Who is the best pass-catching RB in the league today? (1 Viewer)

[Lord Fantasy]

My league is transitioning to PPR next year and I have a lot to learn.

Here's what I know:

As a former Forte owner I've seen him successfully line up outside like a WR (and even win jump balls in the end zone).

As a former Rice owner I've been amazed at his fluidity in the screen game and also seen him make some tough catches in traffic on comeback routes to help out Flacco. (Also, IIRC doesn't he also run deep(ish) post-corner routes in the red zone?)

Otherwise I'm pretty ignorant and so I'm turning to the Pool for help looking beyond the stats. Who has the best hands? Who runs the best routes? Who doesn't break stride? Etc.

A humble request: please limit the discussion to every-down backs. Much respect to the 3rd down and gadget guys but I'm more interested in current and up-and-coming stars.

 

[habsfan]

First names I thought of were McCoy and Sproules, the latter for what he can do in space.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I think Detroit's Best has a shot to become elite in the passing game. He's extremely fast, does well in space and he plays a lot on fake turf. Having Calvin drawing the defense helps too.

 

[solorca]

Over the past few weeks, Fred Jackson has looked great as a receiver. If he keeps it up, I think he could be on this list by the end of the year.

 

[Hoosier16]

I don't see how the answer isn't Forte. He's an every down back giving you 300 carries and another 50-60 receptions per year and improving each year. His yards/rec and yards/target have increased each year. In addition, he's doing it while every defense knows he's getting the ball.

 

[KentGraham10]

Forte, McCoy, and Best were the first three to come to mind when looking at strictly starters, but you gotta give some props to a guy like Sproles who is overall #15 in my IDP PPR Dynasty league. Another guy you have to give props to is Tolbert. He's cooled down lately, but he's remaining fantasy relevant in my league (10th rb) based on his receptions. We may have seen the end of the Tolbert train, but for a guy who owned both guys, it's been great to be able to transition from starting Tolbert to now starting Matthews, a guy who is in the same situation with a ton more talent.

 

[Khy]

1) McCoy

2) Forte

3) Sproles

4) Best

That's about it in terms of guys who actually get enough receptions and do actual work with them. I'm pretty sure in most PPR formats all of the guys listed above are probably Top 10. I don't play in PPR myself but would love to. Especially with my current team having Best and Sproles (luckily on the Sproles front we do return yardage in my league... Sproles is the #4 overall back right now).

 

[solorca]

My league is transitioning to PPR next year and I have a lot to learn.A humble request: please limit the discussion to every-down backs. Much respect to the 3rd down and gadget guys but I'm more interested in current and up-and-coming stars.

First thing to learn. Gadget and 3rd down guys have A LOT more value in a PPR.

 

[Zal]

no Ray Rice? wow

 

[mbuehner]

I'm glad Forte is starting to get his due. Just like Tiki and Duce, littler 'scat-back' types have to produce a lot more for a lot longer before they are acknowledged as elite at their position. I think we need to rethink what a prototypical running back is in this age of the NFL. It probly looks a lot more like Matt Forte than Jim Brown.

 

[Jayrod]

MJD is in the discussion. So is Steven Jackson.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I assume we're not talking about dump off passes right? I'd go Forte.

 

[Hoosier16]

MJD is in the discussion. So is Steven Jackson.

I think SJax is in the 'used to be' category and MJD is approaching it fast.

 

[Tickle Monster]

I'm glad Forte is starting to get his due. Just like Tiki and Duce, littler 'scat-back' types have to produce a lot more for a lot longer before they are acknowledged as elite at their position. I think we need to rethink what a prototypical running back is in this age of the NFL. It probly looks a lot more like Matt Forte than Jim Brown.

Matt ForteHeight: 6-2 Weight: 218

 

[Demian]

All the best guys have been mentioned already. Top 3 for me are Forte, McCoy, and Sproles in no particular order. Although Sproles looks like the best at the moment. MJD and SJax used to be in the conversation.

 

[haterade]

Ray rice has pulled in some impressive one handed grabs and gets my vote... we are talking about receiving skills right? Not just screen passes...

 

[DiStefano]

Well, we have to put them up against Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk, who (off the top of my head), are the only RB's to gain more than 1000 yards rushing and receiving. Forte is on track for 1100 receiving; Ray Rice on track for 970; Fred Jackson for 740; Best for 680; Tomlinson for 640 (interesting...), McFadden for 470.

 

[3nOut]

I think Detroit's Best has a shot to become elite in the passing game. He's extremely fast, does well in space and he plays a lot on fake turf. Having Calvin drawing the defense helps too.

With LeShoure coming back next year, Best won't be an every down back anymore.

 

[PahtyTom]

It's more than hands and screen passes. Forte and Rice actually run great routes as well.

 

[Concept Coop]

Peyton Hillis needs a mention. But it's Forte.

