Some surprising names are atop this season’s running back rankings. The big seasons from Michael Turner and DeAngelo Williams last year make them top 10 options, while second-year studs Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, and Steve Slaton are all ranked in the top eight. In the middle rounds, veterans Jamal Lewis, Larry Johnson, and Joseph Addai hope to bounce back from disappointing seasons, while Pierre Thomas and Derrick Ward hope to prove that they are for real. Youth again is served in the later rounds as Darren McFadden and Ray Rice are both sleepers and Leon Washington and Darren Sproles look forward to expanded roles. Here’s a look at the Sportsnet.ca top 50 running backs for the upcoming football season.
1) Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
The crème de la crème, Adrian Peterson stands at the top of fantasy football as the overwhelming first pick overall. With Brett Favre and Percy Harvin on board the Vikings this season, the team should be less predictable, which makes Peterson’s last year’s total of 10 touchdowns easy to surpass.
2) Matt Forte, RB, Bears
Last season, Matt Forte put up big numbers in his rookie campaign. With Jay Cutler now the Bears signal caller, the Chicago offense for the first time in a long time will be two-dimensional. Considering Forte’s ability as a receiving threat, he and Cutler could be a perfect match.
3) Michael Turner, RB, Falcons
Fresh off a career season, I tend to think that Michael Turner will take a step backwards in 2009. Turner should once again enjoy a fine all-around season, which explains why he’s ranked in the top-three, however, the odds of repeat performance are dim.
4) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
This season Maurice Jones-Drew’s role will expand as Fred Taylor has migrated north to play with the Patriots. While there are some concerns whether Jones-Drew can succeed in a lead role, or if his body can withstand the extra carries, the diminutive star is clearly the Jaguars top playmaker and should once again lead the team when it comes to touchdowns.
5) Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
The injuries have mounted over the last few years for this St. Louis sensation, however, the good news is that when he did find the field, Steven Jackson’s talent continued to shine through.
6) Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
While second-year running back Chris Johnson should take another step forward, with LenDale White retuning in great shape, the Titans will likely maintain a split backfield.
7) DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers
Perhaps the greatest surprise last season was Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams’ breakthrough season. Nonetheless, with Jonathan Stewart breathing down his neck for an extended role, expect Williams’ numbers to be in decline this season.
8) Steve Slaton, RB, Texans
As a rookie, Steve Slaton accumulated 100-plus yards of offense in nine games and led the Texans with 1252 rushing yards. This season, the Texans hope to finally have all of its leaders on offense healthy. If so, Slaton should take another step towards stardom in a high-powered offense.
9) Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
Not exactly the most thrilling running back, Frank Gore is solid and consistent. The Niners lead tailback has exceeded 1,000 rushing yards three years in a row and should get the chance to make it four in a run-dominated offense.
10) LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers
Injuries and a declining efficiency push LaDainian Tomlinson to the border of the top 10 running back rankings. The Chargers look to keep Tomlinson fresh this season by having him split carries with the up-and-coming Darren Sproles. As a result, the 30-year old Tomlinson will likely be in decline for a third consecutive season.
11) Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants
Last season, fantasy managers were pleased to find that Brandon Jacobs was utilized for goal line carries, resulting in a career high 15 rushing touchdowns. The 6’4 264 lbs. running back is stellar when healthy, however, fantasy managers should draft extra depth at the running back position if the injury-prone Jacobs is on their team.
12) Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins
Though he is not one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL, Clinton Portis is one of the most consistent. The 28-year old former Miami Hurricanes star has gathered 1500-plus total yards in all but one season of his career.
13) Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys
After the Cowboys let starting running back Julius Jones head to Seattle and rookie Felix Jones went down with an early injury, Marion Barber was forced into a new role as workhorse for the rushing game. The additional carries had a negative effect on Barber’s game, as his yards per carry slid from 4.8 to 3.7. This season, the Cowboys hope to once again deploy a split backfield allowing its touchdown machine to return to form as one of the most efficient tailbacks in the NFL.
14) Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles
Similar to LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook is a familiar name to fantasy managers and was once a staple in the top five picks of the draft for many years. This season his stock takes a hit as the past injuries and upcoming 30th birthday are both alarming for fantasy managers.
