Fantasy Football 101: 2010 Running Back Rankings #41- 60
The depth at the running back position provides several late round sleepers with the Tampa Bay and Seattle backfields providing quality reserve options.
Tier VII: Capable Backups
41. Justin Forsett, Seattle - The departure of Lendale White gives Forsett new life on the Seahawks depth chart. Forsett lacks ideal size and speed but all he has done is play well when given the opportunity. The odds on favorite to be the Seahawks best fantasy back barring a Marshawn Lynch trade. Caught 41 passes in 2009 showing his value in PPR leagues.
42. Darren Sproles, San Diego - Dynamite as a one game fill-in but has never shown he can be more than a 3rd down back over the course of a season. Has value in PPR leagues but the addition of Ryan Mathews could limit his touches to just 3rd down. Best value is as a Mathews handcuff.
43. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay - A disappointment in his first year in Tampa, Ward will compete with Cadillac Williams for the starting job. Expect a timeshare with Ward getting a slight edge due to Williams injury history.
44. Tim Hightower, Arizona - Hightower is clearly the 2nd back in Arizona but the departure of Kurt Warner could lead to a renewed focus on the ground game this season. Hightower is primarily a third down back who could also challenge for goal line carries. He caught 63 passes last season in a similar role.
45. Chester Taylor, Chicago - A perfect fit for Mike Martz's spread the field passing attack, Taylor could steal carries and/or the starting job from Matt Forte. At a minimum he should match his stats in Minnesota which included 44 catches last season.
46. Montario Hardesty, Cleveland - The Browns demonstated their confidence in Jerome Harrison by drafting Hardesty in the second round of this year's draft. A strong runner between the tackles, he is a good complement to Harrison who should earn playing time in a committee backfield this season.
47. Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay - Cadillac enters the season as the Bucs starting running back but given his injury history, the team's shaky passing game and the presence of Derrick Ward it is hard to picture another 800 yard season.
Tier VIII: Deep Sleepers, Goal Line Backs or Past their Prime
48. Larry Johnson, Washington - Johnson has been a shell of his former self the past three seasons but if he can earn playing time he could provide value in Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme.
49. Kevin Smith, Detroit - Recovering from a severe knee injury make's Smith a question mark to start the season but if healthy he could provide value in a committee with Jahvid Best.
50. Leon Washington, Seattle - A dynamic playmaker who could earn a larger than expected in a wide open Seahawks backfield as long as he is healthy. As long as he is 100% he should be no worse than the team's third down back and worth a flyer esp. in PPR leagues.
51. Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo - The addition to of CJ Spiller to the Bills backfield puts Lynch's role and playing in serious question entering this season. He has talent but will likely need a trade to achieve it in 2010. (Seattle is rumored to have interest).
52. Tashard Choice, Dallas - Stuck behind Felix Jones and Marion Barber in the deep Cowboys backfield, Choice has performed well when given the opportunity averaging over 5.0 ypc the past two seasons.
53. LaDainian Tomlinson, NY Jets - Tomlinson was signed to be Shonn Greene's running mate for the Jets but Tomlinson has struggled mightily the past two seasons. If Greene emerges as expected Tomlinson could struggle to get enough playing time to be more than a handcuff.
54. Toby Gerhart, Minnesota - Gerhart is a throwback power runner who will backup Adrian Peterson and possibly carve out a role as a goal line/short yardage back. Primarily a Peterson handcuff.
55. Willis McGahee, Baltimore - McGahee's carries have declined for three straight seasons although he did manage 12 TDs as a goal line back last season. Expect his role to further decrease this season.
56. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta - Norwood has always tantalized with his speed and playmaking ability but back 2 back disappointing seasons make him little more than a late round flyer this year.
57. LeRon McClain, Baltimore - Given Willis McGahee's diminished role, it would not be a surprise if McClain regained his goal line role this season.
58. Correll Buckhalter, Denver - Buckhalter has had his moments throughout his career but the oft-injured veteran's role will likely decrease as long as Knowshon Moreno progresses this season.
59. Bernard Scott, Cincinnati - An exciting playmaker who flashed his ability in two starts last season (averaged 103 yards per game). Look for him earning more carries as a change of pace this season but his fantasy contribution will be limited unless Cedric Benson gets injured.
60. Mike Bell, Philadelphia - Rejuvenated his career in New Orleans last season, Bell will serve as LeSean McCoy insurance and a goal line role for the Eagles this season.
Others receiving votes: Javon Ringer, Glen Coffee, Willie Parker, Julius Jones, Kevin Faulk, Arian Foster, Sammy Morris, Jonathan Dwyer, James Starks
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