Welcome back to Cap’s Fantasy Corner, your go-to article series for all of your fantasy football needs! In this week’s edition, I’m breaking down my Top-5 fantasy RBs for the 2021 NFL season. This is purely a redraft article, so if you have dynasty fantasy questions, feel free to ask me questions in our Free Chat Room on Discord.
Before I jump into the rankings, I want to make sure you’re on top of your DFS game this season. There’s no better way to do that than by checking out our NFL Projections Portal. It’s the best tool on the market that can instantly help you increase your DFS bankroll this season. If you want to up your game to an even higher level, I encourage you to join Karma Nation as a premium member. Start dominating DFS in every sport the way you should be this season!
Let’s dive into these rankings. (Full-PPR)
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
There’s a reason McCaffrey is the consensus fantasy RB1 by most analysts. Primarily, it’s because he gives you the production of both a fantasy RB1 and WR1 in just one roster spot. Having that combined production gives you a weekly mismatch with the opposing team at your RB1 spot. I’m not concerned by his return from last year’s injury and I fully believe he will pick up right where he left off this season. If you think Sam Darnold remains as bad as he was with the New York Jets, then he’s going to need to check the ball down to Run CMC frequently.
My projections have McCaffrey at 1,275 rushing yards, 17 rushing TDs, 96 receptions, 844 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs for 444.3 fantasy points.
2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
No, I’m not concerned by the quarterback situation in New Orleans. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Kamara is now the most talented offensive weapon the team has at their disposal. With Michael Thomas projected to miss a good chunk of the season, Kamara is easily the best pass-catching option the team has left. The Saints also have one of the best offensive lines in the league, opening up running lanes for Kamara. I think this will be the first season Kamara eclipses 1,000 rushing yards and could be his career-best with how much the team is going to need to lean on him to make the offense tick.
My projections have Kamara at 1,056 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs, 90 receptions, 814 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs. Good for: 366.9 fantasy points.
3. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook is one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL. His dual-threat prowess is right up there with McCaffrey in terms of sheer talent. Cook’s only knock has been his health and ability to play a full season, which he has yet to do. However, when he is in the game, he is the absolute focal point of the Vikings offense. He can do it all. With the emergence of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, I’d expect Cook to face fewer stacked boxes on the defense and have more room to room than season’s past. Cook is the type of guy that can single-handedly win you a week in fantasy, which is what you’re looking for out of your first-round pick.
My projections have Cook at 1,701 rushing yards, 16 rushing TDs, 48 receptions, 394 receiving yards, and 1 receiving TD. Good for: 354.1 fantasy points.
4. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
“Reunited and it feels so goood.” Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay and that means we can count on at least one more year of prolific offense from the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Jones has been one of the most efficient runners in the NFL since entering the league. He has a similar skillset to New Orleans Saints running back, Alvin Kamara. Every season, fantasy drafters doubt Aaron Jones and he receives a steep discount in drafts because of it. Over the past four seasons, Jones has finished as the RB7, RB4, RB4 and RB16 overall in half-PPR formats and even higher in full-PPR leagues. He’s one of the only top-5 running backs you can get at a discount in drafts because he doesn’t have “name-value” attached to him like others on this list. With a big contract on his bankroll now, I fully expect Jones to have another stellar season for fantasy football managers.
My projections have Jones at 1,340 rushing yards, 11 rushing TDs, 57 receptions, 431 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs. Good for: 310.4 fantasy points.
5. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Remember, these are full-PPR rankings. In other formats, Ekeler doesn’t rank this highly. However, much of Ekeler’s fantasy production comes from his role in the passing game. In 2019, Ekeler finished as the RB4 overall in full-PPR and that was with Melvin Gordon starting ahead of him. With his only competition for touches being rookie Larry Roundtree and 2nd year running back Justin Jackson, I expect Ekeler to be a lock for a top-5 in full-PPR leagues–if he stays healthy. With Ekeler being attached to a great offense with Justin Herbert at the helm and a revamped offensive line, I think he’ll end up being a great value in your 2021 fantasy drafts.
My projections have Ekeler at 991 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs, 92 receptions, 685 receiving yards, and 3 receiving TDs. Good for: 304.3 fantasy points.
