Top running backs · 2026 projected
Ranked by projected PPR points per game and value over replacement. Tap any player for his full projection.
| # | Player | Team | Projected line | Proj PPG | VOR | ADP Rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Jahmyr Gibbs |  DET | 1,529 rush · 82 rec · 14 TD | 23.9 | +14.2 | 1 |
| 2 |  Bijan Robinson |  ATL | 1,592 rush · 74 rec · 8 TD | 20.9 | +11.2 | 1 |
| 3 |  Kyren Williams |  LAR | 1,189 rush · 59 rec · 10 TD | 18.0 | +8.3 | 1 |
| 4 |  Kenneth Walker III |  KC | 1,555 rush · 44 rec · 9 TD | 17.8 | +8.1 | 1 |
| 5 |  Jonathan Taylor |  IND | 1,431 rush · 38 rec · 14 TD | 17.0 | +7.3 | 1 |
| 6 |  Christian McCaffrey |  SF | 849 rush · 71 rec · 9 TD | 16.6 | +6.9 | 2 |
| 7 |  James Cook III |  BUF | 1,473 rush · 29 rec · 11 TD | 16.5 | +6.8 | 2 |
| 8 |  Ashton Jeanty |  LV | 976 rush · 69 rec · 6 TD | 15.0 | +5.3 | 2 |
| 9 |  Javonte Williams |  DAL | 937 rush · 46 rec · 13 TD | 14.7 | +5.0 | 2 |
| 10 |  Chase Brown |  CIN | 952 rush · 66 rec · 6 TD | 14.4 | +4.7 | 3 |
| 11 |  D'Andre Swift |  CHI | 1,009 rush · 41 rec · 10 TD | 14.0 | +4.3 | 3 |
| 12 |  Bucky Irving |  TB | 1,152 rush · 50 rec · 4 TD | 13.8 | +4.1 | 3 |
| 13 |  Saquon Barkley |  PHI | 1,337 rush · 28 rec · 7 TD | 13.8 | +4.1 | 3 |
| 14 |  Breece Hall |  NYJ | 1,035 rush · 52 rec · 4 TD | 13.6 | +3.9 | 3 |
| 15 |  Omarion Hampton |  LAC | 989 rush · 49 rec · 8 TD | 13.5 | +3.8 | 3 |
Fantasy RB rankings: FAQ
Who is the best fantasy running back in 2026?
The Balladex projection model's #1 fantasy running back for 2026 is Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) — projected for 23.9 PPR fantasy points per game, an ADP around round 1. Rounding out the top five: Bijan Robinson, Kyren Williams, Kenneth Walker III, Jonathan Taylor.
Who are the top running backs to draft in 2026 fantasy football?
The Balladex model's top running backs: 1. Jahmyr Gibbs (23.9 PPG); 2. Bijan Robinson (20.9 PPG); 3. Kyren Williams (18.0 PPG); 4. Kenneth Walker III (17.8 PPG); 5. Jonathan Taylor (17.0 PPG); 6. Christian McCaffrey (16.6 PPG); 7. James Cook III (16.5 PPG); 8. Ashton Jeanty (15.0 PPG).
How are these running backs ranked?
Each running back is projected forward from his last three seasons — recency- and sample-weighted per-game production, bent along a position aging curve and an availability estimate, with touchdowns regressed toward red-zone opportunity and defensive scheme + weekly matchups folded in — then scored PPR and ranked by value over replacement. A transparent Balladex model estimate, not a guarantee.