They are the gold standard of fantasy football. They dominate the first few rounds of the draft so they bring the most risk to the table due to injuries.
Here’s a look at the top running backs for your fantasy football draft.
1) Adrian Peterson, Vikings
It’s not that I think he will post the best fantasy figures, he never really does, it’s just that I appreciate consistency more than anything else in fantasy football and Peterson has been both durable and consistent throughout his NFL career. Entering his walk year, there is a lot at stake this season for Peterson.
2) Arian Foster, Texans
He was the best running back in the NFL last season but the problem here is that he is already feeling some pain after the heavy workload. Plus, Ben Tate was expected to compete for the starting gig last season before an injury ended his rookie season. Now Tate is healthy and it’s Foster who may be ailing.
3) Chris Johnson, Titans
He has greater potential than anyone else at his position, but he wasn’t as dominant last season and now he is holding out from Titans camp. Fantasy managers prefer that he works on forming a rapport with recently imported quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
4) Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
He offered fantasy managers an excellent encore last year after a breakthrough 2009 season. He should enjoy an even greater workload this season now that Thomas Jones is starting to show his age. Of course, a greater workload also increases the potential for injury.
5) Ray Rice, Ravens
He can do it all, and finally will do it all now that Willis McGahee is out of Baltimore. Rice reminds me of Maurice-Jones Drew but with better talent surrounding him. Expect another great season from Rice.
6) LeSean McCoy, Eagles
Fantasy managers in point per reception leagues love this popular target for Michael Vick. McCoy reminds a lot of people of Brian Westbrook, with the obvious fear of injuries. He will have to split his carries with the quarterback, which is a bit different.
7) Michael Turner, Falcons
The Falcons offence is getting better and better with the development of franchise player Matt Ryan and the addition of Julio Jones. However, the man responsible for bringing the ball into the end zone remains Michael Turner, and his goal-line carries should only increase with the added talent.
8) Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
When you think Steelers offence, rushing always comes to mind. It’s no different this season as the top Steelers player drafted will be Rashard Mendenhall. The only concern for Mendenhall last season was a decline in yards per carry to 3.9, but that’s what you should expect from a grinding offense such as Pittsburgh.
9) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
Durability is a concern for the diminutive tailback after missing two games last season but Maurice Jones-Drew played all 16 games the previous two seasons and is now riding back-to-back 1300-plus rushing yards seasons. There are some concerns that the Jaguars may not be all that competitive, but Jones-Drew ability to contribute as a receiving threat as well as in the backfield should keep him relevant all season long.
10) Darren McFadden, Raiders
A favorite in fantasy drafts this season is Darren McFadden. The former Arkansas star finally broke out last season with 1,157 rushing yards and 507 receiving yards. However, the cause for caution is the fact that I still see Oakland using a split backfield with Michael Bush also having some fantasy value.
11) Jahvid Best, Lions
Jahvid Best was a mild disappointment last season as he failed to carry the early momentum deep into the season. Nonetheless, the Lions are expected to have a great offense assuming Matthew Stafford can finally stay healthy. That should equate to a great deal of scoring opportunities for Best assuming he can avoid a sophomore slump.
12) Frank Gore, 49ers
He ranks amongst the top-hree running backs in the NFL when it comes to raw ability but the problem for Frank Gore isthat he can’t stay healthy. That explains why the Niners draft running backs on an annual basis.
13) Steven Jackson, Rams
Though his numbers took a bit of a dip last season, I still value Steven Jackson as an elite running back who can return to prominence now that the Rams passing game is on the mend. With 40-plus receptions in each of the last three seasons, Jackson is a dual threat who rarely turns the ball over. Despite his wear and tear over the years, Jackson enters the season at 28 years old.
14) Peyton Hillis, Browns
Last year was a breakout season for Peyton Hillis as he boasted 1,177 rushing yards with 15 total touchdowns. However there remains some cause for concern, most notably during the second half of the season his yards per carry dropped from 4.8 to 3.9. While that is still serviceable, he may not be considered a long-term fix, which can open the door for Montario Hardesty or Brandon Jackson.
15) Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
Despite playing in a split backfield last season, Bradshaw racked up a stellar 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. The former seventh round selection may have an even bigger role this season as the Giants look to balance their offense more by keeping the ball on the ground to make up for the loss of tight end Kevin Boss and wide out Steve Smith in the passing game.
16) LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the most intriguing young teams in the NFL, and while everyone wants to credit the passing game, LeGarrette Blount should not be overlooked. Over the second half of the season he racked up 739 rushing yards with three scores. He is a bit limited as a receiver, and he is not as battle-tested as other running backs, but Blount did show us a few things last season and over the course of a full season his fantasy value should soar.
17) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
One of my picks to click this season is Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno. Anyone who has seen him play at Georgia understands the type of potential he carries. If he can simply avoid those nagging injuries the rest of the NFL will learn how he can carry a team five yards at a time.
18) Shonn Greene, RB, Jets
The sudden decline of LaDainian Tomlinson in the second half of last season will lead to extra carries to the younger Jets running backs this season. The question is whether they will all go to Shonn Greene, or if one of the last two year’s draft picks will get some touches. Greene only amassed more than 100 rushing yards in one game last season, so there’s no guarantee that he will enjoy a larger role this season.
19) Matt Forte, RB, Bears
Similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears have always been known for their defense and rushing attack. Following a disappointing 2009 season, Forte returned to form last year averaging a career-best 4.5 yards per carry while racking up 547 receiving yards. In a Mike Martz offense, the pass seems to be the preferred method of attack, but give Forte credit for raising his game as a receiving threat and returning to fantasy prominence.
20) Felix Jones, Cowboys
A lot of people thought Felix Jones would break out last season, but instead he scored just one rushing touchdown with 800 yards. Though Tashard Choice returns and DeMarco Murray was drafted, I see Jones getting a crack at being the team’s full-time tailback. The former first-round pick will still draw less carries than most leading backs, but he can make it up with receptions and receiving yards.
21) Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
If you want to see one of the greatest runs in NFL history check out Marshawn Lynch’s wild card playoff run from last season on YouTube. Overall, Lynch has been pretty underwhelming the last few seasons but it’s all about opportunity and he will have a shot at averaging 15 to 20 carries a game in Seattle this season.
22) Ryan Grant, Packers
Do not forget Ryan Grant. The undrafted Notre Dame alumnus pulled off back-to-back 1200-plus rushing yard seasons before enduring a very early injury last season. Though the Packers won without him, they should be better with him. Look for Grant to reclaim the starting gig as the 28-year-old is already telling the press that he has never felt so fresh.
23) DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
The Panthers proved to be sold on DeAngelo Williams when they re-signed him to a lucrative contract. Although injuries ruined his 2010 season, Williams had been one of the league’s top running backs in 2008 and 2009. Though Jonathan Stewart lurks in the backfield, judging by the amount of money tied to Williams, you can expect him to get the bulk of the carries.
24) Cedric Benson, Bengals
Cedric Benson certainly did not have his best season last year with a meager average of 3.5 yards per carry, but yet again he will have the backfield to himself this season. The end result should be more than a half dozen touchdowns and 1000-plus rushing yards. He does lose value in leagues that reward points per receptions.
25) Beanie Wells, Cardinals
Wells actually took a step backwards last season when it came to fantasy production, as he averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and saw his total output cut in half. The only reason why he makes the top-25 is the unfortunate season-ending injury to rookie Ryan Williams. In other words, the backfield belongs to Wells alone… for better or worse.
26) BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots
It is rare that I stand by a Patriots running back, but BenJarvus Green-Ellis has gone from an undrafted talent out of Mississippi to the “Law Firm” and last season he broke through with 13 touchdowns. Bill Belichick has been known to mix it up in the backfield, but they have a rising star entering his prime, which has me thinking Green-Ellis will mimic his second-half performance when he racked up 623 yards with seven touchdowns.
