the Dolphins, putting him in the RB2 discussion, while his defection from Philadelphia opens the door for Miles Sanders to really break out. We're being cautious with our ranking of Sanders for now, but he's the type of player who could gain a lot of momentum by draft season. David Johnson is also back on the RB2 radar after going to the Texans, the team that resurrected Carlos Hyde's career last season. 

Ronald Jones II could also see a lot of positive momentum through the offseason after Peyton Barber signed with the Redskins. Tampa still needs offensive line help, but as the unquestioned starter, Jones has breakout potential. Likewise, Dare Ogunbowale could also get a bump in PPR leagues given Tom Brady's propensity for throwing to running backs. If Brady continues to show that trait despite being in a new offense, Tampa's backs become a lot more interesting. 

Few positions see as much offseason rankings movement as RB. Sometimes it's justified (what happens in the draft); other times it's based purely on mock draft ADP and spurious reports from training camp. Either way, when fantasy owners get excited about a certain guy, it's tough to slow down the momentum. All of that is a way of saying that these rankings will change plenty between now and August, so check back for updates. 

2020 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

Rankings based on non-PPR scoring formats

Rank Player
1 Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
2 Saquon Barkley, Giants
3 Derrick Henry, Titans
4 Dalvin Cook, Vikings
5 Nick Chubb, Browns
6 Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
7 Josh Jacobs, Raiders
8 Alvin Kamara, Saints
9 Aaron Jones, Packers
10 Leonard Fournette, Jaguars
11 Kenyan Drake, Cardinals
12 Joe Mixon, Bengals
13 Devin Singletary, Bills
14 Austin Ekeler, Chargers
15 Kerryon Johnson, Lions
16 Chris Carson, Seahawks
17 Mark Ingram, Ravens
18 Miles Sanders, Eagles
19 David Montgomery, Bears
20 Le’Veon Bell, Jets
21 Todd Gurley, Falcons
22 Marlon Mack, Colts
23 Damien Williams, Chiefs
24 James Conner, Steelers
25 David Johnson, Texans
26 Jordan Howard, Dolphins
27 Phillip Lindsay, Broncos
28 Derrius Guice, Redskins
29 Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
30 Darrell Henderson, Rams
31 Raheem Mostert, 49ers
32 Kareem Hunt, Browns
33 Melvin Gordon, Broncos
34 Sony Michel, Patriots
35 Latavius Murray, Saints
36 Tevin Coleman, 49ers
37 Malcolm Brown, Rams
38 Alexander Mattison, Vikings
39 Jamaal Williams, Packers
40 Adrian Peterson, Redskins
41 Dare Ogunbowale, Buccaneers
42 Nyheim Hines, Colts
43 Matt Breida, 49ers
44 Tarik Cohen, Bears
45 James White, Patriots
46 Duke Johnson, Texans
47 Justin Jackson, Chargers
48 Darwin Thompson, Chiefs
49 Gus Edwards, Ravens
50 Tony Pollard, Cowboys

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.