NFL Rankings: The Top 10 Running Backs of 2010

The most exciting position on the football field is running back. When a team has a dangerous running game, it opens the field up for the pass and creates chances to make big plays.

Throughout the history of the NFL, players like Bronko Nagurski, Jim Brown and Barry Sanders have lit up the field.

This year, a few superstars have helped their team in score and ticket sales. These are the top 10.

No. 10: Ahmad Bradshaw

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Washington Redskins on December 5, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 31-7. (Photo b

With Brandon Jacobs slowly getting fewer and fewer carries, Ahmad has stepped up to the plate.

With over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns already, he has turned the Giants from an inside-running powerhouse to a speedy cutback-ready offense that isn't afraid to run it down your throat.

Ahmad's combination of quickness and strength makes him a great running back, and his current stats prove his effectiveness.

No. 9: Darren McFadden

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Jason Campbell #8 hands the ball off to Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed

Darren McFadden was really a surprise this year. After two dismal seasons with the abysmal Oakland Raiders, Darren has stepped his game up.

Not only have his carries gone up, his YPC is also up and floating around 5.0. Currently he has 870 yards and five TDs.

This is the first season that Darren has really played up to the expectations people had coming out of college.

No. 8: Michael Turner

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes rushes upfield away from Nick Collins #36 of the Green Bay Packers at Georgia Dome on November 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Michael Turner is currently at the top of his game. For the past three seasons, defenses have been lining up eight and nine in the box to stop him—and it hasn't worked yet.

Even when he only played 11 games this past season, he had almost 900 yards, and this year he has over 1,000 already. If he continues to run over people the way he does, it doesn't matter how many defensive players they line up.

No. 7: LeSean McCoy

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a 1-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 3

Amid the success of Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy has quietly had a very good season. He has become a large part of the Eagles' passing game, as well as the main part of their running game, considering the absence of Brian Westbrook.

LeSean currently has 823 yards rushing and 534 yards receiving.

No. 6: Rashard Mendenhall

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against defensive end Cory Redding #93 and linebacker Tavares Gooden #56 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter of the game at M&T Bank St

Rashard Mendenhall is continuing his great season from last year with another one this year. Known for his elusiveness and great vision, he is an expert at cutbacks.

He has done well in one of the toughest jobs in the NFL: being the feature back for a hard-nosed, smash-mouth team. He currently has 1,007 yards and nine TDs.

No. 5: Jamaal Charles

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against Aaron Curry #59 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Jamaal Charles is having a career year. He has already racked up more yards on fewer touches.

Becoming the standout in what is a shared backfield, Jamaal does not have many touchdowns to his credit, seeing as he is the speed back and Thomas Jones gets most of the short yardage carries. Even in this split backfield, he continues to gain yards (he has 1,137) in chunks.

No. 4: Maurice Jones-Drew

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 05: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks away from Chris Hope #24 of the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 5, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Jaguars won 17-6. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Maurice my be the hardest man to tackle on the field. That is, if you can find his 5'7" body behind the offensive line.

Maurice's combination of power and cuts creates an unstoppable running force. Because of his small stature, he can change lanes and make moves quickly and fluently. But even if the defense does get a hand on him, he isn't going to go down without a fight.

Easy choice for this list, with 1,177 yards and four TDs.

No. 3: Chris Johnson

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 09: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL game at LP Field on December 9, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Chris Johnson is undoubtedly the fastest running back in football. He hits the hole extremely fast and within a few seconds is already 10 to 15 yards downfield.

Chris' 1,026 yards and nine TDs really don't do him justice. His speed warrants 2,000-plus yards.

No. 2: Peyton Hillis and Adrian Peterson

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns scores a touchdown in front of safety Sherrod Martin #23 of the Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sulliva

I couldn't decide who to choose between these talented two, so I took both.

Peyton Hillis brings fear and makes defenses respect the Browns' offense for the first time in years. Adrian Peterson may simply be the most talented running back in the NFL, with an amazing combination of power and speed.

Not to mention, their stiff-arms are the best in the league.

No. 1: Arian Foster

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans turns to hand the ball off to Arian Foster #23 against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 34-24. (Phot

Arian Foster is having a breakout year. The undrafted second-year running back out of Tennessee is having the season of a lifetime. With 1,230 yards already and 13 touchdowns, it's not a surprise that he is No. 1 on this list.

With huge games like he had against Indy in Week 1 (231 yards and three TDs), he will continue to be feared and respected by NFL defenses.