Who are the top fantasy RBs for 2010?
Yesterday, I posted a list of my top fantasy QBs for next season. Now, it’s time to tackle the RB position. These rankings are for a high-performance, PPR scoring system. Off we go…
1. Chris Johnson
This year’s reigning OPOY figures to carry the same workload in 2010. He gained over 2500 yards and scored 16 times. Moreover, he played even better with Vince Young under center, so things bode well for next season.
2. Adrian Peterson
It would help if Brett Favre came back for another season, but it’s not a necessity. AP will still be the focal point of the Vikings’ offense.
3. Ray Rice
A great runner in a great running game. He gained more than 2000 yards from scrimmage and caught 78 passes. Money.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew
The Jags’ O-line raises concerns, which is why MJD isn’t higher. If they can get it straightened out, a top 3 finish is very possible.
5. Frank Gore
Finished as 2009′s RB5 even though he missed three games. That’s just it with Gore — he’s just a *little* bit injury prone.
6. Steven Jackson
Missed a game, had no help and still finished RB8. His numbers should improve as the Rams (hopefully) get back to mediocre.
7. Jamaal Charles
He scored 189 fantasy points over the last eight games. Those are RB1 numbers. Charles will be downgraded a bit because he’s a bit of an unknown, but with Charlie Weis taking over the KC offense, the Chiefs should be better on that side of the ball.
8. Michael Turner
Yes, he struggled with injuries. But he scored 140 points in the first eight games. Had he played a full season, he would have finished RB5-RB7. At just 27 (and with his limited work in San Diego), he should have several good years left.
9. Matt Forte
This is where things get really dicey. I could make an argument for 6-8 guys for these last two spots. Forte revealed at the end of the season that he struggled with injuries all year. Is it just an excuse or valid reasoning? Only he knows for sure. He’s the clear RB1 in Chicago and catches a lot of passes. He should bounce back, especially if the Bears’ offense improves.
10. Rashard Mendenhall
Of the remaining contenders, I like Mendenhall the best because Willie Parker will likely be gone, so he should be the clear RB1 in Pittsburgh. He gained almost 1400 yards from scrimmage and scored eight times even though he barely sniffed the ball in the first three games.
Honorable Mention: Joseph Addai, Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant, Pierre Thomas (especially if Bush is gone), DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Ronnie Brown, LaDainian Tomlinson, Knowshon Moreno
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I noticed that you had Jamaal Charles, but no Jerome Harrison… Both players put up similiar numbers through the last four games and both players play for sub-par teams… I don’t believe Harrison is a top ten, but I do believe a honorable mention is called for… Do you not see Mangini utilizing him? I think he will be over worked do to the passing dilema in Cleveland…
I considered Harrison, but I think he’ll be viewed by fantasy owners as a flash in the pan and end up being a fourth round guy. He could be a very valuable guy at that point in the draft. Of course, if the Browns come out and name him their RB1 for next season, it will boost his stock.
Charles’ performance was more impressive because he did it over a longer span. Does that mean that he’ll finish ahead of Harrison next season? No, but he’s more of a known quantity at this point.
Charles’ did have a longer stretch, eight games I believe? I think both are effy… Charles’ because Weis is now his offensive coordinator and poor Walker didn’t get any carries with Quinn around while at Notre Dame… and Harrison because I truly feel that Cleveland is going for a QB and WR in free agency… Defense in the draft…
By the way… I had C. Johnson, R. Rice and D. Brees on my fantasy team this year and still finished 3rd… How bad am I?
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