Fantasy Football: Ranking the Top 25 RBs at Midseason
We're halfway done with the fantasy football season, which means it's time to take a look back at the best of the best.
Running backs are a staple of the fantasy game, and we're bringing you the 25 best from the first half of the season. But this isn't just a list of the most productive backs in the NFL.
After all, that would be incredibly boring.
Instead, we're ranking them based both on what they've done thus far and what they'll do in the second half of the season. So if a guy just gained a starting gig (LaGarrette Blount) or has missed time with injury (Knowshon Moreno and Pierre Thomas), he still gets his due as a top 25 back.
25. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
1 of 25
First Half Production: 2/10.
Moreno missed significant time in the first half of 2010, missing three weeks of the season.
He's put up mediocre numbers since his return, but nothing special. He's totaled just 51 points on the season.
Solid for five games, but nothing special.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Moreno's an explosive runner capable of making your entire day with a single run.
He's got a good blend of power and speed. If Denver gives him carries, he can have a big day.
Why He Could Be Higher
Moreno's hands down the best back in Denver right now, and he'll be getting the vast majority of the carries the rest of the way.
Good numbers should follow.
Why He Could Be Lower
The Broncos don't run the ball all that much, and Moreno's not going to produce unless he can get into a rhythm and break off a run or two.
His production's been pretty down this year, and he needs to get on track before he can really be trusted consistently.
24. Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers
2 of 25
First Half Production: 6.5/10.
Tolbert took over for an injured Ryan Mathews in Week 1 and ran with aplomb until he returned, racking up a pair of games over 15 points in three weeks.
He's settled into a touchdown vulture role, and he currently ranks 18th among backs with 65 points.
Second Half Potential: 4/10.
Other than the goal-line carries, Mike Tolbert hasn't seen much of the football since Ryan Mathews returned, although that could be changing after last week.
If it doesn't, though, he won't have much value outside of a backup role going forward.
Why He Could Be Higher
In Week 8, the Chargers handed Tolbert the ball 11 times, and the big back blasted his way for 65 yards and a touchdown.
If they keep giving him the ball, he should produce for them.
Why He Could Be Lower
Right now, Tolbert is strictly a touchdown vulture, as far as we know.
So until we hear that Norv Turner will be splitting the carries more evenly from here on out, Tolbert's value has a limit.
23. Thomas Jones, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
3 of 25
First Half Production: 5/10.
Jones proved he's still got gas in the tank in 2010, taking over starting duties for Jamaal Charles in Kansas City.
His bruising running style made him a reliable play, despite splitting points with Charles in the first half, as he ranked 21st among backs with 62 points.
Second Half Potential: 3/10.
We know what Jones is: a consistent, bruising back who gets between 10 and 20 carries a week and 7-15 points.
He won't go off for huge days, but he won't throw a goose egg up there, either.
Why He Could Be Higher
There's a lot to be said for consistency and reliability in fantasy football, and Jones is the epitome of that.
You know what you're getting from him. In a world of unknowns, that's pretty valuable.
Why He Could Be Lower
Consistency is one thing; but Jones is consistently middle of the pack in 2010.
With Charles poaching touchdowns, he's not breaking double figures every week, and he won't give you those monster weeks you want from an elite back. Still, you could do a lot worse.
22. LaGarrette Blount, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4 of 25
First Half Production: 2/10.
Blount hasn't done much to merit this spot thus far in 2010, although he's come alive in the last two weeks, putting up 29 points in that span.
Still, he ranks pretty far down the running back points list.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Blount is now the featured back in Tampa, since Cadillac Williams seems to have fried his transmission.
He's got loads of potential, and could be a real steal in most formats.
Why He Could Be Higher
That upside.
We saw what Blount was capable of last week, with his 122-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Cardinals.
Why He Could Be Lower
He hasn't done it consistently yet, and he has yet to be the go-to back in the NFL.
Rookies are also incredibly unreliable, so he could lay an egg at any time.
21. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, New England Patriots
5 of 25
First Half Production: 4/10.
Green-Ellis took over the Pats' starting running back gig in Week 3, and hasn't looked back, taking firm hold of the starting job.
