The Top 10 Fantasy Football Running Backs for 2009

Let's not waste time on who, what, where, and why. These guys are your best bets at fantasy glory at the running back position, hands down.

There are several guys not listed, such as Frank Gore and Chris Johnson, that are close calls to be a top-10 selection, but nabbing one of these backs is essential for fantasy dominance.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

AP, All-Day, whatever.

Call him anything you'd like, as long as you're still calling him the best back in the game.

Through several mocks, I continue to see Turner being selected over Peterson far too many times. It's a trend, folks. Don't follow it.

2. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Turner was a beast last year, rushing for nearly 1,700 yards, while racking in 17 touchdowns.

With the addition of Tony Gonzalez and the maturity of Matt Ryan, Atlanta is likely to make their offense a little more balance, which will undoubtedly shrink those numbers.

Turner should still churn out 1,400 yards and 10 scores, but he's not a better option than Adrian Peterson.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

With Fred Taylor in New England, Jones-Drew finally has the backfield to himself.

However, if that offensive line isn't leaps and bounds better than it was last year, I'm not sure that's something Jones-Drew will be too happy about.

Still, the Jaguars know how to run the ball, and with the right places supposedly in place, MJD could be in for a huge season as the feature back.

4. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Usually Jackson would find himself as the third rated back, and maybe even the first two years ago. However, he's barely been able to crack 1,000 yards the past two years, and he still plays for the Rams.

He is what makes that offense go, though, so he's easily a top-five fantasy back.

5. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys

Barber's value ultimately hangs on what happens with the Dallas offense. How much will Felix Jones and Tashard Choice be used, and when?

I still feel that Marion Barber hasn't played his best football, and if everything goes according to plan, he could be looking at 1,300 yards and 12 scores.

It should be noted that nothing ever goes according to plan.

6. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles

Westbrook's untimely injury/surgery opens the door for rookie LeSean McCoy. Good, let your fantasy opponents worry about it. As for you, just draft the guy with the knowledge that when he plays (and he will), he's pretty much the Eagles entire offense.

He's not old and decrepit, like many experts would lead you to believe. He can still get you that elusive championship.

7. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers

Tomlinson's toe is supposedly good to go, but let's not forget, the guy is still going to be 30 at the end of June.

That doesn't mean he can't still be productive. In fact, with an ailing foot for most of last season, he still cracked 1,100 yards and 10 scores.

That was his version of a "down" year. I like that.

8. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Everyone is hyping up Matt Forte as this glorious "do-it-all" back, but they're failing to realize a key element.

Now that Jay Cutler has arrived, this stagnant pass attack that Chicago was accustomed to just got some meat to it.

The Bears won't be turning into gunslingers, not by any means, but to expect Forte to post Adrian Peterson or Michael Turner numbers is simply absurd.

9. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins

As long as Portis can stay healthy, he's a RB1, and a great asset to any fantasy team.

Considering the Redskins are still knee-deep in the Jason Campbell experiment, Portis should see plenty of touches, as well as some receptions out of the backfield.

Don't worry about this talk about Ladell Betts "looking great" in OTA's. Everyone says that. Portis is their guy. Draft him with confidence.

10. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

You can't rate last season's rushing touchdown leader outside of the top 10, can you? I don't think so, either.

However, I don't see Williams duplicating both the amount of yardage he has last year, nor the 18 scores.

Jonathan Stewart continues to impress, and should vie for more carries. I'd guess both backs crack 1,000 yards before suggesting Williams repeats his 2008 numbers.

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Want more? Check out www.theredzonereport.com later this week for a full 50-player analysis/rankings at both the running back and wide receiver positions.

Head there now for a preview on all of the positional situations and battles.