2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs 41-60

These 2011 Fantasy Football Running Backs Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2011 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2011 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2011 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 5):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60

Daniel Thomas, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 5.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: If you haven’t been paying attention to the Miami running back situation, don’t draft Daniel Thomas. Thomas didn’t even see the field until the middle of the second quarter of the Tampa game and even lost a goal-line carry to Reggie Bush later in the period. Thomas did have a nice, 9-yard run after halftime, but was stuffed on a 3rd-and-1 on the next play. Tony Sparano has reportedly lost confidence in Thomas, so it doesn’t make much sense to pick him unless he drops to you very, very late in your draft.

AUG. 21 UPDATE: Fantasy players love Daniel Thomas, but he’s undraftable in the first nine rounds of any non-touchdown-only format. Reggie Bush is getting the majority of the workload, with Thomas serving only as a change-of-pace and goal-line runner. The thing is, there won’t be many end-zone opportunities for the Dolphins this year, so Thomas’ impact will be limited. Not that he’s even any good in that aspect anyway; Thomas had four attempts on the goal line in the preseason victory over the Panthers, and managed to convert only one. Even worse, he lost a fumble on his first attempt, but was bailed out by a Carolina penalty.

AUG. 14 UPDATE: Dolphins rookie running back Daniel Thomas did nothing on the ground in the preseason opener at Atlanta. Though Thomas had a 25-yard reception out of the backfield in which the Falcon reserves forgot to cover him, he rushed for just five yards on four carries, as he seemed content just to run into a pile in front of him. To be fair, Miami has an atrocious offensive line, but that’ll only hurt Thomas in terms of fantasy football. He’s going way too high in fantasy drafts, so I’d stay away.

JULY 29 UPDATE: I wasn’t a fan of Daniel Thomas’ situation a week ago, but with a fragile Reggie Bush as the only competition in town, Thomas will be getting most of the rush attempts in Miami. Just don’t get carried away – even with Kyle Orton, there won’t be many goal-line attempts.

All indications are that Daniel Thomas will be the featured back in Miami’s offense. We’ll see what happens, but Thomas projects as a decent RB3 if the Dolphins don’t add anyone in free agency.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 650 rushing yards. 22 catches. 160 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 139.
Michael Bush, RB, Raiders. Bye: 8.
JULY 12 UPDATE: It’s all but official – Michael Bush will not be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Bush could have gone somewhere as a starting running back, but he’ll play second fiddle to Darren McFadden for one more year.

Michael Bush could be a free agent depending on the new CBA. If he stays in Oakland, he’ll be worth a late-round flier because Darren McFadden can get injured pretty easily. If Bush hits the market, he has the talent to emerge as a starter somewhere. Unfortunately, there currently aren’t many job openings.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 650 rushing yards. 20 catches. 160 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 137.
Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots. Bye: 7.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Stevan Ridley is easily the most talented, healthy runner on the Patriots. He was very impressive in the preseason win over the Bucs, rushing for 84 yards on 14 attempts. However, he did all of this in the second half, and he also fumbled on a 4th-and-1 attempt in the third quarter that he failed to convert. With BenJarvus Green-Ellis slated as the starting running back for now, Ridley is just a late-round flier. Stash him on your bench if you have the room. If not, definitely pick him up if either Green-Ellis or Danny Woodhead gets hurt.

Stevan Ridley took 16 carries and rushed for 64 yards, notched seven receptions for 47 receiving yards and scored three total touchdowns in the preseason opener against Jacksonville, though he didn’t take the field until the Patriots reached the end zone on their third drive of the game, playing behind Danny Woodhead. It’s unclear if Ridley will get carries ahead of BenJarvus Green-Ellis or even Shane Vereen, but he looked pretty good. He made defenders miss on several occasions, and converted two of his three attempts inside the 2-yard line for a touchdown. He’s worth picking up late in fantasy drafts as a nice sleeper with tremendous upside. If he’s New England’s goal-line back, he could post double-digit scores.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 480 rushing yards. 22 catches. 200 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 130.
DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 5.
Felix Jones doesn’t have the greatest track record for staying healthy, so DeMarco Murray is worth a late-round flier.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 550 rushing yards. 25 catches. 225 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 107.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.
Thomas Jones, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 6.
Thomas Jones will return as Kansas City’s goal-line back. Unfortunately, there won’t be as many goal-line opportunities with Charlie Weis gone. Stay away.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 690 rushing yards. 10 catches. 75 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 106.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 116.
Montario Hardesty, RB, Browns. Bye: 5.
AUG. 7 UPDATE: Montario Hardesty can’t practice. His knees are still giving him major problems. Don’t draft him until the final couple of rounds as a late flier.

