By Scott Rogers

In the golden days of fantasy football, nearly every team had that one running back that never seemed to come off the field. OK, maybe it wasn’t the golden age, but still, it would make drafting a lot easier if there were more than 10 or so backs that touched the ball a majority of the time. Alas, we live in a passing age…(get it?).

I thought so.

Presented below are my rankings for the best fantasy RBs in the league. Let’s learn together.

The Kings

1.    Chris Johnson, TEN—2,000 yards in only his second season. 14 touchdowns. 5.6 yards per carry. 11 straight games at the end of the season with at least 100 yards rushing, and in all but three of them he scored a touchdown. So simply, this is a no-brainer. He’s on a team with an intriguing young quarterback, but the Titans are hardly a pass-first team. Last year CJ became the “guy” for his team and arguably the best running back in the league. There are some concerns, however, as no player has ever backed up a 2,000 yard season with another 2,000 yard season. So if 1,500 yards and around 10 touchdowns, plus around 500 yards receiving and a TD or two sounds bad to you, well…you probably don’t know much about football.

2.    Adrian Peterson, MIN—It’s been common among columnists and supposed “experts” to point out AP’s decline last season, but let’s be real. The Vikings finally got a passing attack with the arrival of Brett Favre and copied the blueprint of most other successful teams in the league. You pass to get ahead, and you run to close out the game. In the final seven games of the season, Peterson went through a slump where he didn’t rush for 100 yards once, but he made up for this by scoring a TD in all but two. It’s always good to draft off of talent and AP’s combination of size, speed, strength and instinctive running might make him the most talented back in the league. Feel very good about this pick.

The Elite, or Those Who Carry the Ball A Lot

3.    Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC—Did anyone else even score a TD for Jacksonville last season? The Jaguars are MJD’s team, so he’s going to get a lot of touches and score a lot of TDs. In his four-year career, he’s only scored less than 10 total TDs once, and that was in his second season when Fred Taylor was in beast mode all year. Oh, and MJD scored nine TDs that year. He’s as consistent as they come.

4.    Ray Rice, BAL—Other than Chris Johnson, no one enjoyed a better breakout year than Ray Rice last season. He led all running backs in catches while also putting up 1,339 yards on the ground. The big questions with Rice are 1.) Can he do it again? and 2.) Will his role change with the additions to the Ravens’ roster? These questions will have to go unanswered until the start of the season, but I’ve got a feeling that owners of Mr. Rice will find themselves very happy with this pick.

5.    Michael Turner, ATL—This is my first big leap. If you look around, not a lot of other fantasy writers have him listed this high, but I have a very good feeling about Turner. It is well documented that last season he reported to camp drastically overweight and it affected his game. He lacked the breakaway speed that made him such a threat the year before and subsequently suffered an injury, missing the final five games. This year he has dropped the weight, getting in better shape than he was in his breakout season. A motivated running back only one year removed from almost a 1,700 yd season, and with the talents to repeat it? I’m buying.

6.    Steven Jackson, STL—I really do feel bad for Mr. Jackson. He’s had several great years for mostly terrible teams. I was able to watch him in person for the past couple of years and he truly is a dynamic force at running back. Of course, being on such a terrible team, a team for which he is the only real offensive force, raises some concerns. He took a pounding last year but played through it, putting up 1,416 yards rushing. He only had four scores on the ground though, which is very underwhelming for a player of his stature. Being on the team he was on though, it’s a downright miracle that he scored at all. He’s a superbly talented back, and you could do a lot worse than.

7.    Frank Gore, SF—I don’t like Gore. It’s nothing personal; I’ve just been under whelmed by him since his 2006 season. He’s more of a classic I-form, workhouse back, and this just doesn’t suit the offense which Alex Smith needs to run to succeed. He’s also extremely injury-prone as he hasn’t made it through a full season since that ’06 work of art. If you can, let someone else snap up Gore, but if not, hope he can stay healthy and that the 49ers decide to pound the rock.

The Next Tier

8.    Rashard Mendenhall, PIT—In his first season as the lead back last year, he rushed for 1,108 yards and 7 TDs. He did this all behind a pretty terrible offensive line that rarely allowed him any room at all, too. Yet, he did have the benefit of a great passing game which took some pressure off of him. With the suspension of Roethlisberger, you can bet that Steelers will be looking to run often to begin the year. Doubts, yes, but this could be a very rewarding partnership.

9.    Ryan Grant, GB—He’ll get you the most unspectacular 1,200 yards and 10 TDs of your life. Not much to say about Grant, he’s in a system which plays to his comparatively limited skills and talent wonderfully. Draft him for piece of mind.

