|
RANK |
NAME |
TEAM |
BYE |
PS(*) |
TIER |
COMMENTS |
|
1 |
LaDainian Tomlinson |
SD |
9 |
* |
1 |
Worthy of the overall #1 pick in almost any fantasy football format. He
will be at or near the league lead in rushing yards, TD's and will haul in
55-60 receptions. At 29, he still has a few more very good years left in
him and will be a top fantasy producer in 2008. |
|
2 |
Adrian Peterson |
MIN |
8 |
* |
1 |
Was having a huge rookie year, but tore his LCL 2/3rd's of the way into
the season. He was not the same after the injury, but appears to be
healthy now. He is fast, elusive, tough to bring down and even with his
past injury concerns (college), we think he is worthy of the #2 RB ranking
because he truly is lightning in a bottle. |
|
3 |
Brian Westbrook |
PHI |
7 |
* |
1 |
If your in a points per reception league, his value increases
significantly. Led the NFL with over 2,100 all purpose yards and chipped
in 12 TD's. He is the Eagles offense, everyone knows that, but he still
puts up great fantasy numbers. He is 29 now, but is coming off his best
year as a pro and should have another great year. |
|
4 |
Steven Jackson |
STL |
5 |
* |
2 |
Was a contract holdout, but he signed with plenty of time to get back
into football shape. Only played in 12 games last year as he had a groin
injury. Was further slowed down as the offensive line was awful last year
because of injuries. Should rebound for another very good season and is a
top 5 RB candidate. |
|
5 |
Joseph Addai |
IND |
4 |
* |
2 |
Over 1,000 yards rushing 15 TD's and 41 receptions, not bad and worthy of
a first round pick. Plays in a very good offense with Payton Manning at
the helm. Addai tired as the season wore on, so the Colts drafted Mike
Hart and brought back Dominic Rhodes to spell him at times. |
|
6 |
Marshawn Lynch |
BUF |
6 |
* |
2 |
Had a very solid rookie year last season. At 22, should continue to
improve for several years. Very tough runner who should get around 300
rushing attempts this season. Also has the ability to have receiving
numbers increase significantly the Bills just need to get him more
involved in that phase of the game. We like him a lot. |
|
7 |
Frank Gore |
SF |
9 |
* |
2 |
Was a big disappointment after his huge 2006 season. Still, he managed to
rush for 1,100 yards and have 53 receptions. The supporting cast around
him is below average and he just does not get enough TD's to be in the
elite group of backs. |
|
8 |
Clinton Portis |
WAS |
10 |
* |
2 |
Has been a workhorse for his entire career, we would not expect 325
carries again this season with Jim Zorn running the show. With that said,
he is still a top 10 RB who will be rock steady with 1,200 rushing yards,
10 TD's and 40 receptions. |
|
9 |
Marion Barber |
DAL |
10 |
* |
2 |
On paper, he was the backup for the last three years to Julius Jones. This
year his carries should increase from 200 to 250, thus more rushing yards.
Dallas likes to run a two back system, so they drafted Felix Jones who
will see ample playing time. Expect an increase in Barber's numbers but
not a large increase. |
|
10 |
Larry Johnson |
KC |
6 |
* |
2 |
Missed the second half of the season with a broken foot. Had monster years
in 2005 and 2006, so the question is will he regain that stature in 2008?
