Running back rankings for 2020 fantasy football: Post free agency

Free agency is tidying up after it crashed through the NFL window and rearranged the furniture, so it’s time to get you, our loyal reader, some updated fantasy rankings for the 2020 season.

The NFL Draft will move things around a bit, as top running back draft pick destinations are the biggest impact we’ll see after the the draft is wrapped up. We will of course have a fresh set of rankings then. But for now, check out our post-free agency running back rankings below:

Tier 1

Christian McCaffrey was so far ahead of every other fantasy running back this season that he could lose a big chunk of his fantasy points and still be the No. 1 back. So, even if new head coach Matt Rhule doesn’t use him as much as last season, there’s still a strong chance he ends up the top fantasy back again.

Saquon Barkley had a down season in 2019 due to a rookie quarterback and a high ankle sprain, but he was a beast to end the season. Daniel Jones wasn’t awful last year and had some huge games, so there is upside with him at the helm, while Barkley should be the engine of their offense.

Tier 1 could just be McCaffrey, but with his usage somewhat in question, I think it’s safe to lump him, Barkley, Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara into the same top-tier cruise ship.

Tier 2

Last season we saw the Bengals Joe Mixon break out late, as the team finally just let him lead the way, as their quarterbacks weren’t able. This year they should have Joe Burrow, which will help their overall offense, giving Mixon more scoring opportunities.

Austin Ekeler is a great fantasy back, as he’s great in open space and can catch anything thrown his way while also getting enough work on the ground to boost his overall numbers. He out-played Melvin Gordon in a big way last season and Gordon won’t be back with the team. It’s Ekeler’s time to shine.

Free Agency Fallout

Melvin Gordon landed in Denver, where he should have an upgrade at offensive line and is the likely lead back. His usage with the Chargers was great, but he should be more efficiency with the Broncos and the presence of Phillip Lindsay likely won’t hurt him anymore than Ekeler did with the Chargers.

Kenyan Drake won’t need to worry about David Johnson taking any work away after he was traded to Houston. Drake also was a stud in the second half of the season in Kliff Kingsbury’s pass first offense, which helped him see light fronts and see useful targets. His upside is great in Arizona this season.