A draft technique information for working backs? That is simple — draft early and draft usually. Finished. No different fantasy suggestions wanted, proper? Sadly, it is not fairly so simple as that. Drafting often is one factor; drafting neatly is one other. You do not want any type of cheat sheet or sleepers checklist to do the previous, however with the intention to do the latter, you want to know which gamers to focus on and wherein rounds. Having a helpful set of 2021 RB rankings tiers is one of the best ways to do this.
As we do yearly for each place (nicely, not kicker, as a result of…nicely, you realize), we have tiered off our rankings to offer you a greater thought how your draft might (and may) unfold. Particularly, we wish to take a look at what to count on if you happen to wait till the varied phases of your draft to fill your RB1, RB2, and first backup slots.
2021 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker | High 200
Clearly, our tiers are primarily based on our rankings. You would possibly desire a unique set, so a few of the names within the numerous tiers might change, however the sentiments stay the identical. When you plan to go together with pass-catchers within the first few rounds, then you’ll be able to count on Tier-3 or Tier-4 RBs as your starters in Week 1. That is not essentially a foul factor, nevertheless it means you ought to be additional aggressive in drafting these middle-round sleepers. The much less “dependable” your starters, the extra upside you need together with your backups.
2021 PPR FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker | High 200
Heading into 2021, the studs on the high of our rankings all seem like positive issues, however we all know at the very least a pair will endure multi-game harm setbacks (Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley final 12 months), and a one or two will merely underwhelm (2020 Ezekiel Elliott, anybody?). You’ll be able to’t predict accidents, and even if you happen to steer clear of essentially the most “injury-prone” guys, you continue to have to carry your breath each time your again is tackled. That is simply the character of the beast. The shock drop-offs are simply as surprising, which is why depth is all the time essential at this place.
2021 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Every group
A couple of years in the past, after a very brutal couple seasons for the highest working backs, the “Zero-RB” draft technique grew to become fashionable with some. Eschewing early-round runners for extra dependable pass-catchers, then stocking up on rookies, handcuffs, and different assorted committee backs clearly has its deserves, however you higher be able to stroll a reasonably positive tightrope all season together with your beginning RBs. You’ll really feel like a genius when your last-round James Robinson is outproducing another person’s first-round Joe Mixon, however when another person’s Dalvin Cook dinner is destroying your Joshua Kelley, you do not really feel fairly as good — particularly when that Cook dinner proprietor additionally drafted Justin Jefferson within the eleventh spherical and also you drafted Michael Thomas within the first.
2021 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (Commonplace & PPR):
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST | Kicker | Total
In the end, there aren’t any positive issues in fantasy soccer. Deciding on working backs early and sometimes is a most popular normal technique, nevertheless it’s not as simple as simply clicking any title on the RB web page throughout your draft. It is about discovering the very best worth, taking note of what your rivals are doing, and projecting who might be obtainable within the subsequent spherical and spherical after that. Typically, you guess improper and your most popular goal is gone, however when you have a set of tiered rankings, you must be capable to shortly adapt and chorus from overdrafting a lesser RB in a panic transfer. Figuring out you will get roughly the identical worth within the subsequent spherical or spherical after will make it easier to construct a stronger general group and maintain you on observe for a profitable draft at each place.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Final 2021 Cheat Sheet
2021 Fantasy RB Tiers: Who’re the very best fantasy soccer working backs?
Rankings and tiers primarily based on customary, non-PPR leagues. PPR leagues might have totally different tiers, which is highlighted all through textual content beneath.
Tier 1:
1 Derrick Henry, Titans
2 Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
3 Dalvin Cook dinner, Vikings
Tier 2:
4 Saquon Barkley, Giants
5 Nick Chubb, Browns
6 Alvin Kamara, Saints
7 Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
8 Aaron Jones, Packers
9 Jonathan Taylor, Colts
10 Antonio Gibson, Washington
Nearly all of this group might be drafted within the first spherical of all drafts, however the order is up for debate. There are additionally apparent variations between customary and PPR leagues. In PPR, Barkley and Kamara would vault into the highest tier (with Henry barely hanging on), however both method, these backs will go all through the primary and early a part of the second rounds.
You’ll be able to’t go improper with any as your RB1, whether or not you are taking one within the high 5 or choose a WR first and get somebody like Jones early within the second spherical. All determine to get the overwhelming majority of their group’s carries and have observe information of main success. Taylor and Gibson have solely performed one season, however they each have even increased ceilings than they confirmed final 12 months after they rushed for 11 touchdowns apiece.