We think he will be a top 10 back, but Herm Edwards runs a conservative
offense and whoever the starting QB is in KC will not scare any defenses,
thus they will focus on stopping Johnson. We see his numbers as 1,100
rushing yards, 7-8 TD's and 40 receptions. |
|
11 |
Ryan Grant |
GB |
8 |
* |
3 |
Came over from the Giants in 2007. Worked his way up the depth chart and
because of injuries became the starter in week 8. From that week on, was a
top fantasy producer. Signed a big deal late in the offseason and is
primed for a big year. We still have some apprehension because of the
uncertainty of the Green Bay offense and how it will perform without Favre
and Grant's limited track record. |
|
12 |
Jamal Lewis |
CLE |
5 |
* |
3 |
After two disappointing seasons, proved to everyone last season that he
still can produce at high levels. Rushed for 1,304 yards, had 30
receptions and 11 TD's in 2007. We see a slight drop off in his numbers,
but still good enough for a RB1 spot on your fantasy team. We also like
the fact that he is running behind one of the best lines in football. |
|
13 |
Maurice Jones-Drew |
JAX |
7 |
|
3 |
May not be the starter, but will get enough touches to be a top 15 fantasy
back. Should get around 800 rushing yards, 10 TD's and 40 receptions. Has
excellent speed, can break tackles and is a true playmaker. If Fred Taylor
gets injured, he would be a top 8 RB. |
|
14 |
Reggie Bush |
NO |
9 |
* |
3 |
When Deuce McAllister torn his ACL in week 3, Bush had a chance to shine
as he would now be given plenty of touches. Well, Bush failed that test by
not once rushing for over 100 yards in a game and enters his third year in
the league with something to prove. Bush also missed the final 4 games of
the year after tearing his left PCL. Bush's value is in Points Per
Reception leagues, because he should have 75-80 receptions again this
year. |
|
15 |
Brandon Jacobs |
NYG |
4 |
* |
3 |
Jacobs was suppose to take over for the retired Tiki Barber in 2007, but
had various knee and wrist injuries that limited him to 200 carries last
season. His touches should go up this year if he can stay healthy, but
Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw proved they were capable of stepping in
for Jacobs if needed. We project he will get around 1,050 yards rushing
and have 8 TD's with 15-20 receptions in 2008. |
|
16 |
Willis McGahee |
BAL |
10 |
* |
3 |
Recently had his knee scoped, is questionable for week 1. Came into camp
out of shape, Ray Rice who is the backup is playing very well, management
not happy with him, thus he is sinking in the rankings. He should still
pull it together and be a solid RB2, but handcuff Rice with him if you
draft McGahee. |
|
17 |
Michael Turner |
ATL |
7 |
* |
3 |
Was the back behind LT for several years, now the human bowling ball will
show what he can do for Atlanta this year as their primary RB. In his
brief stints with the Chargers, he played very well when given the chance.
The problem is Atlanta's QB and WR group are well below average, the
offensive line is terrible and thus defenses can key on the running game.
We are curbing our enthusiasm for him in 2008. |
|
18 |
Darren McFadden |
OAK |
5 |
* |
3 |
He was the 4th overall pick in the draft. He is extremely athletic, big
and very fast (4.33 time at the combine). It will be hard to keep this
game breaker off the field, but Oakland will probably start Justin Fargas
at least early on in the season. We still predict 1,000 yards, 6 TD's and
30 receptions for this talented RB. Will be drafted much higher in keeper
leagues. |
|
19 |
Earnest Graham |
TB |
10 |
* |
3 |
With injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman last season, Graham
got his chance to showcase himself and he did just that. He had nearly 900
rushing yards, 10 TD's and 49 receptions while only starting part of the
year. Warrick Dunn will take away some of his receptions as the 3rd down
back and Cadillac Williams will be tough competition for him once he
recovers from his injuries, but we see Graham as a solid RB2. |
|
20 |
Laurence Maroney |
NE |
4 |
* |
3 |
Maroney has been a fantasy football disappointment his first two years in
the league. He plays on a great offensive team, but they are a pass first
offense. He has been injury prone and must improve his durability. He is
not a third down back, thus few receptions. With all that said, there is
still untapped potential and he finished the season very strong in 2007.
We think he will show improvement in 2008, but we regard him as a lower
RB2 option. |
|
21 |
Thomas Jones |
NYJ |
5 |
* |
3 |
Jones rushed for 1,119 yards last season, but only had 1 rushing TD. This
offseason the Jets shored up their offensive line, added blocking FB Tony
Richardson and signed Brett Favre to be the starting QB. All of these
things will help Jones and thus we see him as a RB2 option for your team. |
|
22 |
Willie Parker |
PIT |
6 |
* |
3 |
Parker was putting up some impressive rushing yard totals until he broke
his leg at the end of the season. The frustrating part for fantasy owners
is he only had 2 TD's. The Steelers drafted Rashard Mendenhall who will be
the primary red zone RB and take away some carries from Parker. He should
still gain a 1,000 yards rushing, but his fantasy point totals will be
affected by Mendenhall's presence. |
|
23 |
Edgerrin James |
ARI |
7 |
* |
3 |
James put up another solid year in 2007. He has actually totaled more than
1,000 yards and 6 TD's in each of the last 5 seasons. It is obvious by his
yards per carry that the wear and tear of so many carries in his career is
taking a toll. We see another 1,000 yard, 6 TD season for James in 2008,
but he is definitely a low end RB2 at this stage in his career. |
|
24 |
LenDale White |
TEN |
6 |
* |
3 |
White had over 300 carries last season while playing with a torn meniscus.
