1. LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers
more...
...less
Many people might be considering taking Peterson over LT, but with durability concerns and Chester Taylor’s presence; we just couldn’t pull the trigger. LT is a very proven commodity with 69 TDs scored in the last 3 years combined. We may never see a year like we saw in 2006 again, but LT is certainly capable of putting up stellar numbers. Prediction: 1,500 rush, 425 rec., 19 TDs.
2. Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings
more...
...less
Peterson will single-handedly give you 2 victories this season with games like his record-setting 296 yards against the Chargers. His knee injury is a concern; as he never did quite return to his early season form after the injury. Still, there is too much talent here to let him slip past #2. Not to mention, Minnesota has the second easiest fantasy RB schedule based on last year’s numbers. Prediction: 1,500 yards, 350 rec., 17 TDs.
3. Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams
more...
...less
Jackson owners from last season will be very skeptical of picking Jackson this high as his touchdown numbers dropped from 16 in 2006 to just 6. That being said, Jackson entering his prime at the ripe young age of 25 and he has loads of talent. We predict a nice comeback year for Steven and the Ram’s offense as a whole. Prediction: 1,400 yards, 450 rec., 15 TDs.
4. Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia Eagles
more...
...less
Being an Eagle’s fan, I am always hesitant to select Westbrook. I feel like I am going to jinx him or something. The production is undeniable, especially in PPR leagues with his 90 receptions in 2007. As long as Westbrook is healthy, he will put up some fantasy points. Prediction: 1,275 yards, 625 rec., 10 TDs.
5. Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts
more...
...less
Addai built upon his solid rookie campaign with a stellar first year as the Colt’s full-time starter. This offense is still very potent and Addai will once again be a major contributor. There are some concerns that the Colts might cut down on his carries to keep him healthy the entire season. Prediction: 1,125 yards, 350 rec., 12 TDs.
6. Marion Barber – Dallas Cowboys
more...
...less
We loved Marion Barber when he was sharing the backfield with Julius Jones. Now we love him even more. We realize the Cowboys drafted Felix Jones to share the workload, but we feel that Barber will have a big year. If Barber can near the 250 – 275 carry range, we see no reason why he can’t produce RB1 worthy numbers. Prediction: 1,075 yards, 275 rec., 14 TDs.
7. Marshawn Lynch – Buffalo Bills

more...
...less
Lynch managed to compile 1,115 yards and 7 scores in only 13 games last season. The Bill’s coaching staff has stated that Lynch will be involved in third down packages much more this season, so we think that will translate into a big year. The only downside is that defenses can key on Lynch as he is clearly their best offensive weapon. Prediction: 1,350 yards, 300 rec., 11 TDs.
8. Clinton Portis – Washington Redskins
more...
...less
Portis has shown a new commitment to his off-season regime and appears to be ready to build upon him impressive 2007 showing. Portis is a year removed from his injury and he is in his prime. Portis should have a nice year. Prediction: 1,300 yards, 350 rec., 12 TDs.
9. Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers
more...
...less
This situation is almost a carbon-copy of Steven Jackson’s. 25 years old… big year in 2006… big expectations in 2007… big disappointment. Mike Martz arrives in San Francisco to try and improve this offense and he will make Gore the centerpiece. Look for a nice rebound this season. Prediction: 1,150 yards, 500 rec., 10 TDs.
10. Willis McGahee – Baltimore Ravens
more...
...less
As anticipated, McGahee’s running style fit nicely into Baltimore’s offense last season; although this was one pathetic offense. McGahee’s value received a boost in PPR leagues with his career-best 43 receptions as well. McGahee is in his prime and he is a safe bet to produce solid, although not spectacular, numbers. Prediction: 1,250 yards, 250 rec., 10 TDs.
11. Larry Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs
more...
...less
It appears that Larry Johnson’s best years may be behind him, although he is only one year removed from a 2000+ yard, 19 touchdown year. His yards for carry have dropped from 5.2 in 2006 to 4.3 in 2007 to 3.5 in limited action last season. We do think Johnson is capable of rebounding to RB1 status and he apparently will be fully recovered from his foot injury. Prediction: 1,225 yards, 250 rec., 10 TDs.
12. Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers

more...
...less
Grant was one of fantasy’s big surprises of 2007 as he emerged from a muddled backfield as the Green Bay starter. If Favre is truly out of the picture, the Green Bay offense may suffer a little and we do not expect Grant to post 5.1 yards per rush again this season. In addition, there is a big of a contract dispute going on here. We like Grant, but are a little hesitant. Prediction: 1,150 yards, 175 rec., 10 TDs.
13. Willie Parker – Pittsburgh Steelers

