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1.) Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Age: 25
2016 PPG: 23.1 PPG (1st)
HC/OC: Mike Tomlin / Todd Haley
PFF O-Line Rank: 3rd
Until the injury, it's likely that I would have had David Johnson here. I'm somewhat surprised myself that I have Le'Veon Bell as my number one considering I don't like suspension risks. However, running back seems like a very volatile position (see: Jeremy Langford), so you have to take production where you can get it.
You know a guy is deserving of the top spot when he's considered off to a "slow start" and he has 10+ points in .5 ppr leagues 2 out of 3 weeks.
2.) Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
Age: 22
2016 PPG: 20.4 (3rd)
HC/OC: Jason Garrett / Scott Linehan
PFF O-Line Rank: 9th
Look, I hate the Cowboys as much as the next person but as Zach put it Zeke fell just six yards of being the third rookie rb to hit 2000 YFS. He's another guy that is considered off to a "slow start" this year but he has over 16 points in the .5 prr formats 2 of the 3 weeks. That's especially impressive when you consider that one of those games was against the Giants who were the only team to bottle him up last year.
3.) David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals
Age: 25/26
2016 PPG: 22.9 (2nd)
HC/OC: Bruce Arians / Harold Goodwin
PFF O-Line Rank: 17th
I'm going to borrow another stat from Zach here: David Johnson was only the 10th player last season to put 2000 YFS and 20+ touchdowns. Let that sink in. Zach noted that he is worried about the decline of Carson Palmer, and that's reasonable. However, given his multifaceted game, I'm confident that DJ can overcome any quarterback deficiencies. I'd have him ranked higher if he wasn't going to miss the majority of this season.
4.) Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Age: 23
2016 PPG: 11.0 (25th)
HC/OC: Sean McVay / Matt LaFleur
PFF O-Line Rank: 18th
Bye Jeff Fisher! Thanks for playing. It's no secret that I believed Sean McVay had the capability to turn around the Rams offense. However, to turn around the Rams offense this quickly has been impressive. It's hard to say if Jared Goff will keep up the pace all season, but if he does it will only help Gurley. Gurley is certainly enjoying the turnaround, and his owners should be thinking of him as a top asset again.
5.) Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons
Age: 25
2016 PPG: 16.1 (7th)
HC/OC: Dan Quinn / Steve Sarkisian
PFF O-Line Rank: 6th
Is it just me or since his breakout in 2015 has Freeman felt a little underrated? I know the presence of Tevin Coleman hurts him in some people's eyes, but he has back to back seasons of 1500+ YFS. The Falcons offense hasn't slowed down as much as people thought it would without Kyle Shanahan, and Freeman is going to continue to feast.
6.) Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Age:22
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Andy Reid/Matt Nagy
PFF O-line Rank:15th
I'm just going to include a tweet here:
Kareem Hunt has the 2nd-most fantasy pts (87.80) among rookies through their first 3 games since the merger. He's 2nd to Billy Sims in 1980.— Careen Falcone (@FalconeC) September 25, 2017
If that's not enough for you just know that Andy Reid's RBs always seem to find fantasy success. It may only be a three game sample, but I'm a full believer in "Crispy Kareem" Hunt.
7.) Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers
Age: 24
2016 PPG: 17.7 (4th)
HC/OC: Anthony Lynn / Ken Whisenhunt
PFF O-Line Rank: 21st
I think it's time we stopped judging running-backs solely by their YPC. It's clear that teams are placing more and more value on the ability to catch the ball too. Gordon is a nice hybrid back who seems to have a nose for the end zone. The fact that he's this productive despite the Chargers noted o-line struggles is a major part of the reason I have him this high.
8.) Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Age:22
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Mike Zimmer/Pat Shurmur
PFF O-line Rank: 14th
Two rookies back to back? Not even Leonard Fournette or Joe Mixon? A funny thing happened since the combine-we actually got to see these players in game action. That's not to say I don't still like either of those two players, but Cook ranks above them for his pass catching ability. Additionally, the Vikings offense is clearly emerging which can only help Cook's long term value.
