Updated Fantasy Football RB Rankings Week 2: Who to start, best sleepers, waiver wire picks at running back

For some managers, like those with Saquon Barkley, Week 1 was the best of times. For other managers, like those relying on Zamir White, it was the worst of times. No matter how prepared you think you are for the start of the NFL season, Week 1 inevitably flips some of those prognostications on their heads. 

But sometimes a box score isn't enough to really tell us the whole story. A perfect example of this comes from the Denver Broncos. There were high hopes for Javonte Williams heading into the season and in the Broncos' Week 1 matchup against the Seahawks. When you look at the box score, you see that Jaleel McLaughlin out-carried Williams 10 to 8 and had five targets to Williams' two. The Broncos led 13-9 at the half, but the Seahawks then rattled off 17 unanswered points. We knew all along McLaughlin would likely be the primary receiving back, so when Denver went down, McLaughlin saw more action. So, we don't want to overreact to the carry numbers, especially when McLaughlin averaged just 2.7 yards per carry. 

But that's where these rankings come in handy, as we'll do all the digging for you. We dive into the numbers to make sure the rankings don't represent a series of overreactions. 

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Fantasy RB Rankings Week 2: Who to start, sit at running back

Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Sept. 15 following the release of inactives. 

Italicized players have already played this week.

What are the notable RB rankings changes?

The 49ers-Vikings matchup can't get here soon enough, because the longer it takes, the more Jodan Mason keeps moving up our rankings. We moved him up three more spots all the way to RB7. With McCaffrey going on IR, Mason could be in for a big day against the Vikings. We adjusted Rhamondre Stevenson down a few spots to RB21 as Mike Macdonald already had Seattle looking like a much-improved defense last week. Emanuel Wilson was the biggest downgrade, sliding seven spots once we learned that MarShawn Lloyd would be active as well for the Packers. Below were the notable changes from the previous rankings update.

Who are the best fantasy RBs Week 2?

Christian McCaffrey and Breece Hall still sit atop our rankings this week, but Saquon Barkley checks in at RB3 after his 3-TD performance against the Packers in Brazil. Giants owner John Mara was shown on Hard Knocks this offseason saying, "I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia." Well, after seeing him rip off highlight runs and make a toe-tapping TD catch on a wheel route, I'm guessing he didn't sleep at all Friday night. Barkley is finally getting a chance to show what he can do behind a great offensive line and in an offense with other elite skill players, and the results were spectacular. Can we expect 3 TDs every week? Of course not. But he's capable of being the overall RB1 on any given week. 

Bijan Robinson comes in at RB4 and then Derrick Henry rounds out the top-5. Henry did score a touchdown against the Chiefs in the season opener on Thursday night, but he only had 13 carries, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. He was targeted twice by Lamar Jackson, but he wasn't able to haul in either passes. That being said, the Ravens were trailing much of the game, which is the exact opposite of the game script that Henry thrives in. Justice Hill was targeting eight times, and that likely won't be the case every week. Facing the Raiders this week, the Ravens should be able to play from ahead, which makes for a great bounce-back spot for King Henry.

Who are the best fantasy RB waiver pickups Week 2?

After two serious injuries over the last three seasons, J.K. Dobbins finally reminded fantasy managers everywhere why he was a highly touted prospect coming into the league. The Chargers said they'd likely ride the hot hand, and the pair of backs were alternating series at the beginning of the game. But it was Dobbins who really separated himself late in the game with a couple of monster runs  of 61 and 46 yards. He also chipped in three receptions (for just 4 yards) and a touchdown. I may not be a math wizard, but I think that means Dobbins currently has the hot hand, and he's only rostered in 48% of Yahoo! leagues.

Bucky Irving is another back to consider for waivers, but he will likely be more of a stash for now. Last season, Rachaad White was one of the more inefficient running backs in the league. Especially because of his receiving skills, he put up a very good fantasy season. But the question remained whether he'd be a long-term fit as a real-life NFL bell cow back. So, when Tampa Bay drafted Bucky Irving, he was a sexy sleeper pick in drafts this year. Irving turned nine rushes into 62 yards and reeled in two catchs for 14 more yards. The catch here, though, is that it was a blowout, so we're not sure how sticky that usage will be just yet. But if you don't pick him up now, he might not be there next week if he goes off again. 

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Who are the best fantasy RB sleepers Week 2?

Tony Pollard had a great Week 1, but after an entire offseason of fantasy managers assuming there'd be a near even split with Tyjae Spears, and with the Jets on tap this week, many might still be hesitant to start the former Cowboy running back. But let's also remember that heading into last season, there were extremely high expectations on Pollard -- and in hindsight, it was probably unfair high expectations as he was returning from a serious leg injury. Further removed from that ailment now, he's looking like the guy that we hoped we would see last year. The Jets are a tough matchup, but we still have him as our RB26, so he's RB2-viable, and is a definite Flex option. 

He only put up 9 yards on six carries and 10 yards on two catches, but Raheem Mostert could be a sleeper this week in what could be an epic Thursday Night Football clash against the Bills. This one could turn into a track meet with points galore, and if that's the case, the Dolphins will need Mostert to chip in. Achane is the flashier and more exciting player, but Mostert isn't going to just go away. 

What are the biggest RB injuries Week 2?

After quite an eventful Monday night, am update to the rankings was a necessity. Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch last night with his calf/Achilles injury. While he was questionable all week, all indications, including McCaffrey himself, made it seem like he'd be suiting up against the Jets. In his absence, Jordan Mason exploded, rushing 28(!) times for 147 yards and a score. He also caught one pass for five yards. Adam Schefter is saying it's highly unlikely that McCaffrey will play this week. Kyle Shanahan says that's premature since he originally thought he was playing Monday night (despite Mason saying after the game that he was told on Friday he'd be playing, but that's another story). Kyle Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey is not a candidate for IR, which is positive news. CMC also got in a limited practice on Wednesday, which normally would be a tremendous sign. But remember that he had three limited practices last week and was still a surprise scratch. Stay tuned to this one.   

Miraculously, there weren't any new, major injuries to fantasy-relevant running backs in Week 1 (furiously knocking on wood). That being said, there were some players that came into Week 1 battling injuries, so there are still some situations to monitor. 

Jaylen Warren was one of those backs. Warren did suit up for the Steelers today after dealing with a hamstring injury, but he only had two carries and two receptions against the Falcons. As Warren gets further away from the injury, expect his usage to increase. With Najee Harris ahead of him and Cordarrelle Patterson behind him, he'll never seize a bell-cow role, but he can still have stand-alone value as his snaps increase. 

The other ailing running back to keep track of is Marshawn Lloyd of the Packers. He sat out against the Eagles with a hamstring injury, which gave Emanuel Wilson a chance at some work, and he looked spry. But Lloyd is still too dynamic of a talent to just ignore. If your team is in good shape and you can afford to use up a roster spot with a stash, Lloyd is a nice candidate.