I started creating running back tiers last season, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to do it again this year. Here’s my ranking of running backs ahead of the training camp season. Expect these tiers to evolve leading into the end of August. This ranking system is designed for PPR, with one point for every ten rushing and receiving yards, providing guidance for your draft decisions this season.

Tier 1

• Bijan Robinson
• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Saquon Barkley
• Christian McCaffrey

These four running backs each have a case for being the top overall pick because they are all elite when fit. I’d select them within the top seven picks in PPR leagues.

Robinson is my number one back for this year, placed as the second overall player following Ja’Marr Chase. In the last eight games in 2024, Robinson averaged 22.5 PPR points per game, surpassing both Barkley (22.2) and Gibbs (21.4) for the season. The increase in his workload is a significant factor behind his strong close to the season, averaging 23.9 total touches per game over his last 11 games.

… (Content continues with the detailed explanation of each tier and analysis of individual players).