Top 10 Running Backs for the 2009 Season

After giving my top ten for Quarterbacks, I need to follow it up with Running Backs.

Last year, the NFC representative Running Backs dominated total rushing yards. I don't expect next year to be any different.

I will be giving their last years stats, and predicted stats for the 2009 season.

As always, your opinion is appreciated. Please let me know if there is somebody that should be either taken off of the list or added on.

1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

It's official: Adrian Peterson is without a doubt, the best Running Back in the NFL. You can debate it if you want though.

Despite his knack of fumbling a lot, there is no stopping "A.P." Adrian did fumble 9 times on the season, but he was able to back it up with an average of 110 yards per game.

Minnesota Vikings fans have a reason to celebrate: You have the best Running Back in the game today.

2008 stats:
363 carries, 1,760 yards, 10 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
378 carries, 1,819 yards, 16 TD

2. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)

DeAngelo Williams was one of the more surprising players of the 2008 season.

Going into training camp, he was expected to split time with Carolina's first round pick, Jonathan Stewart. Although they did split a lot of the carries, DeAngelo Williams came out the true star.

Next year his numbers will either increase or decrease. They could increase due to his stellar '08 season. Or they could decrease if Jonathan Stewart gets into the mix a bit more.

2008 stats:
273 carries, 1,515 yards, 18 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
262 carries, 1,557 yards, 17 TD

3. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons)

Going from a backup in San Diego to starter in Atlanta, nobody thought Michael Turner would have as good of a season as he did.

He spent four years behind future hall-of-famer LaDainian Tomlinson. He only rushed for 316 yards during the 2007 season with the Chargers.

With the Falcons, Michael Turner was able to flourish. Atlanta finally has a potent offense that consists of Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Roddy White.

2008 stats:
376 carries, 1,699 yards, 17 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
360 carries, 1,603 yards, 16 TD

4. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins)

Clinton Portis had a roller-coaster like season. He started out hot, and as the season progressed his numbers started to fizzle. He even accused Head Coach Jim Zorn for not playing him enough.

Despite injury-problems all year long, he managed to make the 2009 Pro Bowl. I believe his spot should have went to DeAngelo Williams, though.

Washington is very one-dimensional, which will allow Clinton Portis to carry much of the load next year.

2008 stats:
342 carries, 1,487 yards, 9 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
370 carries, 1,635 yards, 13 TD

5. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams)

When Steven Jackson is healthy, he's one of the best Running Backs in the NFL. But, that's the problem: He's hardly ever healthy.

With that said, he's the face of the franchise. The Rams no longer maintain a deadly passing game. They've switched to the more run first, pass second type of play.

2008 stats:
253 carries, 1,042 yards, 7 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
319 carries, 1,411 yards, 14 TD

6. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)

When I found out the Bears had drafted Matt Forte, my first though was "Who the heck is Matt forte?" I learned just exactly who he is last year.

In his rookie season, he made a major impact in taking over for Cedric Benson. As a Vikings fan, I was afraid when we had to face this guy.

2008 stats:
316 carries, 1,238 yards, 8 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
364 carries, 1,387 yards, 11 TD

7. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)

Brian Westbrook is still the player he used to be. But, with the new Running Back talent, his ranking has slipped a few notches.

Last year, Brian Westbrook suffered injuries all season long. Every week he was on the injury report for some kind of injury.

Next year, he should come back healthier and looking to improve from his last year's stats.

2008 stats:
233 carries, 936 yards, 9 TD, 54 rec, 402 yards, 5 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
241 carries, 1,019 yards, 10 TD, 49 rec, 394 yards, 4 TD

8. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans)

Finally, a Running Back from the AFC. So, you're thinking "Steve Slaton is the best Running Back in the AFC? Not a chance!"

Think again folks, because he is. Steve Slaton had an incredible year as a rookie last season.

Houston has a great offense, which allows Steve Slaton to get the majority of the carries.

2008 stats:
268 carries, 1,282 yards, 9 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
281 carries, 1,410 yards, 11 TD

9. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Now that Fred Taylor is no longer a Jaguar, Maurice Jones-Drew is going to be the man in Jacksonville.

He may be only 5"9, but he plays like somebody who is 6"2. His ability to break tackles and run between holes is phenomenal.

The Jaguars don't have a good passing game, which leaves them to rushing the ball a lot more often.

2008 stats:
197 carries, 824 yards, 12 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
311 carries, 1,250 yards, 14 TD

10. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans)

The man who got my vote for Rookie of the Year, Chris Johnson.

When he was drafted in the first round, I was puzzled why the Titans would do this, especially while having LenDale White on the roster.

It turns out that it was the smartest decision that the Titans could have made. Chris Johnson's speed and agility led teams to look silly trying to tackle him.

2008 stats:
251 carries, 1,228 yards, 9 TD

Predicted 2009 stats:
289 carries, 1,333 yards, 11 TD

The Best of the Rest

So, you didn't see the Running Back that you wanted to be on there. No big deal.

I'm going to give my next five Running Backs in order.

11. Marion Barber

12. Thomas Jones

13. Frank Gore

14. Marshawn Lynch

15. Ronnie Brown