more...
...less
This is a guy we will be targeting as our RB2. Yes, we know Parker only scored 2 TDs in 2007; but he still topped 1,300 yards rushing and he is only a year removed from a 16 TD season. Parker is going to slip through the cracks and this is a RB2 who has potential to put up RB1 numbers. The rookie Mendehnall is in the mix, so Parker could see a reduced role. Prediction: 1,250 yards, 175 rec., 8 TDs.
14. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars
more...
...less
If we would just get the Fred Taylor out the equation, we would propel Jones-Drew to RB1 status. This guy is as explosive as they come and we would love having him as our RB2. Look for a slight improvement upon last season’s numbers and hope the 32 year old Taylor starts to break down a little. Sorry Fred, nothing personal. Prediction: 850 yards, 450 rec., 11 TDs.
15. Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints
more...
...less
Bush was a disappointment in 2007, but he did manage to catch 73 balls in only 12 games. New Orleans still has a potent offense and Bush is the best RB on the squad. Bush is definitely worth a look as a border-line RB1 in PPR leagues and a solid RB2 otherwise. Prediction: 650 yards, 600 rec., 8TDs.
16. Earnest Graham – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
more...
...less
Yet another unknown making a significant fantasy impact in 2007. Tampa Bay rewarded Graham with a 3 year, $10.5 million contract extension. It appears that the starting job is Graham’s to keep. Graham is 28, but should have fresh legs as he only has 274 carries in his career. Prediction: 1,025 yards, 325 rec., 10 TDs.
17. LenDale White – Tennessee Titans
more...
...less
White proved to be a steady, reliable running back last season. You are not going to get any ‘oohs’ or ‘ahhs’ when you announce your draft selection, but you will get consistent production from your RB2. Prediction: 1,200 yards, 125 rec., 9 TDs.
18. Laurence Maroney – New England Patriots
more...
...less
We thought Maroney would emerge as a big-time back last season, but a foot injury and a time-share reduced in a disappointing 2007. Is Maroney the best running back in New England? Probably. Will he muster enough carries to win you a championship in 2008? Maybe. Not a sure bet for your RB2, but there is some upside. Prediction: 975 yards, 200 rec., 8 TDs.
19. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons
more...
...less
Can Turner be a starter in the NFL? Fantasy geeks have been waiting to find out and now we will. We believe the Falcons are a team on the rise and Turner might help them make them ‘Turn’ the corner. This is a riskier pick for you RB2, but they reward could be substantial. Prediction: 1,100 yards, 200 rec., 8 TDs.
20. Selvin Young – Denver Broncos

more...
...less
Travis Henry has been released and the starting job in Denver should be Young’s to lose. Young averaged 5.2 yards per carry in limited action and was effective catching the ball out of the backfield. If Young can impress early on, he may be able to take hold of the starting role and not let go. There is great upside potential here. Prediction: 1,000 yards, 250 rec., 7 TDs.
21. Brandon Jacobs – New York Giants
more...
...less
Jacobs still managed to amass over 1,000 yards despite missing 5 games due to an ankle injury. He wasn’t quite the touchdown machine everyone had predicted, scoring only 4 in 2007. Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to get more carried in 2008, but his off-the-field issues are a potential problem. We still think Jacobs will be the main man and a decent RB2. Note: There are contract issues looming here. Prediction: 1,000 yards, 175 rec., 8 TDs.
22. Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns
more...
...less
Lewis was a nice surprise last season with a combined total of 1,500 yards and 11 TDs. We do not anticipate quite the stellar year in 2008, but we can’t think of any reason why he can’t come close. Jamal has been quoted that he feels “1,400 or 1,500 yards is an understatement” and we hope he is right. Prediction: 1,075 yards, 200 rec., 8 TDs.
23. Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders
more...
...less
The Raiders have a 100 yards rusher, but couldn’t resist drafting the talented McFadden when he slipped to #4. He signed a 6 year, $60 million dollar deal and should supplant himself as the Raider’s starter. The team has a decent enough offensive line to get the job done and we think McFadden’s rookie campaign will be a good one. Prediction: 1050 yards, 225 rec., 7 TDs.
24. Edgerrin James – Arizona Cardinals
more...
...less
James is still a pretty productive back and yet falls to 24th on our list. This shows the depth of talent at the position. You know about what you are going to get with James and it is still good enough to be a low end RB2 or excellent RB3. If you like living on the ‘Edge’, take one of the younger guys with more upside. Prediction: 1,050 yards, 200 rec., 6 TDs.
25. Kevin Smith – Detroit Lions

