BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
http://www.nfl.com/fantasy/story/10241364
It has been said that running backs are the lifeblood of fantasy football, and that will never be more evident than in the first two to three rounds of drafts. Furthermore, the fact that some owners will take chances on reserve runners such as Ladell Betts or Michael Turner before taking starters at other positions means that an in-depth knowledge of all 32 backfields is vital to draft success. With that in mind, here's our look at the current backfield situations and player values for all 32 teams and how they'll affect your fantasy drafts.
Edgerrin James figures to have a better second season in Arizona.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Edgerrin James remains the unquestioned starter in the desert, and owners should expect him to perform better in his second season in red and white behind what should be an improved offensive line. He should be considered a viable No. 2 fantasy runner across the board. Marcel Shipp is second on the depth chart, but he is worth little more than a late-round flier as insurance for James in leagues with 12-plus teams. J.J. Arrington will remain third behind James and Shipp and warrants no real attention in most drafts.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Warrick Dunn will enter this season at the ripe old age of 32, and there's been talk that he could be utilized more on third downs and as a receiver out of the backfield in new head coach Bob Petriino's offense. Dunn is still the favorite to start, but Jerious Norwood is an explosive runner with a lot of sleeper potential who will see more than his share of carries. Dunn might be selected first in drafts, but Norwood won't be too far behind. Rookie Jason Snelling will also be in a more limited role, but he has little value in seasonal formats.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Willis McGahee was traded to Baltimore in the offseason and will replace veteran Jamal Lewis (Browns) as the team's new featured back. The Ravens improved their offensive line through the draft with the addition of Gs Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda, and that's a real positive for the explosive runner. He's a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy back and is worth a second-round selection. Musa Smith and Mike Anderson will battle for the second spot on the depth chart, but neither has draft value outside of leagues with 12-plus teams.
BUFFALO BILLS
Marshawn Lynch is the favorite to open the regular season atop the Bills' depth chart, and the versatile rookie has the tools to be the 2006 version of Joseph Addai. A sleeper/breakout candidate, Lynch is well worth a third-round choice in seasonal drafts and could develop into a terrific No. 2 fantasy runner. Veteran Anthony Thomas will see his share of work and is worth a late-round flier, but his stock falls with Lynch in the mix. Rookie Dwayne Wright could push Thomas, but he has no real value in most drafts at this time.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
DeShaun Foster remains atop the Panthers depth chart at this time, but DeAngelo Williams has drawn far more attention in the world of fantasy football. The former collegiate touchdown machine should thrive in the team's new zone-blocking scheme, but the fact remains that he will share the workload with his veteran teammate. Potential alone will make Williams the more attractive choice -- he could be drafted as soon as the third or fourth round -- while Foster is considered more of a No. 3 or 4 fantasy back with little upside.
CHICAGO BEARS
Cedric Benson will be the new featured back for head coach Lovie Smith after the trade of Thomas Jones (Jets), so his value has risen quite a bit this offseason. The one question about Benson surrounds the fact that he hasn't been able to avoid injuries in his first two seasons, so he could be a bit of a risk. Still, the former Texas standout remains a viable No. 2 fantasy back in all drafts. Adrian Peterson is the favorite to back up Benson and is decent late-round insurance, but rookie Garrett Wolfe is also in the mix as well.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Rudi Johnson has rushed for 1,300-plus yards and 12 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, and he'll continue to be a featured component in the Bengals offense. Owners should consider him an attractive No. 1 fantasy runner and worth a first-round selection. With the status of Chris Perry in serious question, the duo of Kenny Watson and rookie Kenny Irons will serve as the top reserve options out of the backfield. Both will see their share of time on the field, but neither is worth more than a late-round choice in drafts.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Jamal Lewis signed with the team he used to dominate, the Browns, and will be the team's new featured back after the offseason release of Reuben Droughns (Giants). The Browns did improve their offensive line with the addition of G Eric Steinbach and T Joe Thomas, but the offense as a whole still has questions. As a result, Lewis shouldn't be considered more than a low-end No. 2 fantasy runner or flex starter. Jason Wright is the favorite to be the team's No. 2 runner, while Jerome Harrison will be third on the depth chart.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Julius Jones remains the favorite to start for the Cowboys under new head coach Wade Phillips, and he will be motivated to produce in what is a contract year. In fact, Jones could be a nice draft bargain since Marion Barber is considered more valuable. The former Minnesota standout led the NFC in rushing touchdowns last season, but whether he can duplicate that remains to be seen. Barber is considered a low-end No. 2 fantasy back or flex starter, while Jones is a more of a middle-round No. 3 fantasy runner in most formats.
