Fantasy Football Rankings 2012: Breaking Down Top RBs for Week 1

A lack of depth at the running back position has made the top-end rushers even more valuable in fantasy football. However, to maintain that status, the backs have to produce every single week like the elite quarterbacks do.

Let's take a look at a trio of running backs who should get their seasons off on the right foot. Coming up with a monster game right off the bat will help justify the investment owners had to make to acquire them on draft day.

1. LeSean McCoy

McCoy started last season with 15 straight double-digit fantasy performances. His per-game average of just around 17 points ranked second in the league and his role in the offense should remain constant heading into the new campaign.

He couldn't have asked for a much better matchup to start. The Cleveland Browns struggled to stop the run last season and their lackluster offense means the Philadelphia Eagles should be able to take an early lead and proceed to lean heavily on McCoy.

The fact Michael Vick's ribs are still a little banged up also helps McCoy's cause. He should be the focal point of the offense and it would be a surprise if he didn't put up big numbers.

Projection: 21 fantasy points

2. Chris Johnson

No player was a bigger fantasy disappointment than Johnson last season. He was slated to carry teams to a championship but instead averaged less than 10 points per game and only cracked the 20-point barrier twice.

While the shockingly average production caused his draft stock to take a hit heading into this season, nobody should be surprised to see him bounce back. He has a good opponent to start that climb back toward the top in the New England Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans will want to control possession to keep Tom Brady and company off the field, so Johnson should get a lot of carries against a front seven that was inconsistent against the run in 2011.

Projection: 19 fantasy points

3. Arian Foster

Foster was the first overall pick in many drafts. He did have a couple of clunkers last season, but for the most part, he showed off his dynamic playmaking ability. Any running back that can put up 40 fantasy points in one game like Foster did against the Titans is a special talent.

There are a couple of things stopping him from reaching the top spot for Week 1, though. The most important one being the Miami Dolphins' rush defense, which was actually really good despite the team's struggles a season ago. Also, it's yet to be seen how much backup Ben Tate will factor into the offense.

Regardless, Foster should put up solid numbers both on the ground and as a receiver. The fact he's healthy to start the season is already an improvement over last year.

Projection: 18 fantasy points