NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Adrian Peterson and the Top 32 Running Backs of 2010
This sure was an upside down week for running backs, wasn't it?
When I said last week that LeGarrette Blount could break out, even I didn't see that coming.
And we're finally going to see a New England Patriot in the rankings this week.
But hey, at least the top 10 stayed relatively intact. Or at least I think so.
Let's get to it shall we?
32. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE
1 of 32
I'll believe it when I see more of it.
But at least for one week, Green-Ellis made headlines with two touchdowns against Minnesota.
Now, will Belichick continue to give him the ball?
That's I'm not so sure of.
31. Beanie Wells, ARI
2 of 32
Wells, though he's not running nearly as well as last season, remains in the top 32 because he's scored in the last two games, and it clearly the go-to running back in the desert.
And who knows? Maybe if the Cardinals can get some decent QB play, he could shine in the last part of the season.
30. Mike Tolbert, SD
3 of 32
Who would've thunk it?
The San Diego Chargers and their fans had to be excited for the arrival of Ryan Matthews.
But so far it's a big, bruising fullback from Coastal Carolina who's leading the team in rushing.
His carries against the Titans last week were huge. Look for him to get more chances going forward.
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29. Shonn Greene, NYJ
4 of 32
Greene, along with LT, had trouble running against the Pack last week.
The good news?
They get the Lions this week.
28. Ricky Williams, MIA
5 of 32
Ricky stays in the top 32 virtue of a touchdown the past week against the Bengals in the fourth quarter.
Well, that and he averaged 5.2 yards a carry.
27. Ryan Matthews, SD
6 of 32
To go along with the continued emergence of Tolbert, Matthews has slipped in his value to the Chargers, or at least for this season.
He'll be a very good back in the future (as I've previously maintained), but injuries have really held him back this year.
26. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
7 of 32
Williams stock falls with his injury that kept him out this past week.
Good news for him though: Jonathan Stewart didn't take advantage of it, as he did not look good against the Rams defense.
25. Fred Jackson, BUF
8 of 32
The list of great running backs is really thin isn't it?
I mean, no offense to Jackson, but he didn't really look all that great against Kansas City.
But you never know with Jackson. He did well with a terrible offense last season, so we'll see how he does now that he has some semblance of a QB.
24. Felix Jones, DAL
9 of 32
Jones seems to be heading in the same direction that Dallas is: down.
But in Jones's defense, it's hard to get a lot of touches when you get down big to Jacksonville early.
And it's not his fault that Jon Kitna liked throwing to the other team.
23. Brandon Jackson, GB
10 of 32
Jackson has steadily improved the last few weeks, and at least for now, appears to have taken the role as the Packers go to guy in the backfield.
Granted, he's not going to replace Ryan Grant next season, but if he can step up amidst all the Packers injuries, Aaron Rodgers will be grateful.
22. Jahvid Best, DET
11 of 32
Yes, Kevin Smith outrushed him this past week against Washington.
And while he may continue to lose carries to Smith, Best still had a solid game against Washington in a big win for the Lions.
And he remains a key cog in the passing game for the Lions as well.
I'm interested to see how he does against the Jets this weekend.
21. Peyton Hillis, CLE
12 of 32
Hillis and the Browns host the AFC- and NFL-leading 6-1 Patriots.
Honestly, this could be a great week for Hillis, who could really help rookie Colt McCoy.
20. Matt Forte, CHI
13 of 32
Chicago's bye week hopefully helped the whole offense.
At least that's the theory anyway.
Ah...who cares. They play Buffalo this week.
Moving on...
19. Cedric Benson, CIN
14 of 32
Sure, Benson again had a decent game, with 69 yards for the Bengals.
But with Cincinnati's season heading down quick, how long until we see what Bernard Scott can do?
18. Marshawn Lynch, SEA
15 of 32
I'll give him a pass this week because he's looked good so far.
But seven yards against the Raiders? Really?
17. Ryan Torain, WAS
16 of 32
Torain's injury definitely caused some concern in Washington's camp.
That didn't last too long.
JaMarcus Russell anyone?
16. LeGarrette Blount, TB
17 of 32
Boy. Does Tennessee feel stupid right now.
And no, it has nothing to do with Randy Moss.
It has to do with LeGarrette Blount.
Did anyone see the play where he leaped over Adrian Wilson?
All I have to say is wow.
15. Thomas Jones, KC
18 of 32
Jones was outplayed by Jamaal Charles this week, but how many teams do you think could've used Jones this season?
I'll save you the trouble: a lot of teams.
14. LeSean McCoy, PHI
19 of 32
We'll see what impact Michael Vick returning has on McCoy.
I really don't think it makes a big deal personally, but it could hurt McCoy as Kolb did like to throw underneath more.
I could be wrong though.
13. Jamaal Charles, KC
20 of 32
Let's be frank here.
Charles was the reason Kansas City beat Buffalo.
Period.
12. Ray Rice, BAL
21 of 32
Rice was on a bye last week, and many of the top backs had big performances.
Hence, he dropped a few spots.
And this whole Willis McGahee thing has me worried.
Let's hope that's short lived. Amen?
11. LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ
22 of 32
LT didn't have the best of performances this past week.
But kind of like Felix Jones, he can't help his quarterback play.
The good news is he plays the Lions this week.
Wait, this sounds familiar...
10. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT
23 of 32
Mendenhall didn't have the best of games Sunday, but had a huge touchdown when the Steelers needed it.
Of course, it was all for naught.
Still, I could be wrong about Big Ben taking away from him. We'll see how he does against Cincy this week.
9. Steven Jackson, STL
24 of 32
Jackson didn't have the best of weeks this last week.
Of course, after a 1-15 season last year, I'm sure he's glad to just get the win.
8. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG
25 of 32
Like Rice, Bradshaw was on a bye.
Also like Rice, the big bruising backup running back is causing problems.
Hey Brandon Jacobs! This is Bradshaw's team now, ya dig?
7. Darren McFadden, OAK
26 of 32
Where has Darren been the last two years?
It's almost like something clicked over the offseason.
Or it could be JaMarcus Russell leaving.
Take note, Washington.
6. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX
27 of 32
It always seems to help MJD when David Garrard plays well.
So I see an uptick for MJD, who had 135 yards Sunday against what was once thought to be a good defense in Dallas.
5. Frank Gore, SF
28 of 32
Gore once again carried the 49ers.
The difference though proved to be consistent QB play, thanks to Troy Smith.
Who knew?
4. Arian Foster, HOU
29 of 32
Foster had a solid game for Houston despite the offensive struggles.
He ran for over 100 yards and was the second leading receiver for Matt Schaub.
It's a shame that Houston is playing, like, well, Houston again.
3. Michael Turner, ATL
30 of 32
Like a lot of players in the NFL this week, Turner had a bye.
And like a lot of them, he has a good matchup this week with the Bucs coming to down.
I'm seeing a pattern here...
2. Chris Johnson, TEN
31 of 32
Not the best of weeks for Johnson, but he did have a touchdown.
As well, I see the Randy Moss claim only helping him.
If nothing else, I want to see them do a touchdown celebration together.
1. Adrian Peterson, MIN
32 of 32
Peterson's back has to be hurting.
It's difficult to carry an entire offense on your back, including a 41-year-old (and I do mean old) injury prone QB.
Peterson has seem so much turmoil in Minny, but he just keeps on trucking.
Good for him.
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