That may have explained his low 3.6 yards per carry average. The Titans
drafted speedster Chris Johnson to provide much needed speed to White's
power. The two should compliment each other quite well. White should see
his carries drop to around 250, but 1,000 yards and 6 TD's should be
obtainable as he is the starting RB. |
|
25 |
Fred Taylor |
JAX |
7 |
* |
3 |
Taylor will be 32 this season, but father time has not yet caught up with
this productive back. He will still get more carries than Jones-Drew, but
will not get the receptions or TD's. Taylor has rushed for over 1,100
yards in 5 of the last 6 seasons. We project 1,000 yards rushing and 4-5
TD's for him in 2008. |
|
26 |
Julius Jones |
SEA |
4 |
* |
3 |
Appears to be the favorite over Maurice Morris for the starting job. Jones
comes over from Dallas where he was a solid player who split time with
Marion Barber. We are projecting over 900 yards rushing and 5-6 TD's for
Jones this season. Morris will take away carries, so he is a RB3 in our
estimation. |
|
27 |
Selvin Young |
DEN |
8 |
* |
4 |
Although Mike Shanahan has pronounced him the starter, we are a leery of
how things tend to unfold in Denver when it comes to RB touches. Young
came out of nowhere as an undrafted rookie in 2007 and did quite well for
himself. Young has decent speed, good acceleration and good hands (sounds
like a 3rd down back to us), but we are not sure if he could 15-20 carry
RB in the league. Be cautiously optimistic with Young as we see a RBBC
forming. |
|
28 |
Matt Forte |
CHI |
8 |
* |
4 |
With Cedric Benson out of Chicago, the rookie becomes the starting RB.
Last season at Tulane he had over 2,100 yards and 23 TD's. He is a good
all around player that should step right in and produce at a respectable
level. We would be higher on him, but the Bears surrounding offensive cast
is well below average. |
|
29 |
Ricky Williams |
MIA |
4 |
* |
4 |
Moving up the rankings as there is talk Williams may be the starting RB in
week #1 due to Brown not being fully healed from his ACL injury. We see
Brown as the starter, but Williams will be on the field a lot this season. |
|
30 |
Kevin Smith |
DET |
4 |
* |
4 |
The rookie appears to have won the starting RB position over Tatum Bell,
but may be pushed by newly signed Rudi Johnson. As a Junior at Central
Florida last year, he carried the ball 450 times… now that is a lot of
carries. Smith is a powerful back who appears to be well rounded in all
facets of the game. |
|
31 |
DeAngelo Williams |
CAR |
9 |
* |
4 |
Battling Jonathan Stewart for the starting job. Currently has the edge,
but when Stewart is fully healed from his toe surgery things will get
interesting. Should at the very least still be the 3rd down back with a
good amount of carries. |
|
32 |
Chris Perry |
CIN |
8 |
* |
4 |
With Rudi Johnson being waived, he will be the primary RB for the Bengals
this season. If you are looking for a young, powerful back as a sleeper,
Perry may be a very good choice. Kenny Watson will still see plenty of
playing time, thus Perry can not be ranked too high. |
|
33 |
Jonathan Stewart |
CAR |
9 |
|
4 |
Battling DeAngelo Williams for the starting job. Is starting off slow due
to recovery from toe surgery, but once healed is expected to share carries
with Williams. We would not be surprised if he ended the year with more
carries than Williams. |
|
34 |
Chris Johnson |
TEN |
6 |
|
4 |
The Titans spent a first round pick on this extremely fast back. He will
be used as a change of pace back to LenDale White. Expect plenty of sweeps
and screen passes for Johnson so that he can utilize his speed in the open
field. |
|
35 |
Ronnie Brown |
MIA |
4 |
|
4 |
Was doing very well until he tore his ACL in week 7 of the 2007 season. He
is a good, strong runner who also does well catching passes out of the
backfield. We do not question his ability, but from what we have seen he
does not appear to be fully recovered from the ACL injury. We see him
splitting time with Ricky Williams until he can prove that he is 100%
healthy. |
|
36 |
Ray Rice |
BAL |
10 |
|
4 |
As Willis McGahee is slow to recover from his knee injury, Rice's fantasy
value continues to climb. The rookie was a very good all-around back at
Rutgers last year and will be especially valuable early in the year until
McGahee returns to full strength. Spend a middle round pick on him as a