 

[The Rook]

I assume we're not talking about dump off passes right? I'd go Forte.

Keep in mind dump off passes are also valuable in PPR.

 

[Hoops77]

I'm glad Forte is starting to get his due. Just like Tiki and Duce, littler 'scat-back' types have to produce a lot more for a lot longer before they are acknowledged as elite at their position. I think we need to rethink what a prototypical running back is in this age of the NFL. It probly looks a lot more like Matt Forte than Jim Brown.

Matt ForteHeight: 6-2 Weight: 218

Beat me to it. The irony is that Matt Forte's physique and running style reminds me a lot more of Jim Brown than Barber or Staley.

 

[taa455]

Fred Jackson killed my team last week. He catches a good deal of passes.

 

[drew726]

Forte

 

[cmv5]

Besides Forte, I think McFadden (he could be a wide receiver) and Knowshon Moreno, who is kind of average everywhere else, deserve mention.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I assume we're not talking about dump off passes right? I'd go Forte.

Keep in mind dump off passes are also valuable in PPR.

Obviously. He seems to want an analysis of pass catching backs for PPR, but then lists a bunch of criteria that would suggest he wants a list of RBs that play well as a WR.

 

[solorca]

Fred Jackson killed my team last week. He catches a good deal of passes.

That has really only started the past few weeks, but it certainly seems to be part of his game for this year. If he continues catching passes as he is currently, I would put him at the top of this list with Forte in terms of running backs who are fluid, quality receivers. A lot of his catches are actually with him lined up as a receiver.

 

[karmarooster]

out of all the guys mentioned, Ray Rice is the only one on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards this year. Oh and 1,000 rushing yards. The last guy to do that was pretty at catch passes, too.

 

[two_dollars]

out of all the guys mentioned, Ray Rice is the only one on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards this year. Oh and 1,000 rushing yards. The last guy to do that was pretty at catch passes, too.

Can you possibly be more wrong? Opinion is not fact. You didn't even read the thread if you can post this.Edit: Forte is on pace for over 1400 rushing and over 1100 receiving.

 

[LowBb]

Gotta be Sproles then Forte.

 

[shnikies]

I know this is more of knock to the receivers but Forte is the best receiver on the Bears regardless of where he lines up. He runs good routes and has great hands even though he dropped that crucial back shoulder pass Monday night. Sigh.

 

[urbanhack]

Forte

McCoy

Rice

Sproles

Best

Jackson

 

[TidesofWar]

Sproles is top notch, but if you want a every down guy who is a ground threat the entire game, and also through the air, I take Forte and Jackson over anyone

 

[Astangi]

I think we need more criteria to define "best". Forte is obviously good as a receiver, but his opportunity (aka terrible offensive line) is what has really helped him achieve elite status, in my opinion. Put Rice, McCoy or even Foster ( surprised no one has mentioned him: 2nd in catches, 1st in receiving yards amongst RBs last season) on the Bears and I think you see even better numbers as I think all 3 have an even better ability to generate YAC than Forte.

 

[rizzler]

FOSTER THE PEOPLE.

fools.

 

[Sabertooth]

Lt2 is still a terrific pass receiver.

 

[two_dollars]

I think we need more criteria to define "best". Forte is obviously good as a receiver, but his opportunity (aka terrible offensive line) is what has really helped him achieve elite status, in my opinion. Put Rice, McCoy or even Foster ( surprised no one has mentioned him: 2nd in catches, 1st in receiving yards amongst RBs last season) on the Bears and I think you see even better numbers as I think all 3 have an even better ability to generate YAC than Forte.

you have your opinion..you mention opportunity for Forte, but neglect to mention the insane good O-Line Foster had blocking for him as if Foster did it all on talent alone..

 

[jon_mx]

As a Lions fan, have to go with Forte. I think it is what he does best, and he is pretty good runner too.

 

[Astangi]

I think we need more criteria to define "best". Forte is obviously good as a receiver, but his opportunity (aka terrible offensive line) is what has really helped him achieve elite status, in my opinion. Put Rice, McCoy or even Foster ( surprised no one has mentioned him: 2nd in catches, 1st in receiving yards amongst RBs last season) on the Bears and I think you see even better numbers as I think all 3 have an even better ability to generate YAC than Forte.

you have your opinion..you mention opportunity for Forte, but neglect to mention the insane good O-Line Foster had blocking for him as if Foster did it all on talent alone..

Fair enough. We'll likely never know what either player would do if their situations were reversed. I've just never heard of Forte regarded as highly as those other names with respect to talent. As someone noted, Forte is the best runner AND receiver on that team, which gives him a ton of touches. McCoy and Foster have both demonstrated higher levels of production in the past on teams with elite WR talent/depth (which you could also argue takes some of the pressure off and gets into that debate about whether fewer touches creates more production per touch). Rice may be the best all-around of the bunch.