DENVER BRONCOS
Travis Henry signed with the Broncos in March and will serve as the new featured back for head coach Mike Shanahan. Since backs have had a glut of statistical success under Shanahan's watch, Henry will be well worth a first- or second-round selection as a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy runner. Mike Bell, who was the starter for a New York minute in the offseason after the trade of Tatum Bell (Lions), will also see his share of carries behind Henry and is nice middle-to late-round insurance for those owners who land Henry.
DETROIT LIONS
Kevin Jones and the status of his injured foot have the Lions' backfield situation in limbo. Tatum Bell, who was acquired in the Dré Bly deal, is considered the favorite to start at this time, but that could be altered if Jones is available for the start of the regular season. Bell would be as much as a low-end No. 2 fantasy back if he secures the top role, but neither will be better than a No. 3 option if a committee situation arises. T.J. Duckett, who will be utilized as a short-yardage and goal-line runner, is also in the equation for the Lions.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Vernand Morency is the current leader in the battle for the top spot on the Packers depth chart, but rookie Brandon Jackson will be allowed every chance to unseat him in training camp. The former Nebraska runner has similar skill sets to Ahman Green and would be a nice fit for the team's offense, so fantasy football owners should consider him a solid middle-round sleeper candidate. Morency is also worth a middle-round selection, and the eventual winner of this backfield competition could become a terrific draft bargain.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Ahman Green signed with the Texans in the offseason and will serve as the team's new featured back. His age (30), proneness to injuries and a questionable offensive line will hurt his value a bit, but the versatile veteran is still worth a second- or third-round selection as a No. 2 fantasy runner. Ron Dayne, who was solid for owners late last season, is second on the depth chart and nice insurance for owners who land Green. Samkon Gado, Wali Lundy and Chris Taylor will compete for the third spot and have minimal draft value.
Joseph Addai is a favorite among experts to break out in 2007.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Joseph Addai will take over a much more featured role after the departure of Dominic Rhodes (Raiders), not to mention the fact that the Colts haven't added a veteran into the mix. A versatile back who should also see more work as a receiver out of the backfield, Addai is a surefire No. 1 fantasy back and worth a first-round choice. DeDe Dorsey, who attended little-known Lindenwood University in Missouri, is slated to be Addai's immediate backup and is worth a late-round flier in leagues with 12-plus teams.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Fred Taylor will remain the Jaguars starter even after the heroics of Maurice Jones-Drew last season, but the veteran runner will no doubt share the workload. In fact, Taylor, Jones-Drew and Greg Jones will all see work in different sets, which could hurt each of their individual draft value. Jones-Drew will be a viable No. 2 fantasy runner and is worth a second-round selection, Taylor is more of a No. 3 back or flex starter and is worth an early- to middle-round choice, and Jones is more of a late rounder in leagues with 12-plus teams.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Larry Johnson was second on our rank list at the running back position, but the trade of quarterback Trent Green coupled with the loss of G Will Shields and a possible holdout have caused him to fall. No one can question his potential to produce monster numbers, but these issues, plus the NFL-record 416 carries he had last season, are cause for some concern. He should still be a top-five pick, but owners who land him should also consider Michael Bennett or rookie Kolby Smith unless Priest Holmes makes a surprise return.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Ronnie Brown will remain the unquestioned featured back for the Dolphins now that it seems Ricky Williams is no longer in the mix. The one hindrance to his draft value is questions about the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the team's offensive line. Still, Brown remains a surefire second-round selection and an attractive No. 2 fantasy back. Rookie Lorenzo Booker is now second on the depth chart and will serve as a nice third-down back for head coach Cam Cameron. He's also a nice insurance pick for owners who land Brown.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Adrian Peterson might be second on the team's depth chart, but he will be selected ahead of Chester Taylor in numerous seasonal drafts. The talented rookie has a pile of upside as a pro, but the fact remains that both he and Taylor will share the workload so a featured back won't emerge. With little explosiveness in the pass attack, however, the Vikings will run the ball often and use a ball-control offense, so each can still be used as a No. 3 fantasy runner. Mewelde Moore is also in the mix, but his value is limited to points per reception (PPR) formats.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Laurence Maroney is the new featured back in New England after the offseason release of Corey Dillon, so his value has never been higher. Barring setbacks from an offseason surgical procedure on his shoulder, he should be considered in the first or second round as a viable No. 1 fantasy runner. Sammy Morris signed in the offseason to serve in a reserve role, but versatile veteran Kevin Faulk will see most of the work on third downs. Neither is worth more than a late-round flier, but Faulk has added value in PPR formats.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister combined to form one of the most formidable backfield committees in the NFL last season, and head coach Sean Payton is certain to utilize both in a prominent fashion again. Bush will be the first of this duo to be drafted -- somewhere in the first or second round -- and he'll have added value in PPR leagues. McAllister will continue to see more than his share of carries in the offense, but he's more of a No. 2 fantasy runner. Rookie Antonio Pittman might also see some work, but he has little value.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Brandon Jacobs is considered the favorite to replace the retired Tiki Barber as the new starter in the Giants backfield, but there are some questions about to whether he can handle the increased load over a full 16-game season. Still, Jacobs will remain a solid sleeper candidate across the board and is worth a third- or fourth- round selection. Reuben Droughns will also see his share of the work, but he's more of a middle- to late-round choice as a No. 4 or 5 fantasy runner or insurance for owners who land Jacobs.
