2008 Building A Dynasty: RBs - Joe Kilroy

1

3

1

3

It didn’t take long for Peterson to become the most prized running back in dynasty leagues. He averaged over 5.5 ypc as a rookie and scored 13 total touchdowns in just 9 starts last season. Expect more of the same for the next few seasons.

2

LaDainian Tomlinson, SD

7

1

7

3

Tomlinson may be 29 years old, but he is still posting incredible numbers year after year. Even in dynasty leagues, where age matters, it’d be hard to pass on Tomlinson for any back other than Peterson.

Addai hasn’t had a true break-out season yet, but as the primary ball carrier in the Colts offense his production is too great to ignore. Other backs may have bigger career seasons, but few will match the consistent production you’ll get from Addai year after year.

4

Steven Jackson, STL

4

15

2

3

Jackson’s proven to be a great receiver out of the backfield while also showing he can gain 1100-1300 yards on the ground routinely. His touchdown production ranks high among running backs as well.

5

Marion Barber, DAL

3

7

1

2

3

Barber’s been a great commodity out of the Dallas backfield the past two seasons splitting time with Julius Jones. He enters 2008 atop the Cowboys depth chart and should improve upon his past success.

6

Clinton Portis, WAS

6

5

3

Entering his seventh season, Portis continues to be one of the best running backs in the league. At age 27 come September, expect a few more years of double-digit touchdowns and 1500 plus all purpose yardage from him.

7

Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC

2

13

1

2

3

Jones-Drew is one of the most talented young backs in the league. While splitting time with Fed Taylor in the Jaguars backfield he’s already proven to be a 1000 yard threat on the ground that reaches double-digits in touchdowns. He is also a valuable asset as a receiver.

8

Brian Westbrook, PHI

6

2

3

5

3

Westbrook turns 29 in early September, but should remain a threat for 2000 all purpose yards for another two-to-three seasons. He has the ability to match most of the elite backs in the league.

9

Marshawn Lynch, BUF

1

12

1

3

Lynch had a strong rookie outing last year and is expected to have a more increased role with the Bills this season. If QB Trent Edwards can right Buffalo’s passing game then Lynch could jump even higher on this list.

10

Frank Gore, SF

3

9

2

3

Gore took a step back last season after a monstrous outing in 2006, but still rushed for over 1100 yards with 53 receptions. He needs to up his touchdown totals however if he’s to be considered one of the top five fantasy players at his position.

11

Willis McGahee, BAL

5

8

2

3

2

McGahee had a strong showing in his first year with the Ravens. Now with Cam Cameron running the offense he could follow it up with an even more productive outing. The only concern here is whether or not Ray Rice takes over as Baltimore’s lead back in another season or two.

12

Ryan Grant, GB

2

17

0

1

3

Armed with the long term contract he was seeking, Ryan Grant now appears to be the franchise back in Green Bay for a few more years. As long as the offense doesn’t take a giant step back in Brett Favre’s absence, expect some productive seasons from Grant in the years ahead.

13

Michael Turner, ATL

4

74

0

3

Signed to a long term contract by the Falcons in the offseason, Turner will be the primary focus of their offense for the next few years. He could become a top 10 back if Matt Ryan develops quickly.

14

Jonathan Stewart, CAR

R

*

2

Stewart is likely to split carries with DeAngelo Williams his first year or two in the league, but he possesses the ability to rank among the elite fantasy backs in football should he become their primary ball carrier.

15

Brandon Jacobs, NYG

3

20

0

1

2

Jacobs rushed for over 1000 yards in just 9 starts last season. His running style makes him injury prone however and he may find himself splitting carries with Ahmad Bradshaw over the years. If he ever logs 300 carries in a season he could produce some incredible results.

16

Kevin Smith, DET

R

*

2

The first pick in the third round of this years draft, Smith finds himself in position to immediately start for the Lions as a rookie. He could post 1000 yards this season and should also be a solid receiver out of the backfield.

17

Laurence Maroney, NE

2

25

0

2

Since being selected in the first round of the 2006 draft, the Patriots have been reluctant to use Maroney as a true featured back in the offense yet. If he can stay injury free and fend off Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan, he may crack the 1000 yard barrier for the first time in his career in 2008.

18

Reggie Bush, NO

2

24

0

2

3

While Bush has proven a valuable asset to the Saints as a receiver out of the backfield, his rushing totals have left much to be desired. It’s beginning to look like he’ll never be a true featured back in the league, though his value does get a big boost in PPR leagues.

19

Darren McFadden, OAK

R

*

3

The Raiders offense isn’t the most appealing situation in the league, but it did have a productive backfield in 2007. If McFadden lives up to his billing as the fourth overall pick in this years draft he should have a productive start to his career in Oakland.

20

Larry Johnson, KC

5

40

2

After back-to-back outings of 1700 plus yards on the ground in 2005 and 2006, Johnson’s production came to a grinding halt last season. He averaged just 3.5 ypc in 8 games before injury cost him the rest of the year. He’ll continue to get a heavy workload in Kansas City, but don’t expect him to be the same back he was a few years ago.