27) Reggie Bush, Dolphins
The long-time bust with the Saints does have some talents that should come into use with the Dolphins. Bush is a skilled playmaker who racked up more than 1300 total yards his first season in the league. The issue for him has been injuries lately, but right now he looks 100 per cent. A chance of scenery could do Bush some good as he enters training camp No. 1 on the depth chart.
28) Daniel Thomas, Dolphins
If you bet against Reggie Bush, the name to know is Daniel Thomas. A second-round pick out of Kansas State, Thomas is a Florida native who is likely the long-term solution for the Dolphins backfield now that the Reggie Brown/Ricky Williams era has come to a close.
29) Ryan Mathews, Chargers
While Mike Tolbert may be better at the moment, the Chargers understand that Ryan Mathews, their first round pick last season, represents the future. That’s why you can expect him to have a more favorable situation this season now that the running game comes second to Philip Rivers and the passing game. To his credit, Mathews did have some solid moments last season, even averaging a healthy 4.3 yards per carry.
30) Mark Ingram, Saints
When the Saints selected Mark Ingram with the 28th pick of the first round, it became clear that Reggie Bush’s days with the franchise was a part of the past. Similar to Bush, Ingram was a Heisman winner in college and should enjoy the opportunity to make an immediate impact to the Saints. While some fantasy pundits rank him within the top 20, I still see the Saints easing Ingram into the starter’s role, opting to split his carries with Chris Ivory and, if healthy, Pierre Thomas.
31) Tim Hightower, Redskins
An injury to Ryan Torain in training camp opens the door for Tim Hightower to win over the starting gig. Hightower has dealt with his fair share of split backfields in recent years and still has boasted some fantasy value. In fact, last year’s 4.8 yards per carry were by far the best of his career. This is a great opportunity for Hightower to seize, and fantasy managers only have to risk a middle round pick to get in on the action.
32) Fred Jackson, Bills
Even though there is a lot of talk about C.J. Spiller becoming the starting running back in Buffalo, the safe pick remains Fred Jackson. The 30-year-old veteran has averaged right around 1,000 rushing yards over the last two seasons. Jackson racked up 614 rushing yards in the second half of the season following the Marshawn Lynch trade. Now with the Lee Evans trade, the Bills may push the ball harder on the ground providing both Jackson and Spiller amble opportunities to contribute.
33) Joseph Addai, Colts
Though the Colts invested a fourth-round pick in Delone Carter, it looks like veteran Joseph Addai will have another shot at carrying the load in the Colts backfield. This may end up being a more significant role than usual given the uncertainty around Peyton Manning’s neck surgery during the off-season.
34) Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
Even as a backup to DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart racked up 1,133 yards in 2009. The 13th pick of the 2008 draft then took a turn for the worse last season due to injuries. Though he does little in the passing game, Stewart is an effective running back who should rack up 700-yards and possibly more if Williams deals with more injury woes.
35) Mike Tolbert, Chargers
The most unlikely fantasy star last season was Mike Tolbert. The stocky fullback turned into a running back due to injuries and the end result was 11 touchdowns. Tolbert was also surprisingly effective in the passing game, racking up 25 receptions for 216 yards. Though Ryan Mathews is the Chargers long-term option at running back, Tolbert should once again be the team’s goal option.
36) C.J. Spiller, Bills
C.J. Spiller has a lot to prove this season after scoring just one touchdown last season. The problem with Spiller is that he was the ninth overall pick of last year’s draft. That means that the Bills will give him every chance to succeed, rather than accept a bust on their hands. It could come to the detriment of Fred Jackson’s fantasy managers and even the Buffalo Bills as a team this season.
37) Ryan Torain, Redskins
A personal favourite of Mike Shanahan, Ryan Torain always gets his chances, but he has to stay healthy. You have to respect his career average of 4.5 yards per carry. I don’t see Tim Hightower or Roy Helu as threats to his playing time, but instead it’s Torain’s health alone that will dictate his production.
