2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs 41-80

AUG. 21 UPDATE: Rhomandre Stevenson dazzled with a 91-yard touchdown run in his preseason debut against the Redskins. He did not break a long rush again, but he certainly did not disappoint in his second contest. An early carry of his went for nine yards, as Stevenson dragged multiple defenders. He then bounced off two Eagles to pick up 11 yards, and in the third quarter, Stevenson scored a touchdown while using good vision to identify the open running lane. Stevenson’s lone blunder was actually a nice play in which he picked up 10 yards, but fumbled at the end. Nevertheless, Stevenson, who rushed for 65 yards and two scores on 14 carries, looks like a terrific running back. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he ends up starting at some point this year.

Rhamondre Stevenson might be able to take Sony Michel’s job as the No. 2 back behind Damien Harris this year.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 600 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 127.

AUG. 22 UPDATE: Devin Singletary started over Zack Moss against the Bears and played the entire opening quarter. Moss didn’t even get a touch until the second frame. Both finished with 21 rushing yards, as Singletary scored on a 14-yard burst. He also impressively juked a defender on a reception. It’s unclear if the Bills will continue to utilize these two backs this way, but it appears as though Singletary has reclaimed the upper hand.

AUG. 8 UPDATE: Zack Moss has been running with the ones more often than Devin Singletary during training camp, according to the Athletic. It’s difficult to be optimistic about either, but Moss looks like the better option at the moment.

Zack Moss will continue to split the workload with Devin Singletary. Either will be an RB2 if the other one gets injured.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 530 rushing yards. 18 catches. 120 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 135.

Damien Williams foolishly sat out the 2020 season, losing his job in the process. The Chiefs understandably cut him for quitting on the team. He’s lucky to have resurfaced, as he signed with the Bears. Williams will be a solid waiver-wire acquisition if David Montgomery were to get hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 30 catches. 210 receiving yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 147.

Jamaal Williams was signed to be D’Andre Swift’s backup. He’s not a viable fantasy option unless Swift gets hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 560 rushing yards. 20 catches. 170 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 136.

JUNE 15 UPDATE: Melvin Gordon hasn’t shown up to OTAs, allowing Javonte Williams to become the favorite to be Denver’s starting running back.

Melvin Gordon’s usage was frustrating because he had to split touches with Phillip Lindsay. Gordon won’t have to deal with Lindsay anymore, but the Broncos spent a second-round pick on Javonte Williams.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 550 rushing yards. 22 catches. 150 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 115.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 137.

In a surprise move, the Texans started Phillip Lindsay over David Johnson in the preseason opener. Lindsay rushed for 14 yards on five carries, while Johnson lost a yard on his only attempt. It’s unclear if this will be a trend moving forward, but I suppose we’ll have a better idea next week.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 570 rushing yards. 14 catches. 90 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 115.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 129.

The most relevant fantasy performer for the Eagles in their preseason finale was Kenneth Gainwell. The rookie running back was excellent, albeit against the Jets’ backup defense. He rushed for 32 yards and a touchdown on just five carries, and he caught all four of his targets for 27 receiving yards. Gainwell looked dynamic and appears to be the real deal. Unfortunately, Miles Sanders stands in his path. If Sanders gets hurt, Gainwell will be a must-add via the waiver wire.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 38 catches. 310 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 115.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 153.

David Johnson was an utter bust in his first season with the Texans. What an amazing trade, Bill O’Brien! Johnson should do better next year, but he’s injury-prone and unreliable as a result.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 30 catches. 230 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 113.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 143.

AUG. 28 UPDATE: Michael Carter has gotten lots of hype as the Jets’ potential starting running back this year, but he did not perform well in the preseason finale. He mustered just 12 yards on seven carries. Conversely, Ty Johnson looked much better, albeit versus Philadelphia backup defenders. Johnson gained 53 yards and a touchdown on 13 attempts. He also caught two passes for 18 receiving yards.

AUG. 4 UPDATE: Michael Carter has been a step ahead of the other running backs on the roster, according to Connor Hughes of the Athletic. Carter is a solid value in the middle rounds as a potential starting running back.

JUNE 5 UPDATE: According to Connor Hughes of the Athletic, it “won’t be long” until Michael Carter is the Jets’ No. 1 running back. Hughes observed Carter in practice and came away impressed. Frankly, Carter doesn’t even have to impress all that much, given the lack of competition.

