Fantasy football keeper leagues: 5 best running backs to keep in 2023

Fantasy Football RBs you need to keep in 2023

4. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

Currently ranked as RB12 in STD leagues and RB9 in PPR leagues, Stevenson was able to take over the Patriots backfield when fellow back Damien Harris got injured and never give it back when he returned. He turned into a true workhorse, handling more than 20 touches per game in more than half his games played. He became especially busy as a pass-catching back, despite this being a bottom-half of the league offense.

With an ADP of 86 in STD leagues and 99 in PPR leagues in 2022, Stevenson was being drafted later than Harris. There was fear he was going to be second fiddle to Harris in this offense. There was also fear that the Patriots would implement a three or four-head monster with Stevenson, Harris, and rookie running backs Pierre Strong and/or Kevin Harris. Stevenson fended all of them off in 2022 and I expect him to do the same in 2023. Keep this second-year back. Especially in PPR fantasy football leagues.

5. Kenneth Walker, Seahawks

Currently RB17 in STD leagues and RB19 in PPR leagues, Walker is on pace for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He is having a remarkable season, despite missing Week 1 and being behind a then-healthy Rashaad Penny in Weeks 2-4. In extended action, he quickly showed he has big play ability had a nose for the endzone. Combine this 2022 2nd-round draft pick with an offense that has been overachieving expectations and

With an ADP of 95 in STD leagues and 110 in PPR leagues in 2022, it’s safe to say not many experts predicted Walker to be productive in 2022. Their eyes were most likely set on 2023 and onward. Luckily, if you drafted him in a keeper league, you got to reap the benefits in 2022 and will continue to reap the benefits in 2023. I highly recommended keeping this workhorse back in fantasy football.

Honorable mentions: 

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Currently RB16 in STD leagues and RB18 in PPR leagues. ADP of 36 in STD leagues and 38 in PPR leagues. He was drafted ahead of the 4th round in most fantasy football leagues, but not all. Keep him if you are able to, but be weary of his long-term health and/or the Jaguars drafting another running back.

Jamaal Williams, Lions

Currently RB9 in STD leagues and RB15 in PPR leagues. ADP of 145 in STD leagues and 167 in PPR leagues. His fantasy football production in 2023 has been reliant on fellow back D’Andre Swift missing time. He was also touchdown dependent. He’s an option, but there’s better.