Hard Drive Crashed

My personal computer hard drive is toast, so my next post on the Big 12 South Preview might be delayed.

Sorry for those of you expecting new posts.

Thank you Windows Vista for ‘disappearing’ off my hard drive.

Fantasy Football Rankings – Running Backs

For the first installment of my fantasy football rankings, we’re going to focus on running backs. Specifically the top 40. In a 10 team league, a team typically has 2 RB positions and should have at least ONE running back on their bench, but preferably two. Today will feature the top 10 with a preview of each. Then I’ll post the remaining 30, with selective previews.

Why?

- Because they’re the trendy pick
- Because whoever gets the 1st pick in their draft will undoubtedly take a running back
- Because I just feel like it

Let’s get to it.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: In his prime, Peterson is the most powerful runner with the big play ability. His past injuries are a risk for some, but his upside heavily outweighs the risk. Also, the Vikings neglected to bolster their QB position or WR positions, which should translate to a heavy focus on running the ball. In 2 seasons, he’s averaged 1,550 yards and 11 TDs while missing time injured. If he stays healthy for a full season, I see 1,800 yards and 20 TDs.






2. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons: Showcased his talent last year finishing second in fantasy points (behind DeAngelo Williams) but could be more productive this year. With Matt Ryan, Roddy White and the addition of Tony Gonzalez, teams will not be able to focus on Turner, giving him free reign to dominate. Expect 1,600 yards and 18 TDs.






3. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears: Possibly a gamble being this high having only 1 year under his belt, but the addition of Jay Cutler will only help Forte. Teams must respect his ability to catch and run, and Cutler will help his receiving statistics. Plus he gets to play Detroit, twice. Projection – 1,300 rushing, 600 receiving, 11 rushing TDs, 5 receiving TDs.






4. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: He has elite speed and, like Peterson, plays for a team that trends toward the conservative side not having a gunner for a quarterback. Although LenDale White may steal some goalline TD’s, Johnson is the future RB in Tennessee and he will get more shots in the red zone. Expect for his role to grow in 2009. 1,300 rushing yards, 12 TDs.






5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars: With Fred Taylor gone, Jones-Drew is in line to be the Michael Turner of 2009. With the backfield to himself, this running/catching back could finish as the #1 running back in fantasy football. And I wouldn’t be surprised. He’ll finally break 200 carries resulting in his first 1,000 yard season with 13 TDs, coupled with 700 receiving yards and 4 TDs.






6. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers: Expect a more tame year out of the reigning #1 fantasy RB. With Jonathon Stewart behind him, the Panthers have a strong 1-2 punch to keep teams off balance. Williams has talent, but be wary. His first two seasons yielded 501 yards (1 TD) and 717 yards (4 TDs). Expect to see his yardage around the 1,000 yard mark with 8-10 TDs.






7. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams: Remember that 1,500 yard season in 2006, it’s not gonna happen this year. Consider Jackson’s yardage and TDs from 2005 to 2008, 1,046 (8), 1528 (13), 1002 (5), 1042 (7). Expect a healthy Jackson to hover around 1,150 yards and 10 TDs. Solid, but remember QBs and WRs if you have a middle to late first round pick.






8. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers: He’ll be 30, but he’s also never had a season with less than 1,000 yards and 10 TDs, and only 2 seasons with less than 400 yards receiving. With Rivers, Gates, Chambers and Vincent Jackson starting to emerge and Sproles coming on strong in 2008, Tomlinson might get some help. He’ll bounce back because of his versatility and the Chargers weak division. Expect 1,200 rushing yards (11 TDs), 450 receiving yards (2 TDs).






9. Frank Gore, San Fransisco 49ers: With Mike Martz, and his pass happy system, as his coordinator Gore saw his production decrease tremendously, but he still rushed for over 1,000 yards and 6 TDs. With the new system in San Fran, expect Gore to trend more towards his 2006 campaign, but not quite all the way there. I see 1,300 yards and his first 10 TD season.






10. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles: He’s going to be 30 at the start of the season, but he shouldn’t be the Eagles only offense anymore. With McNabb at QB, and DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin as two play-making WRs, Westbrook should be able to get more rest, which will hopefully keep him healthy. He’s never played all 16 games but never less than 12 (though he tends to play hurt a lot). His real value comes from receiving, so expect 900 rushing yards (8 TDs) and 700 receiving yards (5 TDs).






Tune in later this weak for the remaining rankings.