These 2020 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 2020 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2020 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 9):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
Other Positions: QB | WR | TE | Top 250 | Sleepers | Busts
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James Conner, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
JULY 29 UPDATE: James Conner has announced that he will not be opting out of the 2020 NFL season. Conner is a cancer survivor, so he should be commended for his bravery. It’s nice to know that he’s safe to draft, and perhaps the Steelers will have him on a longer leash because of this reason.
Opposing defenses were able to key in on James Conner last year when Ben Roethlisberger was knocked out with an injury. His yards-per-carry average dropped from 4.5 to 4.0, and it didn’t help that he missed six games with an injury. Conner should bounce back in 2020 if Roethlisberger can remain on the field.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 950 rushing yards. 35 catches. 270 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 170.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 205.
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Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers. Bye: 11.
JULY 27 UPDATE: Raheem Mostert has restructed his contract, so he likely won’t be traded. It’s good news for him that he’ll be paid more this year, but it’s bad news for fantasy. I was hoping he would be dealt to a team that would give him more carries, but he’ll be stuck in a three-man committee in San Francisco for now.
Raheem Mostert appeared to take over the 49ers’ starting running back duties late in the year, and he was quite good when given the opportunity. He then saw less work than Tevin Coleman in the first playoff game. He exploded in the NFC Championship, which will make him overrated heading into 2020. Kyle Shanahan loves rotating running backs, but with Matt Breida gone, perhaps that means Mostert’s workload share is safer.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 940 rushing yards. 21 catches. 150 receiving yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 168.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 189.
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David Johnson, RB, Texans. Bye: 8.
David Johnson lost his job to Kenyan Drake last season. Johnson has not looked like himself as a result of all the injuries he’s suffered over the years. Bill O’Brien, who fired his entire scouting department, was probably not aware of this when he traded DeAndre Hopkins for Johnson, which was an incredibly stupid move. Johnson is running on fumes and won’t last very long in Houston.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 800 rushing yards. 54 catches. 450 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 166.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 220.
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Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns. Bye: 9. 
Kareem Hunt played eight games after returning from suspension. He carried the ball just 43 times, but he caught 37 passes, making him a solid PPR option.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 68 catches. 640 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 160.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 228.
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Mark Ingram, RB, Ravens. Bye: 8.
Mark Ingram rushed for 1,018 yards and scored 15 overall touchdowns last year. I don’t think the touchdowns are sustainable, and Ingram’s upside will be capped by Lamar Jackson’s usage. Ingram also turned 30 recently, so regression is coming soon. Making matters worse, Marshal Yanda’s retirement will tremendously hurt the run blocking, while J.K. Dobbins will be pushing for touches as well.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 850 rushing yards. 24 catches. 200 receiving yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 159.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 183.
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Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts. Bye: 7.
Marlon Mack is a solid running back, so it might take some time for Jonathan Taylor to eclipse him on the depth chart. It’ll happen eventually though, and Taylor’s outlook seems great considering how good Indianapolis’ offensive line is.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 820 rushing yards. 25 catches. 200 receiving yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 154.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 179.
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J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens. Bye: 8.
SEPT. 2 UPDATE: J.K. Dobbins will have a “significant role” in the offens this year, according to his head coach, John Habraugh. This can’t be a surprise, as Dobbins is a terrific talent whom the Ravens pegged as a first-round prospect. He could come close to a 50-50 split with Mark Ingram to start the year.
J.K. Dobbins will play behind Mark Ingram in 2020 and maybe 2021, but he should eventually emerge as the starter. He’s a much better option in keeper and dynasty leagues as a result.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 590 rushing yards. 20 catches. 150 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 153.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 173.
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Cam Akers, RB, Rams. Bye: 9.
AUG. 23 UPDATE: Darrell Henderson suffered a hamstring injury and may not be available for Week 1. That leaves Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown as the remaining running backs. It’s no guarantee that Akers will win the job, but his chances have improved in the wake of Henderson’s injury.
Cam Akers has a good chance to become the Rams’ starting running back, as his competition is rather weak. Unfortunately for Akers, the blocking in front of him is rather poor.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 840 rushing yards. 20 catches. 150 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 150.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 170.
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D’Andre Swift, RB, Lions. Bye: 5.