Michael Carter is just a fourth-round rookie, but he has a chance to take over as the starter because of a lack of competition on the Jets’ roster.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 500 rushing yards. 24 catches. 180 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 112.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 136.

Boston Scott did a great job of filling in for Miles Sanders at the end of the 2019 season. He’ll need to be added in all formats if Sanders suffers an injury. He can even be rostered if Sanders is healthy because he’ll be involved regardless.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 30 catches. 250 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 109.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 139.

AUG. 24 UPDATE: Latavius Murray may not make the Saints’ roster. Sean Payton said that Tony Jones is currently his No. 2 running back. Jones started ahead of Murray against the Jaguars and had an 11-yard burst in the opening quarter. He rushed for 24 yards on five attempts, though he dropped a pass. Murray, meanwhile, mustered just six yards on four carries.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 24 catches. 160 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 104.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 128.

JULY 31 UPDATE: Carson Wentz is out indefinitely due to a foot injury he suffered Thursday. This might just be nothing, but Wentz could have a major issue as well. If you’re drafting this weekend, avoid Wentz, move Jonathan Taylor several spots, and downgrade all the Colts’ receiving threats by 2-3 rounds.

Frank Reich told the media that he wouldn’t be suprised if Nyheim Hines has a game in which he catches 10 or more passes. That never happened, though Hines hit eight catches a couple of times. He’ll continue to be a solid PPR option.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 220 rushing yards. 65 catches. 510 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 103.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 168.

The Buccaneers signed Giovani Bernard because they were tired of their other running backs dropping passes. He’ll be a fine PPR option, but should be ignored in standard formats.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 290 rushing yards. 55 catches. 420 receiving yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 101.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 156.

Derrick Henry has to wear down at some point. If he misses time, Darrynton Evans will be a viable RB2.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 380 rushing yards. 22 catches. 160 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 97.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 119.

Rashaad Penny’s injury-plagued 2020 campaign was a shame. He’ll be back in 2021, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll beat out Chris Carson.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 420 rushing yards. 14 catches. 100 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 96.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 110.

J.D. McKissic is a solid PPR option, and a very good one if Antonio Gibson were to get hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 360 rushing yards. 58 catches. 450 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 93.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 151.

Marlon Mack suffered a season-ending injury in the opening week of the season. He was going to split the workload with Jonathan Taylor, but he lost his job right away. He’s not really draftable anymore.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 8 catches. 40 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 93.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 101.

Tony Pollard must be added via the waiver wire if Ezekiel Elliott ever gets injured, as he’ll project as an RB2 at the very least.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 360 rushing yards. 14 catches. 100 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 103.

James Conner began the year well with some 100-yard performances, but got hurt down the stretch and wasn’t very good to close out the season. He’s now in Arizona, where he’ll serve as a backup behind Chase Edmonds.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 15 catches. 90 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 88.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 103.

Adrian Peterson looked like he was running in quicksand last year, but that didn’t stop Matt Patricia from feeding Peterson the ball nonstop. Peterson shouldn’t be a factor in 2021. He’s not even on an NFL team at the moment.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 460 rushing yards. 8 catches. 50 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 85.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 93.

Jaret Patterson has enjoyed an explosive training camp, and he performed well in the preseason opener. He’s likely to handle the early-down workload in the event that Antonio Gibson gets hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 15 catches. 100 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 84.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 99.

Malcolm Brown is not a good football player, but he started for the Dolphins in the preseason opener.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 550 rushing yards. 10 catches. 50 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 84.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 94.

Sony Michel can’t seem to stay healthy, and there’s no reason for that to change with the Rams. He’s not appealing on his new team.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 5 catches. 40 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 87.

Le’Veon Bell was irrelevant last year, as he didn’t have much of a role with Kansas City after the Jets got rid of him.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 20 catches. 140 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 102.

Benny Snell has been a huge disappointment. It’s unlikely that he turns his career around.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 290 rushing yards. 12 catches. 70 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 79.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 91.

Salvon “Salmon Head” Ahmed looked good in relief of an injured Myles Gaskin. Ahmed will be worth adding in the event of an injured Gaskin.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 13 catches. 80 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 81.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 94.

Bill O’Brien traded a third-round pick for Duke Johnson, then barely used him. Johnson didn’t see much more action following O’Brien’s firing, save when David Johnson was injured. He’s currently not on an NFL roster.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 35 catches. 310 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 74.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 109.