9.) Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 22
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Doug Marrone / Nathaniel Hackett
PFF O-Line Rank: 13th
It wasn't long ago that I tried to get the first overall pick to take Leonard Fournette. I'd still draft him high if we were re-doing rookie drafts today. However, Allen Robinson could leave the team next year and their quarterback situation is very unsettled. I do like that he's the focal point of the offense at the moment, but it's going to become problematic kong term unless the passing game can open more lanes for him.
10.) Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears
Age: 22/23
2016 PPG: 14.3 (8th)
HC/OC: John Fox / Dowell Loggains
PFF O-Line Rank: 5th
Jordan Howard would have ranked higher on this list, but it's hard to keep the faith entirely with Cohen in town. Additionally, until the Bears start playing ahead *cough* play Mitchell Trubisky *cough* it's going to be hard to see the volume that would make him truly elite. Still after last year and this previous week's performance he has shown enough to make my top ten.
11.) Jay Ajayi, Miami Dolphins
Age: 24
2016 PPG: 13.5 (16th)
HC/OC: Adam Gase / Clyde Christensen
PFF O-Line Rank: 26th
Let me get things started here: Jay Ajayi had two 200 yard games against the "weak" Buffalo Bills defense. However, he also had a very legitimate 200 yards against a tough Steelers defense. I know some of you don't trust his knees, but they have held up so far. As I mentioned early, don't look at these guys expecting to get production for the next 5+ years. Take the house money and run.
12.) Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
Age: 21
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Ron Rivera/ Mike Shula
PFF O-Line Rank: 12th
It's not much of a secret that Cam Newton has struggled so far. That might explain why Christian McCaffrey isn't quite on the same level as the rest of his rookie brethern yet. It doesn't help that Jonathan Stewart has managed to stick around despite all of fantasy twitter calling for him to be irrelevant. I fully admit that I believe McCaffrey can be and will be a quick riser, but this is as high as I can rank him until he shows me more.
13.) Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Age: 21
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Marvin Lewis/Bill Lazor
PFF O-Line Rank: 31st
It shouldn't be lost on anyone that as soon as Lazor took over Mixon saw 101 yards from scrimmage. Lazor said he wanted to get "the running back" more involved. Not the running backs. One specifically. It's clear that means Mixon. We are about to see what made him a high round talent despite his off-field issues.
14.) Ty Montgomery, Green Bay Packers
Age: 24
2016 PPG (includes being a WR): 7.9 (41st)
HC/OC: Mike McCarthy/ Edgar Bennett
PFF O-Line Rank: 8th
If there is a ranking I expect to get called out for this is the one. There are other guys I'm tempted to put here too, but Ty Montgomery has landed in the perfect situation. Don't you want a running back who is in the prolific Green Bay offense and knows how to catch passes? I know his YPC this season is scaring some of you but he has huge touchdown upside and will bounce back in the YPC category as well.
15.) Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers
Age: 27
2016 PPG:13.7 (10th)
HC/OC: Kyle Shanahan
PFF O-Line Rank: 27th
I'm old enough to remember when Kyle Shanahan was banging the table for Joe Williams. Or when Matt Breida was going to be the lead back. Also when Carlos Hyde was going to be cut. Somehow, not only has he stayed with the team but he's excelled. Imagine that, a good player finding success. Weird right? Heavy sarcasm aside, Carlos Hyde has proven he's a good fit for Shanahan's system. That is very good news for his future value. Just ask Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
16.) Derrick Henry, Tennesee Titans
Age:23
2016 PPG: 7.1 (75th)
HC/OC: Mike Mularkey/Terry Robiskie
PFF O-Line Rank: 4th
Derrick Henry is like Fetch. We keep trying to make him happen and he's just not happening. Considering he's still only 23 there is still time. The Titans are an emerging offense and I expect Henry to be a big part of it-it may just not be as soon as this as this season.
17.) Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons
Age:24
2016 PPG: 13.5 (14th)
HC/OC: Dan Quinn / Steve Sarkisian
PFF O-Line Rank: 6th
Many including myself were expecting some touchdown regression for Coleman this season. Through three games he only has one so far, so it may be coming to fruition but it's a little too early to tell. However, he's still incredibly valuable in PPR formats of any sort. He's also a UFA in 2019. May need to wait a bit but he could easily be a lead back for a team in his age 26 season.
