Running backs defined the 2017 fantasy season as managers searched for consistent workhorses and upside sleepers. This guide highlights the top RB options and how each performed in real leagues.
By matching position trends to weekly matchups, smart drafters built depth charts around proven NFL backs and emerging breakout candidates rather than hype alone.
| Player | 2016 Std | 2017 Projected Value | 2017 Actual Rank | Upside Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel Elliott | 22.9 PPR | Elite Workhorse | 1 | Very High |
| Todd Gurley | 18.0 PPR | Elite Workhorse | 2 | High |
| Le'Veon Bell | 19.7 PPR | High-End Starter | 3 | Medium |
| Alfred Morris | 12.2 PPR | Mid-Round Value | 12 | Medium |
| Dalvin Cook | — | Breakout Rookie | 9 | High |
2017 Season Performance Review
Elite Backs Dominated Standard Leagues
Elliott and Gurley combined for over 40 touchdowns and consistently high rushing totals. Their volume and red-zone touches made them must-start options in most formats.
Sustained Production vs. Health Concerns
Bell dealt with injuries that caused bye-week swings, while Morris provided steady value without the same injury risk. Depth at running back became a major strategic advantage for playoff pushes.
Offseason Trades and Early Draft Strategy
How Late First-Round Value Shifted
With Elliott and Gurley clearly ahead, managers competed on the edge of the top ten for backs like Cook and Jordan Howard. Understanding positional tiers helped owners avoid reaching on less proven names.
Cozy Back Usage Patterns
Teams that leaned heavily on one back in red zone and goal-line packages often outscored committees. Scoring opportunity share translated directly to weekly point advantages in standard formats.
Advanced Metrics and PPR Adjustments
Success Rate and Target Share
Tracking success rate and targets per game revealed which backs would thrive in heavy passing schemes versus power run schemes. Bell’s target share signaled his volatility, while Elliott’s balanced usage offered safer ceiling.
Weather, Defense, and Bye-Week Planning
Scheduling tough stretches required streaming backups and handcuffs tied to the top duo. Savvy managers layered handcuffs based on division matchups and late-season strength of schedule.
Rookie Impact and ADP Shifts in 2017
Dalvin Cook and the Breakout Narrative
Cook’s immediate workload and complementary backfield allowed him to finish as a top-10 back. Managers who drafted him mid-to-late gained value without sacrificing earlier rounds.
Upside Comparison Chart
Identify backs with favorable offensive lines, young QBs, and flexible schemes for maximum season-long scoring. High-upside runners in hostile divisions still delivered when defenses softened late in the year.
Key Takeaways for Future Fantasy Drafts
- Prioritize volume-heavy backs in standard leagues over low-volume, high-ceiling options.
- Use bye-week overlap and division strength to stagger start-sit decisions.
- Value handcuffs that mirror top backs’ usage profiles without premium pricing.
- Monitor practice-participation reports and offensive-line youth to gauge late-season upside.
- Adjust round valuations using tiered rankings instead of strict position charts.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which running back held up best in the final weeks of the 2017 season?
Ezekiel Elliott maintained elite production late in the season, thanks to a strong offensive line and a Cowboys offense that leaned on his inside zone scheme even in January.
How did Todd Gurley’s workload change after the Rams reshaped the offensive line?
Improved run blocking and play-action opportunities led to higher efficiency per carry and more goal-line touches, pushing Gurley closer to Elliott in weekly floor value.
Was Le’Veon Bell a reliable flex option in standard scoring leagues during 2017?
Bell delivered big-game moments but suffered a toe injury that created bye-week inconsistency, making him a riskier flex compared to more durable options like Elliott and Gurley.
Which mid-tier running back offered the best handcuff value for 2018 playoff pushes in 2017?
Alfred Morris paired with a top-tier starter provided cost-effective coverage against injuries, and his red-zone usage surged late in the season as teams chased every possible point.