Fantasy Football Rankings 2011: 10 Best Backup Running Back Options

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Fantasy football is in full swing with the 2011 NFL regular season only a few days away. While the backup running back isn't a popular pick, there are plenty of quality fantasy options in the following 10 players.

There are few who would disagree that the running back is the most valuable position on your fantasy football team. If you aren't drafting one in the first round you need to rethink your draft strategy because you are making a terrible mistake.

With plenty of teams going to a two running back attack, here are the 2011 rankings for the 10 best fantasy football options for backup running backs.

10. Toby Gerhart

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After Adrian Peterson got injured last year, Toby Gerhart stepped in and showed some potential as a backup running back.

Even though Peterson will get the majority of the carries for the Minnesota Vikings, Gerhart could begin to see some quality carries in the red zone. With Peterson's violent running style, Gerhart is a good player to keep on your watch list.

9. DeMarco Murray

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Even though DeMarco Murray currently sits third on the depth chart for the Dallas Cowboys, I don't expect that to last for too long. This kid is just too talented of a player to not see the field.

Not only is Murray a great runner, but he is even more valuable as a receiver out of the backfield. If Felix Jones struggles to begin this season, Murray will see plenty of playing time and will be a good dual-threat option for your team.

He may even sneak into Rookie of the Year talks if he gets enough playing time.

8. Javon Ringer

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While Chris Johnson was holding out for a new contract, Javon Ringer found himself on plenty of fantasy football teams. Now that Johnson has signed his major contract, Ringer is being ditched faster than he was being picked up.

While that makes sense to a point, I wouldn't take my eyes off Ringer. We don't really know what condition Johnson is in since he hasn't been to practice or played in a preseason game.

Ringer will probably see a good amount of carries the first few weeks of the season and if he plays well, that could certainly carry over for the rest of the year.

7. Thomas Jones

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There are two major factors that take away from Thomas Jones' fantasy rankings: his age and Jamaal Charles.

Jones is starting to get to the tail-end of his career and Jamaal Charles is just starting to get into the prime years of his career. While these factors don't make Jones a viable starting option for you fantasy team, he is still a fantastic backup option.

He will still get plenty of carries in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense and will once again be a threat for a 1,000-yard season and some touchdowns.

6. Jerome Harrison

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I like the current situation that Jerome Harrison is in. He is playing for a team on the rise and the Detroit Lions' offense could become rather dynamic this year.

Harrison had a difficult time with the Philadelphia Eagles, but there is no doubting the fact that he can play. Considering Jahvid Best's fragility, Harrison could see a fair amount of carries.

5. Brandon Jacobs

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Brandon Jacobs was actually a very valuable fantasy player last year. His strength and running power allowed him to find the end zone nine times last year.

Jacobs probably won't see as much action this year, which is why he ranks lower on this list than you might expect. Ahmad Bradshaw is the featured back for the New York Giants, but Jacobs will still see a good amount of time on the field in the red zone.

Nine touchdowns might be a stretch this year, but another 800 rushing yards and six or seven touchdowns is valuable enough to keep as a backup.

4. Willis McGahee

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With Knowshon Moreno's capabilities still relatively unknown, Willis McGahee could see quite a bit of action this year.

While the Denver Broncos are pretty high on Moreno and want to use him as much as possible, McGahee has played very well in the preseason and will get plenty of touches throughout the year.

He might not gain many yards, but I do expect him to find the end zone quite a bit.

3. Reggie Bush

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Every year it seems that Reggie Bush is set for a breakout year, but ultimately suffers some type of injury that nags him for the rest of the season.

However, when healthy and on the field, few players are as dynamic as Bush. Even though he will play behind rookie Daniel Thomas for the Miami Dolphins, he will still have plenty of chances to get the ball in his hands. We might even see both Thomas and Bush in the backfield where Bush plays more as a receiver.

There is the possibility that Bush finally becomes the player that everyone expected him to be coming out of college. Even if he doesn't, he should still have over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage and a few touchdowns.

2. C.J. Spiller

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When C.J. Spiller was drafted with the seventh overall pick, everyone knew that the Buffalo Bills reached to draft him. However, there aren't many players in the NFL that are as dynamic as Spiller is in so many facets of the game.

He spent most of last year injured, but looks to be back to full health and he hasn't lost a step in his game. Fred Jackson will be the starter for Buffalo, but Spiller will see the field quite often for this team. I fully expect him to have a breakout year and take over the starting position by Week 11.

By being a true dual-threat playmaker, Spiller has the potential to have a huge fantasy season and he isn't someone you should pass on for too long.

1. Jonathan Stewart

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Everyone always seems to underestimate the talents of Jonathan Stewart. The Carolina Panthers clearly did when they re-signed DeAngelo Williams to a ridiculous contract.

However, Stewart is extremely talented and I personally feel that he is a better overall running back than Williams. Considering how Williams has been injured in recent years, Stewart could see a high percentage of carries if Williams gets injured again.

With a rookie quarterback, the Panthers will definitely be a run-first team. While Stewart may not warrant a starting position on your team, he is absolutely the best backup running back option for fantasy football.