Posted by Bill in Running Backs on May 19th 2009 and last modified on May 22nd 2009. (Print This)
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As we head into the long Memorial Day weekend which is the official kick off summer, we release our May RB rankings. Matt Forte’s value has been skyrocketing as of late, with an A.D.P. of 2 in most mock drafts this spring. L.J. makes a surprise appearance at the eleven spot in what has been a solid off-season so far heading into June Mini-camps……
1) Adrian Peterson – MIN – RB
Hands down numero uno, but if the passing offense doesn’t take any pressure off the run game, AP could be facing stacked fronts all the time.
2) Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC – RB
MJD is now the lead man, in Jacksonville… The Jags will have a much improved o-line after the disastrous 08 led to a poor ground game… MJD has some value in PPR leagues catching screens and swings (62 rec. in 08)… QB David Garrard spent much of the season laying on his back a refortified line will go along way too keeping the pass game respectable and Garrard upright.
3) Matt Forte – CHI – RB
Forte’s has been getting a lot of love this off season, going as high as one overall in some mock drafts… Forte does have more value in PPR leagues entering his sophomore campaign as Forte had 63 receptions.
4) Michael Turner – ATL – RB
Turner had a breakout year in 08… The “Burner” carried the rock 377 times last year and with every offseason comes the rumor that RB Jerious Norwood will get more carries, I’ll believe it when I see it… The Falcons have a very tough schedule this year that is something to keep an eye on.
5) Steven Jackson – STL – RB
SJack would be 1B if he wasn’t always hurt, that kills his value big time… The Rams look offensively anemic on paper, and that could mean a lot of SJack action if he can stay on the field, that is a big if.
6) Clinton Portis – WAS – RB
Portis slides in at 6 based on the premise that his numbers took a beating in the second half, because QB Jason Campbell’s game went south in the last 8 games… I’m betting on Portis having a strong year.
7) Chris Johnson – TEN – RB
Johnson was an absolute beast and the biggest playmaker hands down for the Titans offense in 08… The Titans will look to get Johnson in to open space with passes and swings to take advantage of his speed… Johnson averaged over 17 yards per catch last year which is a ridiculous numbers for a RB.
8) Frank Gore – SFO – RB
Gore’s numbers suffered last year due to injury, poor QB play and playing catch up in most games… San Fran will feature a balanced offense this year and should run it through Gore… Gore is always good for 50-60+ rec. a year.
9) Brian Westbrook – PHI – RB
Westbrook’s value took a big hit with the drafting of RB LeSean McCoy… Though McCoy’s role has yet to be determined Fantasy owners will be leery to select Westbrook with the threat of losing touches to the rookie.
10) Pierre Thomas – NOR – RB
Thomas shows up at ten based solely on potential. Thomas did more with less touches than any other RB… With only Reggie Bush behind him, Thomas looks to get the bulk of the carries and all of the goal line looks.
11) Larry Johnson – KAN – RB
A new coach, and a new year brings L.J. in at the 11 spot. If Johnson isn’t traded, and is completely healthy,L.J. can rebound with huge numbers and return to form as a legit RB1, making him a potential first round steal.
12) LaDainian Tomlinson – SDC – RB
LDT’s numbers have suffered dramatically as he has fought through two injury plagued seasons. LDT will have to share touches with RB Darren Sproles cutting into LDT’s receptions this year.
13) Brandon Jacobs – NYG – RB
Jacobs has been a TD beast, but had split the load with RB Derrick Ward,with Ward now gone Jacobs looks to get more carries as long as he can stay on the field.
14) Ryan Grant – GRE – RB
Grants numbers took a beating as Grant appeared to struggle throughout the year. The Packers offensive line woes, and playing from behind only hampered Grant’s bottom line. Look for a rebound in Packer land.
15) Chris Wells – ARI – RB
Wells is the first rookie to show up on this board, and yeah he is probably pretty high on this ranking… Wells had durability issues in college, but when healthy he was a beast between the tackles… RB Tim Hightower couldn’t steal the job from the aging and plodding RB Edgerrin James, so I won’t expect Hightower to start over Wells… With the threat of the Cards passing game Wells has the potential to run wild over opposing defenses.
