We’ve seen the running back position come back to high-stat glory over the past two seasons. Teams have adjusted to defenses playing their safeties back by running the ball more. And maybe a few more teams have utilized their RBs in the passing game than we’re used to seeing. Plus, when teams do throw, they’re diversifying their passing games more and more, taking down the number of crazy-high volume receivers with it. All of that has pushed the position to the popular position it’s in. Last year’s top-12 running backs averaged a crazy-high 16.6 half-PPR points, up from a still-crazy 16.1 in 2024. But it’s a tricky average — seven running backs averaged 16-plus half-PPR points to carry the position. Four others averaged between 15 and 15.9 half-PPR points. So when you think about an early-round RB, think with the expectation that they land at least 16 half-PPR points with potential for more. If you don’t think a certain running back can do that, don’t draft him, at least not early. Running backs that finished 13th through 24th last year averaged 11.3 half-PPR points, a number that’s down from 2024 (11.7) but still high compared to each of the eight seasons prior. That’s the number you’d settle for from a running back taken in the middle rounds.
And any running back taken after the middle rounds that gives you anything good is a win for your Fantasy squad. Overall, the position is maybe a little deeper than we’re used to seeing. There are a number of RBs aged 29-plus who will probably get phased out of the league within the next few seasons, but exciting runners from last year’s and this year’s draft classes should take their spots. For now, we are living in a sweet spot where they’re all available to help our teams. You probably won’t panic over taking a starter until Round 6 or 7. I definitely recommend getting at least one running back with one of your first two picks, two within your first four picks, and as many as four total within your first seven picks. I do not recommend going Zero RB this year and giving too much of a positional advantage to the rest of your league. The more shots you take at getting a running back who can produce points, the better your chances of galloping to Fantasy playoff glory.
Some positional notes: Five of the seven running backs with 50-plus receptions last year finished in the top 10. All of the top-12 running backs that played 10-plus games had at least 10 total touchdowns.The running back with the longest active streak of consecutive seasons with 15-plus half-PPR points per game is De’Von Achane (three seasons). Gibbs and Robinson will attempt to best that in 2026 after having at least 18 half-PPR points each in their past two years. Jonathan Taylor and Kyren Williams each have 14-plus in three straight seasons. Saquon Barkley has 13-plus half-PPR points in four straight seasons.One other noteworthy streak: Christian McCaffrey has at least 18.5 half-PPR points per game in each of his past five seasons when he’s played at least 11 games.Between five and seven of the top 12 running backs in each of 2022-25 were on playoff teams. Between seven and eight of the top 12 running backs in 2021-22 and 2024-25 were also in the top 12 the previous year (only four repeated from 2023 to 2024). Historically, not a lot of turnover there. Tier 1 Round 1
