Top 15 RBs For Fantasy Football 2009

I know its a bit early—about three months away from most drafts. But here's an early look of what to expect.

1. Matt Forte - Chicago Bears

Most would put Adrian Peterson here, but with Matt's ability to make catches all over the field, the addition of Jay Cutler to scare off the eight-man fronts, and a year of experience under his belt I'm willing to put him here. Also he has the NFL's easiest schedule on his side, just look at the AFC East teams records last year to understand my point.  

2. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson has been nothing but spectacular since arriving on the Fantasy scene two years ago. Headed into his third season, he looks to continue his dominance. For the first time in his career he will have the same FB as the year before, and have also added veteran Sage Rosenfels who will battle T. Jackson for the starting gig. The Viking also have one of the best LT in the business, but they also saw their starting center Matt Birk head to the Ravens.

3. Micheal Turner - Atlanta Falcons

Turner showed people that the sparks they saw in San Diego could be maintained for a whole game/season. I give the credit of Atlanta's quick turnaround to him. With Ryan, White, and Gonzo as a supporting cast. Things can only go up for him.

4. Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers

Mike Singletary is now the full time head coach and he knows that you need a good RB on your team. Gore is the man for the job, and if he can avoid getting injured he'll be back to his '06 self or better. He can catch and now has a new teammate in Crabtree, who will help keep defenses from putting eight guys in the box all three downs.

5. Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars

FEATURED BACK is what MJD is now in Jacksonville. This will be his first year as the top dog. The "bowlingball" is a redzone beast and will have all the offensive linemen that ended up on the IR before the start of last season and with the addition of Michael Oher, he should have a solid wall to set him up for tons of points.

6. Clinton Portis - Washington Redskins

Portis was on top of all boards halfway through the season, then bam he trailed off. He did end up with 9 TD's and over 1,400 yards and he plays in the NFC East. He does play the Giants who have one of the best D-lines in the league, but I see him being able to make up points verses the Cowboys who lost DE C. Canty and DT T. Johnson.

7. Brandon Jacobs - New York Giants   

Ware is gone, so he can expect more carries. Sure Bradshaw should pick up Ware's carries but not all of them. Jacobs is still the redzone back and won't be giving that up anytime soon, especially since Plaxico "tree" Burress isn't there to grab down balls. 

8. Kevin Smith - Detroit Lions

People last year ripped me for putting Thomas Jones at six. Well here is the surprise of the group. Smith has explosive speed, and showed last year he knows how to use it. If he had been given about 10 more carries (he had a lil over 240) he probably would've gotten to 1,000 yards. Calvin Johnson, Pettigrew, and Culpepper are good enough to help he reach over 1,200 yards and around 10 TDs. Draw back is the he faces Minnesota's line twice.

9. LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers 

Rebound is the word you should use here. LT had a down year with 1,100 yards and 12 TDs. That's good for most—it just happens that when your considered the leagues best back you're held to a very high standard. Lets say over 1,500 yards and some where around 15 TDs. Well those days are over for him, but he is still a great running back and will be worth a first round pick by the end of the year.

10. Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans

He was a bargain last year who could've been pick in the mid to late rounds in last years drafts, not so much this year. He really has only one drawback, a man named Lendale White who takes away a dozen of scores. An addition of speedster Nate Washington should be able to open the field a little bit.

11. Thomas Jones - New York Jets

Over 1,300 yards and 15 TDs and he is still criticized. With an improved line in '08 he was able to score 13 more TDs then the year before. If he can get back to camp before the second or third preseason game, he'll be able to repeat it. Last year Brett Farve had the most turnovers by QB. With Rookie Sanchez at helm, it's likely there will be 50-80 more carries for Jet RBs. Lets hope the coaches call better plays this year.

12. Brian Westbrook - Philadelphia Eagles  

I bet your saying why? Well if there is someone with more of a history of injury then tell me. I can't remember the last time he was able to play in all 16 games. Sure he can put up amazing stats when he plays, but that's WHEN HE PLAYS. They are going to try and faze him out this year and bring in LeSean McCoy who plays the same style.

13. Steven Jackson - Saint Louis Rams

Look above to see why he's down here. The only thing that saves him from falling is that no one else on the Rams will do much. This team might have one of the worst lines in the league with the exception of their newly acquired center. I guess he lost motivation as soon as he got that contract in training camp.

14. Chris "Bennie" Wells - Arizona Cardinals

Last years rookies made a huge impact—three in the top 20. Although I don't think that this years crop will do the same, they will crack the top 25. Wells has two probowl WRs and a Hall of Fame QB to take all the heat off the lanes. With Hightower mainly being a short yardage back, I don't see him cutting in too deep in the carries. But I also don't see Hightower being a vulture. Look for a great combo here, with Wells having the biggest benefit.

15. DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers 

Can you say lucky? Here's a guy who came into the season projected by many writers as the No. 2 back. Then Stewart hurt his foot and all he did was lead the league in touchdowns. I, for one, thought he would be the better back but I dont think anyone thought he would be the biggest impact for the fantasy playoffs with 15 TDs in weeks 10 to 16. Here's the problem—Stewart is 100 percent again and Delhome is coming off a playoff loss where he had eight TOs.

Honorable Mention: Steve Slaton, Marion Barber, Derrick Ward, Ronnie Brown, and LenDale White.