Once more, the order is up for debate. Many will go for McCaffrey first, which is ok, however we like the stability of the two-time defending speeding (and speeding TD) champ in customary leagues. In PPR, we would take McCaffrey (quad, thigh, ankle) regardless of his injury-plagued 2020. Barkley (knee) can be trying to come again from harm, whereas Elliott will look to bounce again from his worst season as a professional. All include slight worries (How will the Saints offense function with out Drew Brees all 12 months? Can Kareem Hunt steal too many TDs/receptions from Chubb? Can Cook dinner keep wholesome?), however the query marks solely get greater the additional down the rankings you go. That is why grabbing at the very least one RB early is a most popular technique of many and as tried-and-true because it will get in fantasy soccer.
2021 FANTASY TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY:
Quarterback | Large receiver | Tight finish | D/ST
2021 Fantasy Soccer Draft Technique: Which RBs might escape this 12 months?
Tier 3:
11 Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs
12 Austin Ekeler, Chargers
13 David Montgomery, Bears
14 Joe Mixon, Bengals
15 Najee Harris, Steelers
16 Miles Sanders, Eagles
17 D’Andre Swift, Lions
18 James Robinson, Jaguars
19 Josh Jacobs, Raiders
20 Chris Carson, Seahawks
21 Gus Edwards, Ravens
When you’re one of many fantasy homeowners in a 12-team draft that does not get an RB from our high tiers, don’t fret — the third tier would possibly truly characteristic some higher values. These gamers will begin coming off the board within the second spherical and certain might be passed by the beginning of the fourth. Getting one as your RB2 is a significant victory, so do not be afraid to begin your draft with back-to-back RBs. Certain, you will miss out on the elite WRs and Travis Kelce, however your beginning backfield might be nearly as good as anybody’s in your league.
You possibly can additionally take backs in Rounds 1 and three and get a stud WR in between, or take a receiver within the first, then two of the backs on this tier in Rounds 2 and three. Any of those mixtures is a good way to begin your group.
It would not be a shock if any of those backs, with the potential for Ekeler in customary leagues, finishes within the high 5. All have main upside as major ball carriers (once more, besides Ekeler), and virtually all are extremely expert receivers (particularly Ekeler). Edwards and Jacobs each lose worth in PPR leagues (Edwards as a result of Baltimore not often throws to RBs, Jacobs due to the addition of Kenyan Drake), however they need to each publish 1,000-plus speeding yards and 10-plus touchdowns with ease so long as they continue to be their groups’ respective lead backs.
Edwards-Helaire (slight worries about his goal-line means), Sanders (slight sturdiness issues), Swift (unproven as a lead runner), and Harris (o-line worries) determine to be particularly good in PPR leagues, whereas Montgomery, Mixon, Robinson, and Carson might be stable throughout the board in the event that they’re wholesome. Montgomery and Mixon may very well be going in several instructions in PPR, although, as Tarik Cohen’s eventual return after his opening six-week stint on the PUP and the addition of Damien Williams might reduce into Montgomery’s 54 catches from final 12 months, and Giovani Bernard’s departure ought to put extra onus on Mixon in Cincinnati’s receiving recreation.
In the end, these backs all have comparable general outlooks (relying on the format), although they arrive with various levels of upside. You would possibly get extra worth taking somebody like Carson within the late third in comparison with taking CEH or Harris within the mid-second, however the latter have increased ceilings. Nonetheless, if the final of the top-tier WRs remains to be obtainable within the mid-second, you are betting off grabbing the WR and “settling” for Carson. It is all about studying the draft and weighing greatest obtainable in any respect positions.
FANTASY DRAFT STRATEGY:
Snake Draft | Public sale | Finest Ball | Dynasty/Keeper | IDP
Fantasy RB Tiers: Sleepers and committee working backs
Tier 4:
22 Kareem Hunt, Browns
23 Javonte Williams, Broncos
24 Myles Gaskin, Dolphins
25 Darrell Henderson, Rams
26 Mike Davis, Falcons
27 Damien Harris, Patriots
28 Raheem Mostert, 49ers
29 Chase Edmonds, Cardinals
30 Melvin Gordon, Broncos
31 Devin Singletary, Payments
32 Zack Moss, Payments
33 Michael Carter, Jets
34 Phillip Lindsay, Texans
35 Ronald Jones II, Buccaneers
36 Leonard Fournette, Buccaneers
37 James Conner, Cardinals
38 David Johnson, Texans
It is best to have at the very least one working again by the point these names are atop your draft board, however if you happen to nonetheless subscribe to the “Zero-RB” draft technique, you are in all probability taking a look at considered one of these guys as your RB1. Can you reside with that? Yeah, you’ll be able to undoubtedly make it work if the remainder of your group is sweet sufficient, however the margin for error will get slimmer. Even if you happen to choose, say, Ezekiel Elliott sixth general and he disappoints like he did final season, you continue to have a again who’s value utilizing each week as no worse than a flex. Any of the blokes on this tier might wind up being unplayable earlier than the calendar flips to October.
