NFL 2018: Top 12 0.5 PPR NFL Fantasy Running Backs

Running backs are undoubtedly the most important part of a successful fantasy squad, with their dual-threat ability in the running and passing game culminating in huge fantasy scores. Backs like Todd Gurley and David Johnson have really carried their teams in recent seasons.

So with the excitement for the 2018 NFL season building, I've taken a look at who I think will be the top running backs of this coming season. These are based on my projections for the players and how I think they will perform in a 0.5 PPR league this year, barring injury.

#12 Christian McCaffrey - Carolina Panthers - 2017 total = 188.6

Green Bay Packers v Carolina Panthers

I've put Christian McCaffrey in at number 12 because I think he will be a PPR monster this year. Last year, his first in the NFL, McCaffrey caught 80 passes, which is 3rd among running backs, only behind Leveon Bell and Alvin Kamara. I expect him to acquire even more catches this year because I think he will be on the field more often than last season's 69.98%.

This is largely because of the departure of Jonathan Stewart. I know the Panthers have just signed CJ Anderson, but I still see CMC being out there more and easily surpassing his 117 rushes which ranked 39th out of all running backs.

I think that McCaffrey will really cement his role in the offense and become an even more valuable weapon to Cam Newton in the passing game.

#11 Lesean Mccoy - Buffalo Bills - 2017 total = 234.1

Buffalo Bills v Cincinnati Bengals

Shady McCoy proved again that he's one of the most valuable RBs in the league. The whole offense runs through Shady, whether it's in the rushing or passing game. Last year, Mike Tolbert was his only backup. This year it's Chris Ivory's turn. He shouldn't be too much competition for McCoy and will likely just come in to give Shady a rest.

McCoy will be 30 by the time the 2018 season starts, and did show signs of slowing down last year, with his rushing average a career low of 4.0 YPC. However, he still had the 4th most rushing yards and I think the volume he will receive this year will still keep him inside the top 12 RBs. Keep in mind, a new QB will be behind center this year. Either AJ McCarron or Josh Allen will lead the team out, and both are likely to lean heavily on McCoy.

#10 Dalvin Cook - Minnesota Vikings - 2017 total = 59.9

Detroit Lions v Minnesota Vikings

Dalvin Cook started off his rookie campaign in great form, until he went down in week 4 against Detroit. He was the lead back behind an improved offensive line and is set to continue those duties this season, even with Latavius Murray being healthy. Jerick Mckinnon has also departed for the 49ers, leaving a lot of passing down snaps up for grabs. Cook is a better pass catcher than Murray, so I'd expect him to take on that role also.

I can see the Minnesota offense being a force to be reckoned with, with Kirk Cousins at the helm, and this can only help Cook's output. The former second-round pick from Florida State has the chance to be one of the best backs in the league as long as he can stay healthy.

#9 Melvin Gordon - Los Angeles Chargers - 2017 total = 229.1

San Diego Chargers v Houston Texans

Melvin Gordon comes in at number 9 after finishing the 2017 season as the 7th rusher with 1105 yards and 12 total TDs. He marked career highs in rushing yards, rushing attempts and receptions. Austin Ekeler did come in to steal some 3rd down work, but he's not a first or second down back, so Gordon's workload won't be affected for the coming season. The Chargers also reinforced their O-Line with the addition of Mike Pouncey. They also get last year's draft pick, Forrest Lamp, back after injury.

The Chargers offense has become quite the force, and Gordon will look to continue his great rushing form from the past couple of years into this new season.

#8 Kareem Hunt - Kansas City Chiefs - 2017 total = 268.7

Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers

Kareem Hunt started last season with a bang, surprising NFL defences with his hard running and tackle-breaking abilities. The third-round pick out of Toledo really took advantage of the unfortunate Spencer Wares' knee injury.

Consistency was the only issue for Hunt, and that's the reason I have him lower on my list than some people. Andy Reid neglected the running game at times and that really affected Hunt's stock midway through the season. However, Hunt finished his rookie campaign as the leading rusher in the NFL with 1327 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns. I expect him to have another solid season, leading a Kansas City offense that is stacked with weapons.

#7 Leonard Fournette - Jacksonville Jaguars - 2017 total = 212.2

Jacksonville Jaguars v Pittsburgh Steelers

Fournette had a great rookie campaign as part of a rejuvenated Jacksonville Jaguars team. I fully expect him to continue with that form into this coming season. He is the workhorse back in a largely run-dominated offense and I can't see that changing.

Fournette has an angry running style and doesn't shy away from contact. It's easy to see why he was compared to Adrian Petersen coming out of college. He finished last season with 10 touchdowns and 1040 rushing yards on 268 carries. I see him improving on his 3.9 YPC this year, due to reinforcements in the offensive line. Hopefully, he can stay injury free this year, as his season last year was plagued by a niggling ankle injury.

Unfortunately, it was the same injury that hindered him throughout his college career at LSU. He only played in 13 games, so if he plays the full 16 he can really climb up those RB charts.

#6 Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints - 2017 total = 279.9

Carolina Panthers v New Orleans Saints

Wow, just wow. What a rookie campaign it was for Kamara, who set the league alight with his stunning performances. The third-round pick out of Tennessee dominated in a split backfield alongside teammate Mark Ingram. This season, however, it has been rumoured that Kamara will be taking over lead back duties, meaning his total could be even higher. It has also just come to light that Ingram has been banned for 4 games for use of PEDs, so Kamara will be the bell cow back for the Saints during the first few weeks.

