These 2016 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 2016 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 7):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
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C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos. Bye: 11.
AUG. 21 UPDATE: C.J. Anderson looks like he’s in terrific shape, unlike last preseason. Anderson gained 30 yards and a touchdown on just six carries. He has started slowly the past couple of years, but it appears as though Anderson may begin quickly this season.
JULY 7 UPDATE: The Broncos are expected to use a run-heavy offense this year, according to Jeff Legwold, ESPN. Legwold pointed out that Denver even drafted a fullback in preparation for this. Anderson stands to benefit, but he needs to get over his sluggish starts, which have plagued him the past couple of seasons.
C.J. Anderson got off to a rough start in 2015, but finished strong down the stretch. I’m not sure why Gary Kubiak refused to make him the primary ball-carrier, as he was much better than Ronnie Hillman. However, Anderson seems like the type of back who could be prone to poor starts, so he might be someone to target on the waiver wire once he disappoints his owners again in September. Also, note that Evan Mathis is gone, so the blocking won’t be as good.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,110 rushing yards. 28 catches. 200 receiving yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 185.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 213.
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Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers. Bye: 6.
I liked Doug Martin last year, citing that he was playing for a contract. Sure enough, Martin finished second in rushing. Martin re-signed to a big deal this offseason, which could hurt his motivation. Of course, I said the same thing about Mark Ingram last offseason, and he proved me wrong.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,210 rushing yards. 28 catches. 210 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 184.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 212.
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DeMarco Murray, RB, Titans. Bye: 13. 
AUG. 28 UPDATE: DeMarco Murray appears as though he’s going to have a big bounce-back year. Murray looked great in his dress rehearsal, gaining 40 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Murray’s best run was a 17-yard burst which featured a great cut to avoid David Amerson. Now in a system that actually fits his skill set – nice try, Chip Kelly – Murray should thrive in Tennessee.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: DeMarco Murray rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown on just six carries in the preseason opener. This was highlighted by Murray’s 71-yard burst toward the end of the opening quarter. It needs to be noted that Murray did this with his first-string offensive line versus San Diego’s backup defense. However, I’m still going to give Murray a stock-up arrow because he looked good against the San Diego No. 1 unit as well; Murray’s first carry was a 15-yard pitch. Now in an offense that fits his skill set, Murray is poised to rebound. It’s also important to note that Murray received all of the carries, and Derrick Henry didn’t get a touch until Murray left the game.
JULY 9 UPDATE: Tennessee’s coaching staff called DeMarco Murray a “coach’s dream.” Murray has apparently been a great leader for the Titans this offseason and has worked extremely hard. He’ll likely have a great rebound season as long as he can stay healthy.
JUNE 23 UPDATE: DeMarco Murray told the media that he feels more comfortable in Mike Mularkey’s offense than in Chip Kelly’s. Unlike Kelly, Mularkey actually knows how to use Murray’s skill set. Murray is bound to bounce back this season, though his durability is still a major issue.
There were so many signs that DeMarco Murray would struggle in 2015: his heavy workload in 2014; his injury history; Chip Kelly’s incompetence; the shaky offensive line… Murray makes for a quality buy-low option this year, though I still would tread carefully because of his durability concerns.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,050 rushing yards. 42 catches. 300 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 183.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 225.
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Mark Ingram, RB, Saints. Bye: 5.
JULY 5 UPDATE: Mark Ingram discussed retaining his role in the passing game. Ingram logged 50 receptions last year despite never topping 30 beforehand. With C.J. Spiller disappointing again, Ingram figures to have another highly productive year.
I was down on Mark Ingram heading into 2015 because he just signed a contract extension, but he proved me very wrong, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and catching 50 passes in just 12 games. Ingram missed the final four weeks with a shoulder injury, but he should be back strong in 2016.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,040 rushing yards. 46 catches. 350 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 181.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 227.
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Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals. Bye: 9.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Jeremy Hill is “going to have a huge year,” says Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Hill appears focused and in shape now, unlike last year. He seems ready to bounce back.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Jeremy Hill was much more impressive than Giovani Bernard at Detroit. Hill was given thee carries and turned them into 16 yards and a touchdown. Bernard, meanwhile, managed just two yards on as many attempts. Cincinnati’s coaching staff likes Hill much more, and by all accounts, Hill is in much better shape this year.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Giovani Bernard’s role isn’t expected to change much this season, according to Paul Dehner Jr., Cincinnati Enquirer. Marvin Lewis is devoted to Jeremy Hill, who is expected to handle most of the workload. Hill reportedly has enjoyed a solid offseason, so he’s a bit of a solid value pick this summer.