 

[Warrior]

1. Sproles

2. McCoy

3. Best

4. Forte

5. MJD

 

[Oh Yes!]

FOSTER THE PEOPLE.fools.

people forgot how good foster was as a pass catcher. caught 66 balls last year.

 

[Run It Up]

If I had to pick now based off of performance so far this year and in the past as far as pass catching ability not overall production weighted with pass catching:

Tier 1

1. Ray Rice

2. Lesean Mccoy

3. Matt Forte

4. Jamaal Charles* (IR obviously...)

5. Arian Foster

6. Darren Mcfadden

Tier 2

7. Maurice Jones-Drew

8. Fred Jackson

9. Jahvid Best

10. Ahmad Bradshaw

11. Darren Sproles

12. Chris Johnson

Tier 3

13. Peyton Hillis

14. Danny Woodhead

15. Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (not comfortable spliiting these, they will both do a lot of work)

 

[strong]

I think Detroit's Best has a shot to become elite in the passing game. He's extremely fast, does well in space and he plays a lot on fake turf. Having Calvin drawing the defense helps too.

With LeShoure coming back next year, Best won't be an every down back anymore.

blown achilles. don't hold your breath...

 

[rizzler]

If I had to pick now based off of performance so far this year and in the past as far as pass catching ability not overall production weighted with pass catching: Tier 11. Ray Rice2. Lesean Mccoy3. Matt Forte4. Jamaal Charles* (IR obviously...)5. Darren McfaddenTier 26. Maurice Jones-Drew7. Fred Jackson8. Jahvid Best9. Ahmad Bradshaw10. Darren Sproles11. Chris JohnsonTier 312. Peyton Hillis13. Danny Woodhead14. Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (not comfortable spliiting these, they will both do a lot of work)

So, lemme get this straight...In 2 full games, Foster has 10 catches for 127yds. And he's not even in your third tier?He's tier 1, and there's no questioning it.

 

[Run It Up]

If I had to pick now based off of performance so far this year and in the past as far as pass catching ability not overall production weighted with pass catching: Tier 11. Ray Rice2. Lesean Mccoy3. Matt Forte4. Jamaal Charles* (IR obviously...)5. Darren McfaddenTier 26. Maurice Jones-Drew7. Fred Jackson8. Jahvid Best9. Ahmad Bradshaw10. Darren Sproles11. Chris JohnsonTier 312. Peyton Hillis13. Danny Woodhead14. Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (not comfortable spliiting these, they will both do a lot of work)

So, lemme get this straight...In 2 full games, Foster has 10 catches for 127yds. And he's not even in your third tier?He's tier 1, and there's no questioning it.

He is lmfao, clearly an oversight. Id almost be tempted to put him and Mcfadden behind the top 4 in their own tier, they are clearly not as good pass catchers as the front 4.

 

[rizzler]

He is lmfao, clearly an oversight.

I thought you to be one of the super haters.Good to see you're not.

 

[Sweet Love]

If I had to pick now based off of performance so far this year and in the past as far as pass catching ability not overall production weighted with pass catching: Tier 11. Ray Rice2. Lesean Mccoy3. Matt Forte4. Jamaal Charles* (IR obviously...)5. Arian Foster6. Darren McfaddenTier 27. Maurice Jones-Drew8. Fred Jackson9. Jahvid Best10. Ahmad Bradshaw11. Darren Sproles12. Chris JohnsonTier 313. Peyton Hillis14. Danny Woodhead15. Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (not comfortable spliiting these, they will both do a lot of work)

I think you have to put Steven Jackson in there somewhere and Reggie Bush too.

 

[chinawildman]

Frank Gore belongs in this discussion.

 

[Run It Up]

If I had to pick now based off of performance so far this year and in the past as far as pass catching ability not overall production weighted with pass catching: Tier 11. Ray Rice2. Lesean Mccoy3. Matt Forte4. Jamaal Charles* (IR obviously...)5. Arian Foster6. Darren McfaddenTier 27. Maurice Jones-Drew8. Fred Jackson9. Jahvid Best10. Ahmad Bradshaw11. Darren Sproles12. Chris JohnsonTier 313. Peyton Hillis14. Danny Woodhead15. Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert (not comfortable spliiting these, they will both do a lot of work)

I think you have to put Steven Jackson in there somewhere and Reggie Bush too.

More oversights, I just mashed out that list in the middle of a lecture. I would Personally put SJax in Tier 3 (higher if he was getting any younger) but I wouldnt put Reggie in the 3rd Tier. I didnt plan on typing out a 4th because many of the backs in the NFL would be in that Tier and most likely be lead by backs that dont necessarily catch a lot of balls but are effective after the catch (Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson)

 

[theoneandonly]

1.Forte

2.Mccoy

3.Sproles

4.A.Foster

5.Best