The importance of running back has been well-versed throughout the years in fantasy football. In 2023 nothing changes, as having the correct running backs can lead you to a fantasy championship. The most significant similarity that you’ll find between all of the running backs is the volume within the position. As we have all heard before, “volume is king.” So, let’s break down the best running backs to chase at their ADP to ensure we walk away from the 2023 season with fantasy gold.

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Must-Have Running Backs

RB ADP has been determined by Half-point PPR ranking on FantasyPros

Nick Chubb (RB – CLE) (ADP 14)

In the past, Nick Chubb has made the avoid list due to his lack of pass-catching opportunity with Kareem Hunt in the mix. However, The Browns did not retain Kareem Hunt this season, leaving Nick Chubb to command most of the backfield, with only Jerome Ford to commandeer the backup role. Nick Chubb has seen 190+ rushing attempts every season with 25+ targets in the last two NFL seasons. With Hunt out of Cleveland, those numbers could increase with The Browns organization having a potential out in his contract for 2024. Last season, I begged you to jump on Josh Jacobs because the volume + the contract built the narrative of “riding him until the wheels fall off.” I implore you to follow the same route this season with the 27-year-old veteran Nick Chubb.

James Conner (RB – ARI) (ADP 28)

As we spoke about earlier, volume is king. Look at the Arizona Cardinals backfield; one thing you will notice is that the only player with experience and talent is James Conner. The 2023 season should become a lost season for the Arizona organization with a rookie head coach in Jonathan Gannon, a team full of holes on both sides of the ball and their franchise quarterback on injured reserve to start the season (maybe even the entire 2023 campaign). The Arizona Cardinals also control a potential out on this 28-year-old veteran running back. So don’t be surprised if the organization runs James Conner into the ground with volume in 2023 and then moves on to a younger core of running backs in 2024. If the organization follows this path, Conner could be a steal within your fantasy drafts as the “non-sexy” name that provides a safe floor of volume every week.

Miles Sanders (RB – CAR) (ADP 81)

We, once again, follow the contract and the depth chart as we head to the Carolina Panthers and Miles Sanders. The Carolina Panthers left the draft without adding major talent to the running back position. They also paid Miles Sanders $25M for four years this offseason. Combining those factors gives you a workhorse-style running back in Carolina. Miles Sanders is a very talented back and with the organization drafting Bryce Young, they will do their best to protect their slight-of-frame quarterback. Miles Sanders should receive 250+ carries this season and more than pay off his draft capital on your fantasy football squad.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE) (ADP 90)

First, we should discuss how Rhamondre Stevenson’s ADP should change throughout the offseason. He should not be sitting this late into your draft once we get into the heat of drafting season. However, if you are drafting and Stevenson is still sitting there, smash the draft button and start researching your next pick.

However, Rhamondre Stevenson should and will be a mid-second-round pick in fantasy football. Due to that, let’s discuss why you should add him to your roster this draft season. First, as always, we look at the depth chart. The only people behind him are James Robinson and Pierre Strong Jr. Neither player has the ability Stevenson can provide on any down, which leads to Stevenson having a three-down capability for your fantasy roster. The biggest reason you need to draft Rhamondre Stevenson is the amount of target he will see in 2023. Last season, he saw 88 targets last year, with Damien Harris on the roster taking some work away from him. Expect more of the same this year, as Stevenson could provide you with 250+ carries and 75+ targets. Therefore, one rule for 2023 fantasy football will be, “You should be extremely overweight on Rhamondre Stevenson.”

Now that we have broken down which running backs you should target within your 2023 drafts. We hope you crush every draft this offseason. Remember to read all the excellent advice on FantasyPros and if you ever need help with your fantasy teams, feel free to contact me on Twitter at @jpep20. Good Luck in 2023!

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