SEPT. 6 UPDATE: The Lions signed Adrian Peterson, which was a blow to D’Andre Swift’s outlook. I still like Swift this year, but only if I can get him later in a fantasy draft, which should now be possible. The Peterson addition indicates that Swift’s leg injury is more serious than we thought. Also, there’s a chance Peterson will get the goal-line carries even when Swift plays.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: D’Andre Swift has been impressive as a receiver in training camp, according to team reporter Tim Twentyman. Swift has had, according to Twentyman, a “combination of quickness, speed and suddenness” that has been difficult for the defenders to contain. He’s also been “very crisp as a receiver.” Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been getting all the hype, but I viewed Swift as the most talented back in the 2020 NFL Draft. I love Swift at his 6.09 ADP.
AUG. 16 UPDATE: Kerryon Johnson was spotted wearing a knee brace in Lions’ training camp. This is hardly a surprise – Johnson has been very injury-prone throughout his career – but it’s yet another reason to believe that the ultra-talented Swift will be a starter sooner rather than later.
D’Andre Swift was chosen three selections after Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but I like him better than the new Kansas City back for the short term. I think Swift is a better runner than Edwards-Helaire, and it seems as though he should have an easier time beating Kerryon Johnson than Edwards-Helaire with Damien Williams.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 750 rushing yards. 35 catches. 270 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 149.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 181.
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Bryce Love, RB, Redskins. Bye: 8. 
SEPT. 4 UPDATE: Bryce Love is now the favorite to start in the wake of Adrian Peterson’s release. There’s a chance he could split the workload with Peyton Barber and Antonio Gibson, so don’t get too excited. That said, he should be rostered. He’s a former first-round prospect who is finally healthy for the first time in years. Barber, by the way, is trash, so don’t bother with him.
AUG. 19 UPDATE: Bryce Love was the No. 1 running back in Wednesday’s practice with Adrian Peterson taking the day off. This makes Love viable as a late-round flier, as the 35-year-old Peterson may not last the whole year.
Bryce Love has reportedly been looking great at Redskins’ training camp. With Derrius Guice gone, and Adrian Peterson now 35, there’s a chance Love could emerge as the Redskins’ starting running back. Jacob Camenker recently selected Love in one of the 2020 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts we did.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 780 rushing yards. 25 catches. 200 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 138.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 163.
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David Montgomery, RB, Bears. Bye: 11.
AUG. 26 UPDATE: David Montgomery suffered a non-contact injury in Wednesday’s practice. These are never good, so Montgomery could be out for the year. If so, this further dilutes a very thin running back position. I was actually already bearish on Montgomery’s outlook, but one fewer starting running back makes the position even scarcer. I won’t radically increase any Chicago runner in my 2020 Fantasy Football Rankings, as the Bears’ offensive line is poor. (Update: It appears as though Montgomery suffered a groin injury of some sort. This likely means he won’t be out for the year. Stay tuned for more updates.)
David Montgomery was unimpressive in his rookie year, but he’s going to handle most of the workload in 2020, which gives him an opportunity to be mildly productive at the very least. He has RB2 potential if the Bears ever fix their offensive line, which they haven’t done yet.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 770 rushing yards. 27 catches. 200 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 133.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 160.
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Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings. Bye: 7.
JUNE 10 UPDATE: Dalvin Cook’s holdout will greatly benefit Alexander Mattison, who should be chosen a round or two earlier than normal in the wake of the news.
Given what we know about Dalvin Cook’s durability, Alexander Mattison could start at some point in 2020 and would automatically become an RB2 at the very least. He’s one of the few backup running backs worth owning because he’ll be relevant in fantasy even if the starter doesn’t sit.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 620 rushing yards. 24 catches. 180 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 130.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 154.
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Latavius Murray, RB, Saints. Bye: 6.
Latavius Murray is always in play to have a huge week because he can score touchdowns in New Orleans’ high-octane offense. However, his floor is low as well. He becomes a high-end RB2 if Alvin Kamara suffers an injury.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 560 rushing yards. 28 catches. 200 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 127.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 155.
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Matt Breida, RB, Dolphins. Bye: 11.