Jerick McKinnon was cut by the 49ers for financial reasons, and he went on to sign with the Chiefs. He’s had an extensive injury history, so he’s not even a great option if Clyde Edwards-Helaire were to get hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 25 catches. 200 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 73.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 98.

Jeremy McNichols and Darrynton Evans will fight for the No. 2 job behind Derrick Henry. This is something to pay attention to if you’re in a very deep league.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 15 catches. 90 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 72.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 87.

Jeff Wilson Jr. split the workload with Raheem Mostert late in the year. He might be a solid RB2/flex if Mostert were to get hurt, but you’d also have to worry about Trey Sermon.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 13 catches. 80 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 72.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 85.

After thinking about it, I’ve moved Jake Funk into my Fantasy Football Sleepers list. Neither Darrell Henderson nor Sony Michel impress me, and the Rams didn’t play Funk at all in the preseason finale.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 400 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 71.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 81.

Kenyan Drake was a disappointment in 2020, in that he didn’t serve as a prominent receiver out of the backfield. He’s now with the Raiders, with whom he’ll serve as a receiver out of the backfield. If none of this makes sense to you, you’re not alone.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 24 catches. 160 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 69.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 93.

Ignore Chuba Hubbard unless you’re in a deep league. Otherwise, if Christian McCaffrey gets hurt again, sign him immediately.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 4 catches. 20 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 69.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 73.

Perennial playoff hero James White is somehow 29 even though it seems like he’s been around forever. However, his best days are over because Tom Brady is no longer with the team.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 150 rushing yards. 50 catches. 410 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 68.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 118.

Devontae Booker is Saquon Barkley’s direct backup, so he’ll need to be rostered if Barkley were to get hurt again.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 15 catches. 90 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 66.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 81.

Frank Gore shouldn’t be on your roster, despite what Adam Gase may think.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 10 catches. 80 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 65.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 75.

Carlos Hyde figured to be the No. 2 running back in Jacksonville until the Jaguars used a first-round pick on Travis Etienne.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 300 rushing yards. 6 catches. 30 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 65.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 71.

Booger McFarland Jr. doesn’t have great competition at running back behind Najee Harris, but it’s not like he displayed any signs of being a starter as a rookie.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 170 rushing yards. 15 catches. 120 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 61.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 76.

Joshua Kelley is a young running back who has a chance to emerge as the Chargers’ No. 2 player at the position.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 350 rushing yards. 22 catches. 140 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 61.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 83.

SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Tarik Cohen has been placed on the PUP list, so he’ll miss the first six games of the season.

With David Montgomery handling a large number of carries, Tarik Cohen is a PPR-only option. He caught 79 passes in 2019, but missed most of 2020 with an injury. He’ll be back this year, but David Montgomery will take some of the receiving workload.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 100 rushing yards. 32 catches. 280 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 50.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 82.

Todd Gurley looked done last year. He’s currently unsigned. Perhaps some team will give him a shot, but there’s no need to roster him.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 240 rushing yards. 10 catches. 70 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 49.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 59.

Mark Ingram was barely part of the offensive game plan late in the year. I doubt he’s on the Baltimore roster next year.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 250 rushing yards. 8 catches. 50 receiving yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 42.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 50.

AUG. 28 UPDATE: Gus Edwards suffered what appears to be a severe knee injury in the preseason finale.

J.K. Dobbins showed some great flashes in his rookie year, especially in the latter stages of the season when he unseated Mark Ingram as the primary back. Dobbins could have a huge 2021 campaign, and it helps that Baltimore improved the offensive line.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 1,130 rushing yards. 30 catches. 220 receiving yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 206.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 236.

The Rams’ running back rotation was very frustrating early in the year, as a different back led the workload each week. However, Cam Akers took over late in the season and looked great. He seems set to have a big sophomore campaign, and he’ll have a higher touchdown upside with Matthew Stafford under center.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 0 rushing yards. 0 catches. 0 receiving yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.

AUG. 24 UPDATE: Travis Etienne is likely out for the season with a Lisfranc injury.

If Urban Meyer ever gets around to watching tape of James Robinson, he’ll see that Travis Etienne can’t get all the touches. Etienne will split the workload with Robinson, which will obviously hurt his upside.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 0 rushing yards. 0 catches. 0 receiving yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.