Indeed the most sought after position in Fantasy Football is the Running Back; especially with the "running back by committee world" we live with in today's NFL. This being said we shall address the Running Back position for you and give some insight as to who to look out for and who to draft.
The must have running backs are: (in this order)
- LeSean McCoy (Phi) - He has got to be the number one back across the board this year. His ability to catch and run makes him an immediate home run hitter and a major mismatch for any line-backing crew. Clearly, his durability last year was remarkable, (playing 15 regular season games the past two seasons) but his stats were top notch; 17 rushing TD's and 3 receiving TD's! Too much talent on the offense for defenses to keep him locked up...look for another big year and don't worry about taking him with the 1st overall pick.
- Arian Foster (Hou) - Arian is the featured back regardless of Ben Tate, T.J. Yates and company. At the ripe age of 25 he still has some durability in him and must be drafted high in the first round. He played in 13 games last year and a top performer with over 1,200 yards on the ground and 600 in the air. His style of running mixed with a balanced passing attack and the master mind of Gary Kubiak make for a wonder world for Foster owners.
- Darren McFadden (Oak) - His season will be summed up in one word: HEALTH. With Michael Bush (Chi) leaving the Black Hole, McFadden could be in for some more grounding and pounding, but his issue is durability. He has yet to complete a full 16 game season and with Michael Bush out he needs to stay healthy. Although, Fantasy goers will have him lower on the board because of health, I think this year he is their go to guy and the addition of Mike Goodson will help offset the loss of Bush. With Carson Palmer tossing the rock to a young, yet experienced, receiving group defenses will have to stay honest. Ultimately, McFadden should have some monster games given he can stay healthy! (If he does go down make sure you have Mike Goodson)
- Ray Rice (Bal) - By far one of the most exciting players to watch; Rice has all the intangibles to be the top Fantasy back in the NFL. Although I have him at #4 he would certainly be worth taking a look at as the number one choice for running backs. He produced over 1,300 yards one the ground with 12 TD's and 704 yard in the air with 3 TD's. A fantasy stud who will keep you glued to the TV, phone, computer, tablet or any other device. Rice has dropped in my book from last year, where I had him #1 because Joe Flacco will have to keep defenses from zeroing in on Rice...I simply don't have the faith in Flacco.
- Adrian Peterson (Min) - Peterson drops to number 5 this year because he takes too many knocks. Although many will argue he is the best in the league, he is a big guy and has a running style that will catch up to him. However, he is number five because he will continue to see touches and if healthy he can nearly win a few fantasy games on his own. In 12 games last year he had 970 yards on the ground and 12 TD's. In the air he had 139 and 1 TD's. If healthy for a full 16 weeks, I suspect he will see more targets out of the backfield with a young QB in ponder check down to a deadly and powerful Peterson.
Don't bat your eye at me if I am still available: (late first rounders)
6. Matt Forte (Chi) - Big time player in a high powered offense, but Michael Bush will be in the mix.
7. Chris Johnson (Ten) - Had some flashes last year, but is on a bad team and will suffer from the lack of help around him.
8. MJD (Jax) - One of the best players, but contract talks and holdouts = an injury waiting to happen.(see Forte and Hillis) If he stays healthy you will be happy with him, but R. Jennings should see some carries too.
9. Steven Jackson (Stl) - Love the guy, should see a heavy load and can punch the ball in from the goal line.
10. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) - Should see tons more action in the red zone this year!!
Don't give up on me:
11. Cedric Benson (GB) - Love the pickup, should be an outstanding back for the Pack!! Has a chance to be featured. Clearly the Packers don't believe in who they have on the roster.
12. Michael Turner (Atl) - I don't think he gets 300 carries this year, but his stats were impressive in 11'.
13. Jamaal Charles (KC) - Can still be the guy we saw in 2010, but with Hillis in the mix he may not have too many chances to do so.
14. Fred Jackson (Buf) - Getting older, but still can produce, the addition of Tashard Choice may hurt him.
15. Willis McGahee (Den) - A change in offense should not hurt his value too much, but he is a solid 2RB this year.
16. Beanie Wells (Ari) - Who else is going to carry the rock for Arizona? Larry can't do it all...well...
17. Marchawn Lynch (Sea) - Could be ranked higher, but he is looking at a suspension.
18. Frank Gore (SF) - A strong performer year in and year out, but I think his touches get taken away by the passing game this year. He will go early in many leagues, but I don't see the same Frank Gore that we are used to seeing.
19. DeAngelo Williams (Car) - A special talent who should have fresh legs with the addition of Mike Tolbert, but he splits the backfield and will not be the featured back each game.
20. Shonn Greene (NYJ) - Will he live up to his potential? If Tebow gets the starting job I think you will see Greene get more touches and his value go through the roof, but this is highly unlikely.
Sure to please you...Sleepers:
1. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cin) - He has not had the chance to showcase his skill, but with a good passing game and a focus on a balanced run attack he should be a nice pickup in the first half of many drafts.
2. Steven Ridley (NE) - An intriguing 2nd year player who has major upside in a powerful offense. Keep an eye on him I would not draft him, but could be a legitimate wavier pickup.
3. Donald Brown (Ind) - I really like this guy. With little competition I think he should see some action both running and catching. A rookie QB like Luck understand how and when to check down.
4. Doug Martin (TB) - Should become the starting back in Tampa and should be good flex player to begin the year.
More to come....
If you're having your draft soon, feel free to ask any questions!!
