Fantasy Football 2011: Early 2011 Fantasy Running Back Rankings

Ryan LesterJun 9, 2011

The lockout has yet to be settled, but the show must go on. Here’s an early look at the 2011 running back rankings.

1. Arian Foster, Houston Texans

As if leading the NFL in rushing (1,616 yards) wasn’t enough, he added 66 catches for 604 yards. Oh, and he had 18 total touchdowns (16 rushing, two receiving). He’s the perfect back for Houston’s zone blocking scheme.

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2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

With a rookie quarterback likely leading the way the focus of the Vikings offense will shift back to All Day. He’s ran for at least 1,298 yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of his four seasons.

3. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

He didn’t top 2,000 yards again, but 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns (along with 244 yards and another score receiving) is nothing to shy away from. He should be a tremendous value.

4. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs

Charles should get a heavier workload this year, which is scary considering he ran for 1,467 yards on 230 carries (6.4 YPC). He is less likely to score a touchdown than the top three, which is why he’s at four, but he’s capable of being the most productive fantasy back in the league.

5. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons

Obviously in PPR leagues, his value takes a hit, but few backs can off 100 yards and a score just about every time they take the field.

6. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers

His tweets can stir up controversy, but when it comes to running the football, the kid is alright. He had 1,273 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and he’ll be just 24 if and when the season starts.

7. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

Run DMC finally lived up to the hype, collecting 1,664 total yards (1,157 rushing) and 10 touchdowns (seven rushing) in 13 games. If he can stay healthy, he could rank right up there with the big four.

8. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

Rice will probably never be a touchdown guy, but he’s a yardage (and PPR) beast. He’s averaged over 1,900 total yards over the past two seasons.

9. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

McCoy caught 78 passes for 592 yards and two touchdowns. Those are solid receiving numbers. Don’t forget about the 1,080 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and seven rushing touchdowns. He’ll be just 23.

10. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mojo showed the toughness to battle through injuries last year, but I don’t know if he can be as effective (1,641 total yards, seven total touchdown) if his knee acts up again.

11. Shonn Greene, New York Jets

I know he was supposed to be a beast last year, but LaDainian Tomlinson ran like a kid in the early going. This is the year Shonn puts it all together.

12. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Jackson had just 3.8 yards per carry last year and six touchdowns, but the offense should be improved in Sam Bradford’s second year.

13. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

When he’s healthy there are only a few backs that can match his production. Unfortunately, he’s averaging just 13 games the past two years.

14. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

Stewart had a disappointing season, but the ability is still there. If D-Will doesn’t return, J-Stew will climb the ranks.

15. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Forte bounced back with 1,616 total yards (1,069 rushing) and nine touchdowns (six rushing). He’s particularly valuable in PPR leagues.

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