AUG. 5 UPDATE: Montario Hardesty hasn’t been practicing much during training camp because he’s coming off a knee injury. It appears as though Hardesty won’t do much in the beginning of the season, though he could close out the stretch on a strong note – especially if Peyton Hillis gets injured.

Peyton Hillis is being drafted in the second or third round right now, which is crazy. Hillis wore down last year, so the Browns will have a two-back rotation of Hillis and Montario Hardesty in 2011. And who knows, maybe the Madden Curse will strike Hillis down and open the door completely for the 2010 NFL Draft second-rounder.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 600 rushing yards. 17 catches. 140 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 104.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 121.
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints. Bye: 11.
JULY 29 UPDATE: The Saints have brought in Darren Sproles, so Pierre Thomas’ touches will drop in 2011. He’s no longer draftable.

Well, I guess I can’t complain about Pierre Thomas not getting enough carries anymore. The Saints spent one of their first-round picks on Mark Ingram this past April, meaning Thomas will be relegated to third-down duties. He’ll still be functional in PPR leagues, but he’s nothing more than an RB4 in standard formats.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 650 rushing yards. 28 catches. 200 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 103.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 131.
Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers. Bye: 7.
AUG. 22 UPDATE: The star of San Francisco’s offense in the victory over Oakland was rookie running back Kendall Hunter. Totaling 105 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, Hunter impressively dragged defenders on several runs in the first half. He then showed off his blazing speed with a 53-yard scoring burst in the third quarter. Hunter’s worth a late-round selection because Frank Gore is really injury-prone. If Gore goes down, Hunter could post big numbers.

Kendall Hunter is an intriguing late-round handcuff. Frank Gore gets hurt often, so Hunter could have the opportunity to start some games in 2011.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 550 rushing yards. 20 catches. 200 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 99.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 119.
Darren Sproles, RB, Saints. Bye: 11.
Darren Sproles will assume Reggie Bush’s role in New Orleans’ explosive offense. He could be a possible PPR flex option, but he’ll share receptions with Pierre Thomas behind Mark Ingram.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 60 catches. 530 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 96.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 156.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets. Bye: 8.
Shonn Greene will be the featured running back on first and second down from now on, but LaDainian Tomlinson will continue to see work on third down and possibly in goal-line situations. He’s obviously much more valuable in PPR leagues.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 44 catches. 310 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 95.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 139.
Deji Karim, RB, Jaguars. Bye: 9.
With Rashad Jennings out for the year and Maurice Jones-Drew still hampered by knee problems, Deji Karim is worth picking up as a late-round sleeper.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 25 catches. 210 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 95.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 120.
Javon Ringer, RB, Titans. Bye: 6.
SEPT. 2 UPDATE: Chris Johnson will not extend his holdout, so don’t bother drafting Javon Ringer in Rounds 10-12. You can still take him very late if you want a handcuff for Johnson.

SEPT. 1 UPDATE: I’m bumping Javon Ringer up a bit because of Chris Johnson’s dumb Twitter comments. There’s no way he deserves the money he’s asking for, and it seems like he’s either too stupid or too stubborn to realize that.

AUG. 17 UPDATE: Javon Ringer has suddenly become somewhat of a hot commodity. Chris Johnson could hold out into the regular season, which would make Ringer a legitimate RB2. If you have Johnson on your roster, make sure you pick up Ringer.

AUG. 15 UPDATE: No Chris Johnson? Apparently no problem. Javon Ringer started the preseason opener against the Vikings and rushed for gains of 11, 7 and 8 on the opening drive, though the former was wiped away by a penalty. He also had two receptions for 17 yards. Ringer is a talented runner, and the Tennessee offensive line is looking stout again. If Johnson continues his holdout into the regular season, Ringer will be an RB2. I don’t see the holdout lasting much longer, though Ringer remains one of the top handcuffs to own.

