Fantasy Football 2012: Top 40 Running Backs for Points-Per-Reception Leagues

Here are my springtime rankings for running backs in Points-Per-Reception leagues, from No. 1 (Ray Rice) to No. 40 (Mike Tolbert).

When it comes to separating quality standard-scoring backs from dynamic PPR assets, the ultimate beauty lies with receiving targets and total yards from scrimmage.

This listing will likely undergo numerous changes between now and the start of training camps in late July.

1. Ray Rice, Ravens (annual threat for 2,000 total yards)
2. Arian Foster, Texans
3. LeSean McCoy, Eagles (good bet for 1,800 yards/17 TDs)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars
5. Chris Johnson, Titans (the magic number: 75 targets)
6. Matt Forte, Bears
7. Darren McFadden, Raiders (weekly threat for 115 total yards)
8. Ryan Mathews, Chargers
9. Fred Jackson, Bills (averaged 137.6 yards per game in 2011)
10. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
11. Roy Helu, Redskins (could be in the PPR top 3 in 2013)
12. Steven Jackson, Rams
13. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
14. Darren Sproles, Saints (111 targets last year—tops among RBs)
15. Jahvid Best, Lions (a lock for 105 total yards...when healthy)
16. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks
17. Frank Gore, 49ers
18. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
19. Reggie Bush, Dolphins (mediocre receiving stats last year)
20. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys 

The Next 20

21. C.J. Spiller, Bills
22. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
23. Trent Richardson, Browns (highest-rated rookie of the bunch)
24. Shonn Greene, Jets
25. Michael Turner, Falcons (a lead-pipe cinch for 1,200 rushing yards)
26. Beanie Wells, Cardinals
27. Doug Martin, Buccaneers (some believe he's a Ray Rice clone)
28. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals
29. Evan Royster, Redskins
30. Toby Gerhart, Vikings (would rate higher if he's starting Week 1)
31. Stevan Ridley, Patriots (can he separate from the other Pats?)
32. Pierre Thomas, Saints
33. Felix Jones, Cowboys
34. James Starks, Packers
35. Jacquizz Rodgers, Falcons (a major wild card in Atlanta's offense)
36. Ronnie Hillman, Broncos (a physical freak with plenty of upside)
37. Peyton Hillis, Chiefs
38. Willis McGahee, Broncos
39. Mikel Leshoure, Lions (could net double-digit TDs for Detroit)
40. Mike Tolbert, Panthers (79 targets with San Diego last season) 

NOTE: I need more time to shoehorn Steelers tailbacks Isaac Redman/Rashard Mendenhall into the countdown based on myriad factors (injury, coaching change, incomplete track record in the receiving realm). 

Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @ATL_JayClemons.