These 2014 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings will be updated often throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other Fantasy Football Rankings articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2014 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 3):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
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Arian Foster, RB, Texans. Bye: 10.
AUG. 13: I wanted to note that Arian Foster returned to practice Wednesday, so that automatically gives him a stock-up arrow. However, Foster has practiced just once since July 27, and he’s very prone to injury. He’s someone who should be avoided until the middle of the second round.
AUG. 2: Arian Foster is missing practice yet again with another injury. It has not yet been revealed what’s wrong with him, but it’s not looking good.
JULY 31: Arian Foster owners can breathe easy, as the Texan running back returned to practice Wednesday. Unfortunately, he still remains a major injury risk.
JULY 30: Arian Foster missed practice Tuesday with a hamstring injury. I’ll drop Foster in my rankings if this malady lingers; Foster has dealt with numerous hamstring issues since he changed his eating habits a few years ago.
Arian Foster had more carries than any other running back in 2012. Backs who lead the league in that category usually struggle the following season, so it wasn’t a surprise that he lasted only eight games. Foster has a decent chance of rebounding in 2014, especially with Ben Tate gone, though it would be better if Gary Kubiak were still around.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 1,150 rushing yards. 34 catches. 240 receiving yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 188.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 222.
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Zac Stacy, RB, Rams. Bye: 4.
AUG. 9: Zac Stacy had a solid showing in the preseason opener, gaining 22 yards on four carries. It was nice to see him get off to a good start because it’s not a rare occurrence to see a running back endure a sophomore slump.
Zac Stacy had some awesome rushing performances as a fifth-round rookie this past season, gaining 134 yards against the Seahawks and 133 versus New Orleans. What’s crazy is that Stacy did all of this without Sam Bradford. Defenses will have to respect St. Louis’ aerial attack more by default next season, which will open things up for Stacy.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 1,180 rushing yards. 28 catches. 150 receiving yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 187.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 215.
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Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 4. 
AUG. 12: Want another reason to stay away from Marshawn Lynch? Lynch is being investigated for assault and property damage. There are so many reasons why Lynch will bust this year. Don’t make the mistake of drafting him.
AUG. 1: Marshawn Lynch reported to Seahawks camp. That’s great, and it warrants a stock-up arrow, but Lynch should still be avoided because of the workload he has shouldered over the past few seasons.
JULY 26: Marshawn Lynch has decided to hold out. It’s a stupid move – he’s fairly paid and has no leverage – but this is yet another reason to stay away from him. He’s near the top of my Fantasy Football Busts list, which will be updated this weekend.
JUNE 18 UPDATE: Marshawn Lynch has changed his stance and reported to mandatory minicamp. I’m still down on Lynch because of his extensive workload, but I feel a bit better about him now.
JUNE 13 UPDATE: Marshawn Lynch plans to skip mandatory minicamps next week because he’s dissatisfied with his contract. Lynch led the NFL in carries last year, and has shouldered a great workload over the past few seasons. Add this latest bit of news in, and he’s bound to have a huge decline. Avoid drafting him this summer.
There’s bust potential with Marshawn Lynch, given that he’s shouldered 1,000-plus carries over the past three seasons (including the playoffs). His YPC took a dive at the end of the year as well. He could be a threat to score double-digit touchdowns again, but he’s someone who will likely be overvalued. Keep in mind that including the playoffs, Lynch had more carries than any other running back last year. You want to stay away from running backs like that.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 1,070 rushing yards. 29 catches. 210 receiving yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 184.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 213.
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DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 11. 
DeMarco Murray just had the best season of his career, rushing for 1,124 yards and catching 53 passes despite playing just 14 games. Unfortunately, Murray has a dubious injury history and can’t be trusted. He’ll likely be overdrafted.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 1,020 rushing yards. 49 catches. 330 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 175.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 224.
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Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 4. 