Now, I do expect some regression from Kamara. His 6.1 yards per carry last season was exceptional and I think he will struggle to hit those heights again. However, with more volume, Ingram's problems and Kamara's superb talent, I think he can match the yards and touchdown totals he achieved last year.

#5 Saquon Barkley - New York Giants - 2017 total = 0 (Rookie)

2018 NFL Draft

A few people may be surprised at how high I have Barkley ranked here, but hear me out. Having been picked up by the NY Giants with the number 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, it seems the Giants see him as a difference maker on offense.

Barkley blew everyone away at the combine with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, 29 reps on the bench, and a 41-inch vertical jump. He's a freak athlete who has landed in a great spot. The Giants were desperate for an improved run game after last year's group of runners failed to make an impression.

Darkwa, Perkins and Gallman all had their shot, but failed to deliver consistent performances. It wasn't just their fault though, as the offensive line was very poor. The Giants have addressed that need this offseason by acquiring Nate Solder, and drafting Will Hernandez in the 2nd round, both of whom will improve the running game immensely.

Barkley will have instant volume in this team on all 3 downs, despite the signing of Jonathan Stewart. He is a special athlete who will dominate in this league for years to come.

#4 David Johnson - Arizona Cardinals - 2017 total = 13

Washington Redskins v Arizona Cardinals

First of all, let's ignore DJ's score from last year. Most of you will know that he injured his wrist in the first game of the season and ended up needing surgery. So let's take a look at his 2016 season where he really came to prominence. Johnson rushed for 1239 yards and 16 touchdowns, while accumulating 879 yards and 4 TDs in the passing game.

Johnson is the undoubted 3 down back in the Cardinals offense, which sees Sam Bradford behind center for the first time. Bradford will start the season, despite the Cardinals trading up to get Josh Rosen in this year's draft. From his time in Minnesota, Bradford has shown he can be highly accurate at short and intermediate passes, which should lead to high levels of usage in the passing game for DJ.

Johnson has exceptional speed, safe hands, and is tough to bring down. I expect 2018 to be another big year for the former 3rd round pick out of Northern Iowa.

#3 Ezekiel Elliott - Dallas Cowboys - 2017 total = 190.2

Chicago Bears v Dallas Cowboys

Ezekiel Elliott comes in at number 3 on my list. The 2017 season was one of frustration for Zeke. The Dallas Cowboys had their offensive struggles, and his off-field ongoing battle with the NFL finally culminated in a 6 match ban. That being said, Zeke still tallied up 1252 yards from scrimmage and 9 touchdowns.

He averaged over 20 points a week for his owners last year, to help repay some of the faith that was shown in him with his ban looming. However, those problems are now a thing of the past and Zeke will once again look to prove himself in the upper echelon of NFL running backs. He is the workhorse back in the Dallas offense with very little competition for snaps, despite the recent trade acquisition of Tavon Austin, who is to be converted into an RB.

I can see head coach Jason Garrett going with a very run-heavy approach this year as the team acclimatizes to life after Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

#2 Todd Gurley - L.A Rams - 2017 total = 351.3 pts

St Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks

Gurley comes in a close 2nd on my list. His 2017 was phenomenal, totaling 1305 rushing yards, 788 receiving yards and a total of 19 touchdowns. Each week he carried your fantasy team with big score after big score. His 2017 performance was in stark contrast to his underwhelming 2016 output, which was down to a few factors. Firstly, Jared Goff's improved play meant defences couldn't just stack the box against Gurley, and secondly, Sean McVay took over as head coach of the Rams in 2017. His play calling on offence kept defences guessing all year round and Gurley took advantage of this. He looked like the player he was in his rookie season in the NFL. Quick, elusive and making all the right decisions.

If you're wondering why I have Gurley behind Bell, it's because I can see a bit of regression in the TD column this season. His 6 receiving TDs led all RBs, and I think he will have a few less this year. Never the less, Todd Gurley is an elite running back in the NFL and I expect another stellar season from him this year.

#1 Leveon Bell - Pittsburgh Steelers - 2017 total = 299.1 pts

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns

Now, you could make an argument that any of the 'top 4' elite running backs could come out on top here. But for me, Leveon Bell is just ranked ahead of the others, due to his exceptional mix of speed, power, patience and soft hands. Every year he is picked within the first couple of picks in fantasy drafts and it's easy to see why.

Bell is a true 3 down back and it's his usage in the receiving game that makes him stand apart from the rest of the field. He totalled 85 receptions last year which is very valuable in PPR and half PPR leagues. Bell is blessed with a fantastic offensive line that facilitates his patient approach. He starts off slow, but as soon as a gap appears, BOOM, he's through it before any defenders can lay a hand on him.

Last year Bell finished as the number 2 fantasy running back, finishing with 11 total TDs. I see him having closer to 14 this year, with him gaining a couple more in the receiving game, as he only had 2 last year. My only concern is his contract situation. Last season he stayed away from OTAs and preseason and you could see that he was slow getting back into his rhythm. Let's hope he participates fully this year and can hit the ground running (pun intended).