Fantasy Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Available Running Backs
Fantasy Football Power Rankings: Top 5 Available Running Backs
Week 6 of the football season saw the Chicago Bears hand the New York Giants their sixth consecutive loss. Looking past the score, there were some bright spots for the Giants. Brandon Jacobs shocked everyone with a 22-point output, rushing for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Even though they haven't won a game, the Giants can be happy they were able to pick up Jacobs to provide some scoring.
Fantasy owners can do the same thing as the Giants. Owners are always looking to get a leg up on their competition. Whether it's drafting the backup to someone else's quarterback or running back, or executing trades to fill the holes in their lineup, owners are doing everything they can. The biggest thing owners can do to get that advantage is read the reports to see who the next breakout star is going to be.
As soon as Julius Thomas had his awesome Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, he was the most-added player in the following week. This isn't a new strategy as the same thing was done with Victor Cruz in 2011. However, being the first to jump on these players before they get noticed is what will separate you from the rest of the pack and win your fantasy league championship.
With the fantasy season roughly one-third of the way over already, finding the next Cruz or Thomas is important for you and your team at this stage of the season. This slideshow will focus on running backs that are widely available in leagues and could make an impact for your team.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
5. Andre Brown
Owned in: 18.4 percent of ESPN.com leagues
Speaking of the New York Giants, they've had a lot of trouble at the running back position. David Wilson may be out for the year. Da'Rel Scott injured his hamstring last Thursday. Many forget that Andre Brown broke his leg during the final preseason game and was placed on the short-term injured reserve list, making him eligible to come back in Week 8.
The realistic timetable is for him to return in Week 10 as the Giants are on bye in Week 9. The Giants cannot rely just on Brandon Jacobs for the rest of the year, and Brown will able to run past defenders instead of through them. It's unclear as to who the starter will be, but Brown should see his fair share of carries.
4. Ronnie Hillman
Owned: 44.9 percent
Despite being the backup to Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman has had a decent season so far. He has 137 rushing and 102 receiving yards in five games. He has seen an increase in touches, eclipsing double digits in the last three weeks. Hillman is a great pass catcher and could see more goal-line opportunities with the Denver Broncos' no-huddle offense.
This week, Hillman is a great fantasy option. If the Broncos have a big lead, which is very likely, Moreno may get pulled to avoid injury and Hillman would be the go-to back. After this week, he's hit-or-miss though.
3. Andre Ellington
Owned: 8.5 percent
Andre Ellington is earning more and more touches every week. He has been used as a running back as well as a wide receiver. Head coach Bruce Arians said that Ellington could continue to see 30-35 snaps per game. This will also hurt the value of Rashard Mendenhall.
However, Arians also said that he doesn't see Ellington as a featured back. That shouldn't shy you away from picking up Ellington. He has 18 touches and 134 yards in the last two weeks. He should be added in somewhat deep leagues, but one injury to Mendenhall can make Ellington the starter.
2. Pierre Thomas
Owned: 32.2 percent
What a game by Pierre Thomas last week against the Chicago Bears. He had 19 carries for 36 yards, but the shocker came from his receiving totals. He had nine receptions for 55 yards and two scores. That's a stat line usually seen from Darren Sproles.
Now, Thomas is unlikely to have those kind of numbers against the New England Patriots this week, but you can't rule it out. Drew Brees continues to look Thomas' way as he's on pace for 90 receptions. If Mark Ingram remains out, the Thomas will see more time on the field.
1. Willis McGahee
Owned: 57.5 percent
It's weird that a No. 1 running back isn't owned in more leagues, but Willis McGahee is that running back. However, his 2.60 yards per carry in three games could be keeping owners away from the 11-year veteran. But if you need a starting running back, you will just have to accept McGahee's numbers and trust that he'll punch it in for a score.
McGahee is the clear-cut starter. Bobby Rainey and Chris Ogbonnaya are getting very few carries -- eight combined carries over the last two games. With some favorable matchups coming up on the Browns' schedule, including the Detroit Lions this week, McGahee should see an increase in ownership.