Andre Ellington was one of the most explosive players in the NFL this past season. A threat to score every time he touched the ball, Ellington didn’t handle much of a workload early, but he received more and more touches as the season went on. If you take his numbers beginning in Week 8 and extrapolate them over a 16-game season, you’d get 946 rushing yards, 38 catches, 360 receiving yards and four touchdowns. That’s pretty solid, but then you have to factor in that Ellington will get the ball more often because Rashard Mendenhall is gone.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 970 rushing yards. 49 catches. 440 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 171.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 220.
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Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers. Bye: 10.
Hell had frozen over in 2013. That’s because Ryan Mathews actually managed to stay healthy. Mathews proved how effective he could be if he remained on the field, rushing for 1,255 yards. It’s time to sell high though, as Mathews’ chances of playing 16 games again are slim.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 1,050 rushing yards. 28 catches. 210 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 160.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 188.
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C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills. Bye: 9.
AUG. 18: Both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson were given six carries at Pittsburgh, yet Jackson outgained Spiller, 27-16. Jackson was more prominently featured in the passing game, as he had seven targets compared to none for Spiller. Jackson snagged all seven balls for 28 yards. The Bills want to split touches between Jackson and Spiller evenly, so you’d have to be insane to spend a third- or even a fourth-round pick on the latter.
AUG. 4: Thanks to a horrific offensive line that couldn’t block Buffalo’s starters, Eli Manning had to check the ball down to Rashad Jennings repeatedly. Of his seven throws, three were quick flips to Jennings. The former Raider and Jaguar running back may not score many touchdowns this year – rookie Andre Williams will handle the goal-line duties – but Jennings seems like he’s going to be a PPR machine. He could easily exceed his career high of 36 receptions.
C.J. Spiller was one of fantasy’s most disappointing fantasy players last year. This would make him a decent buy-low candidate in 2014, but there are some things to consider: First, Spiller has never shouldered more than 207 carries in his career. Second, the Bills tried to move up for Carlos Hyde and then traded for Bryce Brown. They clearly don’t have much faith in Spiller, so why should you?
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 960 rushing yards. 36 catches. 300 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 158.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 194.
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Rashad Jennings, RB, Giants. Bye: 8.
AUG. 29: Rashad Jennings tallied 20 yards on three carries in the final exhibition contest. He looked solid, but he won’t get many touchdown opportunities with Eli Manning struggling. Still though, he could be a PPR machine, given how awful the New York offensive line is. Manning will be eager to dump passes off to him.
AUG. 23: While the passing game struggled versus the Jets, Rashad Jennings thrived. He rushed for 67 yards on 13 carries and also caught a 7-yard pass. Best of all, Andre Williams was used sparingly in the first half. Jennings projects as a decent, undervalued RB2.
AUG. 10: The Giants were able to score a touchdown against the Steelers, thanks solely because of one play. On their second drive, Rashad Jennings burst through a giant hole up the middle for a 73-yard touchdown. Jennings (5 carries, 85 yards, TD) has looked solid so far this preseason, and with David Wilson done, he has good fantasy potential. AUG. 4: Thanks to a horrific offensive line that couldn’t block Buffalo’s starters, Eli Manning had to check the ball down to Rashad Jennings repeatedly. Of his seven throws, three were quick flips to Jennings. The former Raider and Jaguar running back may not score many touchdowns this year – rookie Andre Williams will handle the goal-line duties – but Jennings seems like he’s going to be a PPR machine. He could easily exceed his career high of 36 receptions.
AUG. 1: Rashad Jennings has to be thrilled right now. David Wilson is out for the year, so Jennings won’t have to share his workload.
JULY 23: This is the third stock down for Rashad Jennings in about five days. This time, Jennings gets knocked because he’s not being considered for goal-line duties. Rookie Andre Williams is getting first crack at the gig. With David Wilson back, Jennings’ outlook isn’t very bright.
