Fantasy Football Top 40 Running Backs for 2010: Take Two

Eric Stashin

Jul 22, 2010

Chris Johnson settling his contract dispute has brought a change atop our rankings. Of course, that’s not the only thing that’s different. Let’s take a look at how our rankings currently look:

Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans
Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville Jaguars
Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens
Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers
Steven Jackson - St. Louis Rams
Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons
Knowshon Moreno - Denver Broncos
DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers
Ryan Grant - Green Bay Packers
Rashard Mendenhall - Pittsburgh Steelers
LeSean McCoy - Philadelphia Eagles
Jonathan Stewart - Carolina Panthers
Beanie Wells - Arizona Cardinals
Cedric Benson - Cincinnati Bengals
Jamaal Charles - Kansas City Chiefs
Shonn Greene - New York Jets
Ryan Matthews - San Diego Chargers
Pierre Thomas - New Orleans Saints
Ronnie Brown - Miami Dolphins
Matt Forte - Chicago Bears
Brandon Jacobs - New York Giants
Felix Jones - Dallas Cowboys
Clinton Portis - Washington Redskins
Joseph Addai - Indianapolis Colts
Ben Tate - Houston Texans
Fred Jackson - Buffalo Bills
Jahvid Best - Detroit Lions
C. J. Spiller - Buffalo Bills
Justin Forsett - Seattle Seahawks
Cadillac Williams - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Marion Barber - Dallas Cowboys
Darren McFadden - Oakland Raiders
Jerome Harrison - Cleveland Browns
Chester Taylor - Chicago Bears
Thomas Jones - Kansas City Chiefs
Ahmad Bradshaw - New York Giants
Montario Hardesty - Cleveland Browns
Ricky Williams - Miami Dolphins
LaDanian Tomlinson - New York Jets

TOP NEWS

Thoughts:

The resolution of Chris Johnson’s contract dispute in Tennessee allows him to leapfrog into the top spot of the rankings. He will be the main cog of the Titans’ offense, with Javon Ringer (who has eight career carries) as his main backup. The Vikings, meanwhile, drafted Toby Gerhart 51st overall. He easily could see some time, especially if Peterson continues to struggle with fumbling problems.
As of right now there still is a chance that Cedric Benson is suspended a few games due to a recent assault charge. While it doesn’t appear likely, it’s still possible and has to be taken into consideration.
The talk of the Cardinals utilizing the run more now that Kurt Warner has retired makes Beanie Wells look like a much more attractive option, no?
Rashard Mendenhall should have a solid start to his 2010 campaign, especially with Ben Roethlisberger out due to suspension. Still, he had just three 100-yard games in 2009, so it’s hard to slot him in the Top 10. Does the presence of Thomas Jones hurt Jamaal Charles’ value? I certainly don’t think so, and you can see why by clicking here.
DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart… While Williams should be ranked higher, check out why I think Stewart has more fantasy value based on his draft spot by clicking here. As a RB2, he’s a tremendous option.
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Ryan Mathews, but be cautious. With Darren Sproles as the third down back, Mathews may not contribute much in the passing game. Also, don’t rule out the fullback, Mike Tolbert, vulturing some TDs.
Clinton Portis appears primed to open the season as the Redskins starter, making him worthy of being a RB2. Of course, with Larry Johnson and Willie Parker on the roster, he’ll likely share carries, but at that point in the daft, everyone has questions.
Check out why I think Justin Forsett is the running back to own from Seattle by clicking here.
Would you consider Brandon Jacobs a RB2? I would, and you can find out why by clicking here.