Unleashing Your Dynasty: Top Fantasy Football RB Rankings for Your Long-Term Success
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another epic dive into the world of dynasty leagues. Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for the most crucial position in your dynasty squads - the running backs (RBs). So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football dynasty rb rankings.
Why Dynasty RB Rankings Matter
Before we dive into the rankings, let's talk about why RBs are so darn important in dynasty formats. In short, dynasty leagues are all about the long game. You're not just drafting for one season; you're building a franchise. RBs, especially young and talented ones, can provide consistent production and grow with your team over multiple seasons. Plus, they're usually the first players off the board in drafts, so nailing your RB rankings is crucial.
Our Dynasty RB Rankings Methodology
To create these rankings, we've considered several factors:
- Age and Contract Status: We're looking for young, affordable talent with long-term upside. - Opportunity: We want RBs who will touch the ball often and have a significant role in their team's offense. - Talent: We're talking about elite athleticism, vision, and pass-catching ability here. - Injury History: We've tried to minimize risk, but remember, there's always some level of risk at the RB position.
Now, let's get to the meat and potatoes - the rankings!
Top 20 Dynasty RB Rankings: The Elite Tier
1. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Age: 22 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: Jonathan Taylor is the complete package - size, speed, and power. He's got the potential to be a workhorse back in the NFL, and with Philip Rivers now under center, the Colts' offense should be more dynamic. Taylor is our consensus #1 RB in dynasty formats.
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Age: 24 | Contract: Through 2022
Why He's Here: Saquon Barkley is an elite talent who's already proven he can carry an offense. If the Giants can improve their line and passing game, Barkley could return to his 2018 form. He's still our #2 RB in dynasty leagues.
3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2021
Why He's Here: Alvin Kamara is an absolute beast in the passing game and has shown he can carry the load when needed. With Drew Brees likely retiring, Kamara's value might dip a bit, but he's still a top-3 RB in dynasty.
4. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2020
Why He's Here: Dalvin Cook has finally stayed healthy and shown he can be an elite RB1. With the Vikings' commitment to the run game and Cook's talent, he's a top-5 RB in dynasty.
5. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Age: 24 | Contract: Through 2025
Why He's Here: Christian McCaffrey is still the ultimate three-down back, but injuries have been a concern. If he can stay healthy, he's a top-3 RB. However, his injury history has him at #5 for now.
The Next Tier: RBs on the Rise
6. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Age: 24 | Contract: Through 2020
Why He's Here: Nick Chubb is an absolute monster between the tackles and has improved as a pass-catcher. With Kareem Hunt's contract up, Chubb could become a workhorse. He's a top-6 RB in dynasty.
7. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2026
Why He's Here: Ezekiel Elliott has been a consistent RB1, but his value has taken a hit due to the Cowboys' lack of a passing game. If Dallas can improve, Elliott could return to elite form. He's our #7 RB in dynasty.
8. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 24 | Contract: Through 2021
Why He's Here: Joe Mixon has shown he can be an elite RB1 when healthy. With a new coaching staff and (hopefully) improved line play, Mixon could be a top-5 RB in 2021. He's our #8 RB in dynasty.
9. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Age: 26 | Contract: Through 2023
Why He's Here: Derrick Henry is a freight train between the tackles, but his lack of pass-catching ability and age keep him from being higher on our list. He's still a top-10 RB in dynasty.
10. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2021
Why He's Here: Aaron Jones has shown he can be an elite RB1, but his contract situation and the presence of Jamaal Williams keep him from being higher on our list. He's our #10 RB in dynasty.
The Young Guns: RBs to Build Around
11. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs
Age: 21 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: Clyde Edwards-Helaire showed he can be a featured back in the NFL, and with Damien Williams likely leaving, CEH could be in line for a massive workload. He's a top-12 RB in dynasty.
12. J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
Age: 21 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: J.K. Dobbins was a steal in the second round, and with Mark Ingram likely moving on, Dobbins could be the lead back in Baltimore. He's a top-15 RB in dynasty.
13. D'Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
Age: 21 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: D'Andre Swift is an elite talent who could be the feature back in Detroit. With the Lions' lack of talent at WR, Swift could see a massive workload. He's a top-15 RB in dynasty.
14. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
Age: 21 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: Cam Akers is a physical, powerful runner who could be the lead back in LA. With Darrell Henderson's fumbling issues, Akers could see a significant workload. He's a top-15 RB in dynasty.
15. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football Team
Age: 22 | Contract: Rookie
Why He's Here: Antonio Gibson showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie, and with Derrius Guice gone, Gibson could be the lead back in Washington. He's a top-15 RB in dynasty.
The Rest of the Pack: Dynasty RB Sleepers and Risks
The rest of the RB landscape is filled with talented players, but also plenty of risks. Here are a few more names to keep an eye on:
- Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders: Age: 22 | Contract: Through 2021 - Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers: Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2022 - David Montgomery, Chicago Bears: Age: 23 | Contract: Through 2022 - James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars: Age: 22 | Contract: Rookie - Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins: Age: 23 | Contract: Through 2022 - Mike Davis, Atlanta Falcons: Age: 28 | Contract: Through 2021 - Chase Edmonds, Arizona Cardinals: Age: 25 | Contract: Through 2021 - Benny Snell Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers: Age: 23 | Contract: Through 2022
Final Thoughts on Dynasty RB Rankings
There you have it, folks! Our top 20 dynasty RB rankings for the 2021 season and beyond. Remember, dynasty leagues are all about the long game, so focus on young, talented players with long-term upside. And always be ready to make a trade or snag a waiver wire gem to keep your squad competitive.
Thanks for joining us on this fantasy football adventure. Until next time, happy dynasty drafting!