Tier rankings: Running backs

Published Sep. 9, 2009 12:47 a.m. ET

foxsports

Rotter's tier rankings:QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST

Tier rankings: Running backs
	Rushing	Rec	Total
Rk	Player	Tm	Gm	Yds	TD	Att	Avg	100-Yd	Rec	Yds	Yds	TD	100-Yd	2-TD
1	Adrian Peterson	MIN	16	1760	10	363	4.8	10	21	125	1885	10	11	2
Round 1	He's a threat to turn any play into a touchdown. If his teammates can establish a legit passing attack, watch out!
2	Michael Turner	ATL	16	1699	17	376	4.5	8	6	41	1740	17	8	4
Round 1	Handled a full season of starting while remaining productive. More running lanes will open as Matt Ryan keeps improving.
3	Matt Forte	CHI	16	1238	8	316	3.9	3	63	477	1715	12	11	2
Round 1	Great progress at quarterback and offensive line boost Forte's value as runner and receiver. Did much with little last year.
4	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	16	1110	11	292	3.8	2	52	426	1536	12	8	3
Round 1	Reaching age 30 and enduring recent injuries are concerning, but great stats and potential TD chances are tough to pass.
5	DeAngelo Williams	CAR	16	1515	18	273	5.5	8	22	121	1636	20	8	5
Round 1	Became a strong RB to complement his speed and quickness. Helped by excellent line, team's devotion to run in the regular season.
6	Brandon Jacobs	NYG	13	1089	15	219	5.0	4	6	36	1125	15	4	5
Round 1	Injuries are biggest concern, downgrading his value. Otherwise, he's dominant and extremely productive vs. any defense.
7	Steven Jackson	STL	12	1042	7	253	4.1	4	40	379	1421	8	8	2
Round 1	Needs teammates to step up and help him flourish as centerpiece of offense. Staying healthy would help as well.
8	Maurice Jones-Drew	JAC	16	824	12	197	4.2	2	62	565	1389	14	5	4
Round 1	Offensive line is a question mark, but his superb all-around skills ensure high yardage totals as focal point of offense.
9	Brian Westbrook	PHI	14	936	9	233	4.0	3	54	402	1338	14	5	5
Round 1	Recent knee issues and offseason ankle surgery raise question marks. If he's healthy, he'll remain extremely productive in great system.
10	Frank Gore	SF	14	1036	6	240	4.3	3	43	373	1409	8	7	1
Round 1	Despite QB woes, he was a productive top 15 fantasy starter. If offense improves, he'll emerge as a top starter again.
11	Steve Slaton	HOU	16	1282	9	268	4.8	5	50	377	1659	10	9	2
Round 1	Even if he shares more carries this season, Slaton has proven to be a top all-around playmaker in a rising offense.
12	Chris Johnson	TEN	15	1228	9	251	4.9	4	43	260	1488	10	6	2
Round 1	Has a great combo of power and speed. Run-heavy system helps stats, but may be unable to handle full-time RB role.
13	Clinton Portis	WAS	16	1487	9	342	4.3	6	28	218	1705	9	7	2
Round 1	Is a reliable top back. Run-heavy offense helps stats greatly and has managed to stay durable despite heavy workload.
14	Marion Barber	DAL	15	885	7	238	3.7	3	52	417	1302	9	8	2
Round 4	Was ineffective in the season's second half. Has yet to show he could handle full-time load and likely works best in platoon.
15	Reggie Bush	NO	10	404	2	106	3.8	0	52	440	844	6	3	2
Round 4	Can't stay healthy and isn't reliable. Expect a half season of greatness and have a backup plan when necessary.
16	Ryan Grant	GB	16	1203	4	312	3.9	4	18	116	1319	5	4	0
Round 4	Flopped after being a holdout and battled injuries before season even started. Has potential to rebound in potent offense.