NEW YORK JETS
Thomas Jones is the new featured back for the Jets, who now have their first legitimate fantasy runner since Curtis Martin. A versatile veteran, Jones is underrated in some circles and is well worth a second- or third-round choice as a No. 2 fantasy back. Leon Washington moves to second on the depth chart and will see time as a third-down back for head coach Eric Mangini, and he will come off the board in the middle rounds. Cedric Houston could see some short-yardage work, but he now has very little draft value.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
LaMont Jordan endured a miserable 2006 season and was considered one of the major disappointments in fantasy football, and now he'll have to battle with Dominic Rhodes for the top spot on the depth chart. In fact, there have been some reports that Rhodes, not Jordan, is the favorite to start. Since head coach Lane Kiffin will use multiple backs, neither Jordan nor Rhodes is worth more than a middle-round selection. Rookie Michael Bush could also be in the mix, but his status remains uncertain as he recovers from a broken leg.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Brian Westbrook had an incredible season in 2006, posting career bests in receptions and rushing yards, so his value is at an all-time high. While injuries are always a concern, Westbrook will be a surefire first-round selection and has added value in PPR leagues. Correll Buckhalter re-signed with the team and will back up Westbrook, so he's a nice insurance selection for owners who land the versatile back. Rookie Tony Hunt has shown some flashes of potential in offseason work, but he's more of a late-round flier or keeper selection.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Fast Willie Parker enjoyed a career season in 2006, and his statistical success has made him a surefire first-round selection across the board. While it could be hard for him to duplicate the 16 total touchdowns he had last season, Parker should still finish with solid numbers in a Steelers offense that will lean on the run. Najeh Davenport is second on the depth chart but could see some competition from Verron Haynes, who is back from an injured knee. Kevan Barlow and John Kuhn will also battle for roster spots in training camp.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
LaDainian Tomlinson is the unquestioned king of the fantasy football mountain and will be the first overall selection in 99.9 percent of seasonal drafts. The talented and versatile Tomlinson will be hard-pressed to duplicate the NFL-record 31 total touchdowns he had last season, but he's still a virtual lock to record 1,800-plus all-purpose yards and 18-plus touchdowns. Michael Turner is fantastic insurance for owners who land L.T., but it could be difficult to secure him since he'll be one of the more coveted backup runners in drafts.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Frank Gore remains the unquestioned featured back for the Niners after a breakout 2006 season that saw him lead the NFC in rushing yards. While the departure of former offensive coordinator Norv Turner is cause for some concern, Gore will still be a top-five selection in countless drafts. Maurice Hicks, Michael Robinson and rookie Thomas Clayton will be in an all-out battle for the second spot on the depth chart, but none of this trio will warrant more than a late-round flier as insurance for Gore in leagues with 12-plus teams
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Shaun Alexander will enter this season at 100 percent and remains one of the more coveted running backs in the world of fantasy football. The one concern is his age -- Alexander will be 30 this summer -- so there is the chance that he could endure a statistical decrease that has hurt the value of other runners his age. Still, he will be one of the first five players selected in most drafts. Maurice Morris remains second on the depth chart and is a decent insurance pick for owners who land Alexander in leagues with 12-plus teams.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Steven Jackson had his best season as a pro in 2006 and is now ranked second on our list of backs due to the potential holdout of Larry Johnson. A versatile athlete, Jackson led his position with 90 receptions last season and has set a goal of 2,500 all-purpose yards (it would be an NFL record) in 2007. Brian Leonard is expected to serve as Jackson's immediate backup, but his value is limited to leagues with 12-plus teams. Travis Minor and Kay-Jay Harris will battle for the third spot, but neither warrants much draft consideration.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Carnell Williams will look to bounce back from a horrid 2006 season, but he'll have to do it behind a young offensive line that will need T Luke Petitgout to return from a broken leg in order to be truly effective. The fact that the Cadillac is a featured back will make him viable No. 2 fantasy runner and worth an early-round selection, but he does come with some real risk issues. Michael Pittman, who caught 47 passes last season, still has plenty left in his tank at age 31 and is a nice late-round selection as insurance for Williams.
