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Reggie Bush and Rudi Johnson are on the rise, while Ronnie Brown is dropping like a rock in the Fantasy Wizard's updated Running Back rankings.
| Running Back Rankings |
| Rank |
Team |
Player |
Rush Yds |
Yards Per Carry |
Receptions |
Rec Yards |
Total TDs |
| 1 |
 |
LaDainian Tomlinson |
1,815 |
5.2 |
56 |
508 |
31 |
|
Tomlinson set the single-season touchdown record a year ago, becoming fantasy football's MVP. Just 28-years-old going into the season, there's no signs of LT slowing down.
|
| 2 |
 |
Steven Jackson |
1,528 |
4.4 |
90 |
806 |
16 |
|
Jackson had a breakout season in 2006, leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage (that's rushing and receiving yards combined). Jackson has had injury problems in the past, but he'll be the focal point of the Rams' powerful offense as long as he's healthy. |
| 3 |
 |
Larry Johnson |
1,789 |
4.3 |
41 |
410 |
19 |
Johnson might be the NFL's most punishing runner, finishing second only to LaDainian Tomlinson in rushing yards and TDs last season. But there are some red flags with LJ. First, his huge workload (an NFL-record 416 carries) could start to weigh on him. Johnson averaged nearly a full yard less per carry last season compared to 2005, and the Chiefs lost an All-Pro offensive lineman for the second straight season (G Will Shields retired). Plus, since LJ held out for most of the preseason because of a contract dispute, he could start slow this season.
|
| 4 |
 |
Shaun Alexander |
896 |
3.6 |
12 |
48 |
7 |
Alexander was either injured or ineffective for most of 2006. But he finished the season strong. Including two playoff games, Alexander rushed for 849 yards and seven TDs in the final seven games of last season. His broken foot should be fully-healed, and Alexander should have another big season in Seattle.
|
| 5 |
 |
Frank Gore |
1,695 |
5.4 |
61 |
485 |
9 |
|
Gore's 2006 season was amazing, especially when you consider that opposing defenses were almost 100 percent focused on stopping him. As long as he's healthy, Gore will carry the San Francisco offense again this season. But beware: Gore suffered major injuries to both his knees while at the University of Miami a couple years back. If his workload gets too heavy, Gore could go down again. |
| 6 |
 |
Joseph Addai |
1,081 |
4.8 |
40 |
325 |
8 |
|
Considering what he did as a back-up last season, Addai should post huge numbers now that he is Indy's starter. With Peyton Manning and the passing game opening up running lanes, Addai should have plenty of 100-yard games this year.
|
| 7 |
 |
Willie Parker |
1,494 | 4.4 | 31 | 222 | 16 |
|
With his speed, Fast Willie Parker just needs a little bit of daylight to break off a big run. He's a threat to rack up 200 rushing yards every week. But Parker can be inconsistent. While he topped 200 rushing yards twice last season, he also was held to less than 30 yards in three games. Also, the Steelers might look to replace Parker with a bigger back when they get close to the goal line. That would mean fewer TDs.
|
| 8 |
 |
Reggie Bush |
565 |
3.6 |
88 |
742 |
9 |
| Bush was better as a receiver than a runner last year, and looked indecisive picking his holes early on. But after averaging a pathetic 2.6 yards per carry in the first half of the season, Bush averaged 4.8 per rush in the final eight games. He'll still have to split time with RB Deuce McAllister, but Bush's big-play ability could make him a fantasy star in 2007. |
| 9 |
 |
Travis Henry |
1,211 |
4.5 |
18 |
78 |
7 |
|
All signs point to Henry becoming the next great Broncos back. He put up big numbers despite missing two games for the Titans last season. And Tennessee's running scheme isn't nearly as effective as Denver's.
|
| 10 |
 |
Brian Westbrook |
1,217 |
5.1 |
77 |
699 |
11 |
| Westbrook would rank higher on this list if he could just stay healthy. In five NFL seasons, he has yet to play in all 16 games in a year. And even when he does play, it seems like Westbrook always has a nagging injury or two. But with his rushing and receiving skills, Westbrook is one of the NFL's most-talented backs.
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