2010 Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings: Running Backs

The 2010 fantasy football season is finally upon us, and it’s time to look at the Week 1 Running Back Rankings.

There haven’t been any games played yet, so there’s really not much to look at aside from last season’s stats as well as preseason developments. It’s not just a clean slate for the players, but a clean slate for you as well.

It’s always good to start off the season with a win and get your momentum going, so here are the guys you want for Week 1.

1. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Oakland

There are a lot of things to love about Chris Johnson in Week 1. He’s fresh off a ridiculous 2009 campaign and gets to face the Oakland Raiders defense at home to start off 2010. He’s being taken first overall in many drafts, and rightfully so.

The additions of Kamerion Wimbley (who had four sacks in a game against the Chicago Bears this preseason) and first-round pick Rolando McClain will help Oakland’s defense, but it’ll take more than that to stop Johnson. If you were lucky enough to have a high enough pick to nab Johnson, you’ll reap the benefits early. 

Point Projection: 24 points

2. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ New Orleans

The fact that many consider Peterson’s 2009 to be a bit disappointing says a lot about his skills. Eighteen rushing touchdowns is nothing to scoff at, and neither is 1,383 rushing yards. Peterson needs to control his one bugaboo and stop fumbling the ball so much, but as long as the ball is firmly in his hands, there aren’t many more threatening runners in the NFL.

Peterson and the Vikes get a tough matchup, having to travel to New Orleans to face the Saints team that ended their 2009 season. Peterson managed three touchdowns in that game but also put the Vikings in trouble with two fumbles. As long as Peterson can keep the ball off the ground, he’ll have a great start to the season.

Point Projection: 22 points

3. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Denver

MJD finally got the full workload in Jacksonville in 2009, and he didn't disappoint. He totaled 1,391 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground in 312 attempts, while also continuing to be a threat through the air (53 catches, 374 yards, one TD).

MJD has been plagued by a knee injury that has kept him out of most of the preseason and even slightly dropped his draft position, but he says he’s ready to go for Week 1 barring any setbacks, and that’s enough to rank him third among running backs for Week 1. The Jaguars are at home, and only six teams allowed more rushing yards than the Denver Broncos in 2009. Start Jones-Drew with confidence.

Point Projection: 20 points

4. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Arizona

Health. Health. Health. That’s the key for Jackson, who when healthy is easily a top-five running back in the NFL and in fantasy football. He managed to play in 15 games in 2009 but underwent back surgery in April. Jackson looks good to go to begin the season and faces an average rushing defense at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

Consider the fact that Jackson only managed four touchdowns last season a bit of a fluke, and expect him to pile up the points in Week 1. 

Point Projection: 20 points

To see where your starting Running Back ranks, click here...Week 1 RB Rankings