Running the Show

It’s time to take a peak at the running backs.

Here is the first top-15 RBs list for 2010:

1. Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans
Johnson had one of the greatest seasons in history in 2009 with 16 total TDs and 2006 rushing yards. While those numbers are almost impossible to duplicate, it’s really hard to pick anyone other than CJ.

2. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre took points away from Peterson last year by passing much more than Gus Frerotte (remember him?) and Tarvaris Jackson did in 2008 when Peterson had a monster year. Regardless of Favre, All Day is still a fantasy stud and is just below Chris Johnson for the top spot.

3. Maurice Jones–Drew- Jacksonville Jaguars
Still only 25 years old, MJD has had a fantastic start to his career. His TDs have increased from 9 in 2007, to 14 in 2008, to 16 in 2009. Why not more in 2010?

4. Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens
Netting 1339 rushing yards and seven TDs last season, Rice can simply run the ball. The only question is if Flacco will be passing more often with the arrival of Anquan Bolden.

5. Frank Gore - San Francisco 49ers
Gore is still running for TDs and still an injury risk, but a risk well worth taking. With Michael Crabtree, Ted Ginn, Jr. and Vernon Davis, the running game should open up more, which will get Gore more yards and TDs.

6. Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons
Although Burner Turner’s number went way down last season (1699 yards and 17 TDs to 871 and 10), his abilities are still amongst the top in the NFL.

7. Stephen Jackson - St. Louis Rams
With the arrival of rookie quarterback Sam Bradford to town, does that mean more carries for Jackson? Fantasy owners hope so.

8. Cedric Benson - Cincinnati Bengals
Don’t call it a comeback…well, yeah, go ahead. Benson had a great 2009 season rushing for 1251 yards and busting through for six TDs. After those awful seasons in Chicago, Benson is back.

9. DeAngelo Williams - Carolina Panthers
Williams’ numbers took a hit in ’09 with Jonathan Stewart receiving more carries. DeAngelo still rushed for 1117 yards and had seven TDs.

10. Rashard Mendenhall - Pittsburgh Steelers
In his first full season with the Steelers, Mendenhall rushed for 1369 yards and had eight TDs. With Big Ben out for the few games at QB, look for the Steelers to attempt to run more to start the season.

11. Chris Wells - Arizona Cardinals
If Matt Leinart, taking over at QB for the retired Kurt Warner, can’t get his accuracy down, the Cards will have to run the ball more. That means more carries for Beanie and more points for you.

12. Ryan Grant - Green Bay Packers
Grant had a nice comeback year in 2009 with 1,253 rushing yards and 11 TDs. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, however, like to throw the ball more than pass. Grant is still a solid fantasy running, though.

13. Shonn Greene - New York Jets
Greene looked when he had his chance last season. The problem is the Jets brought in Ladainian Tomlinson in the offseason, who will undoubtedly take carries away from Greene, at least early in the season. If LT gets banged up, more carries for Greene.

14. Knowshon Moreno - Denver Broncos
Moreno had a nice rookie year amassing 1160 yards and nine touchdowns. The problem with any Mile High running back is the dreaded running-back-by-comity system that takes away carries. If Moreno could have full-time duties, he could easily be a top-10 fantasy RB.

15. Ryan Mathews - San Diego Chargers
Mathews will be taking over in Chargerland as the new running back. He will be behind a solid o-line, but he is a rookie. A rookie with a ton of potential.