2011 NFL Predictions: 10 Most Heated RB Competitions to Watch This Offseason

As the battle rages on between the owners and players for league supremacy, it’s time we take a look at other battles that will be taking place this offseason.

One thing we know is that the players will stay in game shape and be ready for whenever they can get back to the training facilities.

Now more than ever, though, despite all players coming together as one, players need to be in top form to show their dominance. The league is shifting to a running back by committee league. Teams realize that the workhorse back is a dying breed and that they need more than one runner to succeed throughout the entire season.

Still, only one running back generally starts, and every player wants to be named the starter.

As we anticipate training camp, and football in general, these are the top 10 most heated running back competitions to watch this offseason.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with Thomas Jones #20 after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Phot

Competitors

Jamaal Charles: 1,463 yards and five touchdowns on 230 carries; 45 receptions for 468 yards and three touchdowns.

Thomas Jones: 896 yards and six touchdowns on 245 carries; 14 receptions for 122 yards.

The Chiefs boast one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Jones is a very good veteran who displays excellent durability and power. Charles is arguably the most dynamic running back in the league and almost set the average-yards-per-carry record with 6.4.

Many will call for Charles to receive even more carries in 2011 now that he has more experience and is the best playmaker on the team. Many will say that Jones should continue to start because he can wear out a defense for Charles to come in to dominate.

Both sides make a case, and it will be a tough decision for head coach Todd Haley.

My Prediction: Thomas Jones

9. San Diego Chargers

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Running back Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates his 31 yard touchdown run on fourth down and one yard to go in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denve

Competitors

Ryan Mathews: 678 yards and seven touchdowns on 158 carries; 22 receptions for 145 yards.

*Mike Tolbert: 735 yards and 11 touchdowns on 182 carries; 25 receptions for 216 yards.

*Restricted Free Agent (Second-Round Tender)

Mathews was extremely disappointing in his rookie season, aside from the final game in which he scored three touchdowns. He was hurt throughout the season with an ankle injury and put the ball on the ground far too many times.

Tolbert was incredible for the Chargers with Mathews out. He displayed fine speed and amazing power throughout the year. He was durable and was able to pound the rock better than any other back on the roster.

I fully expect Tolbert to be back in the mix and push Mathews as the starter this season as Mathews molds his body for 2012.

My Prediction: Ryan Mathews

8. New York Giants

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 06: Brandon Jacobs #27 and Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants celebrate after Jacobs scored a 74 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Giants Stadium on December 6, 2009 in East

Competitors

*Ahmad Bradshaw: 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns on 276 carries; 47 receptions for 314 yards.

Brandon Jacobs: 823 yards and nine touchdowns on 147 carries; seven receptions for 59 yards.

*Restricted Free Agent (Second-Round Tender)

Bradshaw is one of the better backs in the league. He displayed awesome vision, power, speed and receiving ability in 2010.

Jacobs ran better in 2010 than the previous two years, but I still have qualms with his decision-making and ability to quickly read the hole.

Neither is the most durable back. They need each other to remain fresh and healthy throughout a season.

I will forever make the claim that Bradshaw should start over Jacobs, just like it went down in 2010, but many may want to see Jacobs start again to wear out opposing defenses. One thing is for certain, though—New York must re-sign Bradshaw this offseason, as he is too valuable to let go.

My Prediction: Ahmad Bradshaw

7. Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Runningback Tim Hightower #34 of the Arizona Cardinals talks with Beanie Wells #26 during the NFL game against the St. Louis Rams at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals d

Competitors

Chris "Beanie" Wells: 397 yards and two touchdowns on 116 carries; five receptions for 74 yards.

Tim Hightower: 736 yards and five touchdowns on 153 carries; 21 receptions for 136 yards.

The Cardinals desperately need Wells to rebound in 2011 after a disappointing season full of poor running and injuries. Hightower did well in spot starts but was not used to the best of his abilities as a receiver and fumbled the rock too many times.

With Wells’ inability to stay healthy as a power runner, Hightower has a chance, once again, to try to take the starting job. Of course, this is highly unlikely since he is better suited as a backup with his receiving ability and fumblitis.

My Prediction: Chris "Beanie" Wells

6. Carolina Panthers

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Running back Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto G

Competitors

Jonathan Stewart: 770 yards and two touchdowns on 178 carries; eight receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown.

*DeAngelo Williams: 361 yards and one touchdown on 87 carries; 11 receptions for 61 yards.

Mike Goodson: 452 yards and three touchdowns on 103 carries; 40 receptions for 310 yards.

*Restricted Free Agent (First- and Third-Round Tender)

It remains to be seen if DeAngelo Williams will return to Carolina. For now, he is tendered, but I highly doubt we will see him back with the Panthers when it’s all said and done. Should he return, he’ll be the starter.

After D-Will, it’s back to J-Stew and Mikey Good. These two proved to be a quality tandem to close out the season. Stewart was supposed to be a lock as the starter once Williams’ contract expired, but Goodson proved to be just as effective as a runner and more effective as a receiver out of the backfield. For that, Goodson will push Stewart to his limits this offseason as he makes a case to start in Carolina.

