Fantasy Rankings: AFC North Running Backs in 2009

The running backs from the AFC North once commanded a lot of respect. Age and injuries have forced this group to take a step back.

1. Jamal Lewis

This was probably the most difficult division to choose the top fantasy running back from, but after assessing the overall landscape, Lewis is the logical choice.

While he's definitely on the downside of his career,  he's still powerful and still has speed. The drop off in numbers last season can be attributed to the season-long offensive funk the Browns were stuck in. After totaling just 1,000 yards and four TDs in 2008, look for a solid rebound as Mangini takes the reigns. We like Lewis to carry the rock 300 times and hit the 1,200 yards with eight to 10 TDs.

2. Willis McGahee

McGahee's been a bit of an enigma since coming into the league in 2003. At times he's looked like the star from Miami, pre-horrific knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, and at other times he looks like a middle-of-the-pack type guy. In an injury-shortened 2008 campaign, and one which saw most of the carries go to McClain, he still managed 675 yards and seven TDs.

With the expected improvement of the Ravens' offense in year two under Flacco and the addition of first-round pick OT Michael Oher, look for McGahee to once again approach the 1,000 yard mark and score at least seven TDs.

3. Willie Parker

In 2008, Parker missed five games due to injury, but still managed to post 791 yards and score five TDs. And while under Tomlin, the Steelers have gone away from traditional Steeler football (smash-mouth) and become more of a finesse team, offensively speaking, there's still ample opportunity for Parker to load up on yards in both the rushing and receiving department.

4. Le'Ron McClain

Coming into last season, the Ravens backfield was supposed to consist of Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. When it was all said and done, a little-known 260 pound fullback had rushed for 900 yards and 10 TDs. For a big, bruising back, he possesses a nice combination of speed and power, and while he might give some carries back to McGahee in 2009, he'll still be given the ball between 150 to 200 times and be the primary goal-line back. Expect double-digit TDs and another solid fantasy showing.

5. Cedric Benson

After the release of Chris Perry in the offseason (and trust me, that's not a big loss to anyone), it is clear Benson will be the guy in Cincy this year. In 2008, after missing the first four games of the season, and splitting carries once he got in there, he still managed 747 yards and two TDs.

Provided Palmer stays healthy, which will make the Bengals a more competitive unit, look for Benson to build off last year and come close to the 1,000-yard mark with at least six TDs.

6. Rashard Mendenhall

His rookie season was a total bust as he went down with a broken foot early on, but he should have a chance to atone in year two as the 2008 first-round draft choice should get a lot of carries. And with the Steelers likely to be playing with a lead, thanks to its stellar defense, he'll have the opportunity to wear teams down late in the game. He'll also be used as the primary back at the goal line.

Draft Tip

None of these backs warrant first-round consideration. Lewis will probably come off the board late in the second round or early third. McClain, Parker, and McGahee will all be selected between rounds three through five, while Benson can be had in rounds five through eight.  Mendenhall could be a nice sleeper after round eight.