2010 Top Ten Fantasy Football Running Backs

It’s only May, we haven’t even sniffed training camp yet, but I see no better time to start ranking players.  Here is an early, early list of 2010′s top ten fantasy football running backs.

1.  Chris Johnson

Was this really a shock? After putting up only the sixth ever 2,000 yard rushing season, Chris Johnson has vaulted himself to the top spot, not only on the running back rankings, but the overall rankings. Not only was he the only back to average over 100 yards per game, he was able to put up over 125 yards per game. Not bad for a guy who was splitting carries with LenDale White not too long ago.

2. Adrian Peterson

After Peterson was in Chris Johnson’s position one year ago, he struggled to impress during the year. The overall numbers looked great in 2009, but the lack of 100 yard games and continued fumbling problem dropped his draft status. However, he was second in 20+ yard runs, only behind CJ, and led the entire league in rushing touchdowns. Overall, his outlook is very high, and he should not drop further than #2.

3. Ray Rice

Rice put up a very impressive sophomore season, leading all rushers in receptions and receiving yards, which looms huge in PPR leagues. Rice was also 7th amongst all backs with a 5.3 yard per carry average. Rice finished 2009 second in total yards from scrimmage, only behind Chris Johnson.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew

MJD, finished fourth in the league in total yards from scrimmage, second in rushing touchdowns, and fourth in receptions amongst running backs. Jones-Drew also tied for the second longest touchdown run of the season, showing his big play ability.

5. Steven Jackson

Jackson finished 3rd in the league in rushing yards per game, 7th in total receptions by running backs, and 5th in total yards from scrimmage. The lack of touchdowns hurt, but his Jackson will continue to get his touches, and those numbers could drastically improve.

6. Frank Gore

Gore continues to amass great fantasy stats year after year. In 2009 he was 9th in yards per game, but added to that with great receiving stats (52 catches, 406 yards, 3 TDs). He also scored 10 times on the ground, and was 7th overall in total yards from scrimmage.

7. Cedric Benson

Benson finally found a home in Cincinnati where he is realizing the potential that was seen in him. He is a workhorse in the Bengal backfield, and should continue to get a ton of carries going forward. Benson finished second in rushing yards per game in the league, and had no lost fumbles during the season. His lack of production catching the ball hurts.

8. Jamaal Charles

Charles had a huge end to the 2009 season, scoring at will, and racking up 100 yard games. His explosion from the unknown, had fantasy owners throwing his name around as a top pick. The addition of Thomas Jones hurts his value, as carries are yet to be determined. However, the potential to add great value to your roster is there.

9. Michael Turner

Turner only played in 11 games due to injuries in 2009, but he made the most of those games, hitting paydirt 10 times on the ground, and averaging nearly 5 yards per carry. Turner’s complete inability to be a part of the passing game does really hurt in PPR leagues.

10. DeAngelo Williams

This was tough, because it could have gone to either Panther back. Both Williams and teammate Jonathon Stewart finished with over 1,000 yards and over 5 yards per carry. Stewart had the edge in touchdowns (10 to 7), but Williams caught more balls out of the backfield. The only problem with either pick, is that the other may steal the show on any particular Sunday.

Related posts:

1. Is Jamaal Charles worthy of a top pick?
2. Who’s Number 2?
3. Drafting Running Backs Early
4. Early 2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers
5. 2010 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Outlook