LaDainian Tomlinson Leads List of Top 10 RBs in NFL So Far

Through Week Four of the NFL season there have been injuries that have affected the stats of nearly every team's output. This article is a list of who I think the top 10 running backs in the NFL are and why.

So, without further delay, let's dive right into it!

1. LaDainian Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers

When LT is on his game there is no other back in the NFL that can touch him. He can run. He can block. He can catch. He can throw! LT is as complete as they come and I do not see him ever leaving the Chargers because they will throw whatever they can at him to get him to stay in SoCal.

2. Larry Johnson: Kansas City Chiefs

Although often forgotten, Johnson is a Pro Bowl threat every season that he is healthy. This guy is another fine product of Joe Paterno and Penn State's smash mouth run game. Through week three he is third in rushing yards and is on pace to have his third 1500-yard season in four years.

3. Brian Westbrook: Philadelphia Eagles

The Wild, Wild West is just as dangerous out of the backfield as he is in it. On pace to run for over 1200 yards and catch for 400 makes him a legitimate threat in either position. (per FoxSports.com)

4. Adrian Peterson: Minnesota Vikings

Peterson is a flat out runner. He changes direction and moves side to side so easily he should be considered for Dancing with the Stars. Being second in the league in rushing and having a spectacular rookie season behind him makes him a starting running back on any team in the league, fantasy or not.

Also, remember that he is putting up huge stats while splitting time with Chester Taylor.

5. Frank Gore: San Francisco 49ers

Gore has silently been dominating defensive lines. He is on pace for his third consecutive 1000-yard season on a team that has no offense to back him up.

The passing game for the 49ers is non-existent and the pressure to score falls solely on Frank Gore. He only has 16 TDs since 2006, but I also look at what is in front of him to work with.

6. Steven Jackson: St. Louis Rams

A rumblin', bumblin', stumplin' beast of a man that can run and catch. Again I look at what they have to work with in front of them. We all know the Rams are not going to make a run for the Super Bowl this season, but Jackson could have an MVP caliber year as long as he stays healthy.

Check his stats as of Week Four. They are insane. According to FoxSports.com, he is on pace to run for over 1100 yards and total 1200 receiving yards while scoring 14 TDs on a team that will be lucky to win three games this season in a less-than-tough NFC West.

7. Marion Barber: Dallas Cowboys

Cornerbacks fear his name. This man will just flat out run you over, JohnRiggins style, and not even think twice about it. If you like smash mouth football, you have got to watch a Cowboys game this year because this man is impressive.

He will not rack up overly impressive stats because of Tony Romo's passing game, but he will get his touches, and safeties will cringe when they get touched.

8. Clinton Portis: Washington Redskins

On pace to run for over 1200 yards for the sixth time in seven seasons, it is hard to overlook Portis' ability. There were times Redskins fans had to wonder if he was afraid of getting hurt because he would not run between the tackles, but he still racked up yards.

This year, in the Year of the Zorn, Portis has seemed to change his style of running and will deliver a blow upon impact. He may only get four yards per carry, but that is because that is all there is to get now.

9. Michael Turner: Atlanta Falcons

I know I'm showing no "love" for the league's leading rusher. I just think that it takes a while for people to buy into a running back. I'm not saying that he isn't a great running back, in fact, I drafted him on my fantasy team (good thing I did). He is, however, essentially a first-year starter after sitting behind LT all those years. But you can tell he learned a few things from the fellow ranked at No. 1 on this list.

10. Marshawn Lynch: Buffalo Bills

Looking for his second 1100-yard season in as many years pro, Lynch has proven to be what some of the aforementioned names on this list had when they were younger. He always seems to find the hole in the Buffalo Bills line, which has consistently gotten better over the past few seasons to make them a serious threat to win the Brady-less AFC East.

Honorable Mentions

Willie Parker: Pittsburgh Steelers

Reason: One style of running—speed.

Earnest Graham: Tampa Bay Bucs

Reason: Inexperienced, but has a great teacher in Warrick Dunn.

Brandon Jacobs: New York Giants

Reason: Young gun that will climb this list quickly with another stellar season.

Julius Jones: Seattle Seahawks

Reason: Was not supposed to be starter at the beginning of season and has only split duties throughout his pro career. Cannot carry a team by himself but is a slightly better version of Chester Taylor, minus the injuries.

Ronnie Brown: Miami Dolphins

Reason: I know I look at what the guy has in front of him and he is LT-ish...in about two more years.

So, that is my list and I'm sticking to it. I'm sure there are a few names on there that most people would not mention or would rank differently, but in the world of sports and fans everyone has their own opinion. Hope your guy made the list.