Running back rankings for 2021 fantasy football before March free agency

Last season was a tough one for fantasy drafters with the No. 1 and 2 picks missing much of the season. Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley both were problematic draft choices. In their place, Dalvin Cook and Alvin Kamara took over as the go-to top plays in PPR leagues, while Derrick Henry moved into their group in non-PPR leagues.

Here are my pre-draft and -free agency running back half-ppr rankings:

Tier 1

Will McCaffrey return to his No. 1 status this season? Yes, but we will likely see more arguments for Cook, Henry, Barkley and Kamara. With Drew Brees likely gone, Kamara becomes a little iffier, but he should still be a huge part of the Saints offense. McCaffrey still put up huge numbers in his almost three games played and should be champing at the bit to get back to the field. Barkley has the ability to be a high-usage back and put up big PPR numbers, but his injury history and sketchy offense is a little worrisome. But, I still like him as a Tier 1 player.

Tier 2

After those five, things get a little tougher, but we have a good group with Nick Chubb, Jonathan Taylor and Austin Ekeler. I’m also high on D’Andre Swift and J.K. Dobbins, while Ezekiel Elliott should return to a touchdown maker with Dak Prescott back. These probably can be split into two tiers, but they are close.