JULY 26 UPDATE: Jeremy Hill is expected to have a “big year,” according to Paul Dehner, Cincinnati Enquirer. According to Dehner, Hill has looked great at OTAs. He seems poised for a rebound season, and he’s a bargain at his 5.05 ADP.
Jeremy Hill was dominant to close out the 2014 campaign, but he endured a sophomore slump this past year, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry and losing three fumbles. Perhaps he’ll be better in his third season. He makes for a decent buy-low candidate, but the apparent lethargy is disconcerting, to say the least.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,050 rushing yards. 18 catches. 100 receiving yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 181.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 199.
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Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers. Bye: 11.
AUG. 28 UPDATE: Melvin Gordon grew up idolizing Adrian Peterson. He wears No. 28 for that reason, and he even trained with Peterson this offseason. Thus, it was cool to see him have a huge game at Minnesota. Gordon opened by carrying defenders for a gain of seven and then proceeded to dash for a 39-yard touchdown. The play was set up by a great audible by Philip Rivers, but Gordon then used his impressive speed to zoom past the Minnesota defenders in the open field. Gordon tallied 51 yards and a touchdown on just four carries. Now completely healthy, Gordon seems poised for a huge year.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: Melvin Gordon started the preseason opener despite undergoing microfracture knee surgery in the offseason, and he appeared to be completely healthy. Gordon gained 12 yards on three carries, showing some nice burst. He also had a 44-yard receiving touchdown on a screen pass, thanks to a blown assignment by the defense. If Gordon stays healthy, he can be a solid RB2 this year. The concern is his knee, so he definitely comes with some risk. Still, this game was a positive development.
JULY 1 UPDATE: The San Diego Union-Tribune cited that Melvin Gordon should be 100 percent for training camp. While Gordon has received glowing reports lately, it’s difficult to trust them. Microfracture knee surgery is serious business, so I wouldn’t want to take a chance on that.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: Head coach Mike McCoy said that Melvin Gordon looked healthy in camp. This is nice to hear for anyone who owns Gordon in a keeper league, but I would worry about using a somewhat early draft pick on a running back coming off microfracture surgery.
Melvin Gordon had an awful rookie campaign, failing to find the open hole and gaining just 3.5 yards per carry. If it wasn’t for one thing, Gordon’s outlook would be better in 2016 because A) Ken Whisenhunt is the new offensive coordinator, and B) the offensive line will be healthier by default (and bolstered by Matt Slauson). However, Gordon is coming off microfracture knee surgery, which is usually terrible news.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 1,070 rushing yards. 35 catches. 250 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 180.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 215.
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Jeremy Langford, RB, Bears. Bye: 9.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Save for Alshon Jeffery, the best player on Chicago’s offense in the second preseason contest was Jeremy Langford, who showed off some solid running ability. Langford accumulated 55 yards and a touchdown on only eight carries, and he would’ve had a bigger night had gains of eight and nine not been negated by holding penalties. On the nullified 9-yarder, Langford made a nice spin move to shed a tackle, so it was a shame that the play was wiped out. I’m going to move up Langford in my rankings after this showing.
Jeremy Langford was solid when replacing Matt Forte this past season, scoring seven touchdowns. However, he averaged just 3.6 YPC, so that’s some cause for concern. I’d be cautious about making him my RB2, especially considering the state of his offensive line.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 970 rushing yards. 33 catches. 280 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 173.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 206.
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Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions. Bye: 10.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Ameer Abdullah told the media that he expects to get the majority of the carries this season. I’d be surprised if he didn’t. Abdullah hasn’t been seen much this preseason, which has held his ADP down. He’s a nice value choice.
JUNE 24 UPDATE: Ameer Abdullah will have every opportunity to carry the ball this upcoming season, according to Tim Twentyman of the team’s Web site. Abdullah averaged 4.7 yards per carry after the team’s bye, so he seems poised for a great season. He’s definitely someone to target in drafts this summer.
Ameer Abdullah didn’t handle much of a workload during the first half of the season, but he was given 10-plus touches in all but one game beginning in Week 11. He has potential, but shares the ball with too many other players.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 970 rushing yards. 35 catches. 270 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 166.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 201.