It is this tier of the RB rankings that makes individuals hate fantasy soccer, particularly since a whole lot of homeowners might be mining this group in Rounds 5-8 for RB2s and flexes. Make no mistake, a number of dependable, every-week starters will emerge from this group, and we might even get some top-10 backs from this tier if issues break proper for just a few, however after seeing how shortly issues flip murky at RB, you will perceive why most homeowners will attempt to get their two starters from Tiers 1-3.
Whether or not you are on the lookout for your RB1, RB2, or flex (or some combo of each), let’s work out who to focus on. There are a pair “unquestioned” lead backs on this group, with Gaskin, Henderson, Davis, Mostert, and certain Carter filling these roles in Week 1. Harris may very well be thought-about one, too, however with the Patriots, we can’t assume something. That is why most of them are ranked increased and have extra upside (and higher picks if you happen to want an RB1), however given the tenuousness of their grips on the roles (be it due to expertise, harm threat, or different assorted components), they’re nonetheless in the identical tier as many different “committee” backs.
Nonetheless, even amongst a few of these textbook “committee” backfields, clear chief might emerge as early as Week 2. We significantly like Williams in Denver and Lindsay in Houston, however the remaining will possible maintain us guessing. It is essential to do not forget that even when, say, Edmonds will get 14 extra touches than Conner in Week 1, that does not imply the pendulum will not swing again in Conner’s favor within the close to future. Sadly, it’d take an harm for fantasy homeowners to essentially be ok with a few of these backs.
MORE 2021 FANTASY RANKINGS:
Superflex High 200 | Superflex High 200 PPR | IDP | Rookies | O-lines
That is why a participant like Hunt is so priceless. Despite the fact that we all know he is not Cleveland’s “lead again,” we additionally know he has a priceless function and can see double-digit touches each week. Even when Chubbis rolling, Hunt has proven the abilitity to have a great recreation. Working example: Final 12 months, within the 12 video games wherein Chubb performed, Hunt averaged 11.1 carries, 2.3 catches, and 68.6 complete yards and scored 9 complete TDs. A clearly outlined function is essential in fantasy. Each Singletary and Moss have extra particular person upside in the event that they’re main the Payments backfield, nevertheless it’s anybody’s guess which one will — and if they may stay in that function. The identical goes for Williams and Gordon in Denver, Lindsay and Johnson in Houston, Fournette and Jones in Tampa, and Edmonds and Conner in Arizona.
When you choose proper on this tier, it might actually repay. Chances are high, the “Zero-RBers” on the market have guessed proper up to now and assume they will do it each time. Perhaps they will (particularly in the event that they’re prepared to be lively on the waiver wire all 12 months), nevertheless it’s not a enjoyable recreation to play, at the very least not with all your RB spots.
Getting good worth on flexes and backups on this tier is nice, however except you get a number of backs from the identical group, which limits your general upside, you take some degree of threat. That threat will increase primarily based on how a lot you are counting on these gamers. That is why we advise having at the very least three top-40 backs in your group by the beginning of the eighth spherical, however if you happen to belief your instincts, you’ll be able to chart a unique path.
MORE 2021 FANTASY HELP:
Mock Draft Simulator | Place battles | Bye weeks | Finest group names
Fantasy RB Rankings Tiers: Finest handcuff RBs
Tier 5:
39 Latavius Murray, Saints
40 Jamaal Williams, Lions
41 Nyheim Hines, Colts
42 AJ Dillon, Packers
43 Tony Pollard, Cowboys
44 JD McKissic, Washington
45 Trey Sermon, 49ers
46 Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots
47 Carlos Hyde, Jaguars
48 Damien Williams, Bears
49 James White, Patriots
50 Ty’Son Williams, Ravens
51 Alexander Mattison, Vikings
52 Tevin Coleman, Jets
53 Justin Jackson, Chargers
Tier 6:
54 Malcolm Brown, Dolphins
55 Kenyan Drake, Raiders
56 Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles
57 Darrel Williams, Chiefs
58 Sony Michel, Rams
59 Mark Ingram, Texans
60 Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
61 Marlon Mack, Colts
62 Devontae Booker, Giants
63 Ty Johnson, Jets
64 Benny Snell Jr., Steelers
65 Elijah Mitchell, 49ers
The very first thing to notice right here is guys like Hines, McKissic, and White all bump up a tier in PPR leagues. Touchdowns will possible be a problem for all, which is why even in PPR their general values may be restricted, however they supply a good flooring due to common targets. As Gibson continues to emerge as a pass-catching choice in Washington, we might see McKissic lose some worth, however for now, he nonetheless must be thought-about among the many elite pass-catching backs. In 2019, White completed 18th amongst RBs in full-point PPR leagues (Hines was forty second); final season, Hines and McKissic had been fifteenth and seventeenth, respectively (White was forty second regardless of lacking two video games). The ceilings are clearly increased than anybody (together with us) thinks they’re on draft day. Gainwell, who caught 51 passes in his ultimate season at Memphis, may very well be on his approach to becoming a member of them.
