The Case for #1 Pick

This year, the race for number one pick in fantasy football comes down to 4 people: Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara, and Christian McCaffrey. Like most people would expect, all 4 are running backs and despite a pass-heavy league, there is nothing more valuable to a fantasy team than a workhorse running back. In this article, I will explain why each of the 4 players deserves to be picked 1st overall.

Saquon Barkley Hurdles Bears' Safety Adrian Amos

Saquon Barkley (RB Giants) - I picked up Saquon last year with the 7th pick and all my friends considered it a reach... it worked out pretty well for me though. Saquon was 2nd in PPR fantasy points of all positions (behind a certain Chiefs QB), RB1 in PPR and RB2 in STD. Barkley truly defines a modern running back, with an unmatched combination of speed power and catching ability. If first pick was based on talent alone, it wouldn't be in question. But running back success depends on the offense's scoring and offensive line as much as talent, and the Giants lack both big time. Saquon will hit home run plays more than anyone in the league, but with the departure of Odell Beckham Jr. and an ever aging Eli Manning, temper expectations for the sophomore phenom. However, I think that if the Giants can figure it out, Saquon can have one of the best years ever.

Prediction: RB2 PPR, RB3 STD

Christian McCaffrey Catches a Pass in the Open Field

Christian McCaffrey (RB Panthers) - Possibly the most hyped player this past year, CMC lived up to the hype and then some. McCaffrey is a solid runner with deceiving size. He can burst the gaps and get to the outside with the best of them. But his true value is in running, but instead in receiving, where he is unmatched by any running back in the league. His combination of hands, speed and elusiveness makes each catch into a potential home run play and the volume is there (he had the most targets and catches of any RB last season). There are rumors that he gets a reduction in workload, but I don't think there's too much to worry about there. The offense might be a problem this year, but regardless, I think CMC has another great year with plenty of receptions.

Prediction: RB1 PPR, RB4 STD

Alvin Kamara Makes a Tough Catch Against the Falcons

Alvin Kamara (RB Saints) - Like McCaffrey, Kamara is a small but powerful back who excels in the receiving game. Kamara ranked 4th in the league in RB targets and had over 700 receiving and rushing yards. Kamara had an absurd 18 touchdowns last year with 14 on the ground, showing how versatile and skilled he is. With Ingram gone, Kamara may seen even higher usage, especially on the goal line. I don't know about the 14 on the ground this year though. Most importantly, Kamara benefits from being on one of the highest scoring offenses in the league and a Hall of Fame QB in Drew Brees. Expect another great year from Kamara with potential RB1 numbers.

Prediction: RB3 PPR, RB2 STD

Ezekiel Elliott Scores a Touchdown Against the Lions

Ezekiel Elliott (RB Cowboys) - Zeke is the worst receiving back on this list. That's not saying much though, as he still had 77 receptions for 567 yards. I don't think he reaches those numbers receiving again, but he is a big favorite for rushing leader yet again and I think he has the best year on the ground out of anyone on this list and in the league. The offensive line is dominant and I believe that the Cowboys can put together a potent offensive attack with a deadly combination of Dak, Zeke and Amari. If everything goes well, I don't see anyone topping Zeke in standard scoring, but I just can't see Zeke beating out the other guys on this list in PPR without a crazy year on the ground.

Prediction: RB4 PPR, RB1 STD