The wide receiver position is the fan favorite in the first round of fantasy football drafts, but there are still running backs to love in 2023. Below we’ll give you the best backs that will outperform this NFL season.

The truth about sports and life in general is it’s always changing– especially in the NFL. Over the past several seasons the league is trending towards a passing attack, and leaving bell-cow running backs behind.

“We’re going to throw the ball around the yard until they stop us,” Steve Spurrier used to say — well they’re doing it now coach. Unfortunately for Spurrier, they didn’t start “slingin’ it” until he was out of the league. But his “fun N’ gun” offense is alive and well.

Gone are the days of handing the ball off 25 times a game. You need a versatile running back to accumulate tough yards and catch the ball. Although the passing attack is so popular, there are running backs to love in 2023.

Love List 2023

Nick Chubb

Nick Chubb is the most consistent running back in the NFL over the past few seasons. And in fantasy football, consistency is key.

He averages five yards-per-carry and gives you no less than eight touchdowns a season. Last year Chubb finished with 1,525 yards-rushing and 12 touchdowns behind a shaky offensive line and backup quarterback.

With the full return of Deshaun Watson at the helm, Chubb will benefit with open lanes and gallop for more touchdowns.

After my foundation is built with a great back like Nick Chubb, I can take some chances later in the draft. He affords fantasy owners a set-it-and-forget-it player in our running back slot every week, and this is what makes him a running back to love in 2023.

Prediction: 278 caries 1,675 yards-rushing and 15 touchdowns. He’ll add 29 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown

Bijan Robinson

How could a rookie make the love list in 2023? It’s simple, Bijan Robinson is amazing! In fact multiple analysts compared him to LaDainian Tomlinson before draft night.

In his final season as a Texas longhorn, Robinson rushed for 1,580 yards on 258 attempts. He added 314 yards-receiving and totaled 20 touchdowns.

After his monster college season, the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the eighth pick in the NFL draft. Because the Falcons spent high draft capital, they’ll look to get returns on Robinson early and often.

Remember when the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley with the second pick in the 2018 draft.. As a result Barkley went on to have a huge rookie season in New York. There is reason to Believe Robinson could have a season much like Barkley’s.

The Falcons ran the ball 559 times in 2022. When Atlanta pounds the rock again in 2023, it’ll be with heavy use of Robinson.

Prediction:227 carries 1,382 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He’ll add 31 receptions for 187 yards and one touchdown.

Kenneth Walker III

Once given the reigns of the Seattle backfield, Kenneth Walker III was dominant. In just his first season in the NFL, Walker III tallied 1,050 yards-rushing and added nine touchdowns.

In addition to his rushing, he also added 165 receiving yards on 27 receptions. Walker III is electric in the open field, and his ability to change direction and flip the field is what makes him special.

The Seattle Seahawks drafted running back Zach Charbonnet from UCLA this offseason, which is why Walker III stock isn’t higher. Despite the high draft capital spent on Charbonnet, we are very bullish on Walker III in 2023.

Prediction: 235 carries 1,272 yards-rushing and 11 touchdowns. He’ll add 32 receptions for 220 yards and two touchdowns.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Let me start by saying I know this is a New England Patriots running back. And traditionally Bill Belichick doesn’t have a great reputation amongst fantasy football players. But what Rhamondre Stevenson did last season can’t be ignored.

He tallied 1,040 yards rushing on just 210 attempts. Stevenson added five touchdowns to his impressive yardage total. But his real value is being an every down back in an offense that wants to run the ball.

Not only was he a workhorse back, but he caught 69 passes on 88 targets. He added 421 yards receiving and another touchdown.

If the Patriots can muster-up more offensive efficiency in a Bill O’Brien led scheme, then Stevensons’ touchdowns will go parabolic. I believe Stevenson will have a Todd Gurley type of year.

Prediction: 240 carries 1,470 yards-rushing and 14 touchdowns. He’ll add 71 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns.

Stay tuned for our running backs we love part two; where we showcase another batch of runners striding to excite in 2023.

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