Running back rankings for XFL Week 1

Friday, February 17 update — With more research we’ve once again tweaked the running back rankings. I’ve tried to elevate likely receiving backs in this update, so consider these ranking geared toward PPR scoting.

Thursday, February 16 update — We’ve had a burst of depth charts come out, so the RB rankings have shifted quite a bit. It’s tough to trust XFL depth charts too much, but they are also one of the few signs to who will get the start in Week 1.

The 2023 version of the XFL kicks off this weekend on Saturday, February 18th. The running back situations aren’t exactly clear yet. Depth charts are beginning to leak out, but even those aren’t to be taken as gospel until we see a player get actual opportunities on the field.

So, does that mean these rankings aren’t great? Yes, that is what it means. But, we can do know a team like the D.C. Defenders, who will have ex-running back Reggie Barlow as head coach and a run-oriented OC in Fred Kaiss. They have a good running back room, but ex-Baylor star Abram Smith was the first pick in the XFL draft. That doesn’t mean that Ryquell Armstead, Artavis Pierce, and Pooka Williams won’t be involved in the ground attack though. They have some talent at the position.

You can also be deceived by depth charts, as the St. Louis Battlehawks list Mataeo Durant as last on their running back depth chart, but his ability as a receiving back should give him a boost.