38) Darren Sproles, Saints
At 5’6″, Sproles is a mighty mouse who retains extra fantasy value in leagues that award points per reception. In fact, last season he racked up 59 receptions for 520 yards. I see Sproles effectively replacing Reggie Bush in New Orleans. He should become a favorite target of Drew Brees.
39) Michael Bush, Raiders
For a third straight season Michael Bush established a career high in rushing yards. In fact, Bush formed a nice lightning and thunder combo with Darren McFadden. Expect more of the same this season as both running backs keep each other healthy and effective by offering a different look for the Raiders offense.
40) James Starks, Packers
Though he only contributed 101 rushing yards in the 2010 regular season, Starks should be well known to all NFL football fans after posting 315 rushing yards in the post-season. While Ryan Grant is expected to return as the lead carrier, he still has a lot to prove following major knee surgery. It’s likely that Starks will split the backfield and possibly end up as the running back of the future for the Packers.
41) Brandon Jacobs, Giants
Of all backup running backs in the NFL, Brandon Jacobs is probably the safest pick. That’s because the 6’4″, 264-lb. running back is a safe bet to rack up 800-plus yards with eight touchdowns. While other backups are ranked ahead of him because of the potential to earn larger roles, Jacobs value is in his consistency and goal-line prowess.
42) Thomas Jones, Chiefs
Thomas Jones is a bit of a boring running back because he just puts his head down and carries the ball but he is also still relevant in fantasy circles due to his sure-handedness. Last year was a bit of a disappointment for him as he struggled when it mattered most but Jones always shines brightest when you least expect it. Splitting time with Jamaal Charles, Jones can still rack up 700 rushing yards.
43) Donald Brown, Colts
This former first-round pick has yet to displace Joseph Addai due to a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness. So Addai will remain the top ball carrier for the Colts with Brown trying to hold off rookie Delone Carter for the backup job.
44) Rashad Jennings, Jaguars
With all of the concern that Maurice Jones-Drew will not stay healthy, it makes sense to take a flyer on Rashad Jennings in the later rounds. The Jaguars backup running back boasts a career average of 5.5 yards per carry and is just as dangerous as a receiving threat. The only question is whether Jennings will have enough playing time to make an impact.
45) Danny Woodhead, Patriots
What’s nice about Danny Woodhead is that he is certain to sit behind BenJarvus Green-Ellis on the depth chart but his versatility will make him a valuable fantasy player because of his impact on the passing game, trick plays and on special teams.
46) Ronnie Brown, Eagles
A move to Philadelphia will result in a demotion in position for Ronnie Brown, who will no longer be counted upon for 15-plus carries per game. The injury-prone running back is little more than an insurance pick behind LeSean McCoy.
47) LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets
A second half collapse will force LaDainian Tomlinson into a strictly third-down role, which will result in fewer touches and yards. He’ll likely be overrated in most fantasy drafts.
48) Montario Hardesty, Browns
Fantasy managers never got to really know Montario Hardesty last season because of an injury. Hardesty was supposed to have a shot at starting before Peyton Hillis broke out. While Hillis will be the main man once again, Hardesty is supposed to have starting running back potential, so look for the Tennessee alumnus to get his share of touches, though Brandon Jackson can make things interesting.
49) Jason Snelling, Falcons
A seventh-round pick in 2007, Snelling shined brightest when Turner struggled to stay healthy in 2009. He racked up 613 rushing yards with another 259 receiving yards. Considering Turner’s heavy workload, there is always the potential for injuries and Snelling will be next in line for the bulk of the carries.
50) Kendall Hunter, 49ers
The 49ers had some issues last season when Frank Gore was out and Anthony Dixon only offered 3.4 yards per carry. So they went ahead and drafted Kendall Hunter out of Oklahoma State in the fourth round. Gore has been banged up in recent years, having missed nine games over the last three seasons. Hunter will likely get his opportunity to contribute.