TENNESSEE TITANS
LenDale White appeared to be the favorite to start for the Titans, but the team drafted Chris Henry and then added veteran Chris Brown to what could be a three-headed backfield monster. Brown has the most experience and a great work ethic, so he could have the edge headed into training camp. However, head coach Jeff Fisher has stated that this is an open competition, so there's no clear-cut leader for the top spot. Brown and White will warrant middle-round picks, while Henry is considered the sleeper of the bunch.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Clinton Portis endured hand and shoulder surgeries in the offseason, and reports that he had a sore knee have surfaced in recent months. He is expected to be fine for the start of the regular season, however, so Portis will be a viable second-round selection in drafts. The one issue that he faces outside of injuries is the presence of Ladell Betts, who was a statistical beast last season and should see more work in the offense. Betts will be a coveted backup, so owners who land Portis will find it hard to insure him in most cases.
It has been said that running backs are the lifeblood of fantasy football, and that will never be more evident than in the first two to three rounds of drafts. Furthermore, the fact that some owners will take chances on reserve runners such as Ladell Betts or Michael Turner before taking starters at other positions means that an in-depth knowledge of all 32 backfields is vital to draft success. With that in mind, here's our look at the current backfield situations and player values for all 32 teams and how they'll affect your fantasy drafts.
Edgerrin James figures to have a better second season in Arizona.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Edgerrin James remains the unquestioned starter in the desert, and owners should expect him to perform better in his second season in red and white behind what should be an improved offensive line. He should be considered a viable No. 2 fantasy runner across the board. Marcel Shipp is second on the depth chart, but he is worth little more than a late-round flier as insurance for James in leagues with 12-plus teams. J.J. Arrington will remain third behind James and Shipp and warrants no real attention in most drafts.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Warrick Dunn will enter this season at the ripe old age of 32, and there's been talk that he could be utilized more on third downs and as a receiver out of the backfield in new head coach Bob Petriino's offense. Dunn is still the favorite to start, but Jerious Norwood is an explosive runner with a lot of sleeper potential who will see more than his share of carries. Dunn might be selected first in drafts, but Norwood won't be too far behind. Rookie Jason Snelling will also be in a more limited role, but he has little value in seasonal formats.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Willis McGahee was traded to Baltimore in the offseason and will replace veteran Jamal Lewis (Browns) as the team's new featured back. The Ravens improved their offensive line through the draft with the addition of Gs Ben Grubbs and Marshal Yanda, and that's a real positive for the explosive runner. He's a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy back and is worth a second-round selection. Musa Smith and Mike Anderson will battle for the second spot on the depth chart, but neither has draft value outside of leagues with 12-plus teams.
BUFFALO BILLS
Marshawn Lynch is the favorite to open the regular season atop the Bills' depth chart, and the versatile rookie has the tools to be the 2006 version of Joseph Addai. A sleeper/breakout candidate, Lynch is well worth a third-round choice in seasonal drafts and could develop into a terrific No. 2 fantasy runner. Veteran Anthony Thomas will see his share of work and is worth a late-round flier, but his stock falls with Lynch in the mix. Rookie Dwayne Wright could push Thomas, but he has no real value in most drafts at this time.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
DeShaun Foster remains atop the Panthers depth chart at this time, but DeAngelo Williams has drawn far more attention in the world of fantasy football. The former collegiate touchdown machine should thrive in the team's new zone-blocking scheme, but the fact remains that he will share the workload with his veteran teammate. Potential alone will make Williams the more attractive choice -- he could be drafted as soon as the third or fourth round -- while Foster is considered more of a No. 3 or 4 fantasy back with little upside.