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Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers. Bye: 7.
Jonathan Stewart has done the same thing for two consecutive years: He has gotten off to slow starts but has thrived after the team’s bye. Stewart hasn’t played a full season since 2011, but he’s only 29, so he should still be a low-end RB2.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 990 rushing yards. 20 catches. 140 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 165.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 185.
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Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs. Bye: 5. 
SEPT. 5 UPDATE: Andy Reid said it would be a “stretch” for Jamaal Charles to play in Week 1. Not a surprise. I hope you avoided him.
SEPT. 3 UPDATE: Jamaal Charles has been practicing with the reserves and hasn’t been hit in practice yet. I’ve written this a billion times over the past month, but make sure you avoid Charles and have Spencer Ware on your roster.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Jamaal Charles may not play Week 1, and if he does, it won’t be a lot, according to Adam Teicher, ESPN. This can’t be a surprise to anyone. Charles is completely banged up and hasn’t regained his starting role yet. He’s the No. 1 player on my fantasy busts list. Make sure to draft Spencer Ware!
AUG. 31 UPDATE: Jamaal Charles hasn’t regained the full-time running back role despite his return, as Spencer Ware has been handling most of the first-string duties. The Chiefs aren’t going to use Charles all that much early in the year in an effort to preserve him for the playoffs. Plus, Ware has been very impressive. I’ve been avoiding Charles all summer, and I’d urge you to do the same.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Jamaal Charles was “full go” in team drills Tuesday. Charles appears to be completely healthy, though it’s unclear how long that will last.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Jamaal Charles has gotten more work than expected coming off the active/PUP list. That’s a good sign, but Charles remains a relatively high injury risk. I’d rather go with someone more reliable in the second round.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said he’s optimistic that Jamaal Charles will play Week 1. Charles hasn’t been practicing at all, and it’s not a guarantee he’ll be ready for the opener. He’s someone to avoid in the early going.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: Andy Reid said that it’s possible that Jamaal Charles may not be cleared by training camp. I’m not going to mark Charles down yet, but this is at least somewhat troubling. It’s something I’ll definitely be monitoring over the next two months.
Jamaal Charles looked great during the team’s first five games, but tore his ACL in early October. He was averaging 5.1 yards per carry, so it’s a shame he went down. Charles is 29, so his decline will come in a few years, but he should still play on a high level this upcoming season.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 830 rushing yards. 42 catches. 320 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 163.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 205.
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 7):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
More 2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/15 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/15 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/27 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 9/1 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/31 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Real Draft - 8/29 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/25 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB - 8/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/24 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/13 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/11 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/2 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/28 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/21 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Draft - 5/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 8/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
2016 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/4 (Walt)
2016 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Quarterback Targets - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Targets - 8/31 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/31 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Auction Advice - 8/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Daily Fantasy Preseason Week 2 Streaming Options - 8/18 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends - 8/17 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Quarterbacks and Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Training Camp Notes - 8/10 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers to Avoid - 8/6 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Running Backs to Avoid - 8/5 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Notes - 7/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Wide Receiver Targets - 7/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Running Back Targets - 7/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football ADP Values - 7/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: C.J. Anderson Profile - 7/7 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Favorite MFL Players - 6/29 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout: Chip Kelly - 6/23 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Marvin Jones Profile - 6/22 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Devin Funchess Profile - 6/15 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football 2-QB Draft - 6/9 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Beginner's Guide - 6/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Drafting and ADP - 6/3 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Drafting and ADP - 6/1 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Eli Manning Profile - 5/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Jordan Matthews Profile - 5/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rookie Dynasty Draft Wrap-up - 5/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout - 5/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Quarterback Values - 4/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Wide Receiver Values - 4/28 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Tight End Strength of Schedule - 4/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Strength of Schedule - 4/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Strength of Schedule - 4/20 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Strength of Schedule - 4/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 - 2/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Philip Rivers - 2/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback ADP vs. Reality - 2/12 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Marshawn Lynch Retires - 2/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Calvin Johnson Retires - 2/9 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Dynasty - 1/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Tight Ends - 1/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Wide Receivers - 1/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Running Backs - 1/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Quarterbacks - 1/12 (Chet)
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 12
NFL Picks - Nov. 11
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 6
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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