RB Rankings

Running Back Rankings:

1. Chris Johnson Titans: Johnson is an explosive runner with great vision and cut back abilities. Last year he ran for over 2,000 yards and if he stays healthy has the potential to break the single season rushing record. Johnson has said he will hold out over a contract dispute but I believe he may miss some of training camp and be ready to run week 1.

2. Adrian Peterson Vikings: Though his rushing numbers went down he still had over 40 receptions and 400 plus receiving yards. Add in 18 touchdowns Peterson is the number two fantasy running back. With the line that the Vikings have and the fact that Brett Favre should be returning Peterson should have another big year. With Favre in the fold I do not expect Peterson to get close to 2,000 yards but he has the potential too.

3. Ray Rice Ravens: Maurice Jones-Drew and Rice can flip flop at 3 and 4. I gave a slight edge to Rice because of his receiving skills though Jones-Drew will score more tds. Either way both are great players and bring great skill sets to the game. I expect Rice to continue to get better and have a similar season to last year. With the addition of Anquan Boldin to the receiving core his receptions may drop but I believe his rushing yardage and tds will go up.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew Jaguars: MJD has proven he is an every down back and had a great year last year. I expect him to duplicate what he did last year. Have about 1,400 yards, 15 tds and about 50 receptions.

This is where the running backs drop off and you need to find players with upside. A couple of guys maybe ranked higher than they should here but I am taking receptions and upside into accountability here.

5. Steven Jackson Rams: The lone shining light in St. Louis last year. Jackson is an excellent player who can catch and run. His tds were down last year because he played on an awful team and his tds will hurt him as a fantasy player this year. That aside his numbers are still there and they are solid. If he gets more tds his number 5 ranking will be worth it.

6. Jamal Charles Chiefs: Charles had a great second half of the season and really shined for the Chiefs in a down year. With the addition of Thomas Jones it will allow for Charles to stay fresher and be able to do even better. I expect him to have about 1,300 yards, 50 catches, and 10 tds. Charles is very much like Steven Jackson. I may have ranked him a little high but I believe he is on the rise and is set to have a big year.

7. Rashard Mendenhall Steelers: Mendenhall very quietly put up good numbers last year. I expect him to improve off of that this year. With Big Ben not there for at least four games the Steelers will rely on the run and Mendenhall earlier in the year. He should have about 1300 yards, 45 receptions and 10 tds. Another guy on the rise.

8. Frank Gore 49ers: Gore is a good player who runs well, gets tds, and catches the ball. That being said injuries have hurt him the last few years and with the 49ers in the weak NFC West they hope to keep Gore healthy for a stretch run to clinch a playoff spot. Because of that I see Glenn Coffee getting more carries and if Gore is nicked up him not playing as much. Gore a guy on the downfall.

9. Michael Turner Falcons: Turner had a great 2008. Injuries derailed him in 09. Turner can be a steal for someone if he returns to his 08 form. Last year injuries hurt his rushing numbers but he still had 10 tds. If healthy Turner will get about 1300-1400 yards and 15 tds. He does not get many receptions so in a PPR league he could hurt you. Turner is a risk reward pick. If healthy you will love him. If injured he could ruin your fantasy season.

10. DeAngelo Williams Panthers: DeAngelo Williams busted onto the scene in 2008. Every time you turned around he was making a big play. Injuries hurt him last year. He missed three games but still went over 1100 yards and had 7 tds. Much like Michael Turner, injuries will be a factor with DeAngelo Williams. If healthy Williams is a top 5 back in this league. If not it could be trouble for your fantasy team. In a PPR league Williams should help as well.

11. Ryan Matthews Chargers: Rookies are tough to call when ranking them. They either have great break out years or disappoint. Matthews should have a 1000 yard year with 10 tds and a number of catches. He is placed here because of his upside. Norv Turner says Matthews may touch the ball 300 times. If that is true and it should be close to that Matthews will have a huge fantasy impact. Some concerns with Matthews is that he is a rookie, San Diego is a passing offense, and left tackle Marcus McNeil is in a contract dispute.

12. Ryan Grant Packers: Grant has been a consistent fantasy running back the last few years and he will continue to be. In the late first round early second round Grant will be a nice pick for a fantasy team. Expect 1200 yards and 10 tds from him.

At this point it this is where fantasy seasons are won. The top 12 should be consistent and dependable for you barring injuries. The players listed below are good players but are either in a running back tandem, or injuries have affected their play and are injury concerns.

13. LeSean McCoy Eagles: Can he handle the load. If so he could have huge numbers in that offense.

14. Knowshon Moreno Broncos: He had an ok rookie season and at times showed how special he can be. He should put up good numbers.

15. Cedric Benson Bengals: Legal issues could get him suspended. If he plays should put up good rushing numbers and tds. If suspended it would hurt him but he will help someone when he returns.

16. Shonn Greene Jets: If Greene stays healthy and that is a big if he could get close to 1500 yards and 10 plus tds with that line.

17. Jonathan Stewart Panthers: Had over 1000 yards last and 10 tds. Is a good player and if DeAngelo Williams is hurt can be a great player to have.

The rest of the players either missed games due to injury or did not start at the beginning of the year but will be nice bye week replacements or fill in for injuries.

18. Jahvid Best

19. Pierre Thomas:

20. Ronnie Brown:

21. Felix Jones:

22. Matt Forte:

23. Justin Forsett:

24. Joseph Addai:

25. Ahmad Bradshaw:

26. Brandon Jacobs:

28. Michael Bush:

29. Ben Tate:

30. Donald Brown:

31. Marion Barber:

32. Fred Jackson:

33. Ricky Williams:

34. Montario Hardesty:

35. Jerome Harrison:

36. Cadillac Williams:

37. Laurence Maroney:

38. Tim Hightower:

39. Larry Johnson:

40. Darren McFadden:

41. Derrick Ward:

42. Reggie Bush:

43. C.J. Spiller:

44. Darren Sproles:

45. Clinton Portis:

46. LaDanian Tomlinson:

47. Steve Slaton:

48. Thomas Jones:

49. Marshawn Lynch:

50. Chester Taylor:

51. Willis McGahee:

52. Mike Bell:

53. Arian Foster:

54. Lynell Hamilton:

55. Leon Washington:

56. Correll Buckhalter:

57. Kevin Faulk:

58. Julius Jones:

59. Tashard Choice:

60. Sammy Morris:

61. Kevin Smith:

62. Glen Coffee:

63. Bernard Scott:

64. Toby Gerhart:

65. Jerious Norwood:

66. Joe McNight:

67. Jason Snelling:

68. Fred Taylor:

69. Mewelde Moore:

70. Le’Ron McClain:

71. Deji Karim:

72. Lex Hilliard:

73. Brandon Jackson:

74. Javon Ringer:

75. Chris Ogbonnaya:

76. Jonathon Dwyer::

77. Earnest Graham:

78. Rashad Jennings:

79. Tyrell Sutton

80. LenDale White::