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These 2019 Fantasy Football 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 2019 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2019 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates. |
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2019 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 4):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
Other Positions: QB | WR | TE | Top 250
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Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants. Bye: 11.
A case can be made for Saquon Barkley to be the top pick in 2019 fantasy drafts. As a mere rookie, Barkley rushed for 1,307 yards, caught 91 passes for 721 receiving yards and scored 15 touchdowns. The Giants traded for guard Kevin Zeitler, who will provide a big boost for Barkley’s run blocking.
Other 2019 Fantasy Football Ranking articles of note: 2019 Fantasy Football Sleepers | 2019 Fantasy Football Busts
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,250 rushing yards. 90 catches. 790 receiving yards. 18 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 312.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 402.
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Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints. Bye: 9.
Math nerds declared that Alvin Kamara wouldn’t be able to match the production from his rookie year. Oops. Kamara actually increased his fantasy production; his rushing yardage rose, and he caught as many passes (81). He also scored 18 touchdowns. With Mark Ingram gone, Kamara could finish as the top fantasy running back in 2019.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 930 rushing yards. 84 catches. 810 receiving yards. 18 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 282.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 366.
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Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers. Bye: 7. 
So much for Christian McCaffrey not being able to handle an entire workload. McCaffrey had an unbelievable year in 2018, rushing for 1,098 yards and catching 107 passes for 867 receiving yards. He also scored 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey should be one of the first picks in standard leagues, and it could be argued that he should be the top selection in PPR drafts.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,110 rushing yards. 106 catches. 860 receiving yards. 14 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 281.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 387.
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Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Bye: 8.
SEPT. 4 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott has re-signed with the Cowboys and will play in Week 1. He may not receive a complete workload in the opener, but he’ll get all the usual touches in Week 2 and beyond. He should be the fourth pick in fantasy drafts.
SEPT. 3 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott is “very close” to signing a 5-year, $90 million contract, according to Adam Schefter. Things could change, so there’s still some risk, but Elliott can be chosen in the top five.
SEPT. 2 UPDATE: Negotiations between Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys are “not close,” according to Jane Slater of the NFL Network. This goes against what was reported yesterday, but I would trust Slater on this matter. Slater said that “everything” was holding up a new deal. It seems as though Elliott could miss six games after all.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Negotiations between the Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott are “intensifying,” according to multiple reports. It sounds like Elliott will be signed in time for Week 1, but that’s not a guarantee.
AUG. 30 UPDATE: The Cowboys are bracing for Ezekiel Elliott to miss six games, and they’re currently preparing for Tony Pollard to start, according to PFT. Elliott will drop in my rankings every couple of days beginning right now until the season opener because it’s beginning to look like he might miss several contests.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said that things have been quiet recently regarding Ezekiel Elliott. While things could change overnight, time is running out. Dallas’ first game is in 11 days.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott has returned to Cabo to continue his holdout after receiving a contract extension that he rejected. Elliott is training with Marshall Faulk, though I’m not quite sure why he has to be in Cabo to train during his holdout. Nevertheless, the NFL season begins in 16 days for Elliott, and yet he remains in limbo. Elliott wants to be the highest-paid running back in the NFL, but Dallas has been reluctant to make him that offer. If you draft Elliott in the first round, make sure you get Tony Pollard on your roster as insurance.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott is a coin flip to play in the season opener, according to Tony Romo. It’s safe to say that Romo has inside information on the situation, so it’s worrying that Elliott is only 50-50 to play in the first game of the year. I’d still take Elliott at the bottom of the first round, but he’ll drop with each passing week.
JULY 30 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott is currently holding out in Mexico. When asked about this, Jerry Jones told the media that “you don’t have to have a rushing champion to win a Super Bowl.” I hope someone asked Jones why he spent a top-five pick on a running back if he believes that to be the case. Nevertheless, Elliott’s risk factor has shot up, so I’ll let someone else draft him if his holdout extends through the second half of August.
JULY 23 UPDATE: Ezekiel Elliott is planning a trip out of the country, according to reports. Elliott has threatened to hold out because he wants a new contract, so it seems as though that will happen. If so, it’ll make Elliott much less appealing in all leagues, given that running backs who miss training camp often fail to live up to expectations.
Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t been able to match his rookie-year rushing numbers because his offensive line hasn’t been as good as it was in 2016. However, his role as a receiver increased exponentially this past season, as he hauled in a whopping 77 passes. There’s a chance Elliott could be the top fantasy back next year, as his touchdown total should increase. That said, Elliott saw a heavy workload last season and led the NFL in carries, so it’s possible he could regress as well.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,430 rushing yards. 60 catches. 500 receiving yards. 14 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 277.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 337.