17	Marshawn Lynch	BUF	15	1036	8	250	4.1	3	47	300	1336	9	5	1
Round 4	Suspended first three games. Enhanced offense will boost yards and TDs, making him a strong fantasy starter rest of way.
18	Larry Johnson	KC	12	874	5	193	4.5	3	12	74	948	5	4	1
Rounds 5-6	Attitude and lack of focus make him a weekly question mark. If he can regain his drive, he'll dominate once again.
19	Ronnie Brown	MIA	16	916	10	214	4.3	3	33	254	1170	10	3	1
Rounds 5-6	Has yet to prove he can play full-time over an entire season, and needs more consistent touches and scoring chances.
20	Pierre Thomas	NO	15	625	9	129	4.8	1	31	284	909	12	5	4
Rounds 5-6	Became the Saints' most productive back by end of season. Starting with increased role will boost stats in great offense.
21	Thomas Jones	NYJ	16	1312	13	290	4.5	5	36	207	1519	15	7	3
Rounds 5-6	Quarterback questions may lead to decreased TD chances, but he runs effectively behind revamped offensive line.
22	Jonathan Stewart	CAR	16	836	10	184	4.5	2	8	47	883	10	2	2
Rounds 5-6	Given better health and a season of experience will lead to greater stats. More PT will put his robust 4.5 yards to good use.
23	Joseph Addai	IND	12	544	5	155	3.5	1	25	206	750	7	2	2
Rounds 5-6	Durability questions and sharing carries with first-rounder downgrade value, but he can rebound in top offense if healthy.
24	Donald Brown	IND	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rounds 5-6	Led NCAA (FBS) in rushing (2,083). Was combine's top 5 in 40-yard dash, vert. jump (1st), broad jump and 20-yard shuttle.
25	Willie Parker	PIT	11	791	5	210	3.8	4	3	13	804	5	4	1
Rounds 5-6	Pittsburgh's inconsistent offensive line, durability concerns and Rashard Mendenhall make him only a No. 2 fantasy back.
26	Knowshon Moreno	DEN	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rounds 5-6	Had 5.6 yards vs. tough SEC and had 33 catches to indicate he'll star as Denver's primary RB. Downgrade (if) a committee.
27	Chris Wells	ARI	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rounds 5-6	Will be Arizona's featured RB after release of Edge. Has injury concerns but offers blend of power and speed as a big back.
28	James Davis	CLE	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rounds 7-8	Averaging superb 7.8 yards per carry through first three preseason games. Poised to be featured back if Jamal Lewis falters.
29	LenDale White	TEN	16	773	15	200	3.9	2	5	16	789	15	3	4
Rounds 7-8	Works effectively as a part-time RB in Tennessee's conservative offense. But receiving as many TD chances is a concern.
30	Derrick Ward	TB	16	1025	2	182	5.6	2	41	384	1409	2	4	0
Rounds 7-8	Though he is likely to be Tampa Bay's No. 1 back, expect a platoon as he has yet to play full-time over an entire year.
31	Ahmad Bradshaw	NYG	15	355	1	67	5.3	0	5	42	397	2	0	1
Rounds 7-8	Owns the skills and talent to replace Ward effectively as the complement to Jacobs. Needs to prove he can produce all year.
32	Cedric Benson	CIN	12	747	2	214	3.5	3	20	185	932	2	4	0
Rounds 7-8	Given a second chance, he proved to be a workhorse back again. His durability and number of TD chances are concerning.
33	Julius Jones	SEA	15	698	2	158	4.4	2	14	66	764	2	2	0
Rounds 7-8	Many excuses are provided for uninspired stats, but end result is lack of productivity. Hopes coaching change reverses slide.
34	Darren McFadden	OAK	13	499	4	113	4.4	1	29	285	784	4	2	1
Rounds 9-10	Injuries and lackluster plays limited touches. Uncertainty of role and durability raise more questions than his talent answers.
35	Kevin Smith	DET	16	976	8	238	4.1	2	39	286	1262	8	4	0
Rounds 9-10	He posted many of his solid stats when Detroit had lost the game by halftime. Needs more help from line, quarterback.