10.    DeAngelo Williams, CAR—He was injured off and on last year, but still managed to rush for 1,117 yards and 7 TDs. The Panthers will once again look to run the ball on pretty much every play, especially with either rookie Jimmy Clausen or incumbent starter Matt Moore behind center. He’s got all the talent in the world, the only real concern is whether or not the Panthers fell more in love with Jonathan Stewart at the end of last year. Expect about 100 or so more yards from Williams, with the possibility of fewer TDs.

11.    Cedric Benson, CIN—What is it about Bears position players going elsewhere and flourishing? Benson was the newest chapter in this saga, becoming the heart of the Bengals’ offense. He got in some legal trouble the offseason and he’s a repeat offender, so a four-game suspension isn’t out of the question. Regardless, he’ll still be the workhorse of the Bengals, and he should get enough touches whenever he does play to be worth starting.

12.    Jonathan Stewart, CAR—The other half of the Panthers two-headed 2,000 yard rushing club is a hard man to figure out. With the return of Williams, will Stewart return to being the less dominant back, touches-wise, or will the touches be evenly split? Either way, the Panthers dominant offensive line and the skills of the two backs makes both worthy starters.

13.    Ryan Mathews, SD—Now we’ll finally know, did LT get old or did his offensive line just stink? Mathews is projected by many to be the top rookie running back as he should get the majority of the carries in San Diego. He has all the talent to be a 1,200-yard, 10-TD back, but until he does it he’s an unknown quantity. You might have to reach on him if you really want him, as he’s a hot commodity for many.

14.    Jamaal Charles, KC—If the Chiefs wouldn’t had traded for Thomas Jones, I would have him in my top ten. He’s that good. The only problem is the relative uncertainty going into the season with how the Chiefs plan to use him, as Jones is coming off a 1,400 yard season. In most mock drafts, he’s going somewhere in between the 3rd and 4th rounds, I consider this a steal. The guy averaged 5.9 yards per carry and ended the year with some absolute monster games. Every year there’s one guy who I have a serious man-crush on and Charles is that guy this year. He could be an absolute letdown, but his ceiling is nearly limitless. Follow your gut.

15.    Shonn Greene, NYJ—Here’s another example of an unproven back being drafted very high. Sure, he had a couple great games in the playoffs, but in the regular season, he was basically a non factor. He’s expected to be the No. 1 back in NY, and he has a great line up front for him, but who knows how much the loss of Jones and Alan Faneca will hurt this running game. The Jets are one of the most hyped teams in the league this year, and Greene is one of the most hyped backs as well. Someone will take him earlier than he should go, so be prepared to reach if you really want him.

The Intriguing

16.    Beanie Wells, ARI—Expected to get most of the carries for a team switching to a more run-based game plan with the retirement of Warner.

17.    LeSean McCoy, PHI—Same as Wells, minus the team being more run-based. Will get his chance to shine though as the new Brian Westbrook, though he lacks that level of talent.

18.    Felix Jones, DAL—If he could ever stay healthy, he could be a top ten back. Expected to get more carries, but with such a well balanced Cowboys offense, he is still an unknown going into his 3rd season. Talent is there though to be dominant.

19.    Knowshon Moreno, DEN—Denver likes him a lot, for some reason. Had a pedestrian first year, they’re switching the blocking scheme from zone to man, so he could perform better. I always heard zone was the easiest scheme to run in though…

20.    Joseph Addai, IND—The Colts couldn’t run the ball at all last year and Addai still put up points. I don’t get it.

21.    Brandon Jacobs, NYG—Could have a big bounce back year, or could just get even worse.

22.    Ronnie Brown, MIA—At one point you’ll be in the middle of your draft and notice that Ronnie is sitting there. You’ll be tempted, as we all are for some reason, but just remember the guy is never healthy and has never put up big numbers for a whole season because of it. You’ll take him anyway.

23.    Ricky Williams, MIA—For when Ronnie inevitably falls apart.

24.    Matt Forte, CHI—Was last year a mirage, or is he just not very talented? I’m leaning towards the latter.

25.    Jerome Harrison, CLE—Had some huge games at the end of the year against bad teams when he got more than 30 carries. Risky, but he’s fast.

26.    Jahvid Best, DET—It just feels weird drafting someone from Detroit who doesn’t have the last name of Johnson, doesn’t it? He could be great, but he also plays the Packers and Vikings two times each. Both finished in the top five of run defenses.

27.    C.J. Spiller, BUF—A)Chan Gailey doesn’t use more than one guy. B) He drafted Spiller with the ninth pick in the draft. C) Spiller is freakishly talented. I rest my case.

28.    Clinton Portis, WAS—A bounce back year for one of fantasy’s most consistent veterans? Only if he can beat a couple of washed up running backs in camp. I’m a believer.

29.    Justin Forsett, SEA—He was real good to me last season. He’s real talented. He’ll get the ball.

30.    Michael Bush, OAK—I just feel like the Raiders are so disappointed with McFadden that they’ll give the ball to Bush all the time out of spite.

