Early 2014 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs Part 1

By Ryan Gerrity

@RyanGerrity

1. LaSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

McCoy of the Eagles led the league in yards from scrimmage last year with a total of 2,146 yards.  He scored 11 touchdowns and carried the Eagles into the playoffs.  McCoy is still a very young running back in the NFL, and with Chip Kelly’s offense he should continue to thrive next year.

2.  Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Injuries are becoming an issue for Peterson because he is facing a 7 to 8 man front every time he touches the ball.  He still managed to gain close to 1,500 yards from scrimmage last year.  The Vikings need a quarterback that is going to take some of the pressure off of Peterson and that will allow him to stay healthy during the year.

3.  Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

The most explosive running back in the league right now scored 19 touchdowns along with 1,980 yards from scrimmage.  Andy Reid and Alex Smith are becoming a dynamic play calling tandem which only helps Charles.  He is in contention for being the first overall pick in next year’s fantasy football draft.

4.  Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

The Bears have a lot of weapons in Jeffery and Marshall, but Forte had over 1,900 yards from scrimmage last year including 12 touchdowns.  Forte is considered the most versatile back in the NFL right now and that will continue next year.

5.  Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns last year, Beast Mode showed that he was a viable fantasy option at running back.  With the Seahawks in the Super Bowl this Sunday, they will be a dominant team next year as well.  It is important that the offensive line for the Seahawks stays healthy.

6.  Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers

Fantasy Football has a newcomer in the running back’s and his name is Eddie Lacy.  He started off the season slow, but ended with over 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns in only 15 games.  Lacy does need to mature and be patient at the line of scrimmage, along with the Packers addressing the offensive line in the Draft this year.

7.  Knowshon Moreno,Denvery Broncos

This may be a little high of a ranking for Knowshon, but I absolutely love the way he plays football.  He is passionate and plays every down like it is his last, which led to over 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.  Moreno is going to be splitting carries with Monte Ball, however Moreno is still going to be the primary back.

8.  DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

The injury bug has always been an issue with Murray having missed 8 games in the last two seasons.  He did show signs of elusiveness this past season with 1,400 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns.  The only “red flag” is his durability as a fantasy running back.