Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: Top Running Backs to Watch for This Season

Despite the NFL being an obvious pass-happy league, that by no means diminished the importance of having a stud running back in fantasy football.

Just look at how important Arian Foster was to the Houston Texans in 2011. He's dynamic and his threat on the ground kept Houston alive throughout the regular season. Along with Foster, there are other stellar running backs to keep an eye on this fantasy season and one is quickly emerging.

So, to check out 2012's best ball-carries let's get on with the show.

1. LeSean McCoy, Eagles

LeSean McCoy has quickly developed into a complete and every down back for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2010 he accounted for 1,672 total yards and scored nine touchdowns. In 2011, McCoy one-upped himself with 1,624 total yards and 20 touchdowns.

He was the most important component to the Eagles' offense in 2011 and with a stronger chemistry in 2012, McCoy has potential to lead the league in rushing. Provided that Philly becomes more consistent in the passing games, McCoy's presence in the backfield will setup play-action.

Then, McCoy sees more receptions against linebackers in coverage and yards after the catch from delayed screens.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

Last season, Maurice Jones-Drew finished as the NFL's leading rusher with 1,606 yards and he also scored eight touchdowns. MJD is also a reliable receiving target having caught 43 passes for 374 yards and three more scores in 2011.

Unfortunately, Jones-Drew was surrounded by horrific talent but 2012 has increased expectations. Jacksonville has a spruced up receiving corps and Blaine Gabbert even better equipped heading into the season.

MJD will finish with roughly the same total yards in 2012 as he did in 2011, however; expect more touchdowns because the Jags' offense can now prevent defenses from loading the box against him inside the red zone.

3. Ryan Mathews, Chargers

Easily one of pro football's most underrated running backs, Ryan Mathews has developed into a complete player. Having gained 1,546 total yards last year with six touchdowns, Mathews takes over the every-down reins with Mike Tolbert out of the equation.

San Diego added some various weapons to the receiving corps for Philip Rivers, so don't expect the Bolts' pro-spread look to miss a beat. Instead, anticipate Mathews outdoing himself in 2012 as the Chargers' defense provides Norv Turners' offense with more possessions.

Mathews is going to see a lot more carries, especially in the red zone, so his rushing yards will increase and his touchdowns have potential to double. He won't get as many receptions, but more yard after the catch will occur.

4. Arian Foster, Texans

It was reasonable to be skeptical of Arian Foster after an illustrious 2010 season where he collected 2,220 total yards and scored 18 touchdowns. That kind of production from an undrafted free agent was unreal, so Foster was either over-hyped or under-appreciated heading into 2011.

Well, the man simply proved his NFL worth and value to the Texans with 1,841 total yards and 12 touchdowns. No, it didn't match his 2010 numbers but 2011 displayed consistency if anything.

As for 2012, expect another dominating year from Foster with more rushing yards than 2011 but not as many receiving yards. The Texans have improved the passing offense, so anticipate Andre Johnson having a big year. Foster will get more scores though, because Houston's offensive line remains elite.

5. Frank Gore, 49ers

Frank Gore turns 29 years old before the 2012 season kicks off, so time is of the essence for this veteran running back.

Nonetheless, Gore finished with over 1,200 rushing yards last season despite San Francisco ranking No. 29 in passing offense. The man was the focal point at which coach Jim Harbaugh's playbook was built around and Gore's production made San Francisco Super Bowl contenders.

The upcoming season see Gore sharing the backfield with Brandon Jacobs, but he'll only be a situational contributor. Gore will enjoy one of his best seasons as a pro, because the 'Niners have incredibly upgraded the passing game with Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.

Defenses won't load the box to shut down Gore as San Francisco can now spread the field. In turn, more scores, rushing yards and receiving production for Gore in 2012.

John Rozum on Twitter.