With so many running backs to choose from, I thought this would be a good time to start disussing the positions. Yes, we're all in this fantasy league together, and yes, some of you will not want to discuss your opinions about who is the best, who is a bust, and probably who your sleepers are. But, in my opinion, it shouldn't really matter. We will certainly not all agree on who is the best, who is the most likely to be a sleeper, and how important it is to get a certain player in a certain round. So, I'm going to go out on a limb and give my top 10. I won't talk about value at what round, or how important each player is in a fantasy draft, but just a top 10 and why. Hopefully we'll get some good discussion about this year's running back class. Now that the why is out of the way, let's get to the what. This has to be one of the deepest running back classes for fantasy football that I've seen in the last 15 years. For once, it won't be impossible to pick up some decent talent in the third or fourth round. You might even find some good steals out there later than round four. Let's take a look.... 1. Ladanian Tomlinson (San Diego) - I've been going back and forth on my top 3 choices and I've decided that Tomlinson is my favorite. He's young (happy birthday yesterday - 25), strong, and the guy that carries the entire Charger offense. He can catch, run around and through people, and works very hard. He's seemingly durable and not an off-the-field problem. Let's face it, he'll touch the ball 400 times before the season is over, and in fantasy football, that's what we want. With all the competition out there, he's my #1. 2. Ahman Green (Green Bay) - Ahman is another of my personal favorites. He runs hard, has a quick first step, and flat speed. He fits the Packer offense like a glove and has soft hands to boot. (Maybe too soft, since he fumbles a little too often.) But don't let that sour you on him. He's a fantasy stud. And he's only 27, so don't look for him to be slowing down just yet. This may be Farve's last season, so look for Ahman to at least match last year's great numbers. He's even stayed healthy of recent (knock on wood). 3. Priest Holmes (Kansas City) - I know some of you will be shaking your head to see that Holmes has dropped to #3 behind Tomlinson & Green, but 31 year old running backs scare me. Eventually, he will not be able to endure 350+ carries, 60+ catches and spend some time on the sidelines. Durability is not really the major issue because he hasn't been marred by career injuries, but you have to be a little nervous about his age.... If he can stay healthy, he could finish first, but I'm into minimizing risk. 4. Shaun Alexander (Seattle) - Talk about a product of the system... we all knew that Shaun would be good, especially after he rushed for 275 and 5 TD's against the Vikings a few seasons ago, but now that the Seattle offense is clicking, he is even more dangerous. One word that might be used to define Shaun's career might be inconsistancy. But I believe that this year, he gets his carries and numbers on a more consistant basis. Seattle will make a serious run at the playoffs and if their defense can play servicably, they will certainly be a 10-6, 11-5 team and visit the playoffs again. Shaun will benefit from the team's success. Being young and durable will help as well. (He turns 27 at the end of August). 5. Jamal Lewis (Baltimore) - Definitetly the "Beast" of the group, he could be the best pure running back. Doesn't catch the ball as well as the top 3, but runs through people better than any of them. Playing the Browns and Bengals twice will certainly bolster his overall numbers. He has one of the best run blocking lines to benefit from as well. 2000 yards is not out of his reach again. Watching him play last season, it seemed as though the only thing keeping him from 2400 rushing yards was Billick pulling him in the 3rd quarter of games when they had a lead. He was also pulled from the goal line at times because he pounded the opposition all the way down the field. Don't be afraid to have this guy on your roster, he's got lots of life in those legs. 6. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans) - McAllister might be as good as any of these backs if he were given the chance to play for a better team. New Orleans has had inconsistant play from Quarterback Aaron Brooks which has caused McAllister's numbers to suffer a bit. But this guy is like a time bomb waiting to explode at any minute. I've seen him just go off in the fourth quarter of games, even when the Saints were losing by 3 touchdowns. They never stop giving him opportunities, so you shouldn't be afraid to do so as well. He's a great back in a deep class of great backs. 7. Clinton Portis (Washington) - If it wasn't for Joe Gibbs' committment to run the ball, Portis wouldn't break my top 10. Washington has an average offensive line that has no clue how to pass block. Defenses will key on Portis and make 33, soon to be 34, year old Mark Brunell beat them. It's very hard to say what Portis will do and how he will use this situation. The thing that keeps him this high on my list is pure talent. The guy is a speed demon and runs like a back carrying 220 lbs. His other drawback is durability. He has spent some time on the sidelines, so be cautious. Watch some preseason games, listen to what the scouts are saying, and make sure there isn't a lower risk pick of equal value before you draft Portis this fall. 8. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville) - So much talent does Fred Taylor have, and he even played the whole season last year. Maybe he's not so fragile afterall. At least that's what you'll be telling yourself at the draft if he falls to you. Taylor is high risk, high reward and will be playing for an improved Jaguar squad. He can run hard, fast, and has soft hands. Don't be afraid of Fred. If he gets hurt, you'll be bitter, but if he doesn't, he will surprise again. 9. Stephen Davis (Carolina) - The defending NFC Champs will most likely not change their recipe for success which was Davis to the right, Davis to the left, and Davis up the middle. If he can stay healthy, he's almost certain to get 1300+ rushing yards and 10-13 TD's. I can live with that, can you? But, and as we move down the list, there's always a but, he's no spring chicken. He turned 30 this year and has taken a beating in Washington and Carolina. He's showed some of that wear over the past few seasons and it could be an issue this season as well. So be wary, I bet Davis misses 2-3 games, so you better draft deep, if you draft Davis. 10. Corey Dillon (New England) - I had to put a little reach in there somewhere. I know that this will be the more controversial pick as I round out the top 10. Dillon will run hard again this season, don't doubt his ability. Don't even doubt his heart. If you have any questions about Dillon at all, take a look at Belicheck first. Is he committed to run the ball. Will Dillon get 25+ carries a game? Because quite honestly that's my biggest concern. Corey turns 30 this fall, so he most likely only has a few more chances to show how great he can be, but I think he can do it. Opportunity can make or break even the most talented players. Hopefully Belicheck doesn't hold back here.... So now you're all grumbling, asking where is Edgerrin James or Marshall Faulk? How could I leave Kevan Barlow off the list or how come Travis Henry is no where to be found? Well these answers will come soon enough. My second edition will be added and we will break down the second top 10. I hope you guys enjoy!
i like the top 10 except for maybe teo things... 1. i dont think fred talyor should be top 10...maybe top 20 but not top 10... i think over the last 2-3 years he hasnt shown me anything so i cant say hes top 10 material.... 2. i dont like the order...jamal lewis is #5? he should be #1...i dont like tomlinson at #1...he has no offense to block for him...if hes held under 1000 yds, then its there fault....san diego should trade away tomlinson to give him a better oppurtunity in getting to some milestones... other than that i like the list
Lewis doesn't catch the ball well enough to be top 3 (IMO). And Taylor's numbers have been very good. His supporting cast will only get better. Also, Tomlinson has been doing it with no help the last 3 seasons, why would it change now?
Pretty gutsy list for a pre-camp version really. I like it for the most part SF. Camps will tell us a lot - more than just the shape of the players - but the philosophy in which they will be used. Your James omission is an interesting one. Like some others on your list, his injuries can be a concern, and he hasn't been the player he once was since coming off his big one. However, in such a potent offense, he still has to be at the back of your mind when it comes to the #7-#14 positions. How you rank injuries and whether the Colts do a little more committee stuff will be the key. I'm not sure I agree with your deep comment though. There is more talent available, but more risk too. I'm not sure if that just evens out or not. The fact remains that you have only a handful of studs. Then you have a bunch of high-risk, high-reward guys. I would say you have about 7 guys that you could choose to lead your team. After that, at least now, it appears that you have a bunch of guys in the #8-#20 positions that are going to be real close.....leading to your late round steals comment. I think this year, the top teams will be the ones that get lucky (yes lucky) enough to hit on the later round guesses like the middle RB group. Much like the #2 receiver syndrome. Nflfan -- your comments are correct to a point. This depends on whether you are looking at it from a pure RB perspective or from a fantasy perspective. Think of it this way, you could take a poor RB that averages only 3 yards per carry, but he would be considered a fantasy all-star if you knew he was going to get the ball 400 times and score 15 TDs. Tomlinson gets a lot of touches, and like SF said, this year will be no different than previous years. Regardless of the talent available, its going to be pretty ballsy to wait too long to pick up your first back. And as always, once the draft starts, the trends and runs on a position often dictate your selection unless you are very cool or Biff Tannen.
