Most years running backs are the highest scoring players in all of fantasy football. That is why it is important to pick up a top running back early in your draft as most of them will be gone by the 3rd round. These players are all worth targeting in your draft but you better do it early, because all of them will be off the board by the middle of the second round.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers: If you have the first pick, there is no reason to think about picking anybody else other then LT. Tomlinson is a lock to have at least 15 touchdowns and is durable as he has only missed one game in his career. Plus, he has around 55 receptions a year so you will get receiving yards. If healthy, there is no reason to believe that Tomlinson will have a bad year so expect around 1700 total yards and 18 touchdowns.
2. Brian Westbrook Eagles: Many people would select Adrian Peterson with the number two pick, but Westbrook is consistent and you don't have to worry about injuries. Westbrook last year only had 7 rushing touchdowns, but he more than made up for that by catching 90 passes for 771 yards. Plus, unlike Tomlinson, Westbrook will be playing meaningful games in week 16 and 17 as by then the Chargers probably would have locked up the division. That's important because in most leagues, that is when the playoffs are and you aren't going to win if your best player is sitting on the bench while his backup gets the carries. Expect around 1800 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
3. Adrian Peterson Vikings: If not for durability issues, Peterson possibly could have been number one on the list. Peterson had a great rookie season with 1341 yards and 12 touchdowns. But lots of those numbers came from two big games. If you take away his stats from those games, Peterson had 821 yards and 6 touchdowns on the year. That isn't top fantasy back material. Plus, when Peterson's team needed him the most during a playoff push, he had 144 yards in his last 4 games. Those aren't the numbers you need to win in the playoffs. But Peterson has great potential and if he stays healthy and continues his success, he could be number one on the list next year. Expect around 1600 total yards and 10 touchdowns.
4. Joseph Addai Colts: Addai is a great fantasy back as he gets lots of touchdown opportunities from playing in a high powered offense. He showed that last year by getting 12 touchdowns in 15 games. The touchdowns alone make him a valuable fantasy back but when you add in 1072 rushing yards and 40 receptions, you have a top 5 fantasy back. Expect around 1600 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
5. Steven Jackson Rams: With a bad offensive line and injuries, Jackson was considered one of the biggest fantasy disappointments last year. But he still ended up with 1000 rushing yards. This year, the Rams have a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders who was with the Chiefs when Preist Holmes was the talk of the fantasy football world. Now with Jackson in the same role, he could be in for a huge year. Expect around 1900 total yards and 10 touchdowns.
6. Frank Gore 49ers: When Mike Martz joins teams, most running backs lose touches. But that may not be the case for Gore. Gore has excellent hands and with the lack of receivers the 49ers have, could have around 80 catches. His rushing totals may go down but Gore could have an even better fantasy season then he did a few years ago. Expect around 1900 total yards and 9 touchdowns.
7. Marshawn Lynch Bills: Lynch had a great rookie season last year and if not for Peterson, would have won offensive rookie of the year. But now, Lynch is the every-down back for the Bills and should have an even better year. He only had 18 catches last year, but he should have around 35 this year. Plus fantasy owners have to love the fact he plays the Jets and Dolphins a combined 4 times this year. There is no reason not think that Lynch could have a huge year. Expect around 1600 total yards and 9 touchdowns.
8. Clinton Portis Redskins: Portis last year ended up having a great season last year as he had 1262 yards and 47 catches. There is no reason that he can't do it again. Portis may not get the yards like he did in Denver, but he has proved overtime that he is one of the best fantasy backs. In a new offense, this could be a off year fantasy wise for Portis. But you shouldn't worry about that as you will still get great numbers. Expect around 1700 total yards and 8 touchdowns.
9. Marion Barber Cowboys: For the past few years, Barber has been one of the most valuable backs in all of fantasy football as he is a touchdown machine. But now that Julius Jones is gone, he is the starter for the Cowboys. But not so fast, the Cowboys will still use a two back system as they drafted Felix Jones in the first round of this year's draft. Barber should get more yards but don't expect an increase in touchdowns. Either way, Barber is a top fantasy back and should be picked up late in the first round. But the Cowboys hype machine could force an owner to take him in the top 8 picks. Expect around 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns.
10. Ryan Grant Packers: With Aaron Rodgers now taking over for Brett Favre, Grant is the focal point of the offense. At times he showed what he is fully capable of as almost had 1000 yards while starting only half of the year. But until Rodgers proves himself, it could be tough running for Grant as he will have to face 8 defenders in the box on many occasions. If you draft him, don't be worried about a slow start. You will be rewarded by the end of the season. Expect around 1500 total yards and 8 touchdowns.
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