Running back is a very important position in all fantasy league formats. In a typical 10 man league it’s not surprising to see seven or eight running backs gone in the first round. Here are my top 25 Running Backs for 2011.
1) Adrian Peterson- Minnesota Vikings
AP is solid every year. As long as he stays healthy and holds on to the football he is a sure thing.
2) Chris Johnson- Tennessee Titans
Johnson had a “down year” after his 2009 monster season. He still had very impressive numbers though in 2010. Only concern is his contract situation and if he holds out or not.
3) Jamaal Charles- Kansas City Chiefs
Capable of breaking one every time he touches the football. Definitely in the peak of his career. Helps that he is on a team that loves to pound the rock.
4) Arian Foster- Houston Texans
Top RB in 2010. Yes I like him as a player, but my concern is will he be able to do it again or is he just another Steve Slaton.
5) Ray Rice- Baltimore Ravens
Rice was a bit of a let down in 2010, but I expect him to rebound. If you get points for receptions is even higher.
6) LeSean McCoy- Philadelphia Eagles
Top Back on a really good team is never an issue. Could get a lot of garbage points if team is ahead, and it sure seems like they will be. Plus is a threat in the passing game as well.
7) Frank Gore- San Francisco 49er’s
If Gore can stay on the field he is always a solid option. With questions at QB, the Niners could run the ball a lot more which will only result in more points.
8) Maurice Jones-Drew- Jacksoville Jaguars
Kind of a frustrating player to have. Gets hurt a lot and when he is playing is capable of 186 yards and 3 touchdowns, or 42 yards. Needs to work on staying healthy himself instead of worrying about Jay Cutler.
9) Rashard Mendenhall- Pittsburgh Steelers
You know Pittsburgh will run the football so Mendenhall should succeed.
10) Darren McFadden- Oakland Raiders
Finally had the season he was expected to have in 2010. If McFadden stays healthy, so will his fantasy stats.
11) Michael Turner- Atlanta Falcons
Might be on the down side of his career, but still a solid #1 option.
12) Matt Forte- Chicago Bears
Had a nice 2010 season. May lose touchdowns to Marion Barber.
13) Steven Jackson- St Louis Rams
Jackson still puts up the numbers. Plays when he is hurt and plays hard. Love this guy.
14) Ahmad Bradshaw- New York Giants
Great 2010 for Bradshaw. No reason to think he can’t duplicate in 2011.
15) DeAngelo Williams- Carolina Panthers
Nice #2 option. If he can stay healthy and not lose too many carries to Jonathan Stewart could surprise. Health and inconsistantcy make him very frustrating.
16) LeGarrette Blount- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
What a great 2010 season for Blount. No reason he can’t do the same in 2011.
17) Peyton Hillis- Cleveland Browns
Biggest Surprise of 2010. Has some competition in the backfield with Montario Hardesty healthy and Brandon Jackson now on board. Will be tough to equal 2010 but could still be a nice option.
18) Ryan Mathews- San Diego Chargers
Second Year back is the man on a solid Chargers team. Could have a big year.
19) Knowshon Moreno- Denver Broncos
Kind of a make or break year for Moreno. No reason to think he can’t succeed.
20) Ryan Grant- Green Bay Packers
Missed all but one half of a game in 2010. Healthy again and could be a steal if he returns to his previous form.
21) Felix Jones- Dallas Cowboys
No more Marion Barber to share with. Should equal more production.
22) Jahvid Best- Detroit Lions
Best is a great #2 back to have on your roster.
23) Shonn Greene- New York Jets
Top back on a good team usually means potential for lots of fantasy points.
24) Beanie Wells- Arizona Cardinals
No more Hightower. Could be a breakout season for Wells.
25) Cedric Benson- Cincinnati Bengals
With Palmer gone they will need to run the ball a lot more. Does Benson have anything left in the tank?