16) DeAngelo Williams – CAR – RB
D.Will had a monster year last season… Williams 6 30+ yard touchdown runs was likely an aberration last year… Williams is in store for another great season, but with RB Jonathan Stewart as his backfield mate, a duplication of last seasons numbers are highly unlikely.
17) Ronnie Brown – MIA – RB
Ronnie Brown had a great year last year especially when running out of the Wildcat formation… Brown’s numbers might suffer this year after the Dolphins drafted made to order Wildcat QB Pat White, relegating Brown to the running back position where he was noticeably less successful.
18) Steve Slaton – HOU – RB
Steve Slaton had a monster rookie campaign showing the NFL why he was such a devastating runner in college when playing in a zone blocking scheme… A repeat of last year may be hard to duplicate, but the Texans would be wise get Slaton in space and take advantage of his homerun potential.
19) Marion Barber – DAL – RB
MBIII suffered through an injury plagued season as the lead man in Big D… A healthy Barber provides great value as long as you know what you are getting… A between the 20′s runner that will score 10+ TD’s.
20) Kevin Smith – DET – RB
Kevin Smith played on a terrible Lions team that went 0-16 last year. The Lions played from behind much of the season, add on to that the poor play at QB and the O-line and it becomes clear that Smith had his work cut out for him last year… Detroit looks improved at least on the offensive side of the ball and that can only help Smith in his 2nd year as the lead man.
21) Joseph Addai – IND – RB
Addai has the most potential of anyone outside of the 6… Addai’s injury history coupled with the drafting of RB Donald Brown shows that the Colts also have a lot of concern around Addai… Addai is a dual threat monster when on the field but has been dinged up consistently every year since his rookie year.
22) Jamal Lewis – CLE – RB
Lewis provides good value here at 22, though not the power back he once was, Lewis has been consistent and good for a thousand yards year in and year out… With no names behind Lewis, look for JLew to have another solid year, but definitely not spectacular
23) Willie Parker – PIT – RB
WillieP missed 5 games last year with an injury, add in the return of RB Rashard Mendenhall and please don’t give Mendenhall the starting job, I have never been sold on him, but that is just me… Parker enters this year in a contract year so Willie P has much too prove and a lot to lose, look for a big year.
24) Jonathan Stewart – CAR – RB
Stewart played the punisher role to DeAngelo’s speed last season… Stewart will continue to get the rock between the 20′s as the Panthers will continue the smash mouth run game which was incredibly successful last season… Watch for Williams to cut into Stewart’s numbers if he continues to run the ball like a maniac.
25) Darren McFadden – OAK – RB
McFadden should and could win the starting job from RB Justin Fargas, with superior talent and hands… The Raiders have been committed to the run and have been able to run the ball with authority, the problem is the QB play, which is still a concern.
26) LenDale White – TEN – RB
Contract year + showing up in shape, and being the goal-line back in a inept offense that rushed for 15 TD’s last year sounds promising to me.
27) Marshawn Lynch – BUF – RB
Suspension pending enough said.
28) Thomas Jones – NYJ – RB
Jones could hold out or get cut, add in the threat of RB Shonn Greene and Jones’ stock could be plummeting by draft time.
29) Willis McGahee – BAL – RB
Three headed monsters scares me, and the one that is in Baltimore(RB Ray Rice, RB LeRon McClain) scares me more…
30) Cedric Benson – CIN – RB
A rejuvenated Benson?? Anything is possible in Cincinnati.
31) Earnest Graham – TAM – RB
Graham won the starting job last season, but Graham season ending injury was enough of a concern to sign free agent RB Derrick Ward.
32) Julius Jones – SEA – RB
Jones looks to start this year after a poor ending to the season in 08… Jones could return to the between the 20′s role with RB T.J. Duckett getting the goal line carries… We will have to stay tuned to see what everyone’s role will be in 09.
33) Justin Fargas – OAK – RB
Fargas has been solid the last few years but with former first round pick RB McFadden nipping at his heels, Fargas has his work cut out for himself… Don’t be surprised to see Fargas traded away this summer.
34) Ricky Williams – MIA – RB
Williams had a solid season backing up RB Ronnie Brown, and Williams is a must handcuff to the oft injured Brown.
