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Published: Dec. 31, 2013 at 04:16 p.m.

Top 12 fantasy RBs for 2014

Michael Fabiano
Senior fantasy analyst | NFL.com
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The running back position has seen a lot of changes, as one-time first rounders like Ray Rice, Trent Richardson and C.J. Spiller (to name a few) were among the biggest disappointments of the entire 2013 campaign. We also have several new, young and impressive runners who are moving up draft lists and fantasy ranks alike, making the position a bit deeper and altogether stronger around the NFL.

12 Photos Total

  • Since 2010, Charles has finished no worse than eighth in fantasy points among running backs in his last three full seasons. He had his best campaign in 2013, scoring 19 touchdowns with 70 catches while leading all runners in fantasy points. At the age of 27, Charles has plenty left in the tank. 12

    Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press

    1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs (2013 - 308.00 points):

    Since 2010, Charles has finished no worse than eighth in fantasy points among running backs in his last three full seasons. He had his best campaign in 2013, scoring 19 touchdowns with 70 catches while leading all runners in fantasy points. At the age of 27, Charles has plenty left in the tank.

  • McCoy thrived in the offensive attack of coach Chip Kelly, posting a league-high 1,607 rushing yards, 52 receptions and 11 total scores. The second highest-scoring runner based on fantasy points, McCoy will be one of the top three overall picks in both standard and PPR drafts heading into 2014. 11

    Michael Perez/Associated Press

    2. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles (2013 - 278.60 points):

    McCoy thrived in the offensive attack of coach Chip Kelly, posting a league-high 1,607 rushing yards, 52 receptions and 11 total scores. The second highest-scoring runner based on fantasy points, McCoy will be one of the top three overall picks in both standard and PPR drafts heading into 2014.

  • Peterson had a "down" year by his standards, finishing eighth in fantasy points among running backs while missing time due to injury. He will be 29 when the 2014 campaign begins, but a physical beast like A.D. still shouldn't fall out of the top five (at worst) at the running back position. 10

    Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

    3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (2013 - 203.70 points):

    Peterson had a "down" year by his standards, finishing eighth in fantasy points among running backs while missing time due to injury. He will be 29 when the 2014 campaign begins, but a physical beast like A.D. still shouldn't fall out of the top five (at worst) at the running back position.

  • One of the most consistent running backs in fantasy land, Lynch has rushed for 1,200-plus yards and at least 11 touchdowns in each of his last three seasons. While he has 300-plus carries in back-to-back seasons, Lynch has shown no signs of slowing down and will remain a valuable fantasy option. 9

    Stephen Brashear/Associated Press

    4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks (2013 - 239.30 points):

    One of the most consistent running backs in fantasy land, Lynch has rushed for 1,200-plus yards and at least 11 touchdowns in each of his last three seasons. While he has 300-plus carries in back-to-back seasons, Lynch has shown no signs of slowing down and will remain a valuable fantasy option.

  • Forte is coming off his best statistical season at the pro level, posting career bests in rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards while finishing third in fantasy points among running backs. With offensive guru Marc Trestman running the show, Forte is a very good bet to produce again in 2014. 8

    Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

    5. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears (2013 - 263.30 points):

    Forte is coming off his best statistical season at the pro level, posting career bests in rushing yards, receptions, and receiving yards while finishing third in fantasy points among running backs. With offensive guru Marc Trestman running the show, Forte is a very good bet to produce again in 2014.

  • Don't be scared of Lacy being a one-year wonder -- this kid is the real deal with the skills to be a fantasy superstar far into the future. One of the league's true featured runners, he ranked sixth at the position based on fantasy points despite seeing just 15 carries in his first three NFL games. 7

    Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

    6. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers (2013 - 207.50 points):

    Don't be scared of Lacy being a one-year wonder -- this kid is the real deal with the skills to be a fantasy superstar far into the future. One of the league's true featured runners, he ranked sixth at the position based on fantasy points despite seeing just 15 carries in his first three NFL games.

  • Murray emerged into a superstar in the stat sheets, posting career bests across the board despite missing a pair of games due to injury. The talented runner out of Oklahoma scored 12-plus fantasy points in each of his last six games of the fantasy season, and was a serious beast in the playoffs. 6

    Tim Sharp/Associated Press

    7. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys (2013 - 205.40 points):

    Murray emerged into a superstar in the stat sheets, posting career bests across the board despite missing a pair of games due to injury. The talented runner out of Oklahoma scored 12-plus fantasy points in each of his last six games of the fantasy season, and was a serious beast in the playoffs.

  • If you're looking for a major breakout candidate at the running back position, Bell showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie with eight rushing touchdowns and 45 receptions. A perfect fit for the offense of OC Todd Haley, Bell has the potential to emerge into a top-10 fantasy runner next season. 5

    Gail Burton/Associated Press

    8. Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (2013 - 171.90 points):

    If you're looking for a major breakout candidate at the running back position, Bell showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie with eight rushing touchdowns and 45 receptions. A perfect fit for the offense of OC Todd Haley, Bell has the potential to emerge into a top-10 fantasy runner next season.

  • One of the best draft values (or waiver pickups) of 2013, Moreno scored 13 total touchdowns while finishing an impressive fifth in fantasy points among running backs. While the threat of Montee Ball seeing more carries next season does loom, Moreno has proven to be a major asset in Denver's offense. 4

    Ed Zurga/Associated Press

    9. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos (2013 - 236.60 points):

    One of the best draft values (or waiver pickups) of 2013, Moreno scored 13 total touchdowns while finishing an impressive fifth in fantasy points among running backs. While the threat of Montee Ball seeing more carries next season does loom, Moreno has proven to be a major asset in Denver's offense.

  • Bush was inconsistent for owners at times, but he still finished among the 10-best running backs in fantasy football in 2013. Assuming the Lions run a similar offense under their new regime, this USC product should continue to post solid totals both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. 3

    Rick Osentoski/Associated Press

    10. Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions (2013 - 185.20 points):

    Bush was inconsistent for owners at times, but he still finished among the 10-best running backs in fantasy football in 2013. Assuming the Lions run a similar offense under their new regime, this USC product should continue to post solid totals both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

  • Foster is coming off a disappointing 2013 season that ended with a surgical procedure on his back and plenty of questions about his fantasy value. Assuming he has no setbacks, the Texans back will be worth a second-round selection in drafts. There might not be a bigger risk at the position, though. 2

    Eric Gay/Associated Press

    11. Arian Foster, Houston Texans (2013 - 86.50 points):

    Foster is coming off a disappointing 2013 season that ended with a surgical procedure on his back and plenty of questions about his fantasy value. Assuming he has no setbacks, the Texans back will be worth a second-round selection in drafts. There might not be a bigger risk at the position, though.

  • Martin was a first-round pick in 2013, but an injured shoulder cost him most of the season and leaves his value moving forward with some question marks. A young and versatile runner, Martin will be worth as much as a second-round selection assuming the Buccaneers keep him in a featured role. 1

    Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

    12. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013 - 56.20 points):

    Martin was a first-round pick in 2013, but an injured shoulder cost him most of the season and leaves his value moving forward with some question marks. A young and versatile runner, Martin will be worth as much as a second-round selection assuming the Buccaneers keep him in a featured role.

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