Way too early 2026 fantasy football running back rankings

Andy McNamara

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Way too early 2026 fantasy football running back rankings image

Did you win your fantasy football championship? Whether you did or not, it's never too early to start preparing for the 2026 season!

Let's focus on running backs.

Trying to navigate backfield committees compared to selecting a rare bell cow early is always a challenge. Of course there will also be rookies drafted, trades, and free agency that will shake up this list by the time August comes around. 

To build next year's top-12 fantasy RBs, first we look the best in PPR formats from this current season.

2025 Top-12 Fantasy PPR Running Backs
 Rank            Player Total Yards    Total TDs  Fantasy PPG
    1Christian McCaffrey (SF)     2,069           17         25.3
    2Bijan Robinson (ATL)     2,255           11         22.7
    3Jonathan Taylor (IND)     1,924           20         22.3
    4Jahmyr Gibbs (DET)     1,726           17         21.7
    5De'Von Achane (MIA)     1,838           12         20.2
    6James Cook III (BUF)     1,897           14         18.8
    7Derrick Henry (BAL)     1,619           16         16.7
    8Chase Brown (CIN)     1,366           10         16.5
    9Kyren Williams (LAR)     1,452           13         15.8
   10Travis Etienne Jr. (JAX)     1,361           13         15.6
   11Javonte Williams (DAL)     1,338           13         15.2
   12Saquon Barkley (PHI)     1,413            9         14.5

MORE: Way Too Early 2026 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings

It will be interesting to see draft trends on older running backs.

Derrick Henry's costly fumble issues, Jonathan Taylor fading down the stretch, and Saquon Barkley's significant fantasy points-per-game drop off from a year ago. Compare that of course to Christian McCaffrey looking as dominant as ever.

Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson

2026 RB Fantasy Projected Rankings

RankRunning BackTeam 
   1Bijan Robinson ATL
   2Christian McCaffrey  SF
   3Jahmyr Gibbs DET
   4James Cook III BUF
   5De'Von Achane MIA
   6Jonathan Taylor IND
   7Ashton Jeanty  LV
   8Breece Hall NYJ
   9Derrick Henry BAL
  10Omarion Hampton LAC
  11Saquon Barkley PHI
  12TreyVeon Henderson  NE
  • Christian McCaffrey turning 30 this year will undoubtedly make some fantasy managers nervous. However, he's still the engine that runs the 49ers offense. Let's hope for one more banger of a season.
  • If the offensive lines and quarterbacks improve for the Raiders and Jets, then both Ashton Jeanty and Breece Hall possess more than enough talent to climb the RB1 ladder.

SLEEPER: Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Like Jeanty and Hall mentioned above, a significant O-Line upgrade is needed for Judkins to be trusted on a weekly basis in the fantasy world.

His ankle and knee injuries are expected to be fully healed by training camp as well. Plus, there could be a new head coach with a more creative offensive scheme that could also help out the Ohio State alum's production.

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Contributing Writer