Lynch is another RB that put up impressive stats on a not-so-impressive offense. In 13 games last year, he ran for 1,115 yards and seven TDs. With Trent Edwards looking to be everything J.P. Losman was not, Lynch at least has a suitable and blossoming passing game to take some attention away from him.
Rumor has it that the Bills will also be utilizing Lynch’s pass-catching skills a lot more this year, which, in layman‘s terms, means he‘ll be on the field even more. An injury last year is a small concern as to his dependability, but a year through the gauntlet should have taught him what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
6. Clinton Portis (WAS)
Portis returned to pre-2006 form last year, finishing in the top-five for fantasy points accrued. A new system has turned some people off of Portis’ 2008 potential, but he is too talented a player not to utilize half of the offensive play-calling on.
Though he’ll likely see less carries, Portis should still fare just fine, especially considering his pass-catching skills. Portis caught 47 balls for 389 yards last year, and, although he’ll get less carries, he’ll get more receptions. It all evens out. Trust me.
5. Joseph Addai (IND)
Although Addai didn’t get as many yards as the top RBs last year, he more than compensated with his end-zone trips. Addai had 15 total TDs last year to pair with a solid 1,072 rushing yards and 364 reception yards.
He’s the top back on one of the most prolific offenses in the game, but his total upside keeps him out of the upper-echelon. If your looking for a safe pick that will have plenty of opportunities to score TDs, then Addai is your guy. Although enjoying Peyton Manning’s commercials also helps.
4. Stephen Jackson (STL)
In only 12 games and behind one of the worst offensive lines in the game, Jackson still managed to amass just over 1,000 yards and tack on six total TDs. With a healthy offensive line, and a more run-heavy offense, Jackson could very well return to pre-2007 form, where he was in the conversation for top running back overall.
He gives you rushing yards, he gives you reception yards, and he scores TDs. Injuries are a problem, due to last year, but should his offensive line remain healthy, he should cruise through the season with little to no problems.
3. Adrian Peterson (MIN)
As fantastic as Peterson was last year, and as much hype as he caused, I still find it hard to rank a back who’s had one fantastic year over a back that has had them for his entire seven-year career.
Peterson very well could prove that he’s the top running back in the game this year; however, his quarterback is questionable and his backup running back proved he could do a suitable job if given carries.
If A.P. can have an equally impressive year two, he’ll not only win over just me, he’ll likely win over the entire game of professional football. We’ll be watching!
2. LaDainian Tomlinson (SD)
Tomlinson has basically been a machine until he showed us his mortality with an MCL injury in the playoffs. He has been the face of fantasy football since he stormed upon the league in 2001 and with good reason: He can run, he can catch, he can score, and if you haven’t heard—he’s awfully classy!
With the birthday cake reading 29 this year, L.T. may finally see the decline we thought impossible for so many years. Even so, he’ll still likely put up top-notch numbers this year and many years down the road. His upside is way too high to not warrant him at least a No. 2 ranking.
1. Brian Westbrook (PHI)
After gaining sole control of the Eagles' RB spot sometime in 2005, Brian Westbrook has made a steady improvement in his game and, more importantly, his fantasy points. The year 2006 saw the biggest jump, while Westbrook showed us in 2007 then he can run for more yards, as well as improve on his already ridiculous reception numbers.
Going into 2008, he is the whole package. He does everything you could want from your featured fantasy running back, and he does it while proving his injury critics incorrect. Having played in 15 games in each of the last two seasons, Westbrook is slated for perhaps the finest season of his career in 2008.
At age 28, he could very well have his peak season this year. Even if he has peaked and he backpedals a bit, 240 fantasy points isn’t too bad for a RBs low side, is it? Is it? Hello? Is anyone still reading this?
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