2008 Fantasy Football Running Backs

A look at the top RBs in Fantasy Football 2008

In the past few years, the NFL has moved towards a running back by committee system. Many teams are splitting time in the backfield in order to keep backs fresh and help minimize injuries.

Running backs are considered the top position in fantasy football and with most leagues starting three running backs, it is important to make wise choices. Yahoo Sports has added a new wrinkle to their standard point system in points per reception. PPR leagues reward backs that catch passes as well as run the football. This will change the order of draft boards, and it is important to know which leagues are using PPR.

Rankings are based on 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and receiving, and 6 points for a TD. PPR is not a determinant in these rankings but must be considered in leagues that offer it in the scoring system.

Top Tier Fantasy Running Backs

LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook

Tomlinson is a no-brainer for 1st pick in anyone’s draft. Tomlinson runs, catches, and passes for touchdowns. He ran for 1474 yards in 2007 and scored 19 total touchdowns. He also caught 60 balls for 475 yards.

Westbrook didn’t have as much success getting into the endzone, totaling 12 touchdowns and 1333 yards rushing. He caught 90 passes for 771 yards. Westbrook is the only option for McNabb, and with injuries to Philly WRs, Westbrook should get touches comparable to 2007.

Second Tier Fantasy RBs

Adrian Peterson, Stephen Jackson and Joseph Addai

Adrian Peterson enters his sophomore season in the NFL, coming off a 1341-yard season, with 13 total TDs. Peterson doesn’t get as many touches as LT and Westbrook, but he is the most explosive back in the league. Chester Taylor will take away some of his carries, but Peterson is still a top 5 pick.

Stephen Jackson and the Rams are looking to rebound from a shaky 2007 season. Jackson ran for 1002 yards with only 7 total TDs.

Joseph Addai is ready for another big season. The Colts offense compliments Addai’s running style, and Manning’s play-fakes allow Addai the room to operate their stretch plays.

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Third Tier Fantasy RBs

Marion Barber III, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew

Barber and Gore are as sure as it gets. Portis, LJ, and Maurice Jones-Drew are risky. I would stay away from the last three and select a fourth tier running back like Jamal Lewis, or Thomas Jones.

Fourth Tier Fantasy RBs

Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones, Ryan Grant, Marshawn Lynch, Laurence Maroney and Brandon Jacobs

There is good value with all of these selections. Jamal Lewis and Thomas Jones should have big seasons. Lewis is coming off a big year, and Jones should benefit from a talented offensive line and QB Brett Favre. Ryan Grant should see most of the carries in Green Bay, but don’t expect him to duplicate his 2007 season. Maroney and Jacobs are gambles. Jacobs needs to stay healthy, and Maroney needs to prove that he can carry the workload. Marshawn Lynch is ready for a big season, but I can’t see him getting in the endzone all that often.

Fifth Tier Fantasy RBs

Reggie Bush, Edgerrin James, Michael Turner, Earnest Graham, Willie Parker and Selvin Young

Reggie Bush looks ready for a breakout year, but I have to see it first. He must prove that he can run between the tackles, and not just a third down back. His receiving yards will help, and in a PPR league, he gains value.

If Earnest Graham gets the majority of Tampa’s carries he will have another quality season. His goaline success makes him a good selection. Michael Turner has a lot to prove as a primary back. He has all the goods to be a top back in the NFL but only time will tell if he can handle a full load.

Parker and Young both have potential, but goaline situations might go to their backups. Edgerrin James is the Cardinals primary back and is also an option in the passing game. He will be a steal in many drafts because he has been slipping into the late rounds.

Everybody Else

Willis McGahee is having issues with his knee and also came into camp a bit overweight. Coach Harbaugh has already stated that McGahee will be the starter on opening day, but Ray Rice has impressed many with his stellar preseason play. Fred Taylor has stopped aging, and will remain sharing the load with Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jaguars rushing attack has struggled in the preseason, but I wouldn’t worry about that too much. Justin Fargas proved that he can be an NFL starter, and the Raiders know what they are going to get out of him. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will both see time for Miami, dropping their stock.

Rookie Running Backs

Darren McFadden, Matt Forte, Kevin Smith, Ray Rice, Rashard Mendenhall, and Jonathon Stewart

Matt Forte and Kevin Smith are starting for their respective teams with little pressure likely to come along at any point this season. Jonathan Stewart is fighting DeAngelo Williams for the Panthers starting spot. Both have looked good in the pre-season and will likely split carries. Ray Rice and Rashard Mendenhall will both look to take over the starting positions on their teams, but will begin the season as backups. McFadden is an explosive back, but won’t be the only back in Oakland. Many fantasy owners are expecting Adrian Peterson like numbers out of McFadden this season and drafting him accordingly. I see this as a bit of a reach, solid year, but not spectacular.

PPR Studs

With a point for every reception, some running backs will see their stock rise. Top picks LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook and Stephen Jackson will increase the gap between tier one and tier two backs. Brian Westbrook should lead running backs in receptions this year, and with Philly’s lack of skilled receivers, Westbrook could be looking at his second straight 90-catch season.

Other backs that will benefit from PPR leagues are Frank Gore who should flourish in Mike Martz’s offensive. Selvin Young’s stock rises in PPR, as does Reggie Bush. Bush should split time in the backfield, but his receptions make him a much higher draft selection in PPR leagues.

By Andrew Sicard
ProFootball-fans.com Fantasy Football Correspondent