Well, Week 1 was an absolute stinker for the top running backs based on ADP. But, don’t worry these running backs will bounce back and I just so happen to have the perfect RB rankings list going into Week 2.
Just as a reminder, these rankings lists are based on half-PPR scoring.
Week 2 RB Notes:
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
After battling a few years of injuries, it looks like Saquon Barkley is back to his vintage form. Barkley absolutely went off last week going for 164 yards on 18 attempts, one touchdown and seven receptions for 30 yards.
Barkley moves up as my RB3 for Week 2 as he goes against the Panthers. The Panther’s run defense gave up 141 rushing yards to Nick Chubb and gave up two touchdowns to Kareem Hunt last week. Barkley is set in line to rush one touchdown and catch for one as well.
The Panthers gave up 35.8 fantasy points to Chubb and Hunt last week, and I expect Barkley to have another 20-plus point game this week.
Antonio Gibson, Washington Commanders
The preseason had us fooled that Antonio Gibson was not going to get his touches. But, last week he showed us all that he is that guy in Washington. Which is why I have him as my RB14 for Week 2.
He was active in the rush game and the passing game. Gibson caught seven balls for 72 yards and rushed for 58 yards. All he needed was a touchdown to top it all off.
J.D. McKissic only had three rushing attempts to Gibson’s 14. So, while Brian Robinson Jr. is out, Gibson will be the man in Washington. If he keeps up this production, I don’t see Robinson cutting into Gibson’s touches when he comes back.
Washington will go against the Lions this week, who gave up the fourth most fantasy points in 34.7. The Lions gave up four rushing touchdowns last week and 96 yards just to Miles Sanders.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons
Last, I have Cordarrelle Patterson ranked as my RB21 this week. He does have to go against the Rams this week. But, Patterson got the workload last week with 22 carries. And with those carries, he had 120 yards and a touchdown.
Patterson is the workhorse running back for the Falcons and will get his opportunities for you. He does have a tough matchup, but I would much rather start Patterson over Ezekiel Elliott, Travis Etienne Jr. and Sanders. All of which were drafted way ahead of Patterson.
The Falcons look to utilize Patterson like last year, and you need to use him while he’s hot.
Week 2 RB Rankings
Rnk | Player | Team | Opp |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | at JAC |
2 | Christian McCaffrey | CAR | at NYG |
3 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | vs. CAR |
4 | Dalvin Cook | MIN | at PHI |
5 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | at KC |
6 | Derrick Henry | TEN | at BUF |
7 | Joe Mixon | CIN | at DAL |
8 | D'Andre Swift | DET | vs. WAS |
9 | Nick Chubb | CLE | vs. NYJ |
10 | Javonte Williams | DEN | vs. HOU |
11 | Leonard Fournette | TB | at NO |
12 | Alvin Kamara | NO | vs. TB |
13 | James Conner | ARI | at LV |
14 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | at DET |
15 | Aaron Jones | GB | vs. CHI |
16 | AJ Dillon | GB | vs. CHI |
17 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | vs. LAC |
18 | Josh Jacobs | LV | vs. ARI |
19 | Rashaad Penny | SEA | at SF |
20 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | vs. NYJ |
21 | Cordarrelle Patterson | ATL | at LAR |
22 | David Montgomery | CHI | at GB |
23 | Ezekiel Elliott | DAL | vs. CIN |
24 | Najee Harris | PIT | vs. NE |
25 | Travis Etienne Jr. | JAC | vs. IND |
26 | Miles Sanders | PHI | vs. MIN |
27 | Darrell Henderson Jr. | LAR | vs. ATL |
28 | Chase Edmonds | MIA | at BAL |
29 | Damien Harris | NE | at PIT |
30 | Devin Singletary | BUF | vs. TEN |
31 | James Robinson | JAC | vs. IND |
32 | Jeff Wilson Jr. | SF | vs. SEA |
33 | Michael Carter | NYJ | at CLE |
34 | Melvin Gordon III | DEN | vs. HOU |
35 | Jamaal Williams | DET | vs. WAS |
36 | Breece Hall | NYJ | at CLE |
37 | Cam Akers | LAR | vs. ATL |
38 | Tony Pollard | DAL | vs. CIN |
39 | Dameon Pierce | HOU | at DEN |
40 | Rhamondre Stevenson | NE | at PIT |
41 | Nyheim Hines | IND | at JAC |
42 | Kenyan Drake | BAL | vs. MIA |
43 | Rex Burkhead | HOU | at DEN |
44 | Khalil Herbert | CHI | at GB |
45 | J.D. McKissic | WAS | at DET |
46 | Kenneth Gainwell | PHI | vs. MIN |
47 | Raheem Mostert | MIA | at BAL |
48 | Jaylen Warren | PIT | vs. NE |
49 | Dontrell Hilliard | TEN | at BUF |
50 | Alexander Mattison | MIN | at PHI |