Running with the wind
Top Fantasy Running Backs:
2009 was a record setting season for the Titan’s running back Chris Johnson, the class of the NFL runners. The speedster from East Carolina University shredded opposing defenses last season to the tune of 2,006 yards becoming just the sixth player in NFL history to do so. He was no secret a year ago, but fantasy owners can bet opposing defenses this season will be game planning to stop his attempt at a repeat.
Joining Johnson perched atop the fantasy list of running backs this season is the Vikings man among boys, running back Adrian Peterson. With another impressive NFL campaign (over 1,300 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns in 2009) under his belt, is there any reason to doubt that “All-Day” will be better in 2010? The word on the “fantasy street” Peterson could be utilized more in the passing game this season.
Rising to the top….
Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens…
In his second season the Raven’s running back Ray Rice started 15 games and catapulted his way to top of fantasy galore. Rice toted the rock 254 times in 2009 for over 1,300 yards and added another 702 yards receiving on 78 receptions. His eight touchdowns were nothing to scream about, but his overall production ranked him second in total yards only to Chris Johnson. With all the weapons added this offseason to the Raven’s offensive lineup, Rice should be set for an encore performance in 2010.
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars…
The Jaguars small ball of thunder, running back Maurice Jones-Drew started all 16 games a year ago turned in his biggest season in the NFL with over 1,760 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. Mojo is a dynamic and versatile scat back with big play potential. Over the past two seasons he has recorded more than 50 receptions in each and has shown great toughness and durability missing just one game since arriving to the NFL four seasons ago.
Ready to breakaway…
The Jets running back Shonn Greene has stepped into the starting gig behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. In 2009 the Jets ran the ball over 500 times, so even with the arrival of a potential Hall-of-Famer (LaDanian Tomlinson) Greene should see plenty of action to be a highly productive fantasy option. The Jet’s starting running back won’t turn many heads in PPR leagues, but he should still be a solid number one running back option in most fantasy leagues running behind a line that produced 21 scores on the ground in 2009 .
2010 Sleepers…
It’s not taking long for this year’s rookie class to make some noise in NFL backfields, already in Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller showed enough to get the starting nod in week one. He’ll be one to watch not only this weekend, but this season. Another running back drawing attention and worth keeping an eye on will be the Lion’s Jahvid Best. Like Spiller, Best won the starting gig this season with his strong play during the preseason. Neither offenses (Bills, Lions) are built quite like best in the league, but both backs should be featured quite a bit and could earn their way onto several fantasy rosters by midseason.
A third running back with Sleeper potential this season is the Bronco’s running back Knowshon Moreno. The 2nd year back will start this season and if he can stay healthy he shouldn’t have any real competition in the backfield to steal any production. Moreno was a slight disappointment a year ago, but this season he should be featured quite a bit more and could have a big sophomore campaign.
These are just a few of the noteworthy backs for 2010. Here’s how my top 20 round out for the upcoming season.
My 2010 top 10 Running Backs
1. Chris Johnson, TEN
2. Adrian Peterson, MIN
3. Ray Rice, BAL
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX
5. Frank Gore, SF
6. Shonn Greene, NYJ
7. Steven Jackson, STL
8. Michael Turner, ATL
9. Ryan Grant, GB
10. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT
11. DeAngelo Williams, CAR
12. Joseph Addai, IND
13. Pierre Thomas, NO
14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN
15. Clinton Portis, WAS
16. Cedric Benson, CIN
17. LeSean McCoy, PHI
18. Ryan Matthews, SD
19. Justin Forsett, SEA
20. Matt Forte, CHI
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