We’ve made it. We are now just hours away from NFL kickoff and man, does it feel good. To help you get ready for the season to start, I’ve created my top 24 running back rankings & tier list based on statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. In addition, I’ve included a start of the week that I believe the fantasy community is sleeping on.
If you want to check out my quarterback/tight end rankings or my running back rankings you can click on the first two links below! If you have any sit/start questions or want personalized team advice, click the third link and shoot me a message on Discord. Anyone in that channel will be given access to my top 48 RB/WR rankings and top 24 QB/TE rankings each week. That being said, let’s dive right into the rankings!
Tier 1
1. Christian McCaffrey vs NYJ
Tier 2
2. Bijan Robinson vs PIT
3. Breece Hall @ SF
4. Jahmyr Gibbs vs LAR
Tier 3
5. Jonathan Taylor vs HOU
6. Saquon Barkley vs GB
7. Kyren Williams @ DET
8. Travis Etienne @ MIA
9. Derrick Henry @ KC
10. De'Von Achane vs JAC
Tier 4
11. Isiah Pacheco vs BAL
12. Rachaad White vs WAS
Tier 5
13. James Cook vs ARI
14. Josh Jacobs @ PHI
15. Kenneth Walker vs DEN
16. Joe Mixon @ IND
17. Alvin Kamara vs CAR
Tier 6
18. Rhamondre Stevenson @ CIN
19. Aaron Jones @ NYG
20. James Conner @ BUF
21. D'Andre Swift vs TEN
22. Tony Pollard @ CHI
23. Zamir White @ LAC
24. David Montgomery vs LAR
Must Start: Running Back
Tony Pollard @ CHI
For anyone who is new here, the FTR start of the week has to come from a player ranked outside the top 24 of FantasyPros ECR. Heading into the year, I’ve been notably higher on Tony Pollard, and he has a solid matchup in week one.
To start, let me explain why I’m in on Pollard this year. After a disappointing 2023 season, Pollard clearly showed he can’t handle a three-down workload and instead wins from efficiency. This was proven by his 15.6 PPG season in 2022. I wish Pollard was just put back into a committee. Oh wait, that’s exactly what’s happening this year.
While it’s not the same as playing next to Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard should see more than 50% of the work without taking a beating. What is important, though, is as the bigger back, I expect Pollard to also have the red zone role.
Looking ahead to this next week, the Bears vs Titans game has an over/under of 45 points according to BetMGM. For reference the Chiefs/Ravens game has an over/under of 46.5 points. There should be a fair amount of touchdowns scored which gives Pollard a higher ceiling. Don’t expect Pollard to be an RB1, but I would make room for him in my RB2 or FLEX spot this week.