I didn't know if it was gutsy enough. Had I left Portis off the top 10, that would have been gutsy! James was certainly a consideration and believe when I tell you, he will be high in my next 10. He is in a great situation and should do well if he can stay healthy. Motivation is a concern of mine about him, but he does have lots of talent. I can't really back up my depth comment just yet, but I will. I agree that there only ever a few studs, but watch how several lower drafted players emerge this year. Maybe even more than the past few years. At the same time, the current studs will remain high. It could make for lots of production from the position. I wouldn't wait too long, that would just be silly. Grabbing one of these studs is key to having success. But I do think there will be more sleepers and steals late than the usual number. Should be interesting... even if you're George McFly.
I think u can't go wrong with any of my top 8 RBs after that there's a significant drop off. 1 Holmes may not be the best back but he's got the best offense to succeed in once again. 2 Tomlinson is the best back IMO but his team is very weak. 3 Green has been consistent & has good numbers as a receiver. 4 Portis is potentially a #1 back very soon, but with a new offense to learn we have to be a bit hesitant. 5 McAllister has great potential if he can find the endzone more in 04. 6 Alexander very consistent & should have better receiving numbers this year. 7 Lewis solid numbers last year, but can he continue to carry the Ravens offense? 8 R Williams had a disapointing year. He has a tough division to battle, but the offense has made improvements.
excellent...no mention of Domanick Davis...I should be able to pick him up rather quietly... DOH! Seriously though, I think some are underestimating DD. However, I don't know who I'd take off the list in order to put him in the top 10.
Williams was another one that I had difficulty leaving out of the top 10. I wonder if the shaved head will help his play? Your choices certainly all have a lot of upside....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LSUpackfan)</div><div class='quotemain'>excellent...no mention of Domanick Davis...I should be able to pick him up rather quietly... DOH! Seriously though, I think some are underestimating DD. However, I don't know who I'd take off the list in order to put him in the top 10.</div> I certainly think DD looks primed to have a great season, but playing Tennessee & Jacksonville twice will hurt his overall production... he's top 20 IMO, but not top 10. Of course you will see that when I do my next 10 list....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LSUpackfan)</div><div class='quotemain'> Seriously though, I think some are underestimating DD. However, I don't know who I'd take off the list in order to put him in the top 10.</div> Oh believe me D Davis is a favorite of mine for sure. Along with Kevan Barlow they are 2 young backs with a lot of potential. OL is unproven & both have tough divisions. Both incidently have the same bye (week 7).
LT-great RB on a bad team. not to mention WR Deuce McCalister-most underrated, has all the tools Green-the all around package Priest-great, but is over 30, and may be done. lets see Portis-lets see him out of Denvers Offense befoer Lewis-great runner of power and speed. thats it. Alexander-great runner, decent passcatcher. Taylor-had 3 nice seasons and injury free. Davis-power runner and thats it. Dillon-had last season off, lets see him come back to true form.
Priest still contends that the hip was only around 85% last season. He says he is at 100% now! I think he may break his own TD record this year, but with the emergence of Larry Johnson, Dicky V may want to keep the Priests legs fresh for a playoff run.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (nflfan04)</div><div class='quotemain'>i like the top 10 except for maybe teo things... 1. i dont think fred talyor should be top 10...maybe top 20 but not top 10... i think over the last 2-3 years he hasnt shown me anything so i cant say hes top 10 material.... 2. i dont like the order...jamal lewis is #5? he should be #1...i dont like tomlinson at #1...he has no offense to block for him...if hes held under 1000 yds, then its there fault....san diego should trade away tomlinson to give him a better oppurtunity in getting to some milestones... other than that i like the list</div> Yo tomlinson has never had a good offensive line in sandiago. He is much like barry sanders when it comes to his own yards. One reason why tomlinson is the best fantasy football rb is cause he gets over 80 catches a year. That use to be faulk 2 years ago doing that. No rb is doing that anymore. I agree with sf on his picks. However edrin james left off, is a reach edge was on fire after he came back from his back injury last year in week 7. Also domanak davis started 8 games 1200 yards and 9 tds is outstanding. Kevin barlow put up some sick numbers when he started also. My list would be. 1. tomlinson 2. green 3. priest holmes 4. s alexander 5. r williams 6. d mccalsiter 7. d davis 8. e james 9. t henry 10. k barlow.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bucs40etrain)</div><div class='quotemain'> Yo tomlinson has never had a good offensive line in sandiago. He is much like barry sanders when it comes to his own yards. One reason why tomlinson is the best fantasy football rb is cause he gets over 80 catches a year. .</div> BUC I love LT but last year was the only year in which he went over 80 receptions. I know it's nitpicking but he had 79 the previous year & 59 his rookie year. Furthermore, Holmes had only 30 yards less receiving with only 74 receptions last year. Priest has averaged over 9 yards per reception in each of his 3 seasons with KC! LT is better but Holmes has a FAR more consistent offense around. Also how can u not have Lewis on your list? He went over 2000 yards rushing! If you're gonna credit Edge for his comeback don't you think Jamal deserves some as well?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Bucs40etrain)</div><div class='quotemain'> My list would be. 1. tomlinson 2. green 3. priest holmes 4. s alexander 5. r williams 6. d mccalsiter 7. d davis 8. e james 9. t henry 10. k barlow.</div> BA's list (in no particular order); Faulk, Ahman Green, Priest, Ricky W, Stephen Davis, Curtis Martin, Jamal Lewis, Corey Dillon, Tomlinson, & Emmit Smith
Stephen Davis is...Brilliant! He would make my top 10 fantasy RBs too. But Curtis Martin? Emmitt Smith? I guess I view those 2 as past their prime.
