Fantasy: 2016 Rankings - Running Backs

theScore's Justin Boone is the second-ranked pro over the last four seasons in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition.

Scroll down to get an early look at his rankings for 2016, including analysis below. Rookies will be added following the NFL Draft.

Rankings
QB | RB | WR | TE | DST | K

Running Backs

• Le'Veon Bell is the best fantasy running back in the game, but after undergoing surgery on his MCL and PCL, he's not without risk. If he stays on track to return Week 1, Bell should be the first RB off the board.

• The Rams' offense will revolve around the unstoppable force that is Todd Gurley, and that sort of volume is tough to come by for fantasy running backs. Gurley is a top three talent and a player that will be exciting to follow each week. Unfortunately, that will force you to watch the Rams' putrid passing game as well.

• As a rookie, David Johnson came on strong for the Cardinals down the stretch, but the team's decision to re-sign Chris Johnson could threaten his workload this season. At the moment, the sophomore remains an RB1 in an explosive offense, with the veteran expected to serve as his backup. There's gold to be found in Arizona, which makes it a situation to monitor closely throughout the offseason and training camp.

• When forced into the starting lineup, Thomas Rawls excelled and delivered RB1 numbers for the owners smart/lucky enough to roster him. An ankle injury could keep Rawls sidelined leading up to training camp and the Seahawks have suggested he will face competition for the starting job, two facts which could keep his stock in check. If neither proves to be an issue, there's a good chance it will cost a second-round pick or more to get him on your roster.

• With a new jersey on his back, Lamar Miller will try to prove he can handle 20 touches a game, something the coaching staff in Miami was never willing to give him. If he hopes to finish in the top 10 for the third straight season, Miller will need to do so behind an offensive line that lost Ben Jones and Brandon Brooks in free agency and whose best blocker, left tackle Duane Brown, is coming back from a torn quad.

• C.J. Anderson and Dion Lewis are two backs that should be targeted heavily in drafts. Perception doesn't match reality for either player. Anderson burned owners last season due to a slow start to the year, but found his rhythm late. Lewis was emerging as a versatile weapon in New England before an injury stifled his breakout campaign. Both rushers would represent outstanding values outside the top two rounds.

• Plenty of running games still need to be sorted out. The Jaguars, Cowboys, Eagles, and Bears all have intriguing situations where a lead back, if one emerges, could have immense value. It's worth considering a move to draft entire backfields in those cases, a strategy popularized around theScore offices by NFL Editor Joe Thomson.

• The draft will also have a major impact on the rankings. First-round talents like Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry have the potential to be fantasy stars depending where they land.

• Players who may surprise this season: Latavius Murray (offensive line could be elite; would fall if Raiders add another RB), Jay Ajayi (currently the Dolphins starter; performed well in limited action last season), Matt Jones (Redskins' lead back at the moment; needs to overcome ball-security issues), Karlos Williams (flashed big-time skills as a rookie; could start strong if LeSean McCoy faces punishment for off-field actions).