Stewart is used to playing the backup role anyway. New head coach Ron Rivera may just choose to stick to that game plan to make sure Stewart remains fresh and healthy while Goodson picks up most of the load.

My Prediction: Jonathan Stewart

5. Dallas Cowboys

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

OXNARD, CA - AUGUST 14: (L-R) Running backs Felix Jones #28, Marion Barber #24 and Tashard Choice #23 share a laugh during Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at the Marriott Residence Inn Oxnard River Ridge on August 14, 2010 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by

Competitors

Marion Barber: 374 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries; 11 receptions for 49 yards.

Felix Jones: 800 yards and one touchdown on 185 carries; 48 receptions for 450 yards and one touchdown.

Tashard Choice: 243 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries; 17 receptions for 109 yards.

The Cowboys really need to figure out their rushing attack more than any other team. Due to injuries and lack of direction, the rushing attack has been up and down.

All three offer something different to the table. Choice is the all-around back, Barber the power back and Jones the speedster. All three, though, can catch, which is the biggest plus for Dallas.

Barber and Jones can’t stay healthy. They need to remain fresh to be productive. Choice has been a solid backup to both and always comes in to make a difference when asked.

The three-headed monster can work; it just hasn’t in Dallas. Choice could start, Jones could be the dynamic playmaker with limited touchdowns and Barber can close out games. Dallas has yet to figure this out. They continue to push Jones and Barber as the starter despite neither being starter material at this point in their careers. It hurts to say this as a “Marion the Barbarian” fan.

All three still feel they can start and will enter the offseason ready to prove themselves and give Jason Garrett another headache.

My Prediction: Felix Jones

4. New Orleans Saints

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Reggie Bush #25 celebrates with Pierre Thomas #23 of the New Orleans Saints after Thomas' touchdown during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

Competitors

Pierre Thomas: 269 yards and two touchdowns on 83 carries; 29 receptions for 201 yards.

Christopher Ivory: 716 yards and five touchdowns on 137 carries.

Reggie Bush: 150 yards on 36 carries; 34 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown.

The Saints’ rushing attack was in flux throughout the season due to injuries to all three of Sean Payton’s main runners. Heading into 2011, they’ll all be healthy.

Bush looked better than ever to start the season, running with better vision, more determination and power. When he returned from his broken leg, he looked like the vintage Saints runner he’s been—subpar.

Pierre Thomas let a lot of people down, as he missed most of the season with an ankle injury. After having to be placed on IR before the playoffs, many will doubt his toughness and durability.

The same shouldn’t be said for Ivory, who will be entering just his second season in the league. He did a great job holding down the fort and would have been a difference maker for the Saints in the postseason.

It’s safe to say Bush will be back to his third-down role, but Ivory and Thomas are going to be neck and neck the entire offseason for the starting gig.

My Prediction: Pierre Thomas

3. Seattle Seahawks

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks and Justin Forsett #20 pose during player introductions before taking on the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle,

Competitors

Marshawn Lynch: 573 yards and six touchdowns on 165 carries; 21 receptions for 138 yards.

Justin Forsett: 523 yards and two touchdowns on 118 carries; 33 receptions for 252 yards.

Marshawn Lynch was awesome for the Seahawks last season, especially in the playoffs, when he sealed the upset over the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round with a 67-yard touchdown—one of the greatest postseason runs of all time.

Lynch always had amazing talent. He can catch and has very good speed and great power. He is the real deal.

Forsett was the starter heading into 2010 after a great 2009 season. He is going to do his best to push Lynch for the job, but head coach Pete Carroll knows exactly who deserves to start in 2011—Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch.

My Prediction: Marshawn Lynch

2. Buffalo Bills

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running Back C.J. Spiller #21 of the Buffalo Bills runs against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida.The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Competitors

C.J. Spiller: 283 yards on 74 carries; 24 receptions for 157 yards and one touchdown.

Fred Jackson: 927 yards and five touchdowns on 222 carries; 31 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

At least the Bills will only enter 2011 with two potential starters instead of three like they did in 2010.

Spiller may have been the most disappointing rookie in the entire league last year. He has elite playmaking ability but was ineffective and hurt throughout the season.

Fred Jackson, however, has been one of the most reliable and durable backs the past three seasons with Buffalo. Jackson deserves to start and push Spiller for the gig, but Spiller is the back with more talent.

It’s going to be an awesome battle this offseason.

My Prediction: C.J. Spiller

1. Green Bay Packers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs onto the field during pregame introductions and festivities against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Ph

Competitors

Ryan Grant: 45 yards on eight carries.

James Starks: 315 yards and one touchdown on 81 carries in playoffs.

Things are going to be very interesting for the Super Bowl champs this offseason. Now, I’ve never been the biggest Ryan Grant fan—actually, I’ve never been a Grant fan at all. He’s simply not that talented. He doesn’t make plays for himself, and although he’s effective in his role, he does not offer much of a threat.

Starks, however, proved he could be a viable asset to the Packers when it mattered most—down the stretch. He displayed very good power in his rookie season after beginning the year on the PUP list due to a hamstring injury. He will give Grant a run for his money for the starting job.

My Prediction: Ryan Grant