Top Ten Fantasy Running Backs 2009

1. Maurice Jones-Drew – With Fred Taylor out MJD will receive more of the workload and he is one of the best receiving backs in the game. Look for some yards to go with all his touchdowns.

2. Adrian Peterson – His mixture of speed and power make him virtually unstoppable. The Viking’s offensive line is superb which will allow Peterson to do much of what he did last year.

3. Michael Turner – Michael “the burner” Turner will have another stellar year with the Falcons and should get similar carries to last year but don’t look for him to have as many breakaway touchdowns as he did last year. Solid pick for a running back.

4. Steven Jackson – Jackson is just too big of a talent to not produce. Jason Smith drafted second overall will help Jackson return to his old form. If Jackson can stay healthy he might be a sleeper in this draft.

5. Ladainian Tomlinson – Tomlinson is getting older and people worry if he is on the decline but I disagree and feel he will have a solid year. Tomlinson is getting less carries then he used to when he was a lock for number 1 running back but still have solid numbers that compare to the other running backs.

6. DeAngelo Williams – Although he splits carries with James Stewart he still managed to produce over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. Can he produce that again while splitting carries? Tough to tell that is why he is in at number 6.

7. Matt Forte – Forte was the heart and soul of the Bears Offense as a rookie. He got plenty of carries in the Bears run first offense. I have him down at 7 because with new quarterback Jay Cutler I am afraid the Bears will throw the ball more.

8. Chris Johnson – Johnson is one of the fastest and most explosive backs out of the backfield. The Titans will look to use him this year much like last year but White takes away a lot of his touchdowns.

9. Frank Gore – The 49ers promised to make the team a run first offense in hopes of returning Gore to his prime year in 2006. Gore is a tough running back and will get more touches than he did last year.

10. Kevin Smith – Detroit is still looking to find its identity and whether Stafford or Culpepper are the quarterback look for them to hand it off to Smith majority of the time. Smith might lead the league in rushing attempts this year but will he produce all star numbers, probably not because defenses will know what’s coming but he will get plenty of chances.