Updated 2020 Fantasy RB PPR Rankings: Alvin Kamara, Kenyan Drake among top-tier running backs with more PPR value

Matt Lutovsky

Updated 2020 Fantasy RB PPR Rankings: Alvin Kamara, Kenyan Drake among top-tier running backs with more PPR value image

Receptions are a big thing -- but not the only thing -- in PPR leagues. Yards and touchdowns still matter most, so even though someone like Derrick Henry moves down in our fantasy RB PPR rankings, he still has plenty of value. Likewise, reception-machines like Tarik Cohen and James White move up, but they're not suddenly elite running backs. Keeping a balance between "traditional" workhorse backs and receiving specialists can give you a good blend of consistency and upside, as well as help you find the right sleepers and breakout candidates.

The subtle movers in the top tier can be easy to overlook. Everyone knows Alvin Kamara is an elite receiver, but Kenyan Drake is a possible breakout candidate who can be had for a slightly lower cost. Drake averaged 5.5 targets and 3.7 receptions in six games with the Cardinals last year. That averages to just under 59 receptions over a 16-game season, which would have tied him for ninth among all RBs last year. With Kyler Murray a year more experienced and Drake having a full offseason in the Cardinals system, it's entirely possible that number increases even more.

2020 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker | Superflex | Top 200

On the flip side you have Leonard Fournette, who surprised almost everyone with 76 receptions last season. That number is likely to come down this year on a new team with a proven receiving back in Dare Ogunbowale. However, if owners are just looking at last year's stats, Fournette could be overvalued in PPR leagues.

2020 PPR RANKINGS:
Wide receiver | Tight end | Superflex | Top 200

Along those lines, it's important to know which back in a committee will be the preferred pass-catcher. Again, this doesn't mean they'll have more value, but it might mean they have more value than most realize. We prefer Phillip Lindsay to Melvin Gordon in standard leagues, but Gordon should have the edge in PPR formats. Similarly, we prefer JK Dobbins to Mark Ingram, James White to Sony Michel, Matt Breida to Jordan Howard, and Antonio Gibson to any other Washington back in PPR. It's possible touchdowns will ultimately give the latter halves of those duos more value, but if carries are relatively close, then we'll stick with the far superior receivers in PPR formats. Given the ages/relative mediocrity of some of the veteran backs, we foresee more of an overall workload split than many think.

2020 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
6 QBs | 16 RBs14 WRs | 10 TEs | 5 D/STs | One from each team

Regardless, having a few "receiving backs" gives your team a higher floor in PPR leagues, as they're not totally reliant on touchdowns, heavy workloads, or big plays. You'll have to deal with the occasional dud, but that's true of most players at most positions. Ideally you'd have a team full of Saquon Barkley's and Christian McCaffrey's, but since that isn't possible, you have to crunch the numbers and look for advantages where you can find them. 

We'll continue to update our RB PPR rankings throughout the preseason. Check back for updates. For our standard RB rankings and player analysis, click here

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2020 cheat sheet

2020 Fantasy RB PPR Rankings

The following rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.

DRAFT STRATEGY AND RANKINGS TIERS: 
Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST

Rank Player
1 Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
2 Saquon Barkley, Giants
3 Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
4 Alvin Kamara, Saints
5 Dalvin Cook, Vikings
6 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs
7 Derrick Henry, Titans
8 Nick Chubb, Browns
9 Kenyan Drake, Cardinals
10 Austin Ekeler, Chargers
11 Josh Jacobs, Raiders
12 Joe Mixon, Bengals
13 Aaron Jones, Packers
14 Chris Carson, Seahawks
15 Miles Sanders, Eagles
16 Le’Veon Bell, Jets
17 Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers
18 James Conner, Steelers
19 Todd Gurley, Falcons
20 David Johnson, Texans
21 Devin Singletary, Bills
22 David Montgomery, Bears
23 JK Dobbins, Ravens
24 Mark Ingram, Ravens
25 Cam Akers, Rams
26 Raheem Mostert, 49ers
27 Jonathan Taylor, Colts
28 D'Andre Swift, Lions
29 Melvin Gordon, Broncos
30 Tevin Coleman, 49ers
31 Kareem Hunt, Browns
32 James White, Patriots
33 Antonio Gibson, Washington
34 Phillip Lindsay, Broncos
35 Marlon Mack, Colts
36 Kerryon Johnson, Lions
37 Matt Breida, Dolphins
38 Tarik Cohen, Bears
39 Duke Johnson, Texans
40 Chris Thompson, Jaguars
41 Boston Scott, Eagles
42 Zack Moss, Bills
43 Sony Michel, Patriots
44 Jordan Howard, Dolphins
45 Latavius Murray, Saints
46 Darrell Henderson, Rams
47 Alexander Mattison, Vikings
48 Darrel Williams, Chiefs
49 Ryquell Armstead, Jaguars
50 Chase Edmonds, Cardinals
51 Ito Smith, Falcons
52 Justin Jackson, Chargers
53 Jerick McKinnon, 49ers
54 Jalen Richard, Raiders
55 Devine Ozigbo, Jaguars
56 Joshua Kelley, Chargers
57 Tony Pollard, Cowboys
58 Nyheim Hines, Colts
59 Darrynton Evans, Titans
60 James Robinson, Jaguars
61 Carlos Hyde, Seahawks
62 Malcolm Brown, Rams
63 Jamaal Williams, Packers
64 Giovani Bernard, Bengals
65 Bryce Love, Washington
66 Damien Harris, Patriots
67 AJ Dillon, Packers
68 Adrian Peterson, Lions
69 Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
70 Darwin Thompson, Chiefs
71 La'Mical Perrine, Jets
72 Dion Lewis, Giants
73 Justice Hill, Ravens
74 Devontae Booker, Raiders
75 Benny Snell Jr., Steelers
76 Frank Gore, Jets
77 Royce Freeman, Broncos
78 Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
79 Gus Edwards, Ravens
80 Peyton Barber, Washington
81 Anthony McFarland Jr., Steelers
82 Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Buccaneers
83 Mike Davis, Panthers
84 Ryan Nall, Bears

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.