2008 Top Fantasy Football Running Backs
Tomlinson, Peterson and Jackson Lead 20 Best FF RB Draft Picks
Jul 31, 2008
1. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers. A lot of sites are recommending Adrian Peterson as the first pick overall. Those guys are crazy. LT is still the top fantasy football running back. Last season, he compiled 1,950 total yards and scored 18 touchdowns. Not what he did in 2006, but neither is it convincing evidence of a true decline.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings. Last year was no fluke. Peterson is great. Sure, the risk of injury and the lack of an effective Minnesota passing game will make you nervous when you take him second among running backs, and you will take him second.
3. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams. Last year was a disappointment after Jackson's monster 2006 season. But the Rams' new offensive coordinator has vowed to make certain that Jackson is the focus of the offense. Look for him to top 1,800 total yards and score 12-15 touchdowns. Despite the off year, Jackson is still one of the best fantasy football running backs.
4. Marion Barber III, Dallas Cowboys. For the past two seasons, Barber has been forced, inexplicably one could argue, to share carries with Julius Jones. But now that Jones is in Seattle, Barber the Beast should get 20-25 touches per game. He really might hurt somebody this year.
5. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles. Westbrook continues to improve year after year. This could be an MVP-type year for the multi-purpose back from Philly.
6. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts. Even with a weak finish to the season, Addai topped 1,350 total yards and scored 15 touchdowns. There's nothing wrong with those numbers.
7. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins. Portis is multi-dimensional and he came on strong in the second half of 2007 (829 yards rushing; 6 TDs in the last 8 games). He's also only 27 years old, even though it seems like he's been around forever. He is a high quality player who comes at a high risk.
8. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers. Gore gets the nod over seemingly more talented backs like Maurice Jones-Drew and Reggie Bush for three reasons. First, he will get 20-25 touches per week. Secondly, he showed in 2006 that if he gets even modest line protection, he can put up big numbers. Finally, Mike Martz is San Francisco's new offensive coordinator, and he plans to further develop Gore's receiving skills, which should increase his overall fantasy production.
9. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs. Last year's broken bone, a decimated offensive line, and a lame passing game all threaten his productivity, which will still be good if he remains healthy.
10. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers. Yes, Grant’s track record is awfully brief. But he was a top three running back during the second half of last season, scoring eight touchdowns (including one each in the last five weeks of the season!) and rushing for more than 800 yards. He should start the year getting 20-25 carries per game, and he looks like he's got the chops to handle it.
11. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars. Great talent, but he needs Fred Taylor to retire right now.
12. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills. Lynch had a nice rookie year, gaining 1,115 yards and scoring 7 touchdowns in just 13 games. Questions about his character continue, but character wont get you any fantasy points. No, seriously, if you think this guy is a wingnut, then steer away. Otherwise, take him in the first dozen.
13. Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots. Maroney showed promise in the second half of 2007 (with two 100-yard games and six touchdowns in the last seven weeks), and he has the talent to be worthy of a higher pick, but, unfortunately, the Patriots are going to throw the ball 85% of the time.
14. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Like Ryan Grant, Graham was a second half phenomeon in 2007. In his last seven games, Graham ran for 568 yards and 7 touchdowns. Those are impressive fantasy statistics, but can he maintain that pace through a full season? Worst case: he's a good number two back.
15. Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens. 2007 Stats: 1,207 yards rushing, 7 rushing touchdowns. Also had 231 yards and one TD receiving. A good number two fantasy back.
16. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants. He's an injury risk, but even if he only plays twelve games, Jacobs will get 800-900 yards and 8-9 touchdowns, which makes him a pretty good catch as a second back. But if you draft him, protect yourself with Ahmad Bradshaw. If he gets snatched, draft the strongest available third back as insurance against that almost-inevitable broken tibia Jacobs will suffer in Game 4.
17. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals. 2007 Statistics -- Rushing: 1,222 yards and 7 TDs; Receiving: 204 yards, 0 TD.) Once great. Still a good number two fantasy back.
18. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints. At this point, Bush should be available in the fourth or fifth rounds of many drafts, so he's all upside. Maybe. Does anyone really know what's up with this guy?
19. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons. He served as a great backup to LT for the past four years, and he almost always produced when he got the chance. He'll get a lot of chances to run the ball this year, what with Atlanta's atrocious passing game.
20. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders. If you are in a keeper league, you could even take him earlier. For this year, McFadden could be a viable two back if you've got LT or AP. Otherwise, put him on your bench and wait for him to develop.
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