Top 5 Fantasy Football Running Backs

Added on Aug 17, 2010 by Barry in

NFL

#1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans (2,006 rushing yards, 503 receiving yards, 14 rushing TDs, 2 receiving TDs)

Last season Chris Johnson burst onto the scene in the NFL and became arguably the best running back in the league.

With 2,000+ rushing yards and 500+ receiving yards to go along with 16 total touchdowns, Johnson has become a one man wrecking crew as he is a no brainer to be picked number one overall in fantasy football drafts.

#2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (1,383 rushing yards, 436 passing yards, 18 TDs)

Over the past few years, Adrian Peterson has been the undisputed best all around player in the NFL in terms of fantasy football, but this season Chris Johnson has bumped him to number two, but AP can still put up the numbers.

This season AP will benefit from having Brett Favre under center once again as he will put up some huge numbers. The only problem with AP he can get banged up a bit during the season and has had trouble holding onto the football, but he is still a player that has extremely high value in fantasy football.

#3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars (1,391 rushing yards, 374 receiving yards, 15 rushing TDs, 1 receiving TD)

Even though Maurice Jones-Drew doesn’t get the recognition that Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson do, this Jacksonville Jaguars feature back is amongst the best in the game at his position and always puts up consistently good fantasy numbers.

Not only can Jones-Drew get you points with his ability to rack up the rushing yards, he can also make an impact with receiving yards and of course touchdowns.

This season the Jaguars will be solely counting on Jones-Drew in their offense once again which means he could put up some monster numbers.

#4. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers (1,120 rushing yards, 406 receiving yards, 10 rushing TDs, 3 receiving TDs)

Even though Frank Gore might be a bit of a risk due to his injury history over the years, he is still a solid fantasy back as he can put up the numbers much the way Jones-Drew does with the rushing and receiving yards.

This season Gore will have Brian Westbrook helping him out in the San Francisco backfield which means he might be able to stay healthy throughout the entire season and become one of the best fantasy backs in the league once again.

#5. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons (871 rushing yards, 10 TDs)

Just like Frank Gore, Michael “Burner” Turner has had issues with his health over the years and last season he missed basically half the year due to a bum ankle.

This season Turner will be back at a 100% and looking to propel the Atlanta Falcons back into the playoffs. He is a risky choice to be your lead back, but if you like gambles, Turner is your man and you might not be disappointed as he could have a big year!

Honorable Mentions: Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens; Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams; DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers; Ryan Matthews, San Diego Chargers; Shonn Greene, New York Jets