Fantasy Football 2010 - RBs

In a continuation of last Thursday's Fantasy Football preview, today we feature Running Backs. A highly controversial position with a lot of key players, a lot of stars, and a lot of gut feeling when giving you the rundown of who tops who in the only real opinion that matters in this review, mine.

Below are my top 30 backs, based on a lot of leagues I've seen, this will give you two starters and a backup for a 10-person league.

1) Chris Johnson- Kind of a no brainer here at #1. If I have the first pick in the draft this year, I take Johnson no matter what. 2,200 yards from scrimmage in any league means mad points. He has 11 TD's of 30 or more yards since turning pro 2 years ago. What that means is that you have a guy that can score from anywhere on the field. As Gus Johnson eluded to in one of his telecasts, "He has breakaway from the cops speed."

2) Adrian Peterson- I don't want to hear that AP cost his team a few games in 2009. Yea he fumbled seven times last year, but let's face it, he's good for at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He never misses a game, and he became a viable weapon in the passing game last season (41 catches). Mr. All Day Every Day brings it every Sunday, and you will to with this guy on your team.

3) Ray Rice- In his first postseason game, Rice torched New England for an eighty yard run, on his first carry. He has excellent vision, and the only reason I take him over Mojo this year is simple. He has an awesome Quarterback and he catches the ball out of the backfield. How would you like 72 catches out of your Running Back. Yea I know, I already see him surpassing seven touches this season. He's got home run potential any time he touches the ball.

4) Maurice Jones Drew- How do you like 56 Td's in the first 63 games of your career? More carries last season made this guy a top candidate for all pro. He had just as many touchdowns from 60 yards out, then he did from one yard out (3). MoJo blends power and speed that makes him a threat to give you mad points in the running and passing game. Just think how great he would be, if his games weren't blacked out in Jacksonville.

5) Steven Jackson- This big bruising back can do it all. He can run between the tackles, break away outside, and catch the ball. But what I want to know is, how durable will his offensive line be? Jackson absolutely lays it. Only 4 rushing touchdowns last scares me. The second easiest schedule in the league does not.

6) Michael Turner- So what if he tumbled last season. This guy is battle tested. The Falcons have a very balanced attack. Norwood should help lighten the load on third downs. Turner is a non factor in the passing game, but how many times last season did Mike Smith pass the ball inside the 20? the question is not many. Should cross the goal line a few times. Think of Turner as a comeback player of the year in Fantasy. Don't look at last seasons 11 games started. Please look at his five yards a carry.

7) DeAngelo Williams- I love this guy. Fast, fast, fast. Many fantasy guru's out smart themselves when it comes to Williams. This stat is concrete. 103 yards per game to go along with a touch. Not bad, considering James Stewart will see forty percent of the carries. But you know the good thing about that, he will always be fresh and ready to to pack on the yards at a crazy pace. First year starter Matt Moore will see Williams as his security blanket. Look for Williams to do nothing but good things for your fantasy team.

8) Rashard Mendenhall- Will this be the year of Mendenhall? I have seen this guy do very good things, and very bad things with the football. No Roethlisberger for the first 5 games so I see Mendenhall being the man in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are going back to the basics this year on offense, so that means you will get a work horse, and workhorses are good. Do you still remember Jerome Bettis?

9) Frank Gore- Run first offense, should boost this back to fantasy elite status as usual. He has first round talent, and his name should be called early. How do I know the Niners will run more, just look at who they drafted (2 O-linemen).

10) Ryan Matthews- Such a sleeper, if I have ever seen one. Very strong, and dedicated to a complex playbook, Matthews was taken in the first round. I like this guy to win Rookie of the Year. I predict 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns. LT who?

11) Ronnie Brown- The Wildcat will wreak havoc in those close AFC East games. I know he was injured for much of last season, but I don't care because this guy is so versatile. He can score with the best of them, so you might draft this guy in round 3.

12) Cedric Benson- Should help take the weight off of Carson Palmer.
Should rack up the carries and yards to lead your team to pay day.

13) Shonn Greene- Boy do I have high hopes for this guy. Led the playoffs in rushing. Should give you a lot of scores inside the red zone.

14) Jonathan Stewart- Short yardage back. Loves goal line situations, and you will to with him.

15) Ryan Grant- Big back, but this is Rodgers's year.

16) Jamaal Charles- Intriguing. Best second half out of any back in the league.

17) Pierre Thomas

18) Beanie Wells

19) Jahvid Best

20) LeSean McCoy

21) Felix Jones

22) CJ Spiller

23) Matt Forte

24) Jerome Harrison

25) Knowshon Moreno

26) Joseph Addai

27) Ahmad Bradshaw

28) Laurence Maroney

29) Clinton Portis

30) Reggie Bush

~Robbie C

~Shanafans Correspondent Rob Castro, co-host of the Fantasy Sports Review, watch it Thursdays at 11:30PM, Saturday at 3:30AM, 1:30PM on Fairfax Cable Access