more...
...less
The Lion’s coaching staff is very high on the rookie from Central Florida. They expect him to get the bulk of the work once the season starts, so we look at him as a potential sleeper. Smith should be able to handle the workload as he had an amazing 450 carries for 2,567 yards last season! Prediction: 975 yards, 300 rec., 7 TDs.
26. Julius Jones – Seattle Seahawks
more...
...less
The Seahawks targeted Jones to be their next starter after Alexander’s departure. We are not sold that Jones will be highly productive this season, but he is a great pick for RB3 with some considerable upside. Prediction: 1000 yards, 200 rec., 6 TDs.
27. Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals
more...
...less
Oh Rudi, what the hell to do with you this year? Johnson was as stable as they come until last season’s disaster. We had him ranked 6th in last year’s guide. Well, we have to assume that his fantasy production is coming to close, but consider taking him as your RB3 and maybe he will surprise you. Prediction: 900 yards, 100 rec., 6 TDs.
28. Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers
more...
...less
Stewart is a big, hard-running back that is primed to take over as the starter for the Panthers. DeAngelo Williams could still compete for the job and Stewart is coming off of toe surgery, so make sure to see how things are going during preseason. Prediction: 900 yards, 200 rec., 6 TDs.
29. Thomas Jones – New York Jets

more...
...less
We are not a big fan and would recommend looking for a RB3 with a little more upside. None-the-less, Jones is the starter and the Jets have made some offensive line improvements. 2 TDs last season and steadily declining production are big concerns here. Prediction: 950 yards, 175 rec., 4 TDs.
30. Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins
more...
...less
Brown’s rehab appears to be on schedule and he could be ready for training camp. Ricky Williams is back in the mix, but we don’t anticipate that being the problem. The problem will be Brown’s health which is a big issue. If he does come back strong, you might catch lightning in a bottle; but don’t bank your season on it. Prediction: 850 yards, 250 rec., 5 TDs.
31. Matt Forte – Chicago Bears

more...
...less
Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner apparently ‘loves Matt Forte’ and thinks he can be an every down back. It sounds like Forte is on his way to becoming the Bear’s starter. Watch the situation as it unfolds and draft Matt as a RB3 with some upside. Prediction: 875 yards, 200 rec., 6 TDs.
32. Fred Taylor – Jacksonville Jaguars
more...
...less
You have to admire Fred Taylor and the career he is putting together. Eventually he has to start to slow down though, right? He did average an amazing 5.4 yards per carry last season. Not a factor in the passing game whatsoever. Prediction: 975 yards, 75 rec., 5 TDs.
33. Chester Taylor – Minnesota Vikings
more...
...less
Even with Adrian Peterson’s presence, Taylor still managed to have a fairly productive season with over 1000 combined yards and 7 TDs. I am sure there will be a few weeks where Taylor can help your fantasy team. The problem is picking which ones. We would strongly recommend for Peterson owners. Prediction: 750 yards, 275 rec., 6 TDs.
34. Justin Fargas – Oakland Raiders
more...
...less
You have to feel for Fargas as he took full advantage of the opportunity last season only for the Raiders to draft McFadden. We still think Fargas will get his fair share of carries, but not enough to help your fantasy team much. Prediction: 775 yards, 150 rec., 4 TDs.
35. DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers
more...
...less
It doesn’t appear that the Panthers want to give Williams the opportunity to start for them. Williams has some big-play talent, but most likely we won’t see it enough to warrant serious fantasy consideration. Stewart should become the starter in Carolina, but see how things are going in the preseason. Prediction: 675 yards, 200 rec., 5 TDs.
36. Kenny Watson – Cincinnati Bengals
more...
...less
This is the kinda player you pick up in the late rounds, especially if you drafted Rudi Johnson. Watson could step in and be a productive back if Rudi doesn’t return strong. Watson had 52 catches, so keep an eye on him if you are in a PPR league. Prediction: 525 yards, 275 rec., 5 TDs.
37. Chris Brown – Houston Texans

more...
...less
We have a hunch that Chris Brown will end up with more carries than Ahman Green this season. That doesn’t mean Brown is going to be a big fantasy producer, though. At least there is some potential here and might be worth a late round flyer. Prediction: 700 yards, 150 rec., 5 TDs.
38. Jerious Norwood – Atlanta Falcons
more...
...less
Everyone was high on Norwood at last year’s draft, but he was never utilized enough to make a big impact. Now that Turner is in the mix, Norwood and his 6.2 career yards per carry will be riding the bench. Not a bad insurance policy for Turner owners though. Prediction: 550 yards, 275 rec., 4 TDs.
39. Felix Jones – Dallas Cowboys
more...
...less
Jones should get his share of carries spelling Marion Barber and could break a few big ones this season. Not a bad idea to pick him up if you drafted Barber. Prediction: 525 yards, 275 rec., 4 TDs.
42. Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants
more...
...less
If his off-field issues do not result in a suspension, we expect Bradshaw to get significantly more work this season. Jacob owners should strongly consider picking up Bradshaw. Prediction: 450 yards, 75 rec., 3 TDs.

Denotes sleeper pick

Denotes a potential bust