handcuff to McGahee. |
|
37 |
Chester Taylor |
MIN |
8 |
|
4 |
A very good backup, who can run, catch the ball and do well when near the
end zone. The problem is Adrian Peterson is in front of him. Be sure to
handcuff him if you draft Peterson. |
|
38 |
Justin Fargas |
OAK |
5 |
|
4 |
Had a breakout season in 2007 rushing for over 1,000 yards, but was
injured late in the year. He signed a big contract in the offseason and
seems to be recovered from his injuries, but will have to battle Darren
McFadden for carries with the starting unit. We think Fargas will hold off
McFadden for a few weeks, but expect McFadden to take over as the season
goes along. |
|
39 |
Maurice Morris |
SEA |
4 |
|
4 |
Was given the chance to shine in 2007, but did not come through. Now it
appears he will be the backup to Julius Jones in 2008. He will take away
carries from Jones, limiting both of their fantasy value. |
|
40 |
Ahman Green |
HOU |
8 |
* |
4 |
Strained groin in first preseason game and has not been able to get into
shape prior to the start of the season. With Chris Brown on injured
reserve, Green will start if healthy. Had a solid 2007 season, but at 31,
his durability is a question mark. Steve Slaton and Chris Taylor will take
away playing time. |
|
41 |
Jerious Norwood |
ATL |
7 |
|
4 |
A big play threat, he has averaged over 6.0 yards per carry for the last
two seasons. With the signing of Michael Turner, Norwood will be the
primary backup and 3rd down back, but Atlanta will get him his touches
because of his big play potential. |
|
42 |
Felix Jones |
DAL |
10 |
|
4 |
Playing in the shadows of Darren McFadden in Arkansas last year, this
rookie was still taken in the first round which shows how much scouts
think of him. He will fill in for Marion barber as needed and probably get
550-600 rushing yards and 20 receptions. |
|
43 |
Rashard Mendenhall |
PIT |
6 |
|
4 |
Bruising, polished back from Illinois. The rookie is too talented not to
be on the field. Willie Parker will be begin the year as the starter, but
we see Mendenhall's touches and goal line carries increasing as the season
progresses. |
|
44 |
Leon Washington |
NYJ |
5 |
|
5 |
Washington has proven himself to be a quality backup. He is a decent
runner and good receiver out of the backfield. If you draft Thomas Jones,
handcuff Washington with him in the later rounds. |
|
45 |
Ladell Betts |
WAS |
10 |
|
5 |
Primary backup to Clinton Portis and is a good receiver out of the
backfield. Will contribute, but with Portis getting around 300 carries,
his production will be limited. |
|
46 |
Steve Slaton |
HOU |
8 |
|
5 |
Very fast, but small in stature. With injuries to Ahman Green this
preseason, Slaton has shown he could be a useful back in the league. Watch
how the RB situation in Houston pans out as his value could increase
significantly. |
|
47 |
Kenny Watson |
CIN |
8 |
|
5 |
Primarily a third down back who will get some carries, will have plenty of
competition from Chris Perry who has looked very good in camp. |
|
48 |
Deuce McAllister |
NO |
9 |
|
5 |
Has missed 2 of the last 3 seasons. Is coming back from a torn ACL, he is
no longer the Deuce of years past but should see some goal line carries
and be a change of pace back to Reggie Bush. |
|
49 |
Ahmad Bradshaw |
NYG |
4 |
|
5 |
Don't go wild over Bradshaw and reach too early for him. He played well at
the end of the season and in the playoffs, but he was a 7th round pick
rookie last season. Will battle Derrick Ward for the backup RB position. |
|
50 |
Kevin Jones |
CHI |
8 |
|
5 |
Had a late season ACL injury with Detroit and the Bears were not sure if
he would be ready for the regular season. He did play in the 3rd preseason
game and looks to be the primary backup RB to Matt Forte. |
|
51 |
Warrick Dunn |
TB |
10 |
|
5 |
Primarily a third down back who will get some carries. Will battle Michael
Bennett for the primary backup role, also don’t forget Cadillac Williams
is in the mix when he fully recovers from injuries. |
|
52 |
Sammy Morris |
NE |
4 |
|
5 |
Was playing pretty well in 2007 until he had a chest injury that cut short
his season. Is a tough runner who may get some goal line opportunities.
Battling LaMont Jordan for the primary backup RB position. |
|
53 |
Brandon Jackson |
GB |
8 |
|
5 |
A decent backup, but with Ryan Grant signed playing time will be limited.
