For the newest installment of Fantrax’s fantasy running back depth charts series, we’re going to delve into the AFC North. I’ve already ranked the top 100 fantasy running backs in the NFL, but why not break this down by division? Between the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, and the Steelers, the AFC North has the best batch of RBs in the league.
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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AFC North RB Depth Chart
Ravens:
RB17: J.K. Dobbins
RB35: Gus Edwards
Make no mistake about it. Lamar Jackson is both the QB1 and the RB1 of the Baltimore Ravens. I don’t mean that in a tongue-in-cheek way, either. He literally was the RB1 last year. Lamar ran for over 1,000 yards last year, while J.K. Dobbins finished with 800 yards rushing, and Edwards wasn’t far behind with 700 yards. Every year we hear the coach of a mobile quarterback say that they will run less this year, and it really never happens. Players play the way they play. The way that gives them the best chance to win. Lamar is at his best when he’s a threat on the ground. So are the Ravens. That won’t stop.
That said, J.K. Dobbins led the Ravens in rushing TDs with 9 last year, while Edwards wasn’t far behind with 7 TDs. The Ravens are a running team that leans on their defense. They will beat you by controlling the clock and keeping your offense off of the field. They have some new shiny weapons in the receiving game, but I don’t anticipate that will change the way the Ravens play historically. I’m very comfortable drafting both of these players. I don’t think I even need them as a starter and handcuff. They are excellent standalone assets. The Ravens didn’t just fork over a new contract to Gus Edwards because he’s a nice guy. You’ll get value with both of these players through TDs, as opposed to rushing yards and receiving touches. And they’ll be plenty of them to go around.
Bengals:
RB10: Joe Mixon
This man is probably the most polarizing fantasy running back in the league. None of us can deny that he has the tools, but can he stay healthy? My answer is yes. On top of that, the Bengals offense is as loaded as it’s been in recent memory. That does two major things for Mixon. First, the threat of a prolific passing attack from Burrow and co., gets defenses to go away from stacking the box. The threat from the passing attack and/or read options gives Mixon flexibility. Secondly, the Bengals might be able to have some leads this year. That means you run the ball to wind down the clock. That’s great for Mixon. It’s not worth it for me to mention his stats from last year since he played so little, but at the end of the day, Mixon will get touches in the rushing game and the passing attack. This will be his breakout season. Bet on it!
Browns:
RB9: Nick Chubb
RB25: Kareem Hunt
Compared to consensus, I’m low on Chubb by a few spots. He was over 1,000 yards last year but ceded receiving touches to Kareem Hunt. Further, I worry about two things for Chubb’s value: It’s a contract year for Baker Mayfield, so I anticipate we see him flash more of his arm talent because if they can win with a replacement-level QB, they likely will try to, rather than pay Mayfield nine figures. The second thing is that it’s a contract year for Nick Chubb. Nobody wants to pay a RB anymore. You especially don’t pay that RB when you have Kareem Hunt as the backup for cheap.
When two players are equally capable, and one is less expensive, the money starts to matter. Chubb is going to get touches and TDs, which is why he stays in my top 10, but be careful. He has the lowest floor in my top 10 projections.
Steelers:
RB12: Najee Harris
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Najee Harris. The best fantasy rookie RB in the league this year. He’s got the offensive line, a competent quarterback, and a great defense. Harris will also catch out of the backfield. The only thing that would stop Najee from being elite this year is a learning curve. I’ll take my chances on an Alabama football player not being mentally prepared for the rigors of the NFL. Now….a tale as old as time… I present to you…camp footage:
Najee Harris' footwork is too smooth 👀👀 @ohthatsNajee22 @steelers
(via @Teresa_Varley)pic.twitter.com/e8Lx9MBp2r
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) June 19, 2021
Najee Harris: still a one-handed catching machine (photo via his IG story) pic.twitter.com/tqvmkvzlpr
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) June 17, 2021
Fade at your own risk, friends.
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