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Nick Chubb, RB, Browns. Bye: 7.
AUG. 23 UPDATE: Nick Chubb will see more responsibilities in the passing game, according to Cleveland’s running backs coach. With Duke Johnson gone and Kareem Hunt suspended, Chubb almost has to shoulder the receiving responsibilities out of the backfield. Hunt’s return in Week 10 is a bit problematic, but Chubb is a stud and should be drafted accordingly.
There are so many examples of why Hue Jackson is inept. One of the many thousand examples is that he refused to give touches to Nick Chubb over Carlos Hyde last year. Chubb took over as the starter when Jackson was fired and was electric. Chubb rushed for 996 yards and scored 10 total touchdowns despite never getting more than three carries until Week 7. Chubb was set to have a huge 2019 campaign, but Kareem Hunt complicates matters. Chubb could be the top fantasy running back in the first half of the season, but Hunt will get plenty of touches when his suspension ends.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,300 rushing yards. 42 catches. 320 receiving yards. 15 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 252.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 294.
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Le’Veon Bell, RB, Jets. Bye: 4.
AUG. 2 UPDATE: I already loved Le’Veon Bell this season. Now, I’m even higher on him in the wake of the Ryan Kalil signing. Kalil is not the same center he once was in his prime, but he’ll still be an upgrade in the middle of the Jets’ offensive line.
Le’Veon Bell was an obvious regression target in 2018 because of the huge workload he carried in 2017. Perhaps that played a role in his decision to sit out. Regardless, Bell is due for a huge 2019 campaign, as he’ll have fresh legs after a year off. He could also be motivated to prove the Steelers and the rest of the NFL wrong because he didn’t receive the money he coveted.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,210 rushing yards. 82 catches. 640 receiving yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 251.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 333.
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David Johnson, RB, Cardinals. Bye: 12.
David Johnson was a huge bust last year. He didn’t look quite like himself, and he struggled to run behind the worst offensive line in the NFL. Johnson could bounce back in 2019. The offensive line has improved, and teams will be focused on defending Kyler Murray.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,210 rushing yards. 58 catches. 490 receiving yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 236.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 294.
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Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars. Bye: 10.
AUG. 13 UPDATE: In an interview, Leonard Fournette said that he dedicated his offseason to improving his workout regimen and personal life. Fournette’s 2018 campaign was injury-ridden and disappointing, but he’s a candidate to bounce back.
Leonard Fournette had a lost 2018 season, rushing for only 439 yards because he played in just eight games and wasn’t healthy for some of those starts. It didn’t help that the Jaguars were missing four of their five starters on the offensive line by the end of the year. Fournette should be able to bounce back in 2019 as a potential buy-low candidate. With Nick Foles under center, teams won’t be able to pay as much attention to Fournette.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,240 rushing yards. 35 catches. 300 receiving yards. 13 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 232.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 267.
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James Conner, RB, Steelers. Bye: 7.
James Conner looked terrific at times for the Steelers last year. He’s obviously not nearly as talented as Le’Veon Bell, but he scored 13 times and would’ve reached 1,000 rushing yards had he not missed three games late in the year. Conner’s receiving numbers should drop with Jaylen Samuels emerging, but he’s still a solid fantasy option.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,090 rushing yards. 40 catches. 330 receiving yards. 13 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 220.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 260.
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Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals. Bye: 9.
Despite having no support around him late in the year, Joe Mixon had a solid second season in the NFL. Mixon rushed for 1,168 yards, caught 43 passes for 296 receiving yards and scored nine times. Mixon will have a better 2019 campaign, as the chances of all the Bengals suffering injuries again are slim. The Jonah Williams selection should help as well.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Stats: 1,250 rushing yards. 38 catches. 280 receiving yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2019 Fantasy Points: 219.
Projected 2019 PPR Fantasy Points: 257.
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 4):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
Other Positions: QB | WR | TE | Top 250
More 2019 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 8/26 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/12 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/4 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/12 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/3 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/12 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 8/29 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/12 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 5/11 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 5/11 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/27 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2019 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/29 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Real Draft - 8/28 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/22 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/15 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/8 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/1 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Experts Draft - 6/23 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft - 5/23 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Half-PPR - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Articles:
2019 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/4 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/1 (Walt)
2019 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 8/30 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason Games - 8/30 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/27 (Walt)
2019 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Values - 8/20 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football: Running Back Values - 8/13 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Values - 8/8 (Chet)
2019 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/7 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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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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