Week 8 RB Rankings: The Definitive Guide to the NFL’s Top Running Backs

1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

• McCaffrey Is a Swiss Army Knife:

  Christian McCaffrey is not just a running back; he’s a weapon that can be deployed in a variety of ways. He’s a phenomenal runner, with a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. He’s also a great receiver out of the backfield, with reliable hands and the ability to pick up yards after the catch. McCaffrey’s versatility makes him one of the most valuable offensive players in the NFL.

• McCaffrey’s Usage Is Unprecedented:

  McCaffrey’s usage is unlike any other running back in the NFL. In 2019, he led the league in both rushing yards and receptions. He’s also one of the most targeted players in the passing game, averaging over six targets per game. McCaffrey’s ability to touch the ball so often makes him a fantasy football gold mine.

• The Panthers’ Offense Revolves Around McCaffrey:

  The Panthers’ offense is built around McCaffrey. He’s the focal point of the passing game and the running game. When McCaffrey is on the field, the Panthers are one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. When he’s off the field, the Panthers struggle to move the ball.

2. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

• Henry Is a Juggernaut:

  Derrick Henry is a one-of-a-kind running back. He’s a massive back with incredible power and speed. Henry is one of the best runners in the NFL at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. He’s also a surprisingly good receiver out of the backfield.

• Henry’s Role Is Expanding:

  Henry’s role in the Titans’ offense has expanded in recent years. He’s now the clear-cut lead back and is heavily involved in both the running and passing games. Henry is one of the most valuable players in the NFL and is a major threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• The Titans’ Offense Is Built Around Henry:

  The Titans’ offense is built around Henry. He’s the focal point of the running game and is heavily involved in the passing game. When Henry is on the field, the Titans are one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL. When he’s off the field, the Titans struggle to move the ball.

3. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

• Ekeler Is a Dynamic Playmaker:

  Austin Ekeler is a versatile and explosive playmaker. He’s a shifty runner with great speed and agility. Ekeler is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, with soft hands and the ability to create yards after the catch.

• Ekeler Is a PPR Monster:

  Ekeler is a PPR (Points Per Reception) monster. He’s one of the most targeted running backs in the NFL and is a consistent source of receptions and yards. Ekeler is a great option for fantasy owners who are looking for a player who can score points in a variety of ways.

• The Chargers’ Offense Is Exploding:

  The Chargers’ offense has been one of the most explosive in the NFL in recent weeks. Ekeler is a major part of that offense and is a big reason why the Chargers are one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

4. Leonard Fournette, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Fournette Is a Powerhouse:

  Leonard Fournette is a big, powerful running back with a punishing running style. He’s one of the best runners in the NFL at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. Fournette is also a capable receiver out of the backfield.

• Fournette Is a Key Part of the Buccaneers’ Offense:

  Fournette is a key part of the Buccaneers’ offense. He’s the team’s lead back and is heavily involved in both the running and passing games. Fournette is a big threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• The Buccaneers’ Offense Is Loaded:

  The Buccaneers’ offense is loaded with weapons, including Tom Brady, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin. Fournette is a major part of that offense and is a big reason why the Buccaneers are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.

5. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

• Kamara Is the Complete Package:

  Alvin Kamara is a versatile and dynamic running back. He’s a shifty runner with great speed and agility. Kamara is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, with soft hands and the ability to create yards after the catch.

• Kamara Is a Fantasy Football Gold Mine:

  Kamara is a fantasy football gold mine. He’s one of the most versatile players in the NFL and is a consistent source of points. Kamara is a great option for fantasy owners who are looking for a player who can score points in a variety of ways.

• The Saints’ Offense Is Revolving Around Kamara:

  The Saints’ offense is revolving around Kamara. He’s the team’s lead back and is heavily involved in both the running and passing games. Kamara is a big threat to score every time he touches the ball.

6. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

• Chubb Is a Workhorse:

  Nick Chubb is a workhorse running back. He’s a powerful runner with a relentless running style. Chubb is one of the best runners in the NFL at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact.

• Chubb Is the Browns’ Lead Back:

  Chubb is the Browns’ clear-cut lead back. He’s the team’s workhorse and is heavily involved in the running game. Chubb is a big threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• The Browns’ Offense Relies on Chubb:

  The Browns’ offense relies heavily on Chubb. He’s the team’s lead back and is a major part of the running game. Chubb is a big reason why the Browns are one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.

7. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

• Barkley Is a Special Talent:

  Saquon Barkley is a special talent. He’s a dynamic running back with a rare combination of speed, power, and agility. Barkley is one of the best runners in the NFL and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• Barkley Is Recovering from Injury:

  Barkley is recovering from a serious knee injury that he suffered in 2020. He’s expected to be ready for the start of the 2021 season, but it’s unclear how effective he’ll be after missing a year of action.

• The Giants’ Offense Is Built Around Barkley:

  The Giants’ offense is built around Barkley. He’s the team’s lead back and is heavily involved in both the running and passing games. Barkley is a big threat to score every time he touches the ball.

8. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

• Cook Is a Dynamic Playmaker:

  Dalvin Cook is a dynamic playmaker. He’s a shifty runner with great speed and agility. Cook is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, with soft hands and the ability to create yards after the catch.

• Cook Is the Vikings’ Lead Back:

  Cook is the Vikings’ clear-cut lead back. He’s the team’s workhorse and is heavily involved in both the running and passing games. Cook is a big threat to score every time he touches the ball.

• The Vikings’ Offense Relies on Cook:

  The Vikings’ offense relies heavily on Cook. He’s the team’s lead back and is a major part of the running game. Cook is a big reason why the Vikings are one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.

9. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers

• Jones Is a Versatile Playmaker:

  Aaron Jones is a versatile playmaker. He’s a shifty runner with great speed and agility. Jones is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield, with soft hands and the ability to create yards after the catch.

• Jones Is Sharing the Backfield with Dillon