Last week I did quarterbacks, this week, the ever popular running backs. All comments and opinions appreciated.
1) Adrian Peterson (Min) Last year's NFL Rushing Leader and probably the player who will go first in the majority of fantasy drafts this year. He only scored 10 TDs and only caught 21 passes last year but both are bound to improve .... especially if the Vikings sign Bret Favre, which would make opposing defenses fear the deep pass and possibly open up a few more running lanes for Peterson. He had only one game last year with less than 76 yards rushing.
2) Chris Johnson (Ten) Last year everyone was scratching their heads when the Titans picked Johnson in the first round. But after a rookie season 1,228 yards on the ground, 43 receptions, and 10 total TDs, Johnson made the Titans look good and was the catalyst for a team that went 13-3 and led the league in total offense(YPG). True, LenDale White will steal some TDs from him but Johnson will get the majority of touches and certainly have a larger role in the passing game.
3) Michael Turner (Atl) "Burner" took to his role as a featured back like a fish to water. He was second in the league with 1,699 rushing yards and second in total touchdowns with 17. His 376 carries are a concern though, will he be worn down coming into this year? He was not much of a factor in the passing game, giving way to Jerious Norwood on third downs. But unlike some of the other top backs, he is THE go-to guy at the goal-line. He should score in the double digits again this year.
4) DeAngelo Williams (Car) One of the big surprises in fantasy football last year, Williams led the league in total TDs with 20 to go along with 1,515 yards on the ground. The real shock is that he did it on only 273 carries, averaging 5.5 yards on the ground. However, having second year RB Johnathan Stewart stealing carries and TDs makes me think Williams won't be scoring twenty touchdowns again this year. But the upside is, Stewart helps keep Williams fresh therefore keeping him at his best.
5) Matt Forte (Chi) Cedric Benson's abrupt departure from Chicago gave Forte the starting nod right out of the gate and he delivered like no one expected. Over 1700 yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs with 63 receptions made him a must have last year. This year with QB Jay Cutler on board, but with no clear cut No.1 WR, I expect Forte's numbers to stay about the same, especially in the reception amount. He will be in on the majority of of offensive snaps.
6) Steven Jackson (STL) Despite missing five games to injury Jackson still managed to post over 1400 total yards and 8 touchdowns last year. If he could stay healthy for sixteen games, he is a sure fire #1 RB on any fantasy team. More than likely, he will BE the Rams offense this year if he can stay on the field.
7) Brandon Jacobs (NYG) With Derrick Ward gone to Tampa, more of the workload will be given to Jacobs. He scored 15 touchdowns last year and ran for over a 1000 yards despite missing two games to injury. Even if Ahmad Bradshaw and others see more action, Jacobs will be THE goal-line back and get the majority of touchdowns.
8) Brian Westbrook (Phil) Will this be the year he falls and doesn't get up? He will be 30 years old when the season starts and a long list of injuries makes you wonder if he can go another full season. However, his ability and yearly production are undeniable. Rookie RB LeSean McCoy could be a key factor in keeping Westbrook healthy.
9) LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) You can't consider him one of the top five backs anymore due to his age and a growing list of ailments but given what he's done over his career, you can't quite count him out just yet. He's still a thousand yard back who still gets tough yards and still makes a lot of catches out of the backfield.
10) Maurice Jones-Drew (Jac) With Fred Taylor gone, Jones-Drew becomes the focal point of the Jags offense. I was really shocked to see him go first in one of expert mock drafts this week because I'm skeptical he can be a workload back for sixteen games. However, his numbers can't be argued with over his first three seasons. (38 total touchdowns and almost 4000 yards rushing and receiving.) He's a threat whenever he touches the ball.
11) Joseph Addai (Ind) Injuries derailed him last year, limiting him to twelve games and just 544 yards on the ground. However, he still managed to score 7 touchdowns and should still be the guy getting the goal line carries for the ever explosive Colt offense. Rookie RB Donald Brown will cut into his touches between the twenties.
12) Frank Gore (SF) Only played in fourteen games last year but still managed 1,036 yards and 8 total TDs. He'll be the focal point of a 49ers offense with questions at QB. RB Glen Coffee was drafted to spell Gore, but I don't think he'll be ready for a Johnathan Stewart-like role in the offense.
13) Ronnie Brown (Mia) The man who put the spotlight on the ever popular Wildcat offense when he torched the Patriots for 113 yards and four touchdowns (5 if you include he passed for one.)in Week 3 should be ready to take a bigger chunk of the carries over Ricky Williams this year. I look for Brown to exceed 1000 yards and have at least ten TDs.
14) Steve Slaton (Hou) A rookie surprise when Slaton exploded for over 1600 total yards and ten touchdowns. Not viewed as an every down back due to his size, Slaton shocked us all by getting over 300 touches. However, he is not a power back and seems to have trouble in short yardage situations. I'll be surprised if he exceeds or even matches his rookie year totals. He's still a solid #2 RB though.
15) Clinton Portis (Wash) Portis may be one of the grittiest players in the league, playing through injuries and still managing to produce good numbers. If he can stay healthy, he is a top ten back. He's a strong #2 back in any case.
16) Marion Barber (Dal) The Barbarian had some injury problems last year but he is still the goal-line back for the Cowboys. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice may cut into his touches enough to once again prevent him from reaching 1000 yards.
17) Cedric Benson (Cin) Benson's career was resurrected when he signed with the Bengals in mid season as led them in rushing with 747 yards. With Carson Palmer back and healthy, the offense should be much better, and I predict Rudi Johnson-like numbers for the former first round pick.
18) Derrick Ward (TB) Could be this year's Michael Turner. The Bucs got him to boost their running game and with Warrick Dunn gone, Cadillac Williams out at least half of the season, that leaves only Earnest Graham to take carries away. Ward had a 1000 yards rushing splitting carries with Brandon Jacobs last year ..... he should very welll be able to sharing with Graham.
19) Knowshon Moreno (Den) Will be the first rookie RB off of the board in most fantasy leagues. IF Josh McDaniels gives him the touches and doesn't play the RBBC game that his mentor Belichick does in NE, he should easily be a Top 20 RB. But with Correll Buckhalter and Lamont Jordan in the mix, he may not have the numbers we'd like. Still, had to have a rookie in my Top 20 and I'd have been a homer if I'd listed "Beanie" ahead of Knowshon.
20) LenDale White (Ten) Goal-line back for one of the best offenses in the league last year. While splitting time with rookie sensation Chris Johnson, White didn't get near the carries or yards that was expected. But he did manage 15 rushing touchdowns which included an 80 yarder against the Chiefs. I don't think he'll score as many TDs this year, but he should be considered as a low-end #2 back.
Feel free to to comment, I'd love to get feedback.
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