Top 15 Fantasy Running Backs for 2009

Eric StashinJul 1, 2009

As we hit July 1, I wanted to give the first update on my Top 15 Running Backs list (click here for the original list). There certainly was some big movement, so without further ado, let’s take a look:

Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings - Do I really need to say anything to explain this pick? I don’t think so.
Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons - The addition of Tony Gonzalez may limit his TD chances, but does anyone actually expect him to duplicate his 17 TDs from ‘08? The move will help keep teams from keying on the run, opening up a few more lanes for him to burst through.
LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego Chargers - I don’t care what anyone says, he is still one of the best backs in the game. Look for him to rebound from a “down” year when he only rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 TD. Oh yeah, did I mention that by down year I meant a season most would be thrilled with?
Matt Forte - Chicago Bears - I can admit when I make a mistake. Originally ranked at No. 9 on this list, Forte burst onto the scene in 2008 rushing for 1,238 yards as a rookie. That doesn’t factor in his 63 receptions for an additional 477 yards. Jay Cutler’s presence is only going to help take the focus of the defense off of him and open up more holes for him to run through.
Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars - Fred Taylor is finally gone, so it is time to find out if Jones-Drew can carry the load. He is a risk, but just a mild one. Everyone has been waiting for him to burst onto the scene in a big way, and 2009 he will finally get a chance to prove people right.
Steve Jackson - St. Louis Rams - He is the Rams' offense, which should allow him to get significant yardage once again this season.
Clinton Portis - Washington Redskins - Mr. Consistency, he seemingly gets the job done year in and year out. You pretty much know what you are going to get, but is that a bad thing?
Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers - The team got a huge gift in Michael Crabtree, which should allow Gore to rebound from a surprisingly disappointing season. Mike Martz is gone and now they have a passing threat to help open things up. That seems like a good mix to me. It was three seasons ago that he burst onto the scene and with a little bit more support, he has the chance to shine once again.
Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans - He rushed for over 1,200 yards and 9 TD, but the presence of LenDale White significantly takes a bite out of his potential value. White scored 15 times and is one of the biggest TD thieves in the league. Unless Johnson takes it in on a lengthy run, he’s not likely to get the opportunity to finish off the drive. In another setting I could see him as a Top Five back, but not in the situation he currently is in.
Brian Westbrook - Philadelphia Eagles - The team selected LeSean McCoy in the second round, which you would think would hinder his value. On the contrary. A second useful back will help keep Westbrook healthy, hopefully allowing him to stay on the field the entire season. The problem is that his health is already in question, due to a procedure on his ankle. We all know that the talent is clearly there, but his health makes him a risk.
Steve Slaton - Houston Texans - He tied for third in the league with 13 runs over 20 yards or more. He got 268 carries, ranking him tenth in the league. If he gets more carries, the sky really is the limit.
Marion Barber - Dallas Cowboys - His running style makes him an injury risk, but he’s proven he can perform when given the opportunity. He only started 13 games (played in 15), with 238 touches. If he can stay on the field, his upside is tremendous, making him worth the risk.
Ryan Grant - Green Bay Packers - Only four TDs? Really? There’s just no possible way that continues in 2009. With added scoring, he has a chance to really shine this season.
Brandon Jacobs - New York Giants - He is a human battering ram, isn’t he? Health is certainly a question, as is his playing time. The Giants have shown that they are going to continually rotate backs in hopes of keeping Jacobs fresh for later in the season. Still, is there any doubt that he approaches 15 TD for a second consecutive season?
DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers - He got the chance to start, setting a career high with 1,515 yards and 18 TD. There’s little chance that he duplicates those numbers, but he’s still worth considering.