Fantasy Football 101: 2010 Running Back Rankings #21 - 40
The top backs get all the headlines but the depth of this year's running back class should provide team's with the flexibility to fill other needs early on draft day. At the end of the season don't be surprised if one or even two of the backs in the 2nd twenty crack the top ten and a couple more prove to be valuable starters.
(click here to revisit the top 20 running backs)
Tier IV The Hidden Gems
21. Jahvid Best, Detroit - Best reminds coach Jim Schwartz of Chris Johnson but a shaky line and questionable durability (multiple concussions at Cal) give drafters pause much like Johnson two years ago. Will get the Lion's share of the carries due to Kevin Smith's injury but expect Best to be limited to 15-17 touches per game. An underrated #2 back and an ideal #3 back.
22. Matt Forte, Chicago - A year ago, Forte was considered a first rounder, but struggled due to nagging injuries and a porous O-line. While he lacks job security, Forte is the type of all around back who can shine in Mike Martz's offense.
23. Felix Jones, Dallas - When healthy Felix Jones is among the most dangerous runner/receivers in the league but with just 146 carries in two years he is far from a sure thing. He could be this year's Ray Rice but if you draft him to start be sure to have a quality backup.
24. Ronnie Brown, Miami - A talented but injury prone back who keys the Dolphins Wildcat. Brown's the best runner on run first team but his durability question marks make him difficult to count on.
25. CJ Spiller, Buffalo - Spiller was best playmaker in the 2010 draft and on another team (esp. one with a competent offensive line) he would be a top fantasy sleeper. Instead playing for Buffalo a poor offense and possible timeshare has made him a bit of an afterthought. While far from a sure thing, Spiller is capable of taking it the distance on any play and whose rushing/receiving combo could make him the key to Chan Gailey's spread attack.
Tier V: Aging Vets and Upside Plays
26. Marion Barber, Dallas - The shine is clearly off of Barber after nagging injuries have proven he is not a workhorse back. That said, he remains a tremendous goal line back capable of 900 yards and 10+ TDs.
27. Darren McFadden, Oakland - After two years of disappointing results, few will draft McFadden as a starter this season but with a competent quarterback and the departure of Justin Fargas, he has one last chance to reach his potential. Has star potential but needs to beat out Michael Bush to achieve it. A timeshare seems likely but the upside remains tempting.
28. Donald Brown, Indianapolis - Battled injuries as a rookie but look for him to steal carries from Joseph Addai this season. A 50/50 timeshare seems likely with Brown's role increasing as the season progresses.
29. Brandon Jacobs, NY Giants - Jacobs had 15 TDs in 2008 but failed to establish himself as the lead back for the Giants last season. A timeshare with Ahmad Bradshaw appears on the horizon for 2010 which hinders his upside and limits him to the 800-1,000 yard range. Aside from 2008 he has never been the goal line stud you expect for such a big back.
30. Ricky Williams, Miami - Williams was an ageless wonder last season gaining 1,121 yards as the lead back after Ronnie Brown went down. While he is unlikely to reach the 1,000 yard plateau again he has value as a Brown handcuff and number 3 back.
31. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland - A speed back who flashed breakout ability with 561 yards rushing in the final 3 games last season but the drafting of Montario Hardesty in round two makes it look like Harrison will likely end up in a timeshare.
32. Ahmad Bradshaw, NY Giants - Bradshaw enters the season as the Giants #2 back behind Brandon Jacobs but don't be surprised if his playmaking ability allows him to be the more valuable back this season. Scored more touchdowns than Brandon Jacobs last season.
Tier VI: Worth a Look as #3 Backs
33. Fred Jackson, Buffalo - After the drafting of CJ Spiller it is hard to decipher exactly what Jackson's role will be but a 1,000 yard repeat appears unlikely. Expect something along the lines of 700 yards rushing and 300 receiving making him a solid fantasy backup.
34. Michael Bush, Oakland - A bruising back who will battle for carries with Darren McFadden in Oakland. Expect Bush to get the goal line carries and possibly steal the starting job.
35. Reggie Bush, New Orleans - A dangerous playmaker whose value in fantasy is limited due to feast or famine nature. Will struggle to get more than 100 carries but could catch 50+ passes.
36. Thomas Jones, Kansas City - The 32 year old Jones was a fantasy star in 2009 rushing for 1,402 yards and 14 TDs but will likely take a backseat to Jamaal Charles in KC between the 20s but Jones will remain a factor in the red zone.
37. Clinton Portis, Washington - Portis is no longer a workhorse back but could be in line for a bounceback season as he is reunited with Mike Shanahan.
38. Ben Tate, Houston - The Texans currently have a three headed monster at running back but of the three Tate is the best all-around back and his running style is ideally suited for the zone blocking scheme. The Texans did not draft him in the second round to sit him on the bench.
39. Laurence Maroney, New England - Maroney has failed to seize the running back job for the past four seasons and don't expect it to change in 2010. He may lead the team in carries but will struggle to reach 200 carries or 800 yards while providing minimal help in the passing game. Provides depth but the upside is limited.
40 Steve Slaton, Houston - Slaton has potential given his great 2008 season (1,659 total yards and 10 TDs) but his fumblitis and recovery from neck surgery means he will have to prove himself all over again in the Texans unsettled backfield.
Note: NFLDraft101 rankings are based on: 1 point per 25 yards passing, 1 point for per 10 yards rushing/receiving, 6 points per TD (passing, rushing or receiving), 1 point per reception and -2 per interception or lost fumble.
Rankings were done by using the averaging of our staff's individual rankings and were based on a single season not a dynasty league.
Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com. He can be reached at cmaier@nfldraft101.com. Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101