My Pre-Season 2009 Running back Rankings
There’s little argument here about who is the best running back in the biz. Over the last two seasons, the Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been as good as it gets and has stood head and shoulders above the rest with some of the leagues best performances since 2007. In his 31 games played Peterson has eclipsed 100-yards 16 times which included a 296-yard and three touchdown performance in 2007 against a good Charger’s defense.
Last season, Peterson proved to the league his rookie season was no fluke scampering his was to over 1,700-yards and his first NFL rushing title. All-Day proved without a shadow of a doubt he is the best running back in the game and his numbers a year ago should support a number one selection in most fantasy leagues.
With Peterson topping the board, in traditional scoring leagues, it’s hard to deny the Falcons Michael Turner the number two spot. Considered the team’s primary red-zone ball carrier, his 376 carries and 1,699-yards from last season should suggest another productive year for the beast in Atlanta.
As we countdown the top five, it’s debatable with Maurice Jones-Drew and Matt Forte sliding in at three and four. Both backs will played more of a featured role in their respective offenses and offer substantial value in PPR leagues. We may be out on a short limb with our number five pick in Steven Jackson. He’s a slight injury risk, but even in 12 games last season, he still gave fantasy owners 1,000-yards, 40-receptions, and eight touchdowns.
At number seven Tomlinson could be a little undervalued, if he does return healthy and to his old form in 2009. Brandon Jacobs could see a few more carries this season, but his health will always be a concern for fantasy owners.
The “Top ten watch” this season should include Steve Slaton of the Texans and Ryan Grant in Green Bay. Both will have noticeably little competition in their respective back-fields and will be utilized in their team’s short passing game as well.
Falling down the list significantly is the Jets Thomas Jones. With talks of trade and a rookie in camp, his value will more than likely suffer come draft day. Barber is a little low on our list with a talented support group backing him you have to wonder how much the Cowboys will actually feature him throughout the season.
A couple of backs that could sneak up the ladder; the Dolphins Ronnie Brown who will likely play more of a featured role with Ricky Williams slowing down in Miami, in Pennsylvania, you have Westbrook and Parker that could do some damage if they can remain healthy.
That’s a wrap and this is my take with my 2009 RB rankings, break-it-down, argue it, criticize, or agree, it all makes great water-cooler jabber in the morning;
1. (MIN) Adrian Peterson
2. (ATL) Michael Turner
3. (JAC) Maurice Jones-Drew
4. (CHI) Matt Forte
5. (STL) Steven Jackson
6. (CAR) DeAngelo Williams
7. (SF) Frank Gore
8. (SD) Ladainian Tomlinson
9. (NYG) Brandon Jacobs
10.(TEN) Chris Johnson
11.(WAS) Clinton Portis
12.(HOU) Steve Slaton
13.(GB) Ryan Grant
14.(MIA) Ronnie Brown
15.(PHI) Brian Westbrook
16.(DAL) Marion Barber III
17.(PIT) Willie Parker
18.(NYJ) Thomas Jones
19.(NO) Pierre Thomas
20.(DET) Kevin Smith
By David Ortega
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