Fantasy football rankings, 2014: Running backs in PPR leagues

Standard scoring has remained the constant throughout fantasy leagues for a reason. Most of the time, one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers and a lone tight end are stressful enough, give or take a few irrationally confident selections. Furthermore, there are enough steady leagues nowadays to pick your poison, the peers you choose to compete with or the skill your heart desires. They’re not going away anytime soon, and with each one having a personality of its own, well, why should they?

But sometimes, that’s just not good enough.

Sometimes, you don’t want to settle for A Christmas Story or Jingle All the Way on the holidays, no matter what TBS is trying to tell you. Only Bad Santa or Die Hard will suffice, and that’s why sometimes, your run-of-the-mill scoring needs a tweak, if only a small one. And though the future might have other things in store (the rare 2-QB lineup, for instance), the present points directly to points per reception as our guiding light.

It’s no secret that PPR leagues have caught steam in recent years. In fact, the only reason we even mention checking scoring systems beforehand anymore is because somewhere, the PPR lurks. It’s become common enough to recognize as a household vignette, but has yet to reach water-on-Earth proportions.

Still, if PPR is so different, how much does it affect standard rankings? Well, see for yourself.

Below are the top-25 scoring leaders among RB in PPR formats last season.

But what does that entail? I mean, sure, it’s a bit different from the standard top-25 list. But who were the real shakers and movers?

Below are the top-25 RB that benefited the most when used in PPR rather than standard leagues.

Of course, as with anything, there are still specifics to note. Pierre Thomas, for example, could easily fly up draft boards with Darren Sproles no longer around to steal potential receptions. But Sproles will be learning a new system in Philadelphia that’s sure to feature a number of players, including a true workhorse back in front of him (no offense to Mark Ingram and his 12 yards per game).

Meanwhile, the Chargers added Donald Brown to an already loaded backfield, assuredly taking touches from Danny Woodhead. And if it’s an increased role you seek, at least Andre Ellington, Rashad Jennings and Maurice Jones-Drew have only heightened their opportunity. Unless, of course, you don’t want that and simply prefer sandwiches. Then here’s Knowshon Moreno. Take him. No, really.

Either way, with the same amount, if not more of homework needed to properly assert yourself into PPR leagues, there’s something here for everyone.

And let’s be honest. Jingle All the Way wasn’t that great, anyway.

Consensus Writer Rankings

Individual Writer Rankings