36	Le'Ron McClain	BAL	16	902	10	232	3.9	1	19	123	1025	11	2	2
Rounds 9-10	Stepped up as a solid fantasy starter with consistent stats in final six games. Powerful line, run-heavy system help bruiser.
37	Felix Jones	DAL	6	266	3	30	8.9	0	2	10	276	3	1	0
Rounds 9-10	Is a big-play back who fits well part-time in system. Just needs to stay healthy and is candidate to start vs. shaky defenses.
38	Jamal Lewis	CLE	16	1002	4	279	3.6	0	23	178	1180	4	0	0
Rounds 9-10	Lacks big-play ability and is declining after averaging only 3.6 yards last year. He also turns age 30 entering the season.
39	Chester Taylor	MIN	16	399	4	101	4.0	0	45	399	798	6	2	0
Rounds 9-10	Offers insurance for Peterson in case he becomes injured. Produces stats like a fantasy starter when he plays full-time.
40	LeSean McCoy	PHI	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Rounds 9-10	If Westbrook misses any games after having offseason surgery on knee and ankle, McCoy can be an all-around star in RB-friendly system.
41	Rashard Mendenhall	PIT	4	58	0	19	3.1	0	2	17	75	0	0	0
Rounds 9-10	Season ended early for 2008 first rounder. But he offers more inside power and youth than brittle incumbent Parker.
42	Edgerrin James	SEA	13	514	3	133	3.9	2	12	85	599	3	3	1
Rounds 9-10	Will reportedly be the goal-line back, but can replace Jones if he becomes injured or ineffective.
43	Leon Washington	NYJ	16	448	6	76	5.9	0	47	355	803	8	1	2
Rounds 9-10	Offers big-play ability rushing, receiving or returns, and serves as a bye-week replacement. Needs more consistent touches, though.
44	Ray Rice	BAL	13	454	0	107	4.2	1	33	273	727	0	2	0
Rounds 9-10	Favored to be Baltimore's featured back but is competing for carries at crowded position and has durability concerns.
45	Laurence Maroney	NE	3	93	0	28	3.3	0	0	0	93	0	0	0
Rounds 11-12	Recent disappointment will be a bargain if he can repeat 2006 season of successfully platooning with Dillon. Faces crowded position as well.
46	Fred Taylor	NE	13	556	1	143	3.9	1	16	98	654	1	1	0
Rounds 11-12	Struggled last season, however, New England has revitalized careers of aging veterans like Corey Dillon, so Taylor can be a bargain late.
47	Darren Sproles	SD	16	330	1	61	5.4	1	29	342	672	6	2	2
Rounds 11-12	If L.T. rebounds to top form, Sproles' value decreases. But serves as insurance and is a potential start when receiving more PT vs. weak defenses.
48	Earnest Graham	TB	10	563	4	132	4.3	2	23	174	737	4	3	0
Rounds 11-12	If Ward cannot handle full-time duties, Graham will have value as No. 3 fantasy back in platoon. Just needs to stay healthy, too.
49	Tim Hightower	ARI	16	399	10	143	2.8	1	34	237	636	10	1	2
Rounds 11-12	May find himself the featured back if rookie Wells repeats his injury woes at college. Must draft as insurance if picking Wells.
50	Ricky Williams	MIA	16	659	4	160	4.1	1	29	219	878	5	2	0
Rounds 11-12	Serves as insurance for Brown's owners, but his playing time is erratic in Miami's inconsistent running back rotation.
