It’s never too early to look at next year. Here’s a
look at early 2010 fantasy football Running Back rankings.
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
I know Chris Johnson ran wild last year, but in Peterson's
“down year,” he had 18 TDs and 1,819 total yards. He
made great strides in the passing game last year. All he needs to
do is get the fumbling in check.
If Favre comes back they can’t stack the box against
him. If he doesn’t come back, AP becomes the focal point of
the offense again.
2. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
After putting up over 2,500 total yards, including reaching
the 2,000 yard rushing mark, I fail to see how Johnson can be
ranked any lower than second.
The track record of players who touch the ball as many times
as he did (358 carries, 50 receptions) is what keeps him out of my
top slot.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
MJD showed that he can handle the full load. He’s a
machine.
4. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
He was limited by injuries in 2009, but still managed to
reach 10 TDs. He showed his toughness by trying to play through the
pain.
He’s shown enough in two seasons with Atlanta to merit
the fourth slot in fantasy drafts. In PPR leagues, he slides down a
couple of notches.
5. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
What a season for Rice. He’s so electric. He can run
and catch and is a threat to take the ball to the house every time
he touches it. If
Willis McGahee isn’t brought back, he could
rack up even more TDs.
6. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Health is a constant concern for Gore, but when he plays,
he’s clearly one of the best. He’s also a dual threat
and plays in an up-and-coming offense.
7. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Nobody impressed me more than S-Jax last year. He fought
through injuries to put up 1,738 total yards. Considering the lack
of talent around him last year, he has to be commended.
He’ll need to increase his TD total (4), which I think
will happen as they put more talent around him.
8. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers
Often overlooked because of their passing attack, Grant was a
force down the stretch. He should continue to put up big number for
the Pack.
9. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals
Safe to say this guy is for real. I loved the way he played
against he Jets despite little help from the other key talent.
10. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
The passing game will take the pressure off of Mendenhall,
and he should build on his somewhat surprising 2009 success.
11. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of surprising success. Charles, who I like to call
Chris Johnson Lite, was a machine down the stretch. I don’t
think he can keep up that pace, but he should be a solid fantasy
contributor.
I caution you, though. I get a little
Steve Slaton vibe from him.
12. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
Moreno had a solid rookie campaign. I see him taking a step
forward in 2010.
13. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers
If D-Will or J-Stew leave, they will both move up the chart.
As it is, their ceilings are lowered a touch because of the
timeshare.
14. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
Ditto.
15. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
After struggling early, the Bears figured out he needs to be
more involved in the passing game. I expect him to bounce back in
2010. He should be a nice value pick.
16. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook’s return is unlikely,
meaning the keys will be handed over to McCoy. I don’t see
him scoring TDs like Westy, but he should still be a yardage
machine.
17. Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
I believe Felix passed his audition to become the
Cowboys’ next feature back. He’ll have to share the
load, but should still be quite productive.
18. Shonn Greene, New York Jets
Replace
Marion Barber III with
Thomas Jones and you have the same scenario with
the Jets as you have with the Cowboys.
19. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns
He finished with a flurry, but I’m not convinced he can
repeat.
20. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Jackson proved he’s Buffalo’s best RB. Lynch will
steal, but Jackson is the back you want.
21. Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals
He’ll have to share with Hightower, but he should be
the feature back in 2010.
22. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
I’m not ready to write Addai off yet, and I doubt the
Colts are either.
23. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
It’s hard to forget a player of his size, but
that’s what his 2009 season was...forgettable. Look for him
to bounce back.
24. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
I’m an admitted Ronnie Brown fan. If he can stay
healthy, he’s a beast. That "if" keeps him at the bottom of
this list rather than near the top.
25. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Health was an issue with Thomas, as was consistency. He has a
ton of talent, and in that offense is worthy of a top-25 ranking.
This
Bleacher Report
article by Ryan Lester was originally published on
Lester’s
Legends.
