-Digger's Daily-
Fantasy football coaches often argue running back is the key position for winning. Two healthy star backs can carry a team. In my eyes it boils down to which type of league fantasy owners choose to play. In head to head competition, upper echelon RB's rule the day. In rotisserie style games, this isn't always true. Here's my short list of top NFL RB's based on fantasy scoring. Top 10:
1- Michael Turner (ATL) - MT exploded on the scene is his first year as starting RB. Previously played in shadow of SD's Tomlinson. He'll prove '08 was no fluke (1697 yds, 17 TD). Should be in top 2 or 3 in fantasy scoring in '09. Might challenge for 200 yards. Projection: 1800+ yards, 16+ TD.
2- LaDainian Tomlinson (SD) - 2008 was first time in LT's career below 300 carries. He was a bit banged up and fell victim to coach Norv Turner's pass first offense. Turner is nuts not utilizing one of football's best ever backs. This will change in '09 as LT returns to form. Projection: 1500+, 15+ TD.
3- Adrian Pederson (MIN) - This kid keeps improving. Tagged as games best RB. What hurts AP's production from week to week is lack of a bonified QB in Minnesota. Without a solid QB all D's will continue to key on Pederson. Even with D's formulated to stop his running game he managed 1760 yards in '08. He'll have good weeks and not so good as Vikings struggle to score. Projection: 1600+, 13+ TD.
4- Brandon Jacobs (NYG) - Don't expect Jacobs to challenge for rushing title. Might not even come close. However, he could be top TD producing RB in '09. Giants ball control offense and Jacobs punishing style makes him the go to guy inside oppositions 10 yard line. 15 TD's last year in only 13 games. Projection: 1200+, 18+.
5- DeAngelo Williams (CAR) - Was 2008 a career year or a sign of things to come? Had a tremendous 2nd half last year (8 games, 993 yds, 15 TD's). Part of two headed monster running attack (James Stewart) which scored combined 28 TD's. Might be risky ranking Williams this high as the hotter runner will earn bulk of carries. He deserves benefit of any doubts heading into camp. Projection: 1400+, 15+.
6- Matt Forte (CHI) - Bears fans have been waiting for a solid QB to lead offense. Acquiring scrambling QB Jay Cutler in off season will open up running & passing lanes. Forte will be beneficiary of increased production. 3 and outs killed Chicago last year. 2009 affords Forte his chance for a big 2nd year. Projection: 1400+, 10+.
7- Steven Jackson (STL) - Jackson rushed for his 4th consecutive 1000+ season in only 12 games. Injuries might cause fantasy owners to take pause. Skies the limit if he can play a full season. Might wreck fantasy team chances if injured early on. Projection: 1500+, 10+.
8- Ryan Grant (GB) - Packers need to start feeding Grant the ball inside red zones (only 4 TD in '08). Future is bright in GB with young RB and QB. Should have plenty of opportunities to shine in '09. 1200+, 10+.
9- Clinton Portis (WAS) - My 2nd favorite current NFL RB (Jacob's 1st). Opposing D's have keyed on CP throughout his 5 year Redskin tenure and he keeps producing. Sooner or later, Washington will finally chase after a strong armed QB to give this squad a shot at scoring. Unfortunately, this may not happen until Portis moves on or retires. Strong yardage gainer, not enough shots to score. Projection: 1500+, 8+.
10- Willie Parker (PIT) - Steelers featured back was banged and bruised in '09 missing 5 games. However, he rebounded nicely to help lead Pittsburgh to another title. He's a perfect backfield fit to ball control scheme. Expecting big numbers if he can stay on the field. A big "IF". Projection: 1300+, 10+.
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