He's struggled to put up yards, but he's got a nose for the end zone, scoring in five straight games, while putting up fewer than 50 yards in two of his last three.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
The Law Firm showed us what he's capable of as the featured back in Week 8, gashing the Vikings for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
As the best back in Foxboro, he should get the majority of carries from here on out and produce solid numbers.
Why He Could Be Higher
Upside.
We saw what Green-Ellis could do on Sunday, and there's nothing that says he can't produce like that more frequently.
Why He Could Be Lower
Weeks 6 and 7.
Were it not for the touchdowns he scored in those weeks, they would have been disastrous for owners, as he barely cracked 20 yards in either game. With that in mind, you can't put him higher than this.
20. Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
6 of 25
First Half Production: 3/10.
Thomas struggled to find a rhythm in the first half of 2010, and has been battling an ankle injury since Week 3.
Even before the injury, he hadn't found many rushing lanes, and his production was down from last year's pace.
Second Half Potential: 8/10.
Once he gets healthy, Thomas is a borderline top 10 back.
Why He Could Be Higher
Potential.
When he gets healthy again, Thomas should get back to the form he showed in 2009.
Why He Could Be Lower
We don't know when he'll actually be healthy.
Since we don't know how serious the ankle injury is, it's hard to project his value going forward.
19. Jahvid Best, RB Detroit Lions
7 of 25
First Half Production: 5.5/10.
Best was one of the best backs in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season, but hasn't come close to that level since.
He's totalled 84 points in 2010, 55 of which came in the season's first two weeks.
Second Half Potential: 6/10.
Best is an explosive runner, but he's been hot-and-cold in 2010 and battled toe issues.
However, when he's hot, there are few better backs than Best.
Why He Could Be Higher
When Best is at his, well, apex, he's as good as anybody.
Why He Could Be Lower
When he's not, well, things get a little ugly.
18. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
8 of 25
First Half Production: 6/10.
Benson's yard totals have remained more or less the same as last year, but his touchdown totals have taken a major hit.
His stats are decent, but not great.
Second Half Potential: 6.5/10.
Benson could easily find the end zone on a more regular basis.
But he's not going to get you many more yards than he did in the first half because of his grind-it-out style.
Why He Could Be Higher
He should find the end zone more in the second half of the year, and his point totals will rise with them.
Why He Could Be Lower
If the Bengals keep falling behind big early in games, there won't be many chances for Benson to get into the end zone.
He's a second running back in most formats, with occasional flashes of first-back skills.
17. Joseph Addai, RB, Indianapolis Colts
9 of 25
First Half Production: 7/10.
Addai has looked revitalized for much of 2010, giving the Colts a solid run game to rely on.
He's been banged up for half the season, but that didn't stop him from putting up 63 points in six games, including a 16-point performance in Week 6.
Second Half Potential: 5/10.
Addai's got a nagging shoulder injury that could keep him out of several weeks worth of games, or he could come back this week.
Still, that doesn't give him a ton of value at the moment.
Why He Could Be Higher
Addai has shown flashes of elite-back potential, and he's got a nose for the end zone.
If he gets enough carries, he can put up excellent numbers.
Why He Could Be Lower
The injury is a serious blow to Addai's second-half potential.
He needs to get back soon and get rolling to keep his spot.
16. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
10 of 25
First Half Production: 6/10.
Charles was supposed to break out in 2010.
But instead, it's been more of the same for the young back. He's putting up solid numbers week in and week out, but he's not getting the kind of production we thought he would.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Charles is as explosive as any back in the NFL, and he's always a threat for a monster game.
Still, his value is hurt by the presence of Thomas Jones in the Kansas City backfield.
Why He Could Be Higher
Upside.
He's always a candidate to go off in a given week.
Why He Could Be Lower
Thomas Jones.
Jones poaches carries from Charles. Because of that, he won't have as much value as some other backs on the list.
15. Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
11 of 25
First Half Production: 5/10.
Rice's production slumped early in the season, but he's rebounded over the last three weeks.
That being said, he's still well below his draft-day value, and he ranks squarely in the middle of the pack with 73 points scored in seven games.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Rice is always a candidate for a big game with his speed, power and receiving skills.
He's got plenty of value left, and the Ravens' schedule gets a bit easier now.
Why He Could Be Higher
Rice still has the upside that made him a high draft pick in almost every league.
