Fantasy Football Running Back Most Points Scored
Running backs are one of the highest point-scoring positions in all of fantasy football and are one of the foundational elements of any good fantasy football team. Some running backs have had single-game performances that have defied all expectations, and others have had seasons so legendary that they will live on forever in the minds of fantasy football participants. Here are the top-scoring running backs in a single game and across an entire season, based on standard scoring.
What Running Backs Have Scored The Most Fantasy Points In A Single Game?
- Clinton Portis - 55.4 Points
- Alvin Kamara - 53.2 Points
- Shaun Alexander - 53.1 Points
- Corey Dillon - 51.6 Points
- Jamaal Charles - 51.5 Points
1. Clinton Portis - 55.4 Points
On December 7th, 2003, Clinton Portis of the Denver Broncos had the most legendary single-game performance among running backs in all of fantasy football history. Clinton exploded for 254 all-purpose yards and five rushing touchdowns, equaling 55.4 fantasy points in standard leagues.
2. Alvin Kamara - 53.2 Points
Alvin Kamara’s dominant showing for the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day in 2020 was one for the history books in fantasy football. With 172 total yards and six rushing touchdowns, Kamara scorched the opposing defense that day. This gave him a total of 53.2 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues, a truly incredible feat.
3. Shaun Alexander - 53.1 Points
Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks wrote himself into the fantasy football history books with his monster effort on September 29th, 2002. Alexander went for a total of 231 yards, 92 of which came through the air, as well as four touchdowns on the ground and one receiving touchdown; this gave him 53.1 fantasy points for the game.
4. Corey Dillon - 51.6 Points
On December 4th, 1997, Corey Dillon had an absolutely spectacular game. Unlike the other running backs on this list, Dillon only managed to score four touchdowns over the course of the game. He did, however, amass a yardage total well above anyone else on this list. With 246 yards on the ground and 30 through the air in addition to his four touchdowns, Dillon earned 51.6 fantasy points.
5. Jamaal Charles - 51.5 Points
You might be surprised to hear that Jamaal Charles managed to earn fantasy owners the fifth most points in a single game on December 15th, 2013, with only 20 rushing yards the entire game. However, he did have 195 receiving yards with four touchdowns, plus an extra rushing touchdown to reach a total of 51.5 fantasy points. Charles’ performance was not only legendary, but it was quite unique as well.
What Running Backs Have Scored The Most Fantasy Points In A Season?
- LaDainian Tomlinson - 425.1 Points
- Marshall Faulk - 378.9 Points
- Priest Holmes - 371 Points
- Priest Holmes - 370.7 Points
- Shaun Alexander - 361.8 Points
1. LaDainian Tomlinson - 425.1 Points
Ladanian Tomlinson’s 2006 season with the San Diego Chargers was the stuff of fantasy legend. His efforts amounted to 425.1 fantasy points over the course of the season, which is far and away the most ever scored by a running back. These points came from 2,323 total yards and an incredible 31 touchdowns.
2. Marshall Faulk - 378.9 Points
In 2000, Marshall Faulk had one of the best single seasons among running backs in NFL history. Faulk tallied 2,189 total yards across the run game and receiving, with 26 total touchdowns for a total of 378.9 fantasy points over the season.
3. Priest Holmes - 371 Points
In back-to-back years, Priest Holmes set the mark for running backs in the league, and even across league history. Holmes’ 2003 season was slightly better than his 2002 season, with 371 fantasy points coming from 2,110 yards from scrimmage to pair with 27 touchdowns.
4. Priest Holmes - 370.7 Points
Prior to his legendary 2003 campaign, Priest Holmes put up an almost exactly equal season in terms of fantasy points in 2002. The Kansas City Chiefs running back managed 2,287 all-purpose yards and scored 24 touchdowns for 370.7 fantasy points during the 2022 season. He led the league in yards from scrimmage, and it will go down as one of the greatest seasons for a running back in history.
5. Shaun Alexander - 361.8 Points
Shaun Alexander not only holds the third-place spot for best single-game fantasy performances of all time, but he also sits fifth on the list for best overall seasons of all time. The Seahawks running back won the MVP award for his efforts in 2005, in which he amassed 1,907 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 361.8 fantasy points.
FAQ
Which Running Back Has Scored The Most Fantasy Points In A Game?
The running back with the most fantasy points in a single game is Clinton Portis of the 2003 Denver Broncos squad. His legendary game saw him score a whopping 55.4 total fantasy points, a number which no one has come close to, save for Alvin Kamara in 2020. The game saw five touchdowns for Portis to go along with a wild 254 yards from scrimmage. It will be difficult for any running back to match Portis in the future.
Which Running Back Has Scored The Most Fantasy Points In A Season?
The honor of most fantasy points by a running back throughout a season belongs to LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was always a very strong running back, but his 2006 season with the San Diego Chargers was entirely different. Tomlinson scored 425.1 fantasy points over the course of the season, which is a mark that perhaps might never be broken, unless someone can rush for over 2,300 yards and score more than 31 touchdowns.
Who Is The Best Running Back To Draft In Fantasy Football?
The best running backs to draft in fantasy football for the 2022 season are Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffery, and Derrick Henry. These are three top-tier running backs that are guaranteed to be drafted in the first round. All three of these players have proven to be dominant fantasy point providers. Things to consider when drafting a running back include the offense they play in (run heavy vs. pass heavy), their speed and strength, durability, and ability to break away for long touchdown runs.