Fantasy Football 2010: Running Backs

[MarkieJ]

With the new season soon upon us, I want to talk running backs. It used to be an unwritten rule to draft running backs in the first round. However in the NFL, teams now have multiple quality backs that share the load. I want to focus on the teams with primary backs that get the majority of carries, or the RBs deserving of a first round grade. Feel free to add or delete from these lists.

Primary backs that are deserving of a first round pick:

Chris Johnson
Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
Maurice Jones Drew
Ray Rice
Frank Gore

Guys that are primary backs with a little something to prove (would you pick any of these guys over a top QB or WR?):

Rashard Mendenhall
Ryan Mathews
Cedric Benson
Matt Forte
Knowshon Moreno
Ryan Grant
Shonn Greene

RBs that I have questions about:

Jamaal Charles: He was almost a lock for my 1st round list until KC picked up Thomas Jones. Jerhart, you got any insight into the RB situation in KC this year?

Jerome Harrison: This guy killed it at the end of last year, but Cleveland drafted Montario Hardesty. Any Browns fans here that can chime in on Cleveland's Running Backs?

Feel free to chime in fellow FFBers, who are you targeting at the Running Back position this year?

[Jerhart]

With the new season soon upon us, I want to talk running backs. It used to be an unwritten rule to draft running backs in the first round. However in the NFL, teams now have multiple quality backs that share the load. I want to focus on the teams with primary backs that get the majority of carries, or the RBs deserving of a first round grade. Feel free to add or delete from these lists.

Primary backs that are deserving of a first round pick:

Chris Johnson
Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
Maurice Jones Drew
Ray Rice
Frank Gore

Guys that are primary backs with a little something to prove (would you pick any of these guys over a top QB or WR?):

Rashard Mendenhall
Ryan Mathews
Cedric Benson
Matt Forte
Knowshon Moreno
Ryan Grant
Shonn Greene

RBs that I have questions about:

Jamaal Charles: He was almost a lock for my 1st round list until KC picked up Thomas Jones. Jerhart, you got any insight into the RB situation in KC this year?

Jerome Harrison: This guy killed it at the end of last year, but Cleveland drafted Montario Hardesty. Any Browns fans here that can chime in on Cleveland's Running Backs?

Feel free to chime in fellow FFBers, who are you targeting at the Running Back position this year?

Ray Rice and Chris Johnson are the two priamry picks I would use a 1st round pick on...the rest are questionable IMO.

That being said, RB have MAYBE 3 good years now before they begin to decline...with that being said...

AP had a good season last year...not great. Lots of fumbles, backs are learning how to play him. Living in Minnesota last year, I got to watch a lot of him...he was good...but he is getting banged up.

Turner's numbers also took a dip last year...I know as I drafted him 1st ...but he is said to have lost 30 pounds and re-commited himself...we will see I guess.

I love me some MJD...however, I am hesitant with his size, but he seems to prove people wrong when it comes to scheming against him...

Gore had a good year even tho he was hurt for a few of the first games...if he stays healthy I feel he would be a primary back...or 1st rnd pick.

I agree with the rest of your "to prove" list...except for a couple.

Cedric Benson just got arrested in Dallas...I dont know if he will be suspended.

Matt Forte was a bust last year...I dont know what happened to him, he was dangerous in '08.

As for Jamaal Charles...the guy is a stud. He finished last year with 200+ yards rushing dismantling the Broncos. He is young and a poor mans Chris Johnson...if he stays healthy, maybe just as dangerous...but...as you mentioned, the league is turning to utilizing two backs. The Chiefs picked up one of the biggest FA that many people are overlooking...Thomas Jones, one of the more consistant runners for the past two seasons. I think you are going to see Jamaal used midfield, and you will see Jones more inside the red-zone.