Updated Fantasy Football RB Rankings Week 17: Who to start, best sleepers at running back

At this stage of the fantasy season, every play and every fantasy point counts. When championship berths are on the line, not even 1-yard carries should go overlooked or underappreciated.

Last week, De’Von Achane embodied the mentality of “every touch counts” in the Dolphins’ matchup with the 49ers. With the game all but over, Achane had a 50-yard house call with 1:36 remaining to extend the Dolphins’ lead to 12 points. Those 11 fantasy points likely pushed a number of teams into the next round of the playoffs.

Some fantasy managers would certainly appreciate having direct contact with their players so they could inform them of what’s on the line this week. Unfortunately, that’s never going to happen, and all we can do is set the best lineup possible. There’s no better way to do that than with the Sporting News’ running back rankings.

WEEK 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
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Fantasy RB Rankings Week 17: Who to start, sit at running back

Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Dec. 27 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often. 

Who are the best fantasy RBs for Week 17?

It’s hard to describe what kind of season Saquon Barkley is having. He ripped off a 68-yard touchdown last week, and it wasn’t exactly shocking. This was his fifth touchdown this season of at least 39 yards in length. At this point, all Barkley is chasing is Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. He has the RB1 title all but locked up, and he needs 268 yards in the next two weeks to surpass Dickerson. Barkley belongs in lineups everywhere as we witness a run at greatness.

In Jahmyr Gibbs’ first game without David Montgomery this season, he saw 28 of the 39 backfield opportunities and produced 25.4 PPR points with this work. The Lions will get the 49ers this week, whose season is over, but this game should still deliver a fantasy-friendly environment. Gibbs as the clear lead back in this offense is what dreams are made of for his fantasy managers.

After a relatively disappointing rookie season, Bijan Robinson is finally living up to expectations in his sophomore campaign. He’s now delivered a weekly top-10 performance in eight of his last 10 games and continues to be the focal point of the Atlanta offense. We just saw Barkley make the Washington run defense look foolish at times, and Robinson could easily do the same.

Who are the best fantasy RB waiver pickups for Week 17?

The Cardinals’ running back room is limping into Week 17. Trey Benson is already dealing with an ankle injury, but James Conner suffered a knee injury last week against the Panthers. If Benson is able to make his way back to the field, he’d be Arizona’s lead back in Conner’s absence. He should be rostered while monitoring Arizona’s injury report this week.

Alvin Kamara missed Week 16, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he’s shut down for the rest of the season. If that’s the case, Kendre Miller will handle the majority of touches for the Saints this week. Miller would be an RB2 option against a feast-or-famine Raiders defense. The game will likely be ugly, but Miller can certainly deliver a top-24 performance if he’s given a large enough workload.

Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers for Week 17?

While playing from behind against the Ravens last week, Jaylen Warren saw the majority of snaps and touches in the Pittsburgh backfield. More specifically, he played 67 percent of snaps and handled 17 of 25 backfield opportunities. This usage was largely driven by the game script, but the Chiefs could have the Steelers playing catchup this week, especially if George Pickens is unable to suit up. As long as Warren is able to draw a handful of targets, he’ll have a good chance of eclipsing double-digit PPR points.

Travis Etienne has returned to the 1A role in Jacksonville, significantly out-snapping Tank Bigsby in each of the last two weeks. Bigsby will still take his fair share of carries, but Etienne is given the ever-valuable receiving role while also taking a chunk of the handoffs. The Jaguars get the Titans this week, a defense that was just gashed for 335 yards on the ground. If Etienne can generate an explosive play or two on the ground while adding on some production through the air, he can be an RB2 this week.

What are the biggest RB injuries for Week 17?

Alvin Kamara injured his groin in Week 15 and was unable to take the field last week. As of now, there is no official announcement as to whether Kamara will be shut down for the season, but the Saints will likely be quite cautious with the veteran back.

James Conner suffered a knee injury last week against the Panthers and did not return to the game, leaving DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter to handle the backfield duties. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to return for Week 17.

The Seahawks may be without Kenneth Walker yet again. The third-year back sustained an ankle injury late in the game last week and did not return. Head coach Mike MacDonald indicated that Walker would undergo tests on the ankle, but the team did not yet know the severity of the injury.

Shortly after taking on RB1 duties in San Francisco, Isaac Guerendo was forced to miss time with a hamstring injury. The 49ers have been tight-lipped about the severity of the injury, so there’s no knowing if he’ll be back on the field this week.