For the newest installment of Fantrax’s fantasy running back depth charts series, we’re going to delve into the NFC West. I’ve already ranked the top 100 fantasy running backs in the NFL, but why not break this down by division? Between the Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, and the Seahawks, the NFC West can be tricky at the RB position.
A quality running back is a scarce fantasy asset. It’s for this reason that my favorite strategy is to draft a running back with my first 4 picks…regardless of league style (redraft, dynasty, etc.). I aim to find value at other positions like WR and QB because if I miss on a bet at those positions, I can always trade one of my RBs for a roster weakness during the season. When those RB injuries hit during the season (they always do), league-mates will be knocking down your door to get what you already have!!!
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NFC West RB Depth Chart
Cardinals:
RB30: Chase Edmonds
RB31: James Connor
This is a tough situation. I think we’ve got a true timeshare on our hands on this team. Kenyan Drake has moved on, to the Raiders. So, Chase gets his time to shine, right? WRONG! Enter in James Connor who was a pro bowl caliber running back a few years ago, and had a solid season last year with a sub-par offensive line. I truly don’t know who the starter will be here. Further, Kyler Murray will air it out, as well as gain his fair share of rushing yards. The Cards will have an explosive offense, which is why I have both of these players ranked so highly, but I think the bulk of their fantasy points will come from red zone TDs. Don’t reach, but if you draft one, make sure to draft the other. If there is an injury, their value skyrockets.
Rams:
RB16: Cam Akers
It’s officially the Cam Akers show in LA now. To be honest, I can’t wait. The addition of Matt Stafford will allow the running game to be more prominent in their game script because they won’t have to air it out in the fourth quarter of every game. Last year, Akers gave us an RB42 performance and didn’t become the starter until later in the year. Expect a complete star turn for Akers this year. He can do it all.
49ers:
RB32: Raheem Mostert
RB33: Trey Sermon
Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert were splitting carries and both rushed for around 600 yards each last year. This year, Wilson is hurt. Raheem will eat a majority of those carries, with Sermon getting a piece and catching passes out of the backfield. I’m very comfortable with the 49ers offense scoring points, so I believe the game scripts and red zone touches will favor the running game. Here’s where I could be wrong: If Trey Lance gets the starting QB tag by the middle of the year, he’s likely to cannibalize some of the rushing attack. Be careful.
Seahawks:
RB13: Chris Carson
One of the few workhorses we have left in this game. He was RB16 last year and missed several games. I think the best measure of what Carson is capable of is his 2019 season. He finished RB9 with 1500 all-purpose yards and 11TDs. He can be your RB1 and you may not even have to draft him in the first or second round in this year’s fantasy draft. If he falls to you, you should take him with confidence.
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