http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2020 Recent articles about Ryan Grant en-us Running back has been labeled the most important position in the history of fantasy football, and quite frankly, it is. Never have you seen a fantasy football squad with the likes of Travis Minor and J.J. Arrington manning the backfield. This year's running back class is stacked with both familiar and fresh talent. Here are the Top 25 Running Backs for the upcoming fantasy football season: 1. LaDainian Tomlinson SD 2. Adrian Peterson MIN 3. Brian Westbrook PHI 4. Joseph Addai IND 5. Steven Jackson STL 6. Marshawn Lynch BUF 7. Marion Barber III DAL 8. Frank Gore SF 9. Ryan Grant GB 10. Ronnie Brown MIA 11. Clinton Portis WSH 12. Larry Johnson KC 13. Maurice Jones-Drew JAX 14. Brandon Jacobs NYG 15. Willis Mcgahee BAL 16. Reggie Bush NO 17. Jamal Lewis CLE 18. Laurence Maroney NE 19. Michael Turner ATL 20. Thomas Jones NYJ 21. Willie Parker PIT 22. Earnest Graham TB 23. Darren Mcfadden OAK 24. Matt Forte CHI 25. Fred Taylor JAX Well now you know my answer to the biggest debate in fantasy football this season, LT or AP? I go with LT because of what he has done over the past few seasons and the certainty his name brings to your team. Tomlinson is probably the 2nd best receiving running back behind Westbrook, and finds the end zone more than anyone else. Heck, LT will even throw you a TD this season. AP is a great running back and if i have the number 2 pick on my fantasy draft I know that he is going to be mine. But he hasn't earned the right to take over that number 1 spot from Tomlinson, even if Peterson thinks he already has. At the end of the top 10 I have Ryan Grant and Ronnie Brown. WIth Brett Favre out of Lambeau, Aaron Rodgers will be leaning on Grant all season long, whether it be running the ball or dumping it off to him. Expect Grant to see a lot more touches near the red zone because of the lack of trust in Rodgers not to turn the ball over on that part of the field. Ronnie Brown was one of the best running backs before he got hurt last year. In fact, Brown was the number 1 ranked RB on Yahoo! for quite some time. This season, Brown says he feels healthy and he's running behind a better offensive line with 1st overall NFL Draft pick Jake Long leading the way. And if Bill Parcells has any say in it, Brown will be getting a lot of red zone carries, so that comeback story Ricky WIlliams can focus on beating down the clock late in games. (Also, can we really expect Ricky Williams to not have some sort of relapse at some point. You know, wake up late for practice once or twice, forget his helmet when going into a game, one of those could happen). At number 16 i put Saints RB Reggie Bush. This is a bit of a reach because of how loaded the Saints ground-game is this year with Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas. I have some Reggie Bush bias in me because of his jaw-dropping ability he displayed in college and somewhat in the pros, but i wouldn't be shocked to see Bush either have a breakout year, or be relegated to mop up duty. This may be the year Bush needs to step up on New Orleans, especially if Pierre Thomas has a solid season. Try and get your hands on 2 of these 3 running backs if you are going to take any of them. Two more players I want to talk about are Willie Parker and rookie Matt Forte. Parker has put up solid numbers throughout his career and in The Steel City, there should be more handoffs than Home Runs over at PNC Ballpark. Though Parker may be sharing with rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall has really impressed Steeler coaches with his ability and combination of speed and power, perfect for the Steelers offense. Expect a dip in touches for Parker and take Mendenhall late in your draft. Matt Forte has been put into a solid situation in Chicago. The Bears have no real answer at QB and we could see another season of the Rex Grossman Show. Forte will get the touches, it's just a matter of what he can do with them. The O-Line in Chicago is solid, but aging, but an inspired Forte can rejuvenate some magic in The Windy City. Here are 3 players who may surprise you: Jonathan Stewart CAR- Carolina Panther running backs have always disappointed their fantasy owners in the past couple of years. Stewart, rated by some as the 2nd best running back of this year's draft class, brings versatilely to John Fox's offense. Stewart is a very good receiving back and can burst through a hole better than any of his predecessors in Carolina. I wouldn't be too surprised to see him finish the season as a top 20 running back on a Panthers team contending for a division title. Julius Jones SEA- Written off by many in Dallas, Jones (who was replaced by Felix Jones, who should be owned by Marion Barber owners across the world) brings very good speed as a replacement to former MVP and Madden cover model Shaun Alexander. Jones can handle a lot of carries and is playing for an offense that better suits his running style. Jones likes to run downhill and sneak through the O-linemen, unlike in Dallas where they pound the ball inside behind the guards. Jones has been complaining for the last few years that he hasn't been able to run like he wants to, and this year he will get his chance to show us what he means exactly. Kevin Smith DET- The pride of the University of Central Florida, Smith is one of the best running backs in the history of college football, statistically. He takes over in Detroit, where they have vowed to start having a more balanced offensive attack. Smith almost broke the total yards record in college with Central Florida and wowed scouts with his speed and ability to break tackles. Smith is surrounded by a lot of talent in Detroit and has been given a great chance to succeed and show his skills to the stubborn Lion's fans. Let's just hope they treat Smith better than they treat their owner. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:56:50 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294393 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294393 The recent NFC Championship Game between the Packers and Giants had all the qualities of being nickname-worthy: a plethora of great plays, even more bone-headed mistakes, a game-winning field goal, a below-zero temperature, and just the third overtime ever in a championship game. And in the end, it was the player who failed more than anyone else who wound up being the hero. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:50:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294277 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294277 In 2007, not only did we see a rise in wide receiver production, which led to more depth at the position heading into 2008, we also saw a decline in everydown running backs. In fact, in '07 just 17 running backs topped the 1,000 rushing yard mark, while in 2006 we saw 23 different rushers achieve that feat. On the flip side, 23 wide receivers surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in '7, while just 19 went for over 1,000 yards in '06. With this in mind, we knew that the depth at the running back position would drop off after the 2nd round, so we went in targeting the best available option at the running back position. Plus, with the rapid growth in the Running Back By Committee approach in the NFL, we wanted to make sure that our top ball carrier was someone who is going to get 20+ touches per contest. To find out who Bruno Boys Fantasy Football took with their second pick, click below.... Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:05:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293615 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293615 Fantasy football drafts are right around the corner, so who looks to be the hits and misses? This guide's a long read, but it's in-depth, and it channels the wayback machine for some who are older than they'd like to admit (or buy lots of old DVDs). Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:36:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292572 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292572 The Minnesota Vikings may have made a big splash in the offseason by acquiring defensive lineman Jared Allen from Kansas City, but the team's biggest asset is on the offensive side of the ball. See where they rank among the lines in the NFC North. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:28:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292529 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292529 Top 10 running backs in the NFL. What do you all think? Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:57:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292384 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292384 Too much of a good thing is usually a bad thing. That's how AccuScore fantasy expert Tim Williams feels about Oreo cookies and touchdown leagues. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:02:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292275 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292275 Gonna surprise you with this one: This story is not all about Brett Favre. No, contrary to popular belief, there is other news out of Green Bay these days that does not involve Favre. Though I guess you can make the argument that anthing related to Green Bay or the Packers, or the state of Wisconsin for that matter, has something to do with Favre. And we are mentioning Favre, which kind of brings him into to this. But enough Favre already! The news out of Packer-land not related to Favre is that runningback Ryan Grant plans to hold out if he does not receive a new contract before camp. ... more ... Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:27:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291598 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291598 Just after the dust had settled and Green Bay Packers fans had started to embrace a team led by a new quarterback for the first time since 1991, rumors started to float that the recently retired Brett Favre wanted to return. While the magnitude of this situation will be felt in the NFL if it were to happen, it will also make waves in the fantasy football world. So let's take a look at what's happened so far and where it's likely to go from here, as the saga between Favre and the Packers is far from coming to closure anytime soon. ------------------- Rumors of a Return It was just two weeks ago when ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Favre had expressed the desire to come out of retirement. Nobody was sure what to make out of it until a text message from Favre to Packers General Manager Ted Thompson was reported to have expressed Favre's desire for a comeback. Green Bay, facing a firestorm of questions from fans and media, released a few statements that basically said that Favre would apply to the league for reinstatement and if it was granted, then he would be welcome to join the team as a backup. Favre then asked for his unconditional release for the ability to sign with any team in the league, which Thompson said would not happen. As it stands now, there are still three years and more than $30 million left on Favre's contract with the Packers.... To check out the rest of the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football article on Brett Favre and his offseason mess, click the link below... Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:44:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291409 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291409 Based on the 2007 final defensive rankings, we picked ut a few top running backs and broke down the first few and last few weeks of the season. Our research turned up some interesting information for the RB crop in 2008. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:50:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291128 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291128 The last time we all came together I broke down running backs 21-30. Today I'll shake and shimmy to bring you running backs 11-20. Unlike 21-30, this next class of running backs has star power. Many of these running backs will be features or RB2 in your league(s). If you're planning on winning your league this season, I'd make sure to select at least one of these running backs during your draft. Before we get to 11-20, let's recap running back 21-30: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:16:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290165 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290165 Find out why we believe that LaDainian Tomlinson and Joseph Addai are the only two amongst the top five running backs that could be in the top five at the end of the season in the second article of this series of three on historical trends. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:56:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286329 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286329 In most fantasy football formats, running backs are the cream of the crop. If you draft accordingly, you could be put in a good position right away. Unfortunately, if you draft poorly, it could be all downhill from there. Screaming Sports' Hugh Duckwall is here to examine the top 20 projected backs. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:34:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283790 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283790 In nine games as the starting running back, Grant had 166 fantasy points in a PPR which equals to 295 points over a 16 games season and the same points per game total as Adrian Peterson. Find out why Grant is ranked in the top ten in Ultimate FF Strategy's 2008 Running Back Rankings even with Aaron Rodgers as his new quarterback. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:32:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282562 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282562 Most years running backs are the highest scoring players in all of fantasy football. That is why it is important to pick up a top running back early in your draft as most of them will be gone by the 3rd round. These players are all worth targeting in your draft but you better do it early, because all of them will be off the board by the middle of the second round. 1. LaDainian Tomlinson Chargers: If you have the first pick, there is no reason to think about picking anybody else other then LT. Tomlinson is a lock to have at least 15 touchdowns and is durable as he has only missed one game in his career. Plus, he has around 55 receptions a year so you will get receiving yards. If healthy, there is no reason to believe that Tomlinson will have a bad year so expect around 1700 total yards and 18 touchdowns. 2. Brian Westbrook Eagles: Many people would select Adrian Peterson with the number two pick, but Westbrook is consistent and you don't have to worry about injuries. Westbrook last year only had 7 rushing touchdowns, but he more than made up for that by catching 90 passes for 771 yards. Plus, unlike Tomlinson, Westbrook will be playing meaningful games in week 16 and 17 as by then the Chargers probably would have locked up the division. That's important because in most leagues, that is when the playoffs are and you aren't going to win if your best player is sitting on the bench while his backup gets the carries. Expect around 1800 total yards and 12 touchdowns. 3. Adrian Peterson Vikings: If not for durability issues, Peterson possibly could have been number one on the list. Peterson had a great rookie season with 1341 yards and 12 touchdowns. But lots of those numbers came from two big games. If you take away his stats from those games, Peterson had 821 yards and 6 touchdowns on the year. That isn't top fantasy back material. Plus, when Peterson's team needed him the most during a playoff push, he had 144 yards in his last 4 games. Those aren't the numbers you need to win in the playoffs. But Peterson has great potential and if he stays healthy and continues his success, he could be number one on the list next year. Expect around 1600 total yards and 10 touchdowns. 4. Joseph Addai Colts: Addai is a great fantasy back as he gets lots of touchdown opportunities from playing in a high powered offense. He showed that last year by getting 12 touchdowns in 15 games. The touchdowns alone make him a valuable fantasy back but when you add in 1072 rushing yards and 40 receptions, you have a top 5 fantasy back. Expect around 1600 total yards and 12 touchdowns. 5. Steven Jackson Rams: With a bad offensive line and injuries, Jackson was considered one of the biggest fantasy disappointments last year. But he still ended up with 1000 rushing yards. This year, the Rams have a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders who was with the Chiefs when Preist Holmes was the talk of the fantasy football world. Now with Jackson in the same role, he could be in for a huge year. Expect around 1900 total yards and 10 touchdowns. 6. Frank Gore 49ers: When Mike Martz joins teams, most running backs lose touches. But that may not be the case for Gore. Gore has excellent hands and with the lack of receivers the 49ers have, could have around 80 catches. His rushing totals may go down but Gore could have an even better fantasy season then he did a few years ago. Expect around 1900 total yards and 9 touchdowns. 7. Marshawn Lynch Bills: Lynch had a great rookie season last year and if not for Peterson, would have won offensive rookie of the year. But now, Lynch is the every-down back for the Bills and should have an even better year. He only had 18 catches last year, but he should have around 35 this year. Plus fantasy owners have to love the fact he plays the Jets and Dolphins a combined 4 times this year. There is no reason not think that Lynch could have a huge year. Expect around 1600 total yards and 9 touchdowns. 8. Clinton Portis Redskins: Portis last year ended up having a great season last year as he had 1262 yards and 47 catches. There is no reason that he can't do it again. Portis may not get the yards like he did in Denver, but he has proved overtime that he is one of the best fantasy backs. In a new offense, this could be a off year fantasy wise for Portis. But you shouldn't worry about that as you will still get great numbers. Expect around 1700 total yards and 8 touchdowns. 9. Marion Barber Cowboys: For the past few years, Barber has been one of the most valuable backs in all of fantasy football as he is a touchdown machine. But now that Julius Jones is gone, he is the starter for the Cowboys. But not so fast, the Cowboys will still use a two back system as they drafted Felix Jones in the first round of this year's draft. Barber should get more yards but don't expect an increase in touchdowns. Either way, Barber is a top fantasy back and should be picked up late in the first round. But the Cowboys hype machine could force an owner to take him in the top 8 picks. Expect around 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns. 10. Ryan Grant Packers: With Aaron Rodgers now taking over for Brett Favre, Grant is the focal point of the offense. At times he showed what he is fully capable of as almost had 1000 yards while starting only half of the year. But until Rodgers proves himself, it could be tough running for Grant as he will have to face 8 defenders in the box on many occasions. If you draft him, don't be worried about a slow start. You will be rewarded by the end of the season. Expect around 1500 total yards and 8 touchdowns. Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:49:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280857 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280857