Why He Could Be Lower
Rice still isn't finding the end zone on a regular basis, and he's not putting up big yardage numbers to make up for it.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
12 of 25
First Half Production: 6/10.
MJD hasn't been the reliable runner we've come to expect this season.
But his stats aren't terrible, as he's racked up 90 points in eight games.
Second Half Potential: 8/10.
Jones-Drew is a prime candidate to rebound in the second half, as he figures to find the end zone more.
Why He Could Be Higher
Jones-Drew is still one of the best runners in the NFL, capable of having a monster game at any time.
Why He Could Be Lower
He has yet to put it all together in 2010, having big-yard games and games where he scores touchdowns, but never at the same time.
13. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
13 of 25
First Half Production: 8/10.
Bradshaw ranks among the league's best in points per game, and he's scored fewer than 10 points just twice in 2010.
Second Half Potential: 5/10.
Bradshaw has to share carries with power runner Brandon Jacobs once again, increasing the likelihood that he could have bad games on occasion.
Still, when he gets his carries, he'll get you points.
Why He Could Be Higher
He's been a top 10 back in 2010.
As long as he gets his carries, that should continue.
Why He Could Be Lower
Brandon Jacobs.
As the bruising back gets back into form, Bradshaw's workload figures to decrease significantly, particularly around the all-important end zone.
12. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
14 of 25
First Half Production: 7/10.
Forte showed us what he could do in the first half of the season, blowing up defenses to put up a pair of 30-point games.
Outside of those, however, he's failed to crack 12 points in any other game this season.
Second Half Potential: 5/10.
Forte has value as a pass catcher, but his running skills leave much to be desired.
With the fluky nature of receiving yards out of a running back, Forte's value takes a big hit.
Why He Could Be Higher
Forte ranked seventh through seven weeks of the year, and has put up a respectable 92 points through seven games.
Why He Could Be Lower
He's as hot and cold a back as there is in football.
You're never sure which Matt Forte is going to show up.
11. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
15 of 25
First Half Production: 7/10.
Mendenhall put up excellent first half numbers, scoring 14 or more points five times in seven games.
He's been a model of consistency, and his knack for scoring touchdowns puts him just outside the top 10.
Second Half Potential: 6/10.
Mendenhall's a good back, but the presence of Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh's lineup takes carries that he could break for big gains.
Why He Could Be Higher
If you give him 22-25 carries, you're a virtual lock for 100 yards and a score.
Why He Could Be Lower
With Big Ben back, he won't be getting 25 carries anymore.
Still plenty of value, but not as much as others on this list.
10. Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons
16 of 25
First Half Production: 7/10.
Turner broke the 100-point mark in his game against Cincy on Sunday.
But even before that, he was a back just on the cusp of putting up top-back numbers, ranking 13th in points scored in 2010. He's been a bit hot and cold, but gives enough on the ups to make up for the downs.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Turner's got a decent schedule coming down the pipes, and he's still one of Atlanta's biggest and best weapons.
Why He Could Be Higher
When Turner's on (like Sunday against the Bengals), he's almost impossible to stop.
Why He Could Be Lower
When he's off, you're lucky to get 5-7 points out of him.
9. Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
17 of 25
First Half Production: 9/10.
Hillis has scored a touchdown in every week of the 2010 season.
When he replaced Jerome Harrison as the starter, he started adding big-yard totals to those touchdowns.
Second Half Potential: 7/10.
Hillis should keep having monster games each week, as the Browns lack another back to give carries to, now that Harrison is in Philly.
Why He Could Be Higher
Value.
Hillis was a waiver claim in most leagues, and he's putting up top 10 numbers.
Why He Could Be Lower
Hillis' rushing style isn't conducive to big plays or games.
If someone like Montario Hardesty starts poaching his carries, his stats will suffer.
8. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, New York Jets
18 of 25
First Half Production: 8/10.
LT is back in a big way, averaging better than 14 points per game prior to Week 8's clash with the Packers.
Second Half Potential: 6/10.
Expect the Jets to ease the burden on Tomlinson to keep him fresh for the playoffs, especially with a talented young back like Shonn Greene backing him up.
Why He Could Be Higher
LT has been a reliable point producer all year long, and he should keep giving you between 8 and 14 points per week.
Why He Could Be Lower
Greene helps limit Tomlinson's upside, and he could easily regress in the second half of 2010.
7. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
19 of 25
First Half Production: 7/10.
Everything has been there for Jackson except for consistent touchdowns, as he scored just two in the first half of the year.
Second Half Potential: 9/10.
Jackson's a better second-half runner than a first, and he tends to find the end zone quite a bit in the latter portion of the schedule.
Why He Could Be Higher
Jackson ranks among the most talented backs in the NFL.
Once he starts finding the end zone, he could easily be a top five runner.
Why He Could Be Lower
He hasn't found the end zone much yet, so he can't go much higher than this.
6. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
20 of 25
First Half Production: 7.5/10.
McCoy has been the stabilizing force in Philly's chaotic backfield in 2010, ranking sixth in points through seven weeks.
He's big, strong and powerful, and capable of destroying weaker defenses, evidenced by his demolishing of Detroit.
Second Half Potential: 8/10.
McCoy's production could take a hit when quarterback Michael Vick comes back under center.
But it's worth noting that his best game of the season happened with the mobile wonder at quarterback.
Why He Could Be Higher
His upside is great.
When he finds the end zone, he's a top five scorer.
Why He Could Be Lower
He doesn't find the end zone as consistently as he should, although he's getting there.
Also, injuries are a concern.
5. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
21 of 25
First Half Production: 9/10.
McFadden's been a sensational playmaker in 2010, putting up 12 or more points every time he's stepped on the field in 2010.
His rushing and receiving prowess made him an excellent fantasy play.
Second Half Potential: 8.5/10.
Run DMC has shown no signs of slowing down, when he's healthy.
Why He Could Be Higher
He's ranked fourth in points through seven weeks, and had an excellent Week 8.
Why He Could Be Lower
Injuries are always a major concern with McFadden, and he's missed two games because of them already.
4. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
22 of 25
First Half Production: 9/10.
Gore's been everything you could want from a top running back in 2010, putting points on the board every week he's on the field.
He's put up 10 or more in six of his eight games thus far, and he's running and catching the ball better than he was last season.
Second Half Potential: 8.5/10.
With the injury to Alex Smith, Gore should be the primary offensive producer for at least part of the second half.
He's fully capable of blowing up in any given week, and he's a lock for 10-15 points, regardless.
Why He Could Be Higher
He's versatile enough to catch passes and run the ball equally well, and punishes opponents in both ways, something that's extremely hard to find.
Why He Could Be Lower
He's not as dynamic as McFadden or the other top three backs.
3. Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans
23 of 25
First Half Production: 9/10.
Johnson has had another stellar campaign in 2010, racking up yards, touchdowns and points with incredible speed.
He doesn't have both yards and touchdowns every week, but he'll get you one or the other like clockwork.
Second Half Potential: 9/10.
Johnson could have a monster second half, as he's running with more conviction each week.
Why He Could Be Higher
Johnson is the most explosive back in football, capable of putting up numbers other runners can only dream of.
Why He Could Be Lower
He's been shut down a couple of times in 2010, by Pittsburgh and Denver, and was more or less contained by Philly.
2. Arian Foster, RB, Houston Texans
24 of 25
First Half Production: 9.5/10.
Foster has exceeded every expectation for him in 2010, scoring more points than anybody else in football, pending the results of tonight's clash with Indianapolis.
Second Half Potential: 9.5/10.
Foster loses half a point because of Houston's passing attack, which is sure to suck carries from his total as it gets going in the second half of the season.
Why He Could Be Higher
He's scored more points than any other back in fantasy football, and has done it in six games.
Why He Could Be Lower
Foster has been closed down by the Giants this season, held to just 25 yards rushing.
The best back in fantasy football can't get locked down like that.
1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
25 of 25
First Half Production: 10/10.
Peterson's been sublime in 2010, racking up the second-most points among running backs while going against some of the NFL's best defenses.
He's also doing it without the luxury of a consistent passing game.
Second Half Potential: 10/10.
Peterson figures to get plenty of work with Brett Favre beaten up.
When AP gets lots of carries, he gets lots of yards.
Why He Could Be Higher
He can't be.
Why He Could Be Lower
He hasn't had the huge games that Foster, Johnson and McFadden have.
However, he has yet to be stopped for a week in 2010, making him the best back in all of fantasy football in 2010.
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