The Rest

31.    Pierre Thomas, NO—He would be a lot higher if the Saints didn’t split up the workload so much between their backs.
32.    Thomas Jones, KC—Jones’ actual value could shoot up this board during the season depending upon use, but it looks like he’ll be a backup to Charles right now.
33.    Marion Barber, DAL—Has been demoted from started to closer. Can’t stay healthy either.
34.    Steve Slaton, HOU—Regressed by a LOT last year, and it sounds like the Texans aren’t very fond of him as of late.
35.    Donald Brown, IND—The Colts really want him to bring some credibility back to their running game. Very high upside.
36.    Cadillac Williams, TB—Close to 1,000 yards and 8 or so TDs. A bye week starter and little else.
37.    Chester Taylor, CHI—Proved how valuable he was backing up Peterson in Minnesota, could challenge Forte for the starting job at some point in the season.
38.    Darren Sproles, SD—The best third down back in the league, unfortunately he can’t hold up on every down due to size. He has one or two big games every year though.
39.    Jerious Norwood, ATL—Every year the Falcons say they want to get him more involved in the running attack, every year except this one. They never do give him more touches, so hopefully this year the opposite proves true and they actually give him the ball.
40.    Reggie Bush, NO—One of the few “stars” in the league to have never done that much. He’s talented, but he doesn’t see the field enough to start for your team.
41.    Tim Hightower, ARI—When I think of a fantasy vulture, I think of Tim Hightower. He’s not very fast, probably not as strong as you think he is and fumbles a lot.
42.    Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG—probably the better back between him and Jacobs, he’s worth a late round flyer.
43.    Fred Jackson, BUF—I just don’t think he’ll get the touches this year.
44.    Montario Hardesty, CLE—If Harrison falters.
45.    Leon Washington, SEA—Coming off that gruesome leg injury, there’s some uncertainty over whether or not he’ll ever be at full speed again.
46.    LaDainian Tomlinson, NYJ—He’s washed up, I’m 90% sure.
47.    Willis McGahee, BAL—He’ll get those vulture TDs but not much else.
48.    Ben Tate, HOU—Word is that he could actually end up being the starter for the Texans. Keep an eye on this situation.
49.    Laurence Maroney, NE—If he hasn’t done it yet, then he never will.
50.    Correll Buckhalter, DEN—Showed more explosiveness than Moreno at times throughout the season, but his carries fell drastically as the year went on.
51.    Derrick Ward, TB—Signed a big contract last year and has the talent to be a 1,000 yard back.
52.    Bernard Scott, CIN—If Benson misses time, Scott will be a steal.
53.    Kevin Smith, DET—That leg injury limits his appeal, as does his relatively poor production.
54.    Arian Foster, HOU—Once again, who knows which back in Houston will start.
55.    Marshawn Lynch, BUF—Appears to be buried on the depth chart. If traded to a place where he can start then his value with sky rocket.
56.    Rashad Jennings, JAC—Handcuff for the Jag’s do-it-all starter.
57.    Tashard Choice, DAL—He just might be the Cowboys best runner and due to the frequent injuries of the backs ahead of him, will probably start a game or two somewhere down the road.
58.    Joe McKnight, NYJ—Could leap frog Tomlinson for third down touches if the latter proves to be a shell of his former self.
59.    Mike Bell, PHI—Will get some goal line carries and little else. If McCoy struggles could see substantial touches.
60.    Jason Snelling, ATL—Was a killer flier grab for some owners last year, but with a healthy Burner may not see the ball much.
61.    Toby Gerhart, MIN—A handcuff for the center of your team. If you draft AP, then you must take Gerhart late.
62.    Anthony Dixon, SF—Injury concerns with Gore.
63.    Julius Jones, SEA—I really dislike Jones, but for some reason he keeps getting carries.
64.    Javon Ringer, TEN—Handcuff for Johnson. Another must if you draft CJ.
65.    Fred Taylor, NE—The Patriots have to run the ball some of the time, right?
66.    Larry Johnson, WAS—I doubt he’ll win the starting job, but stranger things have happened.
67.    Brian Westbrook, FA—Because it’s just not right not having him on this list.
68.    Maurice Morris, DET—He’ll get the occasional carry. Note the singular.
69.    Sammy Morris, NE—He’s had some good games in the past.
70.    Andre Brown, NYG—If everyone ahead of him really does suck for real, then he’ll be a steal.
71.    Mewelde Moore, PIT—Every time he gets a chance to start he rips it up. For some reason he’s not a starter, though.
72.    Glen Coffee, SF—Had a great preseason last year, and then when Gore went down…nothing.
73.    Willie Parker, WAS—Fast Willie…eh…not so much.
74.    Kevin Faulk, NE—He will catch a big pass or two for a first down a game. Unfortunately making a key play conversion doesn’t translate into fantasy success.
75.    Le’Ron McClain, BAL—They let him touch the ball two years ago.