21

Rashard Mendenhall, PIT

R

*

1

Mendenhall will likely split carries with Willie Parker for the first year or two of his career, but once he takes over as the primary back in Pittsburgh 1000 yard outings should become routine for him. The only question is how long will Parker be able to keep him at bay.

22

LenDale White, TEN

2

14

0

1

2

Tennessee may have used its first round pick on running back Chris Johnson, but LenDale White is likely to remain their workhorse at the position for another year or two. After watching him rush for over 1100 yards on a bum knee last season, he could produce even more in 2008.

23

Ronnie Brown, MIA

3

27

0

1

Brown has shown glimpses of how productive he can be during his three years in the league, but never seems capable of reaching his true potential. Coming off a knee injury that ended his 2007 season prematurely, one has to wonder if he’ll ever produce at the level Miami hoped he would when they used the second overall pick on him in 2005.

24

Earnest Graham, TB

4

11

1

2

Graham capitalized on the playing time he received last year when both Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman were lost to injuries in Tampa Bay. He is now the primary ball carrier in the Buccaneers backfield and should be a solid #2 fantasy back for the next 2-3 years.

25

Selvin Young, DEN

1

38

0

2

When the Broncos released Travis Henry earlier in the offseason, Selvin Young was bumped to the top of the Broncos depth chart. Ryan Torain’s recent elbow injury only further improves Young’s value, though he’ll still be challenged for carries by Michael Pittman and Andre Hall during the season.

26

Matt Forte, CHI

R

*

2

Forte become Chicago’s starting running back once the Bears released Cedric Benson earlier in the offseason. Even with the recent signing of Kevin Jones, Forte is likely to receive the majority of carries. Playing on the Bears offense could make life difficult for him in the NFL however.

27

Willie Parker, PIT

4

16

1

3

1

Parker has had three straight seasons of 1200 or more rushing yards with the Steelers, but may be losing his place atop the depth chart in a year or two with Pittsburgh’s selection of Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of this years draft. That selection will hamper Parker’s long-term value.

28

Edgerrin James, ARI

9

10

5

7

2

James may be 30 years old, but he continues to log 300 carries and deliver respectable results. He could be good for another year or two of 1100-1200 rushing yards with 6-8 touchdowns.

29

Julius Jones, SEA

4

44

0

1

Jones never proved to be much of a lead back with the Cowboys, but it appears Seattle is willing to give him that opportunity with their franchise. The 2008 season could go a long way in deciding whether or not Jones remains a starter in the league.

30

DeAngelo Williams, CAR

2

31

0

1

Williams has been productive during his first two seasons with the Panthers while splitting carries with DeShaun Foster, but isn’t likely to ever become their featured back. Carolina’s first round selection of Jonathan Stewart in this years draft means he’ll continue splitting carries.

31

Ray Rice, BAL

R

*

0

At the moment Rice is stuck behind Willis McGahee on the Ravens depth chart. He could become their featured back however in another 2-3 years. Should that happen he’ll likely become one of the better #2 backs to own in fantasy leagues.

32

Jamal Lewis, CLE

8

6

3

5

1

Lewis had an impressive first year outing with the Browns, but is approaching the age of 30 and has had a lot of wear and tear on his body throughout the years. He could surprise for another year or two, but don’t bank on it. His value beyond that point won’t be very high.

33

Rudi Johnson, CIN

7

47

3

4

1

Like Lewis, Johnson is another older back in the league coming up on his 30th birthday in a year and has had a lot of wear and tear on his body. Hamstring injuries limited him in 2007 and one has to think the Bengals will be looking to replace him soon on the roster.

34

Thomas Jones, NYJ

8

22

1

4

1

Jones will be 30 by the time the season begins and likely has only another year or two left as a starter in the league. After that he will have very little value in fantasy leagues.

35

Jerious Norwood, ATL

2

43

0

Atlanta’s signing of Michael Turner in the offseason removed the possibility of Norwood becoming a starter in the league anytime soon. Nonetheless, he has proven himself as a big play threat and should continue getting at least 100 carries a season with the Falcons, along with his fair share of receptions out of the backfield.

36

Chester Taylor, MIN

6

21

1

2

0

Adrian Peterson is clearly the primary ball handler in Minnesota, but Chester Taylor can still provide productive outings himself. Even in his limited role he makes for an excellent #3 RB in fantasy leagues.

37

Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG

1

86

0

Bradshaw’s postseason success last year is believed to have earned him a more prominent role in the Giants backfield entering the 2008 campaign. He could become a very nice complimentary back to Brandon Jacobs.

38

Pierre Thomas, NO

1

59

0

With the injuries Deuce McAllister has endured over the years, along with Reggie Bush’s struggles as a running back in the NFL, Pierre Thomas could eventually become the primary ball carrier in New Orleans.

39

Justin Fargas, OAK

5

23

0

1

0

Although Oakland used a high draft pick on Darren McFadden, it’s unlikely Lane Kiffen will completely remove Justin Fargas from his game plan. His upside is limited, but he could be a solid third option in fantasy leagues.

