There are a lot of young running backs near the top of the fantasy football rankings heading into fantasy drafts in 2016, but a familiar veteran reigns supreme. Vikings star ball-carrier Adrian Peterson is ranked atop the leaderboard as he is expected to once again get a large number of carries and put up impressive numbers. Peterson carried the ball 327 times for 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago. While he’s not a big receiving threat and is getting older, Peterson’s dominance on the ground still makes him a worthy top pick in fantasy football betting.
After Peterson are a lot of young but talented players. Rams running back Todd Gurley was impressive after returning from a torn ACL and seems to be a burgeoning star. He is the second-ranked running back and should get plenty of carries in Los Angeles. Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is the rare rookie who is expected to be an early pick. He will run behind the best offensive line in football, and is also an able pass-catcher. Cardinals running back David Johnson excelled late in 2015 when he took over full-time starting duties for the injured Chris Johnson, and is expected to see the lion’s share of the carries for an explosive Cardinals offense. Falcons running back Devonta Freeman had a breakout season in 2015 but must show he can keep it up this season.
Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell would have been in the running for the top overall selection in many fantasy football drafts, but he has been suspended four games for missing a drug test. Bell is arguably the most talented running back in the NFL, and fantasy owners must weigh the pros and cons of picking him up knowing he will be out early in the season. Lamar Miller showed flashes of impressive play in his time with the Miami Dolphins and now has high expectations as he switches over to the Houston Texans. Doug Martin, Mark Ingram are a pair of top-rated backs, while Eddie Lacy is a conundrum. If he’s in shape, Lacy can be very effective in an explosive Packers offense, but he’s been inconsistent throughout his career.
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is returning from an ACL tear but has been a dominant back in his career. Thomas Rawls takes over for Marshawn Lynch in Seattle and will aim to build on a promising rookie year. Bills running back LeSean McCoy and Panthers starter Jonathan Stewart are a pair of solid veterans, while Matt Forte will aim to continue to be a fantasy force while switching teams from the Chicago Bears to the New York Jets.
There are a lot of different options at running back, and correctly choosing the running backs who will see a lot of carries is key. It’s a fluid position, and one that could make or break a fantasy team in 2016 in fantasy football betting.
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