JULY 22: All Giants are getting a slight bump down in the rankings today in the wake of Chris Snee’s retirement. The offensive line was a big issue for the team last year, and it appears as though that’ll be the case once again now that it’s clear Snee won’t be returning.
JULY 18: David Wilson is reportedly going to be medically cleared soon. He’s not going to receive much of a workload, but he’ll take some carries away from Rashad Jennings. The former Jaguar and Raider isn’t that good to begin with, so be careful drafting him too early.
Rashad Jennings’ stock automatically goes up with the Giants, given that he probably won’t have to split carries with anyone until David Wilson returns (I don’t see Tom Coughlin trusting Andre Williams right away). Jennings could have a solid year, but he’ll probably be overdrafted in relation to his talent level.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Stats: 880 rushing yards. 46 catches. 370 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2013 Fantasy Points: 155.
Projected 2013 PPR Fantasy Points: 201.
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Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots. Bye: 10.
SEPT. 1: Shane Vereen is going to have a major role in almost every game plan, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston. With a shaky supporting cast around him, Vereen is bound to get plenty of touches.
AUG. 23: Shane Vereen was the most impressive player for the Patriots in their third preseason game. He caught five balls for 57 yards and two touchdowns in addition to rushing six times for 18 yards. The first score, which was the only one against the starters, came on a 40-yard wheel route. Most of his rushes came in the 2-minute drill, where he showed decent running ability. Considering that he doesn’t fumble, Vereen should be given more ground work.
Shane Vereen won’t get many carries, but he’s someone you’ll want in PPR formats. Check out his reception totals in games he played this past season (includes the playoffs): 7, 8, 8, 5, 12, 3, 1, 3, 2 and 5. Extrapolate over 16 games, and you get 78 catches.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 530 rushing yards. 71 catches. 660 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 155.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 226.
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Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Raiders. Bye: 5.
AUG. 23: The one positive for Oakland’s offense in its matchup against the Packers was Maurice Jones-Drew’s performance. He received just three carries, but sprinted for a 40-yard touchdown, breaking away from A.J. Hawk. Jones-Drew looks like the same player from 2011, which is why he rests atop my Fantasy Football Sleepers list.
AUG. 10: Maurice Jones-Drew at least thrived in the preseason opener. He started and played the first two drives. He rushed for 10 yards on two carries, and he also had an 8-yard gain wiped out by a face mask. Jones-Drew also caught two balls for 14 receiving yards. He looked like the MJD of old, so it’s time to buy low.
JULY 27: I’ve been hyping Darren McFadden this summer, but I’ve been advised by a source to move Maurice Jones-Drew up my rankings. The Raiders plan on running the ball early and often, and want to use Jones-Drew more frequently in between the tackles, while McFadden will be the team’s pass-catcher.
Maurice Jones-Drew will fight for carries with Darren McFadden in Oakland. He’ll be a solid RB2 if his competition gets hurt, but as mentioned, McFadden is working out correctly for the first time in his career.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Stats: 950 rushing yards. 28 catches. 200 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2014 Fantasy Points: 155.
Projected 2014 PPR Fantasy Points: 183.
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 3):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
More 2014 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 8/30 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 8/27 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/4 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/4 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/18 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/22 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB - 8/21 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/14 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/12 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 3-WR - 8/7 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/31 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 3-WR - 7/24 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/17 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/10 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - PPR - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 2-QB - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - TD - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 8/28 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Articles:
2014 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/3 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football: It's All About Value - 9/1 (Kenny)
2014 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 8/31 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/31 (Walt)
2014 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 8/30 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 8/30 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Quarterback Targets - 8/30 (Walt)
FanDuel $1 Million Contest - 8/30 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 8/30 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy - 8/17 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Running Backs - 3/28 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football: Overdrafted Players - 2/16 (Walt)
2014 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 2/14 (Walt)
Running Backs with Most Carries - 2/14 (Walt)
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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