Fantasy Football Brothers Running Back Ranks

While doing these rankings, I realized something about this year’s running back crop. It looks to be a little top-heavy but surprisingly deep. I know it’s a completely contradictory statement, but nonetheless true.

After the first four backs are selected, you can make a strong argument for almost anyone in the top 24 being ranked ahead of the next.

The running back position in general is one of the more difficult to project in football. That’s part of what makes the process so much fun.

We know from past years that someone selected in the top five will probably be a complete bust. Matt Forte and Michael Turner are two perfect examples of players who failed to live up to their lofty expectations last year. Both were consensus top-five picks, and both disappointed fantasy owners who selected them that high.

The fact is some players will emerge out of nowhere to become legitimate fantasy options, and some will fail to live up to expectations. My goal when creating these rankings was to identify players who I feel are in a position to succeed and provide consistent fantasy production. Unfortunately, we can’t predict the future. However, we have gotten very good at forecasting it.

As always, feel free to ask us any questions you may have by taking advantage of our Ask a Question feature. Also be on the lookout for our Draft Kit coming soon.

1) Chris Johnson – TEN – RB

Johnson was simply electric last year. The Titans will focus on being more balanced in hopes of keeping eight defenders out of the box. I don’t see another 2,000 yards rushing, but 1,600 and double-digit touchdowns should be expected. He also possesses great hands, making him an asset in the passing game. He’s the total package and worthy of the top pick.

2) Adrian Peterson – MIN – RB

A.P. works as hard as any player during the offseason. Combine that with his unique physical skills, and it makes him one of the safest picks in fantasy football. I know he had problems with ball security at times last year, but I don’t see it carrying over into this season. Peterson also showed great improvement in the passing game, racking up a career-high 43 receptions.

The Vikings invested a second round pick in April's draft to select RB Toby Gerhart. Gerhart may look like a perfect fit to vulture short yardage situations, but let’s not forget Peterson had 18 rushing touchdowns last year.

3) Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC – RB

The human bowling bowl and my well-publicized man crush answered all questions regarding his ability to shoulder an increased workload. After the departure of Fred Taylor, one of the biggest offseason questions heading into 2009 was, could Jones-Drew flourish under an increased workload?

If you invested a top-five pick in him, you were rewarded handsomely. MJD set career highs in rushing yards and touchdowns in his first full year as the starter.

The only problem I see regarding Jones-Drew is that he’s the best player on a subpar team. Regardless, I expect another solid season, but if the Jags can become more balanced, then he could challenge for the top spot.

4) Ray Rice – BAL – RB

Ray Rice was a FantasyFootball Brothers Sleeper and favorite heading into 2009. He didn’t disappoint and rewarded owners with a phenomenal statistical season. He’s a home run hitter and one of the most versatile backs in football.

Rice rushed for over 1,300 yards and managed to find the end zone seven times despite being taken out of the game in most short yardage situations. He’s a PPR beast racking up 78 receptions for another 702 yards. The Ravens spent the offseason improving both sides of the ball and should be one of the more balanced teams in football this year.

Rice will lose some touches and most likely short yardage situations to either Willis McGahee or Le’Ron McClain.

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