Ya I'd say martin and smith are well past their prime. Mine would be P. Holmes - Still #1 in my eyes to many TD's to pass up L.Tomlinson - Close second A. Green - Just does it all D. McAlister - didn't he have a touchdown in 9 straight games last season? By far was most consistent back next to Priest J. Lewis - His lack of catches hurts but he is a true horse C. Portis - New team which is scary but his big play ability will succeed anywhere R. Williams - Should bounce back with a better line this season M. Faulk - Still has that potential for one last season but I'd only draft him if I had to. S. Alexander - I hate him but he is good I must admit. To incosistent for me. Hearst/Griffin/Tatum Bell - I know this isn't a single back but whoever gets the denver job is top ten in my book and by week 4 one of these guys will be in sole possesion.
I have to admit that I got to 9 and was stumped an put Emmit in simply for his stats, reputation, & jewlery. I am continually amazed at how many people think Curtis Martin is past his prime. Further, did nobody catch the fact that bA gave love to a member of the jets?
Curtis Martin is a great player, but top 10? He's definitely on the downside of his career at this point. And the Jets play some tough defenses throughout the season. I'd be hard pressed to put Curtis in my top 20... just on age risk alone.
MY PICKS ARE: 1. HOLMES- HES THE BEST RB IN THE NFL BECAUSE HES BEEN THE MOST CONSISTENT THE LAST FEW YEARS EVEN THOUGH INJURIES HAVE SLOWED HIM DOWN. 2.tOMLINSON- HE HAS NO HELP BUT STILL DOES AWESOME 3.GREEN- GREAT ALL AROUND PLAYER 4.CLINTON PORTIS-STILL IS YOUNG AND HAS TO PROVE TO THE REDSKINS THAT HES THE REAL THING. 5. JAMAL LEWIS- COULD GET THROUGH GAPS EASILY AND BREAKS TACKLES A LOT. JUST CANT DO ANYTHING ELSE. 6. RICKEY WILLIAMS- HASNT BEEN DOING HIS BEST THE LAST FEW SEASONS BUT WILL PULL IT OFF THIS YEAR. 7. DEUCE MCALLISTER- PEOPLE OVERRATE HIM BECAUSE HE CAN CATCH BUT NOT THE BEST RUNNER. 8. SHAUN ALEXANDER- HES OVERRATED ALL THE TIME. HAS ONE GOOD GAME BUT SUCKS THE NEXT. BUT DESERVES TO BE IN THE TOP TEN. 9. tIKI BARBER- HE MAKES THE OTHER TEAM THINK A LOT BECAUSE HE CAN CATCH AND RUN. fUMBLES TO MUCH THOUGH. 10. STEPHEN DAVIS- HAS PROVEN LAST YEAR THAT HE CAN TAKE A TEAM FAR IF HE HAS HELP. THERE IS NO WAY THAT C-MART DESERVES TO BE ON THE LIST. ALSO WHAT THE HELL WERE U THINKING ABOUT FRED TAYLOR. DILLON BARELY DIDNT MAKE IT BECAUSE HE WINES TO MUCH.