51	Correll Buckhalter	DEN	14	369	2	76	4.9	0	26	324	693	4	2	0
52	Justin Fargas	OAK	14	853	1	218	3.9	1	10	52	905	1	2	0
53	Rashad Jennings	JAC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
54	Shonn Greene	NYJ	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
55	Willis McGahee	BAL	13	671	7	170	3.9	3	24	173	844	7	3	1
56	Fred Jackson	BUF	16	571	3	130	4.4	1	37	317	888	3	3	0
57	Brandon Jackson	GB	13	248	1	45	5.5	0	30	185	433	1	0	0
58	Jerious Norwood	ATL	16	489	4	95	5.1	0	36	338	827	6	2	1
59	Maurice Morris	DET	13	574	0	132	4.3	2	19	136	710	2	2	0
60	Tashard Choice	DAL	16	472	2	92	5.1	0	21	185	657	2	3	0
61	Glen Coffee	SF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
62	Jerome Harrison	CLE	15	246	1	34	7.2	0	12	116	362	2	1	0
63	Ladell Betts	WAS	13	206	1	61	3.4	0	22	200	406	1	0	0
64	Mike Goodson	CAR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
65	Ryan Moats	HOU	9	94	1	26	3.6	0	3	14	108	1	0	0
66	Adrian Peterson	CHI	15	100	0	20	5.0	10	6	45	145	0	11	2
67	Michael Bush	OAK	15	421	3	95	4.4	1	19	162	583	3	2	1
68	Jamaal Charles	KC	16	357	0	67	5.3	1	27	272	629	1	2	0
69	Kevin Faulk	NE	15	507	3	83	6.1	0	58	486	993	6	4	1
70	Sammy Morris	NE	13	727	7	156	4.7	2	17	161	888	7	3	0
71	Justin Forsett	SEA	14	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
72	Kenneth Darby	STL	10	140	0	32	4.4	0	19	183	323	0	1	0
73	Peyton Hillis	DEN	12	343	5	68	5.0	1	14	179	522	6	2	1
74	Garrett Wolfe	CHI	13	69	0	15	4.6	0	0	0	69	0	0	0
75	Mike Bell	NO	4	42	1	13	3.2	0	1	14	56	1	0	0
76	Javon Ringer	TEN	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
77	Brian Leonard	CIN	2	7	0	2	3.5	0	0	0	7	0	0	0
78	Danny Ware	NYG	6	15	0	2	7.5	0	0	0	15	0	0	0
79	Bernard Scott	CIN	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
80	Cedric Peerman	CLE	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
81	Mewelde Moore	PIT	16	588	5	140	4.2	1	40	320	908	6	3	2
82	LaMont Jordan	DEN	8	363	4	80	4.5	0	0	0	363	4	0	1
83	Carnell Williams	TB	6	233	4	63	3.7	0	7	43	276	4	1	1
84	Eldra Buckley	PHI	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
85	Jason Wright	ARI	19	15	85	0	23	3.7	0	22	156	241	1	0
86	Kolby Smith	KC	7	100	1	35	2.9	0	10	52	152	1	0	0
87	DeShawn Wynn	GB	5	110	1	8	13.8	1	3	30	140	1	1	0
88	Chris Brown	HOU	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
89	Xavier Omen	BUF	2	5	0	6	0.8	0	0	0	5	0	0	0
90	Michael Bennett	SD	5	12	0	7	1.7	0	1	2	14	0	0	0
91	Chad Simpson	IND	11	45	1	15	3	0	3	30	75	1	0	0
92	Noah Herron	CLE	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
93	Jason Snelling	ATL	16	62	0	15	4.1	0	8	89	151	0	0	0
94	Mike Sellers	WAS	16	24	0	6	4.0	0	12	98	122	1	0	0
95	Jacob Hester	SD	16	95	1	19	5.0	0	12	91	186	2	0	0
96	Greg Jones	JAC	12	13	0	2	6.5	2	13	116	129	1	2	0
97	Patrick Cobbs	MIA	16	88	1	12	7.3	0	19	275	363	3	1	1
98	Samkon Gado	STL	1	4	0	2	2	0	1	-1	3	0	0	0
99	Moran Norris	SF	11	1	0	1	1.0	0	4	16	17	0	0	0
100	Gartrell Johnson	SD	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0