Fantasy Running BacksWe may not spend quite as much time fantasizing about the running backs as we do the quarterbacks. However, any fantasy owner can tell you the top backs rule the fantasy football leagues. They are also a hot commodity as a typical fantasy league requires each owner to play at least two backs as opposed to just one quarterback. So who are the hottest players at this smokin’ position? Check out our top 12 selections:
1) Marshall Faulk: If he is not grinding it out on the ground, he is thrilling us in the air. Since joining the Rams in 1999, Faulk has averaged 2255 total yards and 20 touchdowns per season. This year the Rams’ star-studded offense should continue to roll and Faulk should remain the top fantasy phenom in the league.
2) Ahman Green: This fifth year gem is just starting to hit his stride and has emerged as one of the most productive backs in the league. The Packers’ offense is no longer “The Brett Favre Show”. Green is the centerpiece and will be relied on even more this season as Favre adjusts to his new receivers.
3) Shaun Alexander: Alexander may be a newlywed, but when the season starts the honeymoon will certainly be over for this agile Seahawk. Alexander will be the workhorse of the unit when Seattle hits the field. In just 12 starts last season, Alexander rushed for a whopping 1318 yards and compiled 16 total touchdowns. Imagine the damage he can do in a full season!
4) Ricky Williams: Ricky was a tender 22 years of age when he came to New Orleans as Mike Ditka’s coveted bride. The storybook marriage was not as productive as fantasy owners dreamed, but Ricky appears determined to make his second marriage a happy one. Offensive guru Norv Turner knows how to bring out the best in his backs. The addition of offensive tackle Leon Searcy should also help Williams soar to fantasy stardom.
5) Priest Holmes: Cynics may claim the 2001 rushing champ was a one-year wonder. However, we are expecting big things out of this mighty Chief once again. With the return of Sylvester Morris and the addition of Johnnie Morton, the improved passing game should open things up for Holmes. The signing of OT Willie Roaf will also aid Holmes as he attempts to duplicate his breakout season.
6) LaDainian Tomlinson: Last year in his rookie season Tomlinson was a fantasy stud, despite missing training camp and half of the pre-season. With more practice under his belt, the tough-as-nails sophomore should improve upon his 1236 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. New head coach Marty Schottenheimer has always loved slugging it out on the ground and so look for Tomlinson to carry an even larger load this year.
7) Curtis Martin: We chicks have always had a soft spot for this sexy Jet! Our hearts ached when Parcells stole him away from New England, however Martin never missed a stride. In his seven years in the NFL, Martin has averaged 1658 total yards and over ten touchdowns per season. This boy is not ready to slow down – in fact last season Martin topped over 1500 rushing yards for the first time in his stellar career.
8) Edgerrin James: If we were gambling girls we would have ranked James up in the top three – our female intuition is telling us the Colts will once again have their winning “Edge” back. However, when it comes to fantasy drafting, one must be prudent and we realize it is always a risk picking a player who is coming off a serious knee injury. But that being said, James may be worth a slight reach (especially if you can get Dominic Rhodes as a backup) – in his two healthy seasons James produced 4442 total yards and 35 touchdowns.
9) Corey Dillon: In his first five seasons Dillon has averaged 1242 rushing yards and eight touchdowns per year. These are not bad numbers considering he has been playing for a losing franchise that went 24-56 during this time-span. The Bengals appear to be on the rise this year. The addition of Gus Frerotte should add some consistency to the offense (provided he wins the job!), while rookie Levi Jones should be able to bust more holes for his virile back.
10) Anthony Thomas: We initially resented Chicago’s A-Train for stealing heartthrob Mike Alstott’s nickname. But we must admit – while Alsott has been slowing down, this young man produces the goods! With just ten starts in his rookie season, Thomas produced 1183 rushing yards and seven scores. The Bears want to win their games on the ground and Thomas is just the tough-guy they need to answer the call.
11) Eddie George: It all comes down to a single toe, but we chicks are betting that Eddie will be able to rebound from his disastrous 2001 season, in which he only mustered 939 rushing yards. Prior to last season, Eddie had posted at least 1294 rushing yards every year and his receiving stats were on the rise. George also had ankle surgery in January, however he has been working at full speed and appears ready to hit the turf hard. With blocking fullback Greg Comella on board, Eddie could be back to his old tricks in 2002.
12) Stephen Davis: Coach Spurrier is known for his aerial attacks, however he is not crazy enough to waste a back who ran for 1432 yards last season. Spurrier’s expertise in the passing game may actually help Davis as defenses will no longer be able to get away with stacking the line of scrimmage. Spurrier’s new offense should also result in Davis seeing more passes thrown his way.
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