18.) DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans
Age: 29
2016 PHC/OC: Mike Mularkey/Terry Robiskie
PFF O-Line Rank: 4thPG: 16.7 (6th)
DeMarco likely has another productive year in him. However, he can be cut by the Titans for no cap hit while saving 6.5 million next season. With Derrick Henry ready to take over you can bet your bottom dollar this is his last season as a Titan. Whether another team takes a chance on a 30 year old to be their lead back is a major question mark.
19.) LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills
Age: 29
2016 PPG: 18.3 (4th)
HC/OC: Sean McDermott/ Rick Dennison
PFF O-Line Rank: 10th
This ranking is mostly about age. The Bills are clearly in a rebuild, and I'm not sure how much longer past this season it makes sense to keep trotting McCoy out there. Additionally, without much around him this season he hasn't been able to get as much production as in the past. We'll see if that holds up all season, but I'm just not as confident in his value as I used to be.
20.) Alvin Kamara, New Orlean Saints
Age: 22
2016 PPG: N/A
HC/OC: Sean Payton/ Pete Carmichael
PFF O-Line Rank: 16th
Alvin Kamara has already been heavily involved in the passing game for the Saints. Considering the value that we witnessed Darren Sproles provide in that role that's a very good sign. Add in the fact that Mark Ingram is constantly in Sean Payton's doghouse and the future is bright for Kamara. He could easily move up this list in quick order.
21.) C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
Age: 26
2016 PPG: 13.5 (20th)
HC/OC: Vance Joseph/ Mike McCoy
PFF O-Line Rank: 25th
If Vance Joseph is having the time of his life, then CJA has to be right behind him. He's shown some of the form that made many like him in 2014. I think he's been judged rather harshly (myself included) since not repeating that 2014 season. The progression of Trevor Siemian as a quarterback should only help.
22.) Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland Browns
Age: 24
2016 PPG: 11.6 (28th)
HC/OC: Hue Jackson/ Gregg Williams
PFF O-Line Rank: 2nd
To say that Crowell has been a disappointment so far this season would be an understatement. He was very good last season, and the Browns did everything they could to improve their O-line this offseason. Still, it's hard to get many attempts when you're constantly playing behind. As Deshone Kizer improves it may help boost Crowell up to the value that more of us were expecting.
23.) Mark Ingram, New Orlean Saints
Age: 27
2016 PPG: 13.7 (11th)
HC/OC: Sean Payton/ Pete Carmichael
PFF O-Line Rank: 16th
Speaking of Mark Ingram-when he does get to see the field he is very productive. I was really hoping that he would get traded to a team that could use him more. He's managed to stay very involved in the offense though and is definitely still a usable RB2.
24.) Ameer Abdullah, Detriot Lions
Age:24
2016 PPG: N/A (only two games)
HC/OC: Jim Caldwell/Jim Bob Cooter
PFF O-Line Rank: 24th
Who has two thumbs and expects to get flamed for this take? This guy! Jokes aside, it's hard to get that excited about the lead back on a team that is clearly built to air the ball out. Additionally, Theo Riddick eats into his value quite heavily. Barring an injury to Riddick, I just don't see the superstar that some do on Twitter.
25.) C.J Prosise, Seattle Seahawks
Age: 23
2016 PPG: 4.6 (6 games)
HC/OC: Pete Carroll/Darell Bevell
PFF O-Line Rank: 32nd
It was close between who I was going to include at the end of this article. I was really tempted to put Theo Riddick here, but the upside and age of C.J. Prosise really won me over. It may be a mistake, but at this point rather take the shot on the guy who has a potentially bright future. He showed flashes of what he can do last week but he also came up with an ankle injury.
That's it for my ranks. I'm sure there are many you disagree with. If you're curious where I'd rank other players feel free to message me on twitter @RekedFantasy.
Until next time,
Rek
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