Updated 2019 Fantasy PPR Rankings: RB

Matt Lutovsky

Updated 2019 Fantasy PPR Rankings: RB image

The difference in our standard RB rankings vs. our PPR RB rankings can be seen immediately. Ezekiel Elliott holds down the top spot in standard while Saquon Barkley is our No. 1 running back (and top overall player) in PPR. You can argue Barkley should be at the top of every cheat sheet for standard, too -- or that Christian McCaffrey should be ahead of him in PPR -- but either way, the bottom line is draft strategy, tiers, sleepers, and projections change.

Of course, even if the guys at the top move a couple spots, it's not going to affect your draft all that much. The big differences are seen with risers like Tarik Cohen, James White and Dion Lewis and fallers like Leonard Fournette, Sony Michel, and Derrick Henry. 

DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 Fantasy Cheat Sheet

First-year PPR owners can overreact to the changes, especially in half-point PPR formats. Yards and touchdowns will still move the needle, but even just a few receptions per game makes a difference in PPR formats. Unfortunately, most "receiving backs" don't score much. Duke Johnson Jr. (3 TDs), Chris Thompson (one in 10 games), Theo Riddick (0), Giovani Bernard (3), Nyheim Hines (4), Jalen Richard (1), and Dion Lewis (2) combined for the same amount of TDs Melvin Gordon scored in 12 games. For a receiving back to vault into the RB2 conversation, they'll need at least eight TDs like Cohen (9) and White (12) scored last season.

2019 PPR RANKINGS:
Wide receiver | Tight end | Top 200

However, what receiving backs lack in ceiling, they make up for with some level of consistency. The catches are almost always there, regardless of the defenses they're facing, so their floors are slightly higher. Again, the studs are still the studs, but mid-tier backs can fluctuate dramatically based simply on touchdown luck.

2019 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running backWide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200

We'll continue to update our RB PPR rankings throughout the preseason, so check back for the latest adjustments. For individual player analysis, go here.

FANTASY SLEEPERS: 
8 QBs | 14 RBs | 11 WRs | 11 TEs | 6 D/STs | One from each team

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Fantasy Football 2019: RB PPR rankings

Rankings based on standard scoring leagues

Rank Player Team
1 Saquon Barkley Giants
2 Ezekiel Elliott Cowboys
3 Christian McCaffrey Panthers
4 Alvin Kamara Saints
5 Le'Veon Bell Jets
6 James Conner Steelers
7 David Johnson Cardinals
8 Todd Gurley Rams
9 Dalvin Cook Vikings
10 Kerryon Johnson Lions
11 Joe Mixon Bengals
12 Tarik Cohen Bears
13 Damien Williams Chiefs
14 James White Patriots
15 Tevin Coleman 49ers
16 Leonard Fournette Jaguars
17 Aaron Jones Packers
18 Mark Ingram Ravens
19 Nick Chubb Browns
20 Phillip Lindsay Broncos
21 Devonta Freeman Falcons
22 Melvin Gordon Chargers
23 Kenyan Drake Dolphins
24 Marlon Mack Colts
25 Derrick Henry Titans
26 Chris Carson Seahawks
27 Dion Lewis Titans
28 Nyheim Hines Colts
29 Duke Johnson Jr. Texans
30 Austin Ekeler Chargers
31 Matt Breida 49ers
32 Jalen Richard Raiders
33 Derrius Guice Redskins
34 Sony Michel Patriots
35 Josh Jacobs Raiders
36 David Montgomery Bears
37 Devin Singletary Bills
38 Royce Freeman Broncos
39 Miles Sanders Eagles
40 Justin Jackson Chargers
41 Jordan Howard Eagles
42 Ronald Jones Buccaneers
43 Darwin Thompson Chiefs
44 Justice Hill Ravens
45 T.J. Yeldon Bills
46 Ito Smith Falcons
47 Latavius Murray Saints
48 Peyton Barber Buccaneers
49 Adrian Peterson Redskins
50 Kalen Ballage Dolphins
51 Chris Thompson Redskins
52 Ty Montgomery Jets
53 Gus Edwards Ravens
54 Giovani Bernard Bengals
55 Jaylen Samuels Steelers
56 Rashaad Penny Seahawks
57 Damien Harris Patriots
58 Darrell Henderson Rams
59 Tony Pollard Cowboys
60 Alexander Mattison Vikings
61 C.J. Anderson Lions
62 Carlos Hyde Texans
63 Kareem Hunt Browns
64 Frank Gore Bills
65 LeSean McCoy Chiefs
66 Mike Davis Bears
67 Chase Edmonds Cardinals
68 Bilal Powell Jets
69 Darren Sproles Eagles
70 Jamaal Williams Packers
71 Ryquell Armstead Jaguars
72 Jordan Scarlett Panthers
73 Myles Gaskin Dolphins
74 Wayne Gallman Giants
75 Benny Snell, Jr. Steelers

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.