That stated, you do not wish to be relying on the backs on this tier to be beginning for you in Week 1 in customary leagues. Murray, Jamaal Williams, Pollard, Dillon and Ty’Son Williams ought to get a good quantity of labor, maybe not in contrast to Hunt within the tier above, so that they’re good to have even if you happen to do not personal the backs in entrance of them. Sermon is a well-liked sleeper who might (emphasis on “might”) contribute instantly, and it is possible somebody within the Jets, Rams, and Chargers backfields apart from Carter, Henderson, and Ekeler can have notable roles, however the jury remains to be out on who. We’re favoring Coleman, Jones, and Jackson proper now, however we’ll must proceed to observe these conditions all through the preseason.
Somebody will emerge from these tiers, possible due to harm, to have an RB2-caliber season. If Cook dinner will get damage in Minnesota or Jacobs in Vegas, then Mattison and Drake will instantly be inserted into beginning lineups with no hesitations. That is true for lots of those guys, so it is good to seize one or two within the center and late rounds, particularly if it is somebody like Sermon, Stevenson, Michel and possibly even Brown who won’t even want an harm to shine. Sermon will possible command the very best choose, maybe within the early center rounds, nevertheless it’s simple to think about a situation the place he pays off in a giant method.
You’ll be able to take into account the remainder of these backs “high-priority” handcuffs. When you draft, say, Aaron Jones within the first or second spherical, it is good to make it a degree to get Dillon. That might imply reaching a spherical increased than everybody else, however you do not wish to lose considered one of your cornerstones and exchange him with a waiver pickup who will get 9 touches on a great day.
When you’re a Zero-RBer and also you’re mining these tiers for a Week 1 starter, you would possibly as nicely swing for the fences, at the very least in customary leagues. Grabbing one “protected” man, like Pollard, will assure you some factors every week, however if you happen to go all-in on this lastly being the 12 months for Penny, you would possibly get a much bigger payoff since Seattle is notoriously bizarre with their working backs. You additionally would possibly get a man who’s on the IR by Week 2. That is why it is a dangerous technique, however it will probably work in case your pass-catchers are monsters and you’ve got even a average hit on a pair RBs.
2021 FANTASY CONSISTENCY RATINGS:
Quarterback | Working again | Large receiver | Tight finish
Fantasy RB Deep Sleepers and Handcuffs
66 Wayne Gallman, Falcons
67 Giovani Bernard, Buccaneers
68 Samaje Perine, Bengals
69 Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
70 Salvon Ahmed, Dolphins
71 Joshua Kelley, Chargers
72 Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons
73 Boston Scott, Eagles
74 Tarik Cohen, Bears
75 Jake Funk, Rams
76 La’Mical Perine, Jets
77 Darrynton Evans, Titans
78 Jeremy McNichols, Titans
79 Anthony McFarland Jr., Steelers
There are some respectable sleepers in tier. Ahmed was a stud in his three full video games as a starter final 12 months, posting 63 touches (seven catches), 291 complete yards, and two scores. He might emerge in Miami even with out a vital harm to another person. Kelley and Perine struggled final 12 months as rookies, however they’re each in unsettled backfields which have openings for 1Bs, if not 1As. Somebody apart from Mike Davis additionally figures to emerge for Atlanta, creating a chance for one (or each) of Patterson and Ollison.
Largely, although, this tier options conventional handcuffs. A couple of will get drafted (it solely is sensible for the McCaffrey and Henry homeowners to make use of second-to-last-round picks on Hubbard and Evans, respectively); most will not. On the very least, you must maintain these backs in your watchlists since you simply know it is some of these RBs who wind up beginning sooner or later within the season, particularly with COVID points as soon as once more destined to trigger issues. When you’ve added a roster spot or two in your league to attempt to mitigate harm/COVID points, you don’t have any excuse for failing to again up your key starters.
