Free Fantasy Football Player Rankings: Running Backs

In old school fantasy football, your first two fantasy draft picks were always Running Backs. This was fantasy football law. Since the NFL has become flooded with teams adapting the running back by committee mentality, the previously held value of running backs on your fantasy team is not what it used to be.

It is my belief that if you draw the sixth or later pick in your fantasy football draft, you should abandon you thoughts of drafting a running back. At this point in the first round, I would suggest going with a top 3 Quarterback or the number one wide receiver.

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Rank #	QUARTERBACKS RUNNING BACKS WIDE RECIEVERS TIGHT ENDS KICKERS
1	Adrian Peterson Minnesota Vikings
	Many still rank AP has the highest fantasy football running back. Powerful back with big upside, you cant go wrong drafted him in any position.
2	Chris Johnson Tennessee Titans
	There are some contractual issues hanging over his head, but still warrents the number one fantasy football draft spot in all leagues.
3	Arian Foster Houston Texans
	This fantasy stud came out of no where last season. Foster looks become more than a one hit wonder in the 2011 NFL season.
4	Jamaal Charles Kansas City Chiefs
	With perhaps the largest blow to fantasy football fans in the 2001 NFL season, Jamaal Charles was injured in week 2, knocking him OUT FOR THE SEASON.
5	Ray Rice Baltimore Ravens
	I am hearing a lot of chatter from the pro analysts about this guy being staged for an explosive fantasy football season.
6	LeSean McCoy Philadelphia Eagles
	Predicted to break 1K yards this season, and Westbrook is gone so you may get him for a steal come fantasy draft day.
7	Rashard Mendenhall Pittsburgh Steelers
	With Parker gons, this guy is headed for a breakout season. The bathroom lover is suspended for a while, so I expect them to play a heavy run oriented offense.
8	Darren Mcfadden Oakland Raiders
	This guy broke fantasy football fan hearts last season. If he can keep himself healthy, he would be a great option. If your drafting him for your fantasy team, cross your fingers.
9	Maurice Jones-Drew Jacksonville Jaguars
	Last season MJD led the league is red zone carries, so he certainly gets the opportunity to score for your fantasy football team.
10	Frank Gore San Francisco 49ers
	Great season stats in 2009, but many of them came from a few big games. There are some durability concerns, since he has not played a full season in his entire career.
11	Michael Turner Atlanta Falcons
	This guy is a great player, but may have been overworked in recent years, leading to injuries. Hopefully Atlanta shares the ball with their other backs so he can stay healthy.
12	Matt Forte Chicago Bears
	I get mad just thinking about Matt Forte! He played a huge role in my bye week stacking experiment failing. Chicago will give him carries, but I still have a bad taste in my mouth from him.
13	Steven Jackson St. Louis Rams
	This guy was a fantasy dud last year, but still has the skills to succeed. The rams have tightened up their o-line in the off-season, so if you draft him, keep your fingers crossed.
14	Ahmad Bradshaw New York Giants
	Bradshaw has often looked even better than Jacobs, however he has had some health issues with his feet, keeping him from showing his full potential.
15	Legarrette Blount Tampa Bay Buccaneers
	To be honest, I dont know the 1st thing about this guy. Multiple fantasy football sources listed him here, so I am taking their word for it.
16	Peyton Hillis Cleveland Browns
	Last year I stole Jerome Harrison in our Fantasy Draft, his stock went through the roof, then the season kicks off and he is nowhere to be found. Payton Hillis earns partial credit for keeping me out of the playoffs in 2010.
17	Knowshon Moreno Denver Broncos
	Im hearing good things out of camp in Denver about Moreno. He will have some healthy competition for carries now.
18	Shonn Greene New York Jets
	I'm pulling for Greene to redeem himself from last years fantasy bust performance. LT is another year older, Greene needs to breakout this season or he will be wearing a different helmet next season.
19	Ryan Grant Green Bay Packers
	Coming of a big injury, Grant looks to take the lead ball carrier position for the Packers. This season should be telling regarding Grant's durability.
20	Ryan Matthews San Diego Chargers

21	Deangelo Williams Carolina Panthers

22	Daniel Thomas Miami Dolphins

23	Cedric Benson Cincinnati Bengals
	With Palmer & Ocho gone, it can be assumed the Bengals will run a conservative offense which could translate into more carries for Benson.
24	Jahvid Best Detroit Lions

25	Mark Ingram New Orleans Saints

26	Felix Jones Dallas Cowboys
	I have never been a huge fan of Jones. He has yet to solidify himself as the solid starter.
27	Joseph Addai Indianapolis Colts
	Recently resigned with the colts, Addai looks to find the magic again.
28	Fred Jackson Buffalo Bills

29	Beanie Wells Arizona Cardinals
	This guy still has a lot to prove and did not live up to expectations in 2010.
30	Jonathan Stewart Carolina Panthers

31	BenJarvus Green-ellis New England Patriots

32	Ryan Torain Washington Redskins

33	Marshawn Lynch Seattle Seahawks

34	Mike Tolbert San Diego Chargers

35	Brandon Jacobs New York Giants
	Bradshaw is the clear front runner, but Jacobs will still see carries.
36	Reggie Bush Miami Dolphins
	Although he was on the Superbowl championship team, I can't help but to think of Bush as a special teams player. Personally, we consider him a good fantasy football bye week replacement.
37	Ryan Williams Arizona Cardinals

38	Mike Leshoure Detroit Lions
	Injured himself in trianing camp. Javad Best will be the ball carrier this season.
39	Michael Bush Oakland Raiders

40	Tim Hightower Washington Redskins

41	CJ Spiller Buffalo Bills

42	James Starks Green Bay Packers

43	Pierre Thomas New Orleans Saints

44	Ronnie Brown Philadelphia Eagles
	Mcoy is the clear starter in Philly, but Ronnie Brown should get some work.
45	Ladainian Tomlinson New York Jets
	We see LT taking on a 3rd down back role with the Jets. This year Greene needs to take the load.
46	Roy Helu Washington Redskins

47	Darren Sproles New Orleans Saints
	We never understood why the Chargers didnt pass the torch to Sproles when LT left, but I think the Saints got a real steal. Sproles may be a candidate for a Fantasy Sleeper in 2011.
48	DeMarco Murray Dallas Cowboys

49	Thomas Jones Kansas City Chiefs
	He will be competing with Jamaal Charles for the ball, but is still likely to get his fair share.
50	Donald Brown Indianapolis Colts