15) Kevin Smith, RB, Lions
While the Lions may struggle for victories, they are a much better team in fantasy thanks to wide receiver Calvin Johnson and second-year running back Kevin Smith. As a lynchpin of the team’s future, Smith will likely be featured more as the team looks to break in rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford.
16) Thomas Jones, RB, Jets
Thomas Jones enjoyed a career season in 2008 with 13 touchdowns and 1312 rushing yards. I believe those figures will be difficult for Jones to repeat as the Jets break in an inexperienced quarterback. In addition, the Jets are paying big bucks to backup running back Leon Washington, who will likely steal carries from Jones.
17) Ryan Grant, RB, Packers
As prolific as the Packers offense was last season, Ryan Grant was a disappointment. Sure, the 1203 rushing yards look impressive from afar, but Grant managed just 3.9 yards per carry and only visited the pay-dirt on five occasions. The 23-year old Brandon Jackson, meanwhile, is waiting in the wings after a fine season that included 5.5 yards per carry in limited action.
18) Joseph Addai, RB, Colts
Once considered a top fantasy running back, a disappointing season from Joseph Addai has sent his stock into a freefall. The Colts have decided to bring in other alternatives to the running back position, drafting Donald Brown with the 27th pick of the 2009 draft.
19) Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
With Deuce McAllister no longer in the Saints backfield, and Reggie Bush clearly not an every down running back, the bulk of the handoffs will rest into the arms of Pierre Thomas. Considering the strength of the Saints offense, Thomas should enjoy many scoring opportunities.
20) Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs
He is far from the fantasy dynamo who would last no more than three picks into a fantasy drafts, but Larry Johnson is an intriguing middle round option in fantasy football this season. Assuming he can stay healthy, 1300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns are very realistic.
21) Willie Parker, RB, Steelers
Having missed six games over the last two seasons, Parker is certainly not a top fantasy option, but he remains serviceable as a second or third option, though a healthy Mendenhall may eventually cut into his carries.
22) Jamal Lewis, RB, Browns
Entering his third season in Cleveland, Jamal Lewis has put up a strong season followed by a stinker. Of course, just about everyone stunk last season for the Cleveland Browns. On that note, head coach Eric Mangini takes over the Browns this season, and if we learned anything from him with his time with the Jets, it’s that he likes to keep the ball on the ground.
23) Derrick Ward, RB, Buccaneers
Considering the big bucks that the Buccaneers are shelling out to Derrick Ward, it is likely that he will supplant the incumbent Earnest Graham at running back. Who the Bucs will use for goal line carries will also weigh heavily in determining the running backs’ fantasy value.
24) Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins
Ronnie Brown proved to be a fine weapon as a part of the Wildcats offense last season. While he won’t surprise you with 1500 rushing yards, Brown remains a viable second running back with a penchant for finding the end zone.
25) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
It’s a shame Mike Shanahan is no longer running the Broncos, because he knew how to get the most out of his running backs. Nonetheless, new head coach Josh McDaniels will likely have little choice but to resort to the ground with struggling quarterback Kyle Orton under center.
26) LenDale White, RB, Titans
One of the greatest surprises of last season was the remarkable performance of running back LenDale White. The Titans backup easily surpassed most starting running backs when it came to fantasy production thanks to his 15 rushing touchdowns. Though his value is limited a tad in leagues that awards for receptions, as long as he remains the top goal line option, White is a solid fantasy performer.
27) Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals
In a surprising finish, Cedric Benson resurrected his career with a late hurrah for the Cincinnati Bengals. Assuming the Bengals offense can return to form with a healthy Carson Palmer, Benson should once again establish new career highs across the board.
28) Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
One of the best sleepers in this season’s fantasy drafts, Fred Jackson will continue a four-game trial as a starting running back. If you forgot, Jackson finished the Bills ’08 season with a start and he responded with 27 carries and 136 rushing yards. If he performs well in the opening three games of the season, there is little reason for the Bills to demote him upon Lynch’s return.
29) Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills
Fantasy managers willing to invest in Marshawn Lynch are doing so with the full understanding of a three-game handicap. Poor conduct off the field has resulted in a three-game suspension, which will provide able backup Fred Jackson with a chance to shine. Even if Jackson performs well, it is difficult to imagine that Lynch won’t play a large role in the offense, considering he has rushed for greater than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.
30) Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers
The Carolina Panthers were a beast on the ground last season thanks to the two-headed running game of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. While Williams’ strong performance came as a surprise, Stewart was the 13th pick of the ’08 draft and will eventually become a starter in the league.
31) Reggie Bush, RB, Saints
He may not be the elite running back that we all envisioned out of USC, but Bush remains a fantasy talent thanks to his many receptions and propensity for making big plays.
32) Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
It is a very crowded Ravens backfield, however, Ray Rice is currently the team’s best running back. His combination of speed and skill should make him more valuable than Willis McGahee.
33) Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants
The Giants third string running back last season will replace Derrick Ward in the offense this season. As a result, 1000-plus rushing yards is realistic for the talented playmaker.
34) Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
Plagued by turf toe for much of the season, fantasy managers were teased by the potential of Darren McFadden last season. Now that he’s healthy and with a season in the NFL under his belt, a big season is expected from the former Razorbacks star.
35) Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals
Injuries have slowed him down this preseason, however, Cardinals rookie Chris Wells is considered more talented than Tim Hightower. On the Cardinals potent offense, Wells should enjoy immediate fantasy value.
36) Leon Washington, RB, Jets
The Jets best offensive weapon should have the ball in his hands more often this season. He is certainly a top-20 running back in fantasy leagues that includes special teams yards.
37) Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers
In an effort to keep LaDainian Tomlinson fresh this season, the Chargers intend to utilize the speedy Darren Sproles more often. The 5’6 running back should easily surpass last season’s 672 total yards of offense.
38) Felix Jones, RB, Cowboys
An injury marred what would have been a fine debut for Felix Jones. Nonetheless, fantasy managers now know that Jones is capable of splitting carries with Marion Barber.
39) Le’Ron McClain, RB, Ravens
Made from the same cloth as Giants tailback Brandon Jacobs, Le’Ron McClain is a power back who offers a different look from Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. In goal line situations, the ball will likely be in his hands.
40) Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers
He was expected to lose his job to Bucs newcomer Derrick Ward, however, so far he has held his own in training camp. A 60% split is looking more likely, but the greater value could lie in who gets the goal line touches.
41) Donald Brown, RB, Colts
The Colts brought in Donald Brown to provide some consistency from the backfield. While he will likely start the season behind Joseph Addai in the depth charts, Green could end up enjoying a rookie season similar to Jonathan Stewart last season.
42) Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots
The most consistent running back for the Patriots over the last two seasons, if Sammy Morris can stay healthy, we may finally witness his breakthrough season. The return of Tom Brady should lead to plenty of scoring opportunities for the Pats offense.
43) Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens
It’s tough to imagine a team going three deep in the backfield, but the Ravens have the personnel to make it happen.
44) Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers
He has plenty to prove thanks to an injury-ravaged rookie campaign, but Rashard Mendenhall serves as the Steelers backup to the injury-prone Willie Parker.
45) Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons
One of the most efficient running backs in the NFL, Norwood averages close to six yards per carry. Perhaps the Falcons will finally consider providing him with an extended role.
46) Brandon Jackson, RB, Packers
Brandon Jackson seemed to progress just when Packers starting running back Ryan Grant regressed last season. Should that happen again, Grant’s job would be very much in jeopardy.
47) Justin Fargas, RB, Raiders
A former USC Trojan, Justin Fargas has posted fine numbers when healthy. Unfortunately, injuries have limited his opportunities, and as a result, he will likely be surpassed by second year tailback Darren McFadden by season’s kickoff. Whether Michael Bush also surpasses him will determine whether he has any value at all.
48) Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals
With Edgerrin James no longer on the squad, and rookie Beanie Wells limited by injuries, Tim Hightower may once again enjoy the goal line carries for the Arizona Cardinals.
49) Peyton Hillis, RB, Broncos
You get the sense that last year’s performance was too good to be true, but Hillis has been getting the bulk of the carries during the preseason and has looked more effective than Knowshon Moreno. He’s certainly worth a late round flyer for fantasy managers.
50) Fred Taylor, RB, Patriots
It’s a crowded backfield, but Fred Taylor clearly has the best credentials. He will have to overcome the younger Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris as well as the dependable Kevin Faulk to receive meaningful carries.