Fantasy Rankings 2008/2009: Running Backs

The top two running backs in the rankings need no introduction or explanation as to why they are the top two. After that, it can get a little dicey.

1.   LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers

2.  Adrian Peterson, Vikings

3.  Steven Jackson, Rams – I believe Jackson will bounce back to the top fantasy form previous to last year. He was hampered by injuries last season, but it was really the first time it's happened in his career. When he’s healthy, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the top two or three backs in the league.

4.  Brian Westbrook, Eagles – With the Eagles not adding a number one receiver this off-season (Moss, Fitzgerald) and only adding DeSean Jackson in the draft, Westbrook will return as the Eagles top option on offense. He has the ability to lead the team in rushing and receiving game after game. He will continue to carry that offense on his back and will put up numbers in both the rushing and receiving categories.

5.  Marion Barber, Cowboys – I have him rated higher than most because I trust him to consistently produce over guys like Larry Johnson and Frank Gore. To me, they are wild cards and I’d rather take Barber here. He will be the main man this year (mostly), especially on the goal-line.

6.  Joseph Addai, Colts – I know that Dominic Rhodes is back, but in the time he was gone, Addai established himself as the number one back. They won’t split carries like they did two years ago. I like Addai for his rushing and receiving stats, especially if Manning’s knee is more serious than previously reported.

7.  Marshawn Lynch, Bills – Lynch is a beast, period. He reminds me of Barber. Even when opposing defenses consistently stack eight men in the box last year, Lynch still ran over, through, and around them. Now  that they have added another threat in WR James Hardy, Lynch will have a little more breathing room.

Sleepers:

• Chris Johnson, Titans – The Titans drafted Johnson as a change of pace back to LenDale White. However, the Titans are realizing just how good and versatile Johnson is. They are lining him up in the backfield, in the slot...pretty much all over the place. If LenDale starts with his antics, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Johnson start taking more and more reps away. This guy is lightening in a bottle, draft him late.
• Selvin Young, Broncos – Young showed signs last year of being a capable back in this league. With Travis Henry gone, Young takes over the majority of the carries. The Broncos added Michael Pittman, but his inability to stay healthy could make Young the premier back.
  
• Julius Jones, Seahawks – I realize I was in the minority, but I always liked him in Dallas and thought he wasn’t getting a fair shake. I think he can produce at a high level in this league. He may be a sleeper; the only thing I worry about is T.J. Duckett getting the goal-line carries. We’ll see how it plays out.
• Thomas Jones, Jets – These next two aren’t really sleepers, more so guys that could breakout. I’m still not ready to give up on Jones just yet. With a new and upgraded offensive line (Faneca, Woody) and some other weapons on offense (Keller, Franks), I think Jones could break out again. Watch out.
• Reggie Bush, Saints - Bush, really? Yes, really. Bush hasn’t brought his college game to the NFL, leaving some people to say he’s a bust.  I’ll tell you what I see. I see a RB in his third year, the year most say players start to break out. I see a healthy Deuce McAllister to take the hard carries, which isn’t Bush’s forte. I see possible return stats, receiving stats and rushing stats. If this guy can find his niche, he could be explosive on the field.

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