5 Running Backs Primed for Monster Seasons in 2012

Running backs are still the most important position in fantasy football.

Despite the NFL's pass-heavy movement, the Brahma Bulls in the backfield have proven time and time again that the game hasn't changed.

Arian Foster of the Houston Texans is a perfect example.

Last season Foster gained 1,224 rushing yards and was the Texans' second-leading receiver with 617 yards. Altogether he scored 12 touchdowns and averaged 139 total yards per contest through 13 regular season games played.

No, the Texans aren't a pass-oriented team like the Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots. However, Foster's dual-threat production on a legitimate Super Bowl-contending team gives more relevance to the position in a fast-paced era.

So along with Foster, let's check out the ball-carriers who separate themselves in 2012.

DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

With so much promise in the passing game, the Dallas Cowboys are going to have one impressive rushing attack this season.

Last year DeMarco Murray accounted for 897 yards on the ground and added 187 receiving yards as a rookie.

The Cowboys were inconsistent on the ground, though, because 58.7 percent of Murray's rushing total came in three games (Rams, Seahawks, Bills). Still, what this also proves is the potential, as Murray was not the feature back from the start.

Tony Romo is coming off his best season and the receiving duo of Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are two guys capable of drawing double coverage. In other words, Murray will never see a stacked box.

Big D's schedule is favorable as well. 

Facing teams like the entire NFC South outside the division, Dallas will be able to match any explosive pace while running the ball when needed. The NFC East is definitely home to some of the NFL's top pass-rushers, but no one was able to completely shutdown the run in 2011.

Murray gives Dallas a complete offense and will be relied on much more than a year ago.

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

Coming off one of the best seasons a running back could have in 2010 with 1,935 total yards, it was reasonable to presume another big season from Jamaal Charles in 2011.

Unfortunately, it was cut short early in the season with an injury.

For those who drafted Charles then, don't kick yourself because that was a great pick. Injuries are just part of the game. On the bright side, Charles did have more time to recover and despite the preseason limitations he's fared well.

Now, he certainly can still be considered a risk in 2012 and not too appealing with Peyton Hillis potentially capable of stealing some carries. Kansas City, however, needs Charles to contend in the AFC West.

He's their best offensive weapon and the passing game has more potential than given credit for.

Matt Cassel is a solid game manager with excellent mobility and a strong arm. As long as the Chiefs present the threat to take a few shots down field, Charles won't see eight-plus defenders in the box.

And when you consider versatile players like Dexter McCluster, defenses won't be able to afford to totally focus on restricting Charles. Otherwise, K.C.'s underrated weapons will capitalize on mismatches.

Cedric Benson, Packers

Cedric Benson may be 29 years old but the Green Bay Packers got a great veteran to the offense.

After running for over 1,000 yards three straight seasons in Cincinnati, Benson remained one of the top free agent ball-carries and he's now on a stronger Super Bowl-contending team.

Against the Bengals in the preseason he got decent production with six carries for 38 yards. Considering how little time Benson had to prepare since joining the Packers, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

In 2011 the Packers didn't have a running game that was effective on a when-needed basis. It ultimately cost them during the NFC Divisional Round, so Benson provides that reliability against tougher front sevens.

He's a tough runner between the tackles, will break off solo would-be tacklers in the second level and can run over anyone. Green Bay has a short-yard situation advantage and with its aerial assault, no defense would challenge the Packers up front.

Aaron Rodgers has the best mobility in and out of the pocket and Benson will simply benefit from not being a key component. One area we'll see him increase his contributions in are on screens and check downs, because the Packers must remain a pass-oriented offense.

Michael Turner, Falcons

Don't overlook Michael Turner.

Yes, the veteran running back is 30 years old, but he also rarely saw the field from 2004 through 2007 when playing with the San Diego Chargers.

Since joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2008, Turner finally began contributing.

So, his career in terms of wear and tear is not that of a 30-year-old, No. 1 back. Additionally, the Falcons present a balanced offense to any defense with receivers like Julio Jones and Roddy White. Include tight end Tony Gonzalez and Turner isn't even the featured star player.

What Turner provides, however, is consistency and scoring.

His frame of 5'10", 247 pounds bowls over multiple tacklers and he's more explosive than at first glance. The past two seasons he has also compiled over 1,300 rushing yards and has combined for 23 touchdowns.

Each of the past four years Turner has scored at least 10 times and continues to average over four yards per carry.

Arian Foster, Texans

We can only imagine Arian Foster's production with a healthy Matt Schaub calling signals and a healthy Andre Johnson out wide.

This was not the case in 2011, though, as Foster still managed to crush the competition by carrying the Texans offense on his back. No doubt, Houston's offensive line played a big role in Foster's success, as the unit only allowed 33 sacks all season.

Not to mention Foster's production came after a breakout season in 2010, so the pressure of expectations was immensely upgraded in 2011.

Provided that Schaub and Johnson play a full season and Foster's efficiency will hit another level.

Even with No. 2 ball-carrier Ben Tate who accounted for 1,040 total yards last fall, Foster is the nucleus holding Houston's offense together. Fortunately the 2012 schedule isn't as overloaded with supreme defenses either, so another dominant season is unquestionably expected.

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