Fantasy RB Rankings for 2022

Published by Mike Noblin on May 4, 2022

Though the running back position has been devalued a bit in the NFL over the last few years, it's still the most important position in fantasy football. Did you know that only one RB (Jonathan Taylor) scored more than 300 fantasy points in 2021? In all fairness, Derrick Henry would have also accomplished that feat if not for a devastating foot injury.

Finding the right RB for your team can be a daunting task. That's why we've put together the following list to help you target the best running backs for your 2022 fantasy draft. Here are our fantasy RB Rankings for 2022 as well as the updated bye weeks for this season's schedule.

Rank RB Team Bye
1 Jonathan Taylor Colts 14
2 Derrick Henry Titans 6
3 Alvin Kamara Saints 14
4 Dalvin Cook Vikings 7
5 Joe Mixon Bengals 10
6 Nick Chubb Browns 9
7 Ezekiel Elliott Cowboys 9
8 Najee Harris Steelers 9
9 Christian McCaffrey Panthers 13
10 Austin Ekeler Chargers 8
11 Aaron Jones Packers 14
12 Javonte Williams Broncos 9
13 Antonio Gibson Washington 14
14 Saquon Barkley Giants 9
15 D'Andre Swift Lions 6
16 Elijah Mitchell 49ers 9
17 Clyde Edwards-Helaire Chiefs 8
18 Miles Sanders Eagles 7
19 Chris Carson Seahawks 11
20 James Conner Cardinals 13
21 Myles Gaskin Dolphins 11
22 David Montgomery Bears 14
23 Travis Etienne Jaguars 11
24 J.K. Dobbins Ravens 10
25 Cordarrelle Patterson Falcons 14
26 Tony Pollard Cowboys 9
27 A.J. Dillon Packers 14
28 James Robinson Jaguars 11
29 Cam Akers Rams 7
30 Leonard Fournette Bucs 11
31 Michael Carter Jets 10
32 Damien Harris Patriots 10
33 Marlon Mack Texans 6
34 Melvin Gordon III Broncos 9
35 Ronald Jones Chiefs 8
36 Kareem Hunt Browns 9
37 Josh Jacobs Raiders 6
38 Devin Singletary Bills 7
39 Kenneth Walker Seahawks 11
40 Breece Hall Jets 10

When Should I Select a RB in My 2022 Fantasy Draft?

Our recommendation would be to take a running back with the first pick in your draft, especially if you have one of the top eight picks. The position itself just isn't that deep and more and more teams are moving to more of a RB by committee approach. In 2021, only six running backs scored over 200 fantasy points.

A lot of fantasy players shy away from taking a RB with their first pick because of fear of injury. After what happened to Derrick Henry (missed 9 games), Christian McCaffrey (missed 10 games), and Alvin Kamara (missed 4 games) last year we definitely understand this fear. Nevertheless, it is nearly impossible to have a successful fantasy season if you don't have at least one solid RB on your roster.

We expect Jonathan Taylor to have another monster season in 2022 but he'll probably be the first or second player off the board in your draft. If Taylor isn't available, we'd lean towards a guy like Alvin Kamara or Najee Harris. Both Harris and Kamara have excellent pass-catching skills, which is icing on the cake at the RB position (especially in PPR leagues).

 

 

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports betting and fantasy sports for more than two decades. He played baseball in college while earning a degree in sports psychology. Follow him on Twitter at @MikeNoblin.

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