40

Chris Johnson, TEN

R

*

0

Johnson was a first round pick in this years draft, but it will be difficult for him to supplant LenDale White as the primary ball carrier in Tennessee anytime soon. For the time being expect him to be a change of pace back for the Titans, though there should be plenty of carries to go around in Tennessee.

41

Felix Jones, DAL

R

*

0

Jones is another first round pick in this years draft that landed on a team with an established starter already at the position. His value could rise in the future, but for now it appears his primary function is to serve as Barber’s back-up.

42

Kevin Jones, CHI

4

28

0

2

0

Kevin Jones signed with the Bears during the offseason to take the place of Cedric Benson in the teams backfield. Rookie Matt Forte is likely to handle most of the carries however, with Jones serving as a back-up plan if Forte struggles.

43

Leon Washington, NYJ

2

48

0

At the moment Washington serves as a change of pace and third down back in the Jets offense. With Thomas Jones pushing the wrong side of 30 however, Washington could get a chance to start for the Jets in another year or two. He has earned much praise from the coaches this offseason.

44

Chris Perry, CIN

3

*

0

Perry is a bit of a boom or bust option in dynasty leagues. His first two NFL seasons have been derailed by injuries, but he he’s back again trying to make an impact with the Bengals this season. He may very well be the most talented back on the Cincinnati roster, but if he can’t stay healthy it doesn’t matter.

45

Ryan Torain, DEN

R

*

0

Torain was in the running to be named Denver’s starting running back to begin the season, but a broken elbow suffered in training camp will now sideline him for at least 6-8 weeks. Nonetheless he is someone to keep an eye on in dynasty leagues.

46

Fred Taylor, JAC

10

18

3

6

0

At the age of 32, Taylor is clearly nearing the end of his career. He has totaled over 1100 yards rushing however in each of the last two seasons. Splitting carries with Jones-Drew may allow him to extend his career further than he already has.

47

Ricky Williams, MIA

9

*

3

4

0

Williams is 31, but could be a prominent member of the Dolphins offense this season as Ronnie Brown is eased back into the rotation. Long term Williams provides little value, but may be a decent #3 RB in fantasy leagues for another year or two.

48

Steve Slaton, HOU

R

*

0

Slaton may never amount to much as a starter in the NFL, but given who the other backs are on Houston’s roster he may get an early crack at it, making him a worthwhile addition to dynasty teams.

49

Andre Hall, DEN

1

72

0

With the recent injury to Ryan Torain, Andre Hall now becomes the biggest threat to steal carries from Young in the Denver backfield. He’s worth taking a flier on given the way Mike Shannahan tends to go through running backs.

50

Lorenzo Booker, PHI

1

77

0

The Eagles acquired Booker in an offseason deal with the Dolphins. His primary purpose will be to serve as Westbrook’s back-up, though the Eagles may find a way to get both backs on the field at the same time.

51

Chris Brown, HOU

5

45

0

2

0

Brown seemed to be in position to take over as the starter in Houston, though recent back problems and the signing of Mike Bell could jeopardize his chance of even making the roster. At the moment he remains someone to keep an eye on however.

52

Brian Leonard, STL

1

65

0

Leonard’s primary value comes from being the handcuff to Steven Jackson, though he could be a worthwhile option as a third or fourth running back in PPR leagues.

53

Tim Hightower, ARI

R

*

0

With the Cardinals recent release of Marcel Shipp, Tim Hightower now becomes the next back in line to take over if Edgerrin James were injured. Given James’ age, it’s also possible Hightower will get the chance to start in Arizona in another year or two.

54

Jason Wright, CLE

4

58

0

Wright performed well with the limited number of touches he had last season. If Jamal Lewis were to get injured Wright would hold good value as the starter in Cleveland.

55

Jamaal Charles, KC

R

*

0

A third round pick in this years draft, Charles is likely to get the nod at running back should Larry Johnson go down with another injury. He could get the chance to start in a few years as age begins to catch up with Larry Johnson.

56

Tatum Bell, DET

4

81

0

1

0

At the moment Bell is still considered to be in the running for the starting job in Detroit. By most accounts though he’ll be nothing more than a back-up to Kevin Smith.

57

Brandon Jackson, GB

1

69

0

Ryan Grant signed a long term deal recently to remain in Green Bay, but last years second round pick Brandon Jackson may still be able to work out a role for himself in the offense.

58

Deuce McAllister, NO

7

*

2

4

0

Pushing 30 and dealing with the number of injuries he has, McAllister’s best days in the NFL are now behind him. He may have one last run in him yet though should he outperform Pierre Thomas this preseason.

59

DeShaun Foster, SF

6

26

0

1

0

Foster was signed by the 49ers in the offseason, but he’s likely to hold little value barring an injury to Frank Gore.

60

Jalen Parmele, MIA

R

*

0

Parmele was a sixth round pick in this years draft, but reports from Miami say he has looked good in the Dolphins training camp. He may have a chance to earn some playing time in another year or two.

	A Fantasy Football Community!
		Create An Account \| Advertise \| Contact