These Are the 10 Best Running Back Seasons in Fantasy Football History
All-time fantasy football dominance can take different forms. Some seasons overwhelming touchdown volume ruled the day, while others saw elite rushing production with WR-like receiving work in full-PPR formats crown a king.
With that said, here are the 10 highest-scoring running backs in a single season to be recorded in fantasy football history.
The Top 10 Running Back Fantasy Seasons Ever
10) Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams (2006): 415.4 points
Jackson ran for 1,528 yards, caught 90 passes for 806 yards, and scored 16 total touchdowns. That workload still holds up as one of the strongest all-around RB seasons to date.
9) Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (2025): 416.6 points
With an injury-ravaged supporting cast, McCaffrey posted 1,202 rushing yards, 102 catches, 924 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns. The reception volume is what pushes this season into the top 10.
8) Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams (2001): 425.7 points
Faulk played only 14 games and still reached 425.7 points. He finished with 1,382 rushing yards, 83 catches, 765 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns in a thoroughly dominant effort.
7) Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys (1995): 426.8 points
The NFL's most prolific rusher, Smith's touchdown count carries this season to greatness. He ran for a hearty 1,773 yards but generated 25 scores, then added 62 catches and 375 receiving yards.
6) Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs (2002): 442.7 points
Holmes played 14 games and still cleared 440 points. He piled up 1,615 rushing yards, 70 catches, 672 receiving yards, and 24 total touchdowns. But he wasn't done quite yet...
5) LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers (2003): 443.8 points
LT's 2003 season stands out for the receiving work. He ran for 1,645 yards, caught 100 passes for 725 yards, and scored 17 total touchdowns. Tomlinson would become the second running back to snag 100 or more catches in a year.
4) Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs (2003): 445.0 points
... Told ya he was done! Holmes followed his 2002 season with an even bigger touchdown year. He finished with 1,420 rushing yards, 74 catches, 690 receiving yards, and 27 rushing touchdowns. Between Holmes and Tomlinson, the 2003 campaign was a fantasy treat to behold.
Related: This is the Greatest Fantasy Football Starting Lineup in NFL History
3) Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams (2000): 459.9 points
Faulk's 2000 season remains one of the most impressive and efficient full-PPR monsters ever. He totaled 1,359 rushing yards, 81 catches, 830 receiving yards, and 26 total touchdowns ... in 14 games.
2) Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers (2019): 471.2 points
A truly versatile gem, McCaffrey's 2019 season is the modern full-PPR benchmark. He ran for 1,387 yards, caught 116 passes for 1,005 yards, and scored 19 total touchdowns.
1) LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers (2006): 481.1 points
Tomlinson still owns the top spot. He ran for 1,815 yards and 28 touchdowns, caught 56 passes for 508 yards and three more scores, and added two passing touchdowns for good measure. It's difficult to envision this one ever being topped in the modern era.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 2:41 PM.