Running backs that are capable of tallying up receptions are extremely valuable in a point per reception format. Therefore I want to highlight my favorite PPR running backs to get you as prepared as possible for your upcoming draft.

While Adrian Peterson is obviously a stud running back, he doesn’t catch many passes out of the backfield. He had only 30 receptions on 36 targets during the 2015 season. The running backs below are guaranteed to see a lot of targets in 2016.

Also, I have included where in the draft you should target each option.

David Johnson

Johnson is an obvious first round pick in all fantasy formats. However, in a PPR league he is my number one back. While Johnson only caught six more passes than Peterson last year, he accumulated 457 receiving yards. He averaged 12.7 yards per reception and finished with 4 receiving TD’s. While he will split time in the backfield, he will receive the bulk of the third down work. Look for Johnson to have a big impact in a passing offense that I love in Arizona.

Devonta Freeman

Freeman should go off the board in the early second round of PPR drafts. I have most recently seen him ranked as high as tenth overall, so a late first round pick would be easily justifiable. After Freeman goes, there is a noticeable drop in talent between him and the next level of RB’s. Looking at last season, Freeman had 73 receptions on 97 targets. Once again Freeman will be a pass-catching beast and he will pay serious dividends for fantasy owners. Freeman proved that he deserves as much opportunity as possible even though his production slowed towards the end of last season. I wouldn’t worry about Coleman taking receptions away from him.

Mark Ingram

You have to love the number one back playing alongside Drew Brees in the pass happy Saints offense. Ingram should once again get a ton of opportunity to catch the ball out of the backfield. He caught exactly 50 balls last season – making him one of only eight running backs to have 50 or more catches in 2015. It’s hard to believe that Ingram has yet to record his first career receiving touchdown. Ingram is a second round pick.

LeSean McCoy

If Shady can stay healthy throughout 2016 he will be a fantasy stud. He had 32 receptions on 50 targets during an injury shortened 12 game season. The Bills recently parted ways with Karlos Williams, and the addition of Reggie Bush shouldn’t have any impact of McCoy’s value. Target McCoy in the second round.

Duke Johnson

Duke Johnson caught 61 of his 74 targets for 534 yards during his rookie year. He doesn’t get enough of a workload to be a factor in standard leagues. However, he will be a big factor in a PPR format. The Browns should be throwing the ball often when they find themselves playing from behind which will give Johnson plenty of opportunities again. It’s very impressive that he saw 74 targets during his rookie campaign. I would select Duke in either round 5 or 6.

Theo Riddick

Theo Riddick caught 80 passes last season, putting him in a tie with Woodhead for most receptions for a running back. You’ll most likely be able to grab Riddick in the eighth round or later, but I feel as though he has more value than where he is projected because of the garbage time stats that he will accumulate. Although I didn’t have Riddick in my season-long league last year, I used him a ton in DFS as he was a good, cheap option.

Charles Sims

I’m going to let you in on a secret – Sims is my 2016 sleeper. He is going to get the majority of the snaps in third down situations. Just like Johnson and Riddick, the Bucs should be passing a lot when playing from behind. Last year, Sims had 51 catches and he was one of only two backs to have 500 yards rushing and receiving (the other was Freeman). Sims is also projected to go in round 8 of PPR drafts.

If you missed my offensive line rankings on Monday, you should see which teams are in my top 5. Also, if you have any fantasy football related questions, don’t hesitate to tweet them to us here.