35) Fred Jackson – BUF – RB
Jackson could see his role further increased with the impending suspension of Lynch.
36) Fred Taylor – NEP – RB
Fred X could have a Corey Dillon like renaissance in New England this year…There are plenty of capable backs in N.E. so we will need to keep an eye on the backfield situation to see how the roles shake out in the pre-season.
37) Rashard Mendenhall – PIT – RB
Mendenhall was being handed the keys to the starting job as soon he was drafted in the first round last year… Mendenhall will have a lot to prove this off-season if he wants to see the field this season.
38) Donald Brown – IND – RB
Brown is in an ideal spot, playing in a high octane offense, and backing up a injury prone starter… Brown has the tools to be a star in this offense.
39) Knowshon Moreno – DEN – RB
Denver has about 100 running backs right now, but with Moreno’s skill set he is by far the most talented RB of them all…Moreno might not be starting to begin the season, but will be starting by years end.
40) Shonn Greene – NYJ – RB
Greene’s value can only go up from here, at worst he is gets some goal line carries, and fills in for T.Jones, best case scenario is Jones get his walking papers.
41) Felix Jones – DAL – RB
Jones was off to a promising start until his season ending injury…The Cowboys have said in the off season that they will make it a point to get all of their backs touches…Jones has a ton of talent and could be especially valuable in PPR formats.
42) T.J. Duckett – SEA – RB
All Duckett does is score TD’s not much more but in deep leagues he might be worth a look considering the lack of depth in Seattle.
43) Derrick Ward – TAM – RB
Ward looks to cut into RB Ernest Graham’s touches after signing a big contract in the off-season… Tampa has been lacking a bruising back since Alstott retired a few years back…This is another situation that bares watching in the off-season.
44) Reggie Bush – NOR – RB
The best part of Bushes game is Kim Kardashian… Bush is more valuable in PPR leagues, and will never rush for more that 500 yards in a season, but adds value to special teams so if you get points for Kickoff, and punt returns he does have the most value in that format type…
45) Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG – RB
Bradshaw has value as Jacob’s back up, and as the 3rd down back.
46) Leon Washington – NYJ – RB
Washington led the NFL in total yards last year. He has tons of potential, and is capable of taking it to the house every time he touches the ball.
47) Jerious Norwood – ATL – RB
Norwood teases fantasy owners with his huge yards per carry leading to someone to draft Norwood 4 rounds to early in every draft. Don’t be that guy!
48) Ray Rice – BAL – RB
At worst Rice is a 3rd down back, and will get most of the passes of all the running backs. Best case scenario he is the main head of the 3 headed monster.
49) Tim Hightower – ARI – RB
Hightower couldn’t take the job from the corpse formally known as Edgerrin James, he doesn’t stand a chance with Wells, but Wells’ durability issues make Hightower a handcuff must.
50) LeRon McClain – BAL – RB
McClain was named the starter at fullback, who knows how this will shake out in the kooky Ravens backfield.
51) Chester Taylor – MIN – RB
Mr. Handcuff need I say more?
52) Darren Sproles – SDC – RB
The diminutive speedster is a threat from anywhere on the field, including when playing special teams… Sproles has a ton of value as LDT’s backup.
53) Sammy Morris – NEP – RB
Hes good when he is healthy, but when is he healthy?
54) Laurence Maroney – NEP – RB
Maroney admitted this week he played with a broken shoulder last season, maybe I have been to hard on him? Nah he is still a bust.
55) Dominic Rhodes – BUF – RB
Always effective where ever he plays, and with Marshawn Lynch’s suspension looming his value could increase.
56) LeSean McCoy – PHI – RB
A back up to an oft injured do everything star? I like it.
57) Mewelde Moore – PIT – RB
Moore excelled last years as the starter with Willie P. injured and was a huge waiver wire pick up… Moore still has value as pass catching RB in PPR leagues.
58) Jamaal Charles – KAN – RB
Just in case L.J. isn’t as promising as I had hoped.
59) Kevin Jones – CHI – RB
Somebody has to back up Matt Forte.
60) Maurice Morris – DET – RB
I don’t know how but he always make his presence known come the end of the season, and steal carries from the starter, the trend could continue in Detroit.
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