The handcuff you want for Chris Johnson – if you’re into that sort of thing. Jamie Harper is also there, but he’s a rookie getting no practice because of this senseless lockout.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 18 catches. 140 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 78.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 96.
Delone Carter, RB, Colts. Bye: 11.
Delone Carter looked really good in the second half of the preseason loss to Washington. He ran with power and had a nice stiff-arm on one carry. Carter gained 25 yards on four attempts and also caught two balls for seven receiving yards. Given Joseph Addai’s injury history and Donald Brown’s ineptness, Carter makes for a great late-round flier. He could be the starter in the second half of the year.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 15 catches. 110 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 91.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 106.
Ben Tate, RB, Texans. Bye: 11.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Make sure you pick up Ben Tate. Arian Foster is out for 3-4 weeks, and soft-tissue injuries like hamstrings tend to linger. Tate could start all of September.

AUG. 28 UPDATE: In the wake of Arian Foster’s injured hamstring, make sure you pick up Ben Tate if you have Foster on your fantasy squad. Tate rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries.

AUG. 21 UPDATE: If you own Arian Foster, make sure you pick up Ben Tate late in your draft. He’s a stud. Thanks to his good vision, and ability to make sharp cuts and break tackles, Tate tallied 95 rushing yards and a score on just nine carries. It makes you wonder what would have happened if he didn’t get hurt last year. Perhaps he would have led the NFL in rushing.

Ben Tate was one of my favorite 2010 sleepers before he fractured his fibula and missed the entire season. Tate won’t take much work away from Arian Foster, but he’s one of the top handcuffs to own, if you’re into that sort of thing. I’m not.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 600 rushing yards. 25 catches. 180 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 91.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 111.
Roy Helu, RB, Redskins. Bye: 5.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Roy Helu has reportedly struggled in pass protection during training camp, which is all you need to know regarding his fantasy value. Mike Shanahan is not going to use Helu until he feels comfortable with him on the field.

AUG. 4 UPDATE: If you’re into drafting mediocre running backs on terrible teams, Ryan Torain suffered a hand injury and could be out a month. This could open the door for Roy Helu to rush for 3.5 yards per carry with the Redskins this year.

Roy Helu could start, but because of the lockout, my money is still on Ryan Torain. With John Beck under center and Jammal Brown hitting free agency, the Redskins aren’t going to have much of a running game anyway.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 20 catches. 175 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 91.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 111.
Justin Forsett, RB, Seahawks. Bye: 5.
If you want a handcuff for Marshawn Lynch, either you’re in a super deep league, or you don’t know how to play fantasy football.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 510 rushing yards. 30 catches. 240 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 87.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 117.
Cadillac Williams, RB, Rams. Bye: 5.
Cadillac Williams is a free agent. He’ll sign on as a third-down back somewhere, perhaps in St. Louis.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 325 rushing yards. 37 catches. 290 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 73.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 110.
Ricky Williams, RB, Ravens. Bye: 5.
Ricky Williams signed a 2-year deal with the Ravens on Monday to be their new goal-line back. Williams will take Willis McGahee’s role in Baltimore’s offense, making him a late-round fantasy flier.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 15 catches. 70 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 72.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 87.
Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots. Bye: 7.
Shane Vereen is a talented back, but like all other rookies, is screwed over by this lockout. It’ll be tough for him to take away touches from Danny Woodhead right away, but he could see more work as the season progresses.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 380 rushing yards. 15 catches. 180 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 68.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 83.
Donald Brown, RB, Colts. Bye: 11.
If you’re wondering why Donald Brown hasn’t emerged as the starting running back for the Colts, it’s because Peyton Manning doesn’t trust him to block. That’s pretty much it. Until Brown earns Manning’s trust, he’s not seeing the field very much.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 425 rushing yards. 15 catches. 140 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 68.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 83.
Ryan Torain, RB, Redskins. Bye: 5.
AUG. 4 UPDATE: Ryan Torain could be out a month with an injured hand. I’d stay away from all Redskins fantasy players this season, but that’s just me.

