Fantasy NFL: Top 20 running backs

They are the gold standard of fantasy football. They dominate the first few rounds of the draft and yet bring the most risk to the table due to injuries.

Here’s a look at the top running backs for your fantasy football draft.

1) Adrian Peterson, Vikings

It’s not that I think he will post the best fantasy figures — he never really does — it’s just that I appreciate consistency more than anything else in fantasy football and Peterson has been both durable and consistent throughout his NFL career. Entering his walk year, there is a lot at stake this season for Peterson.

2) Arian Foster, Texans

He was the best running back in the NFL last season, but the problem here is that he is already feeling some pain after the heavy workload. Plus, Ben Tate was expected to compete for the starting gig last season before an injury ended his rookie season. Now Tate is healthy and it’s Foster who may be ailing.

3) Chris Johnson, Titans

He has greater potential than anyone else at his position, but he wasn’t as dominant last season and now he is holding out from Titans camp. Fantasy managers prefer that he works on forming a rapport with the recently imported Matt Hasselbeck.

4) Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

He offered fantasy managers an excellent encore last year after a breakthrough 2009 season. He should enjoy an even greater workload this season now that Thomas Jones is starting to show his age. Of course, a greater workload also increases the potential for injury.

5) Ray Rice, Ravens

He can do it all, and finally will do it all now that Willis McGahee is out of Baltimore. Rice reminds me of Maurice-Jones Drew, but with better talent surrounding him. Expect another great season from Rice.

6) LeSean McCoy, Eagles

Fantasy managers in Point Per Reception leagues love this popular target for Michael Vick. McCoy reminds a lot of people of Brian Westbrook, with the obvious fear of injuries. He will have to split his carries with the quarterback, which is a bit different.

7) Michael Turner, Falcons

The Falcons offence is getting better and better with the development of franchise player Matt Ryan and the addition of Julio Jones. However, the man responsible for bringing the ball into the end zone remains Michael Turner, and his goal line carries should only increase with the added talent.

8) Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers

When you think Steelers offence, rushing should always come to mind. It’s no different this season as the top Steelers player drafted will be Rashard Mendenhall. The only concern for Mendenhall last season was a decline in yards per carry to 3.9, but that’s what you should expect from a grinding offence such as Pittsburgh.

9) Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

Durability is a concern for the diminutive tailback after missing two games last season, but Maurice Jones-Drew played all 16 games the previous two seasons and is now riding back-to-back 1,300-plus rushing yards seasons. There are some concerns that the Jaguars may not be all that competitive, but Jones-Drew’s ability to contribute as a receiving threat as well as in the backfield should keep him relevant all season long.

10) Darren McFadden, Raiders

A favourite in fantasy drafts this season is Darren McFadden. The former Arkansas star finally broke out last season with 1,157 rushing yards and 507 receiving yards. However, the cause for caution is the fact that I still see Oakland using a split backfield with Michael Bush also having some fantasy value.

11) Jahvid Best, Lions

Jahvid Best was a mild disappointment last season as he failed to carry the early momentum deep into the season. Nonetheless, the Lions are expected to have a great offence assuming Matthew Stafford can finally stay healthy. That should equate to a great deal of scoring opportunities for Best assuming he can avoid a sophomore slump.

12) Frank Gore, 49ers

He ranks amongst the top three running backs in the NFL when it comes to raw ability, but the problem for Frank Gore is the fact that he can’t stay healthy. That explains why the Niners draft running backs on an annual basis.

13) Steven Jackson, Rams

Though his numbers took a bit of a dip last season, I still value Steven Jackson as an elite running back who can return to prominence now that the Rams passing game is on the mend. With 40-plus receptions in each of the last three seasons, Jackson is a dual threat who rarely turns the ball over. Despite his wear and tear over the years, Jackson enters the season just 28 years old.

14) Peyton Hillis, Browns

Last year was a breakout season for Peyton Hillis, as he boasted 1,177 rushing yards with 15 total touchdowns. However, there remains some cause for concern, most notably during the second half of the season his yards per carry dropped from 4.8 to 3.9. While that is still serviceable, he may not be considered a long-term fix, which can open the door for Montario Hardesty as well as Brandon Jackson.

15) Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants

Despite playing in a split backfield last season, Bradshaw racked up a stellar 1,235 yards and eight touchdowns. The former seventh-round selection may have an even bigger role this season as the Giants look to balance their offence more by keeping the ball on the ground to make up for the loss of tight end Kevin Boss and wide-out Steve Smith in the passing game.

16) LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the most intriguing young teams in the NFL, and while everyone wants to credit the passing game, LeGarrette Blount should not be overlooked. Over the second half of the season he racked up 739 rushing yards with three scores. He is a bit limited as a receiver, and he is not as battle-tested as other running backs, but Blount did show us a few things last season and over the course of a full season his fantasy value should soar.

17) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos

One of my picks to click this season is Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno. Anyone who has seen him play at Georgia understands the type of potential he carries. If he can simply avoid those nagging injuries the rest of the NFL will learn how he can carry a team five yards at a time.

18) Shonn Greene, RB, Jets

The sudden decline of LaDainian Tomlinson in the second half of last season will lead to extra carries for the younger Jets running backs this season. The question is whether they will all go to Shonn Greene, or if one of the last two years’ draft picks will get some touches. Greene only amassed more than 100 rushing yards in one game last season, so there’s no guarantee that he will enjoy a larger role this season.

19) Matt Forte, RB, Bears

Similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bears have always been known for their defence and rushing attack. Following a disappointing 2009 season, Forte returned to form last year averaging a career-best 4.5 yards per carry while racking up 547 receiving yards. In a Mike Martz offence, the pass seems to be the preferred method of attack, but give Forte credit for raising his game as a receiving threat and returning to fantasy prominence.

20) Felix Jones, Cowboys

A lot of people thought Felix Jones would break out last season, but instead he scored just one rushing touchdown with 800 yards. Though Tashard Choice returns and DeMarco Murray was drafted, I see Jones getting a crack at being the team’s full-time tailback. The former first pick will still draw less carries than most leading backs, but he can make it up with receptions and receiving yards.