NFL 2018: Top 12 0.5 PPR NFL Fantasy Running Backs

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Minnesota Vikings v Atlanta Falcons

Running backs are undoubtedly the most important part of a successful fantasy squad, with their dual-threat ability in the running and passing game culminating in huge fantasy scores. Backs like Todd Gurley and David Johnson have really carried their teams in recent seasons.

So with the excitement for the 2018 NFL season building, I've taken a look at who I think will be the top running backs of this coming season. These are based on my projections for the players and how I think they will perform in a 0.5 PPR league this year, barring injury.

#12 Christian McCaffrey - Carolina Panthers - 2017 total = 188.6

Green Bay Packers v Carolina Panthers

I've put Christian McCaffrey in at number 12 because I think he will be a PPR monster this year. Last year, his first in the NFL, McCaffrey caught 80 passes, which is 3rd among running backs, only behind Leveon Bell and Alvin Kamara. I expect him to acquire even more catches this year because I think he will be on the field more often than last season's 69.98%.

This is largely because of the departure of Jonathan Stewart. I know the Panthers have just signed CJ Anderson, but I still see CMC being out there more and easily surpassing his 117 rushes which ranked 39th out of all running backs.

I think that McCaffrey will really cement his role in the offense and become an even more valuable weapon to Cam Newton in the passing game.

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