Ryan Torain is the early favorite to be the featured back in Washington, thanks to the lockout. However, that could quickly change depending on Mike Shanahan’s mood. Whichever running back starts won’t have much running room; no one will respect John Beck, and free agent Jammal Brown’s presence will be missed.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 16 catches. 100 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 62.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 78.
Marion Barber, RB, Bears. Bye: 8.
Marion Barber will get the goal-line carries in Chicago.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 20 catches. 125 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 61.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 81.
Tashard Choice, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 5.
Jason Garrett hates Tashard Choice for some strange reason.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 375 rushing yards. 14 catches. 110 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 60.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 74.
Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings. Bye: 9.
Adrian Peterson’s handcuff, Toby Gerhart saw some action late last season when Adrian Peterson was hurt, but wasn’t very impressive.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 240 rushing yards. 28 catches. 225 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 58.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 86.
Ronnie Brown, RB, Eagles. Bye: 7.
If you’re thinking about drafting Ronnie Brown as a handcuff behind LeSean McCoy, remember that McCoy is not injury-prone.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 20 catches. 140 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 56.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 76.
Mikel Leshoure, RB, Lions. Bye: 9.
Mikel Leshoure is out for the season with a torn Achilles. What a shame.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 0 rushing yards. 0 catches. 0 receiving yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.
Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 6.
Out for the year with a torn patellar tendon.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 0 rushing yards. 0 catches. 0 receiving yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.
Rashad Jennings, RB, Jaguars. Bye: 9.
SEPT. 4 UPDATE: Considering Maurice Jones-Drew’s knee issues, it’s kind of ironic that Rashad Jennings was placed on IR because of his knee.

AUG. 13 UPDATE: Rashad Jennings started for Jacksonville in the preseason opener at New England, and he looked pretty good. Making defenders miss and breaking tackles, Jennings rushed for 28 yards on six carries. Make sure you pick him up late in your fantasy draft because Jones-Drew’s knees are very questionable.

JULY 12 UPDATE: The Jaguars are concerned about Maurice Jones-Drew’s knees, so they plan on decreasing his workload in 2011. That’s great news for Rashad Jennings, who rushed for 5.5 yards per carry in relief of an injured Jones-Drew last season.

I don’t normally like owning handcuffs, but if I were to make one exception this year, it would be Rashad Jennings. Maurice Jones-Drew is coming off knee surgery and could miss time in 2011.

Projected 2011 Fantasy Stats: 0 rushing yards. 0 catches. 0 receiving yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2011 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2011 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.

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2011 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 5):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60

More 2011 Fantasy Football Articles:
2011 Fantasy Football: Home

2011 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 9/1 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/26 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Downloadable Spreadsheets - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rookie Rankings - 8/27 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Auction Values - 8/27 (Walt)

2011 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2011 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 Traditional - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 PPR - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 Touchdown - 9/8 (Walt)

2011 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Real League Draft - 8/31 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Fake Mock - 8/25 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Experts Draft - 8/25 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Forum 2-QB Mock - 7/21 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Mock Draft Scenarios - 7/17 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Auction: Mock PPR Auction - 7/14 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Forum PPR Mock - 7/7 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Forum Mock - 7/3 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Four-Man PPR Draft - 6/19 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Draft: Fox Sports - 5/5 (Walt)

2011 Fantasy Football Articles:
2011 Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 2 - 9/18 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Weekly Rankings: Week 2 - 9/18 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Week 2 Add/Drop - 9/13 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Training Camp Stock - 9/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Start Em, Sit Em - 9/6 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Preseason Stock - 9/3 (Walt)
2011 Preseason Recap and Fantasy Football Notes - 9/3 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Preseason Targets - 9/3 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Late-Round Sleepers - 9/1 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Round-by-Round Strategy - 9/1 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Value Comparison - 9/1
2011 Fantasy Football: Must-Have Players - 8/24 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Busts, Players to Avoid - 7/25 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 7/24 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 7/23 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Various League Strategy - 7/18 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Three-Dimensional Running Backs - 7/16 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: ADP Analysis - 7/15 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: First-Round Bust History - 7/10 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 7/9 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 7/4 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Analysis - 7/1 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 6/18 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 6/12 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 6/5 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Stock Up (Draft) - 5/6 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Stock Down (Draft) - 5/6 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Buy Low - 4/8 (Walt)
2011 Fantasy Football: Defense Strategy - 4/8 (Walt)
Running Backs with Most Carries - 4/8 (Walt)

NFL Picks - Nov. 23

2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20

NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19

Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4

Injured/injury risk	Potential bust	Potential sleeper
Rank higher in touchdown leagues	Rank lower in touchdown leagues
Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues	Rank lower in PPR leagues