Fantasy Rankings: Running Backs
by Josh Gaier
1. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
LT remains the top fantasy player in the game despite having a drop off in numbers from his memorable 2006 season. Unlike most running backs in the NFL, especially in the fantasy world, LT remains consistent and reliable in your backfield. Some weeks he’ll be able to single-handedly win your team some games and he’ll always contribute a solid amount of points to help you defeat your opponent. If you’re one of the lucky ones to draft LT onto your roster, pencil him in for at least 15 total touchdowns and at least 1,500 total yards, worst case scenario.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
The sensational rookie hopes to provide the Vikings’ fans with an encore of his stellar rookie season. Despite having arguably the best physical skills in the NFL, Peterson’s inability to stay healthy makes any fantasy owner weary about picking this magnificent talent. However, Peterson possesses a ton of upside if he’s able to stay healthy and he’ll always have the ability to explode and rack up a ton of yards every given Sunday. Peterson has stud written all over him and flirts with LT for the top fantasy spot.
3. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Over the years, with Peyton Manning at quarterback and Tony Dungy as head coach, Colts’ running backs have had a knack of producing excellent and consistent fantasy numbers. And one constant factor about the high-gear numbers the Colts running backs accumulate is that they have a nose for the end zone. Addai lived up to this last year by reaching the end zone 15 times. With Addai continuing to blossom, the upside on the LSU product in fantasy in tremendous. By selecting Addai, you’re selecting a player that will get you points in the air and ground game.
4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Although Jackson and the Rams had a downfall last year, you can’t imagine Jackson being held to another “decent” season, in terms of his standards. The offensive line needs to be improved, but Al Saunders is the coach needed to fix a leaking line. With an already perennial track record behind him, Saunders plans to make Jackson the catalyst of the offense, which means a lot of touches, yards, and touchdowns. Entering the year healthy, as well as an improved offensive line, bodes well for this fantasy stud whose shown he’s capable of racking up more than 1,600 yards and 15-plus touchdowns.
5. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
Simply put, Westbrook is the best complete fantasy running back in terms of receiving yards and rushing yards, and his numbers back this up. He’ll always get you at least 1,700 total yards and double-digit touchdowns, but his injury history makes us all queasy when selecting Westbrook. As certain as we’ll be that Westbrook will be a fantasy superstar this year, we can be just as certain that he’ll be danged up and missing a few games here and there. Nevertheless, Westbrook is a complete fantasy running back who’ll solidify your team’s number one running back spot.
6. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Gore stumbled from his 2006 campaign in 2007, but he looks to rebound with Mike Martz inserted as the Niners offensive coordinator. Gore hasn’t had a problem getting his fantasy owner yards, but rather reaching the end zone. Nonetheless, Gore has shown he’s capable of being a threat in the NFL, so his touchdown numbers should increase this year. The Niners’ offensive line is still intact and Gore should only go up from his numbers a year ago.
7. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
Portis is a fantasy player who always tends to sail under the radar. When healthy, Portis always give his owners 1,500+ total yards and at least double digit touchdowns. However, it’s a mystery why he’s always falling to the second round. With a new offense being placed in Washington, Portis is rumored to be the focal point in the new West Coast system. Portis always has the ability to take it the distance due to his speed and has the toughness to churn his way into the end zone. Don’t make a mistake and not draft the consistent Portis due to a player you think has “upside.”
8. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys
9. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
10. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills
11. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
12. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
13. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
14. Thomas Jones, New York Jets
15. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns
16. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
17. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
18. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
19. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
20. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots
21. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
22. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
23. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Ernest Graham, Tampa Bay Bucs
25. LenDale White, Tennessee Titans
26. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
27. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
28. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
29. Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions
30. Julius Jones, Seattle Seahawks
31. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
32. Justin Fargas, Oakland Raiders
33. Selvin Young, Denver Broncos
34. Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings
35. Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys