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Over the last couple of weeks I’ve shared my Top 30 QB’s for the 2008 season with you. Starting today, we move onto the next skilled position, running back. With many teams incorporating the two-back system, it may be tough for some Fantasy owners to distinguish which running back(s) to go with. No fear. By the time I reach the number one RB, you’ll have all the information you’ll need to make the right decision on Draft Day.
30) Matt Forte – Chicago Bears : The former Tulane standout is quickly moving up the RB rankings. Not many Fantasy owners know much about him, so if your draft is early this is a guy you can sneak onto your team in the middle to late rounds. At 6’2’, 220 pounds, Forte is a guy who can handle the rock for 20+ carries a game. Over his last eight games at Tulane, the bruising back averaged 202.3 yds per game. The kid can also catch the ball out of the backfield which should help Points Per Reception league owners. If Forte holds off Adrian Peterson, which he should, Forte should enjoy an excellent rookie campaign. My Projection : 801 YDS – 6 RTD’s
29) Fred Taylor – Jacksonville Jaguars : The age defying Taylor, since turning 30, has averaged 5.17 yds per carry and has only missed two games. In a two-back system, Taylor compliments the running style of Maurice Jones-Drew, which allows him to catch his breath, and then punish defenses. Gone are the days of Taylor seeing the end-zone much, but the “old-man” can still bring it. He’s more of a flex player now, but could be a decent RB2. My Projection : 801 YDS – 5 RTD’s
28) Selvin Young – Denver Broncos : When in a Mike Shannon ran offense, running back is the key position. Shannon seems to turn normal running backs into super stars (see every RB since Terrell Davis). With the release of Travis Henry, Young is next in line to lead the way. One problem, Michael Pittman wants the job too. Young will entire training camp as the #1 guy, but it’s yet to be determined, coming opening kickoff, who truly will be the Broncos #1 running back. Keep an eye on this situation throughout training camp. My Projection : 802 YDS – 5 RTD’s
27) Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders : I will tell you this, some have questioned his toughness, his off the field behavior, but Darren McFadden will be star in the NFL. This kid combines speed with power, and I believe will have a very respectable season for the Raiders. I have him this low because he’s a rookie, but don’t be scared off by that fact. McFadden could easily become a Top 15 running back by seasons end. My Projection : 875 YDS – 6 RTD’s
26) Thomas Jones – New York J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS : Oh Thomas Jones, the little engine that can’t get in the end zone. As a Jets fan I love to watch this guy run. The problem is, as a Fantasy Owner I have to wonder how many times he’ll get into the end zone? If the Jets can put faith in his ability to run between the tackles, Jones could be a nice RB2. My Projection : 994 YDS – 5 RTD’s
25) DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers : DeAngelo Williams is one of my SLEEPER running backs for the 2008 season. He’ll have stiff competition from rookie sensation Jonathan Stewart, but I think Williams will have enough to keep Stewart off the field. Many “Experts” think that Stewart could take over the job by mid-season, but I really see Williams having a better season than last year (717 YDS) and holding off the rookie. A decent RB2 or flex player. My Projection : 953 YDS – 5 RTD’s
24) Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals : 2007 was an awful year for Rudi Johnson. Thinking that losing weight would make him a better runner, Johnson suffered through his worst season as a pro. Now, Johnson is back to his 2006 weight, and look for a dramatic improvement in his Fantasy numbers. Although Johnson is a reliable running back, Kenny Watson and Chris Perry should see significant time in the backfield. Johnson is still a decent RB2, and should be selected in the middle rounds. My Projection : 1011 YDS – 8 RTD’s
23) Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons : Is this the year we get to see what Michael Turner can do on the field? Out from behind the shadows of LaDainian Tomlinson, Turner gets his first crack at being a starter for the dismal Atlanta Falcons. With potentially a rookie starting quarterback, look for Turner to get a ton of carries. Can his body take the pounding of 20+ carries a game? That is what some Fantasy owners want to know. Turner is going to be a very good RB2 for your Fantasy team, I wouldn’t spend a high pick on him though because there are just to many question marks. My Projection : 1098 YDS – 7 RTD’s
22) LenDale White – Tennessee Titans : The Titans run the ball, plan and simple. White, the featured back for the Titans, isn’t the game breaking back many Fantasy owners look for, but he’s a back that will grind out yards. With 1100 yds and seven touchdowns a year ago, Fantasy owners should see, at a minimum, similar numbers in 2008. My Projection : 1054 YDS – 7 RTD’s
21) Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints : One question for you Reggie, “When will the real Reggie Bush start to play in New Orleans?” The Saints welcome back Deuce McAllister this year which mean a two-back system once again in New Orleans. This really hurts the Fantasy value of Bush. Many Fantasy owners get caught up by what Bush has done in the past, but don’t do the same. You’ll see some improvement from a year ago, but until he’s the featured back, which may never happen, he’s a decent RB2 but nothing more. My Projection : 802 YDS – 6 RTD’s – 551 RYDS – 2 TD’s
Tags: Fantasy Football Football Running Backs Ranking Cheat Sheet Matt Forte Fred Taylor Selvon Young Darren McFadden Thomas Jones DeAngelo Williams Rudi Johnson Michael Turner Lendale White Reggie Bush
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