If you draft Grant, handcuff Jackson with him. |
|
54 |
Derrick Ward |
NYG |
4 |
|
5 |
Talented RB who is third on the Giants depth chart. Even as third RB, will
get more touches and be more productive than many backups. |
|
55 |
Michael Pittman |
DEN |
8 |
|
6 |
With the injury to Ryan Torain, Pittman will move back to HB and battle
Andre Hall for playing time. Should have the edge because of experience
and pass catching abilities. |
|
56 |
Pierre Thomas |
NO |
9 |
|
6 |
There is no guarantee Deuce McAllister will be effective this year, thus
Thomas should be considered as a possible late round fantasy draft pick.
Currently third on the depth chart. |
|
57 |
Dominic Rhodes |
IND |
4 |
|
6 |
Kenton Keith and Mike Hart will provide competition for Rhodes in the
backup role behind Joseph Addai. Rhodes is the favorite to be the primary
backup, but don’t expect him to produce 2006 statistics like he did when
he was previously with the Colts. |
|
58 |
Fred Jackson |
BUF |
6 |
|
6 |
Will be the primary backup to Marshawn Lynch in Buffalo. Had 300 yards
rushing and 22 receptions last season. |
|
59 |
Tim Hightower |
ARI |
7 |
|
6 |
Has been impress in camp and preseason games. He appears to be the primary
backup to Edgerrin James. |
|
60 |
Lorenzo Booker |
PHI |
7 |
|
6 |
Appears to be Westbrook's primary backup. Will get some carries as the
Eagles need to keep Westbrook healthy enough to last the whole season. |
|
61 |
DeShaun Foster |
SF |
9 |
|
6 |
Comes over from Carolina, where he will be the primary backup to Frank
Gore. A decent backup who is injury prone. |
|
62 |
Rudi Johnson |
DET |
4 |
|
7 |
The Bengals released Johnson, but he was quickly signed by the Lions. He
still is having hamstring problems, but of all the places to go the Lions
will give him the best opportunity to get carries and playing time. |
|
63 |
Andre Hall |
DEN |
8 |
|
6 |
Until Ryan Torain comes back from an injury (around week 8), Hall could
have some value as Selvin Young's backup. |
|
64 |
LaMont Jordan |
NE |
4 |
|
6 |
Battling Sammy Morris for the primary backup RB position. With NE's RB
injury problems, they would be smart to carry him on the team even if it
is as a 3rd RB. |
|
65 |
Tatum Bell |
DET |
4 |
|
5 |
Bell was suppose to battle rookie Kevin Smith for the starting job, but
came into camp overweight and has not looked good at all. Has some talent
and Smith is no lock for a big workload. But, with the signing of Rudi
Johnson, playing time for Bell will be affected. |
|
66 |
T.J. Duckett |
SEA |
4 |
|
7 |
Will be in the mix for some carries, especially in the red zone. Probably
the third RB behind Julius Jones and Maurice Morris. |
|
67 |
Jamaal Charles |
KC |
6 |
|
7 |
Appears to have a slight advantage over Kolby Smith as Larry Johnson's
backup. |
|
68 |
Jason Wright |
CLE |
5 |
|
7 |
Battling Jerome Harrison for the backup RB job to Jamal Lewis. Has limited
fantasy value. |
|
69 |
Chris Taylor |
HOU |
8 |
|
7 |
With Chris Brown on the injured reserve and Ahman Green recovering from a
groin injury, Taylor will begin the season getting some playing time with
Steve Slaton. If he does well, it could develop into much more. |
|
70 |
Michael Bush |
OAK |
5 |
|
7 |
Powerful RB coming back from injury riddled 2007 season. Has Darren
McFadden and Justin Fargas ahead of him, but is talented if given the
chance to produce. |
|
71 |
Correll Buckhalter |
PHI |
7 |
|
7 |
In the mix for some rushing attempts with Loerenzo Booker. Only real
fantasy value would be if Brian Westbrook gets injured. |
|
72 |
Adrian Peterson |
CHI |
8 |
|
7 |
Moves down to third on the depth chart behind Rookie Matt Forte and
newcomer Kevin Jones. |
|
73 |
Leonard Weaver |
SEA |
4 |
|
7 |
Starting FB who will also be the third down receiving back. Has some value
in Points Per Reception leagues. |
|
74 |
Kevin Faulk |
NE |
4 |
|
7 |
Primarily a third down back. His value comes in Points Per Reception
leagues. With Sammy Morris as the #2 back, Faulk will have limited
carries. |
|
75 |
Darren Sproles |
SD |
9 |
|
7 |
Primary backup to LaDainian Tomlinson. No real fantasy value unless LT is
injured. |