Matt Breida is expected to be in a time share with Jordan Howard in Miami. Breida has upside, especially behind a better offensive line, but his injury history is sketchy.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 690 rushing yards. 26 catches. 180 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 126.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 152.
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Antonio Gibson, RB, Redskins. Bye: 8.
Derrius Guice has been released, so Antonio Gibson will be in line for more touches. He can’t handle a full workload, but he can be a dangerous threat as a receiver out of the backfield.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 48 catches. 390 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 124.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 172.
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Marlon Mack, RB, Colts. Bye: 7. 
Marlon Mack’s fantasy stock plummeted in the wake of the Colts’ second-round selection of Jonathan Taylor. Mack could start to begin the year, but Taylor will take over the workload eventually.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 1,190 rushing yards. 15 catches. 90 receiving yards. 12 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 121.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 129.
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Phillip Lindsay, RB, Broncos. Bye: 8.
AUG. 16 UPDATE: Phillip Lindsay has added 10 pounds of muscle this offseason. Furthermore, Lindsay has been catching everything in training camp thus far, according to top team reporter Cecil Lammey. It’s nice to see Lindsay working very hard as a result of being pissed off by the Melvin Gordon signing. Gordon, however, is still the favorite to start Week 1.
Phillip Lindsay’s usage was frustrating in the first half of the year, as he split time evenly with Royce Freeman in the opening half of the season. The Broncos finally realized they were wrong, switching to Lindsay exclusively handling the carries to close out the year. It appeared as though the Broncos learned their lesson with Lindsay, but they went and signed Melvin Gordon.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 540 rushing yards. 30 catches. 220 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 120.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 150.
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Tevin Coleman, RB, 49ers. Bye: 11.
JULY 27 UPDATE: It sounded like Raheem Mostert would be traded earlier this month when he demanded to be dealt. This would’ve been great news for Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson Jr. Now that Mostert has been paid more, Coleman and Wilson will need an injury to reach their fantasy potential.
JULY 9 UPDATE: Raheem Mostert has requested a trade. It’s unclear if he’ll be dealt, but if he is, Tevin Coleman will obviously stand to benefit from an increased workload.
You never know which running back Kyle Shanahan will use at any given moment. Tevin Coleman will have some great weeks, but will do nothing in others.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 600 rushing yards. 23 catches. 180 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 118.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 141.
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Darrynton Evans, RB, Titans. Bye: 7.
SEPT. 3 UPDATE: ESPN is reporting that the Titans plan on carrying just two running backs on their roster. I’m not sure about this strategy, but it locks Darrynton Evans into the No. 2 role. With Derrick Henry bound to be worn down or injured this year, Evans could be in for a big role at some point. He’s been on my 2020 Fantasy Football Sleepers list for a while.
Derrick Henry handled 380 carries in 2019, including the playoffs. That’s a heavy workload, and thus Henry is at risk for being injured this season. If s, Darrynton Evans would then become an RB2.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 480 rushing yards. 28 catches. 210 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 118.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 146.
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Benny Snell, RB, Steelers. Bye: 8.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: There’s more good news surrounding Benny Snell, as reports indicate that he’s sealed up the No. 2 running back job because of improved pass-catching ability this year. I’ve mentioned this often, but the Steelers themselves said they were disappointed in James Conner, so that could mean Snell takes over as the starter at some point. I’ll be adding Snell to the 2020 Fantasy Football Sleepers list tonight/tomorrow morning.
AUG. 28 UPDATE: Benny Snell is looking much better in this training camp than he did last year, per media reports. Snell dealt with some injuries last season, so perhaps he’ll be better in his second season. Remember, the Steelers are not fans of James Conner, so there’s a chance he could supplant Conner as the team’s starter at some point.
Benny Snell had some solid performances in the wake of James Conner’s injury last year. He’ll need Conner to get hurt in order to be relevant again.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Stats: 490 rushing yards. 18 catches. 120 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2020 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2020 PPR Fantasy Points: 134.
2020 Fantasy Football Rankings - Running Backs (Sept. 9):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-75
Other Positions: QB | WR | TE | Top 250 | Sleepers | Busts
More 2021 Fantasy Football Articles:
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2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/9 (Walt)
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/8 (Walt)
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/8 (Walt)
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 5/2 (Walt)
2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 5/2 (Walt)
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NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
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2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
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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