CHICAGO BEARS
Cedric Benson will be the new featured back for head coach Lovie Smith after the trade of Thomas Jones (Jets), so his value has risen quite a bit this offseason. The one question about Benson surrounds the fact that he hasn't been able to avoid injuries in his first two seasons, so he could be a bit of a risk. Still, the former Texas standout remains a viable No. 2 fantasy back in all drafts. Adrian Peterson is the favorite to back up Benson and is decent late-round insurance, but rookie Garrett Wolfe is also in the mix as well.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Rudi Johnson has rushed for 1,300-plus yards and 12 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, and he'll continue to be a featured component in the Bengals offense. Owners should consider him an attractive No. 1 fantasy runner and worth a first-round selection. With the status of Chris Perry in serious question, the duo of Kenny Watson and rookie Kenny Irons will serve as the top reserve options out of the backfield. Both will see their share of time on the field, but neither is worth more than a late-round choice in drafts.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Jamal Lewis signed with the team he used to dominate, the Browns, and will be the team's new featured back after the offseason release of Reuben Droughns (Giants). The Browns did improve their offensive line with the addition of G Eric Steinbach and T Joe Thomas, but the offense as a whole still has questions. As a result, Lewis shouldn't be considered more than a low-end No. 2 fantasy runner or flex starter. Jason Wright is the favorite to be the team's No. 2 runner, while Jerome Harrison will be third on the depth chart.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Julius Jones remains the favorite to start for the Cowboys under new head coach Wade Phillips, and he will be motivated to produce in what is a contract year. In fact, Jones could be a nice draft bargain since Marion Barber is considered more valuable. The former Minnesota standout led the NFC in rushing touchdowns last season, but whether he can duplicate that remains to be seen. Barber is considered a low-end No. 2 fantasy back or flex starter, while Jones is a more of a middle-round No. 3 fantasy runner in most formats.
DENVER BRONCOS
Travis Henry signed with the Broncos in March and will serve as the new featured back for head coach Mike Shanahan. Since backs have had a glut of statistical success under Shanahan's watch, Henry will be well worth a first- or second-round selection as a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy runner. Mike Bell, who was the starter for a New York minute in the offseason after the trade of Tatum Bell (Lions), will also see his share of carries behind Henry and is nice middle-to late-round insurance for those owners who land Henry.
DETROIT LIONS
Kevin Jones and the status of his injured foot have the Lions' backfield situation in limbo. Tatum Bell, who was acquired in the Dré Bly deal, is considered the favorite to start at this time, but that could be altered if Jones is available for the start of the regular season. Bell would be as much as a low-end No. 2 fantasy back if he secures the top role, but neither will be better than a No. 3 option if a committee situation arises. T.J. Duckett, who will be utilized as a short-yardage and goal-line runner, is also in the equation for the Lions.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Vernand Morency is the current leader in the battle for the top spot on the Packers depth chart, but rookie Brandon Jackson will be allowed every chance to unseat him in training camp. The former Nebraska runner has similar skill sets to Ahman Green and would be a nice fit for the team's offense, so fantasy football owners should consider him a solid middle-round sleeper candidate. Morency is also worth a middle-round selection, and the eventual winner of this backfield competition could become a terrific draft bargain.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Ahman Green signed with the Texans in the offseason and will serve as the team's new featured back. His age (30), proneness to injuries and a questionable offensive line will hurt his value a bit, but the versatile veteran is still worth a second- or third-round selection as a No. 2 fantasy runner. Ron Dayne, who was solid for owners late last season, is second on the depth chart and nice insurance for owners who land Green. Samkon Gado, Wali Lundy and Chris Taylor will compete for the third spot and have minimal draft value.
Joseph Addai is a favorite among experts to break out in 2007.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Joseph Addai will take over a much more featured role after the departure of Dominic Rhodes (Raiders), not to mention the fact that the Colts haven't added a veteran into the mix. A versatile back who should also see more work as a receiver out of the backfield, Addai is a surefire No. 1 fantasy back and worth a first-round choice. DeDe Dorsey, who attended little-known Lindenwood University in Missouri, is slated to be Addai's immediate backup and is worth a late-round flier in leagues with 12-plus teams.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Fred Taylor will remain the Jaguars starter even after the heroics of Maurice Jones-Drew last season, but the veteran runner will no doubt share the workload. In fact, Taylor, Jones-Drew and Greg Jones will all see work in different sets, which could hurt each of their individual draft value. Jones-Drew will be a viable No. 2 fantasy runner and is worth a second-round selection, Taylor is more of a No. 3 back or flex starter and is worth an early- to middle-round choice, and Jones is more of a late rounder in leagues with 12-plus teams.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Larry Johnson was second on our rank list at the running back position, but the trade of quarterback Trent Green coupled with the loss of G Will Shields and a possible holdout have caused him to fall. No one can question his potential to produce monster numbers, but these issues, plus the NFL-record 416 carries he had last season, are cause for some concern. He should still be a top-five pick, but owners who land him should also consider Michael Bennett or rookie Kolby Smith unless Priest Holmes makes a surprise return.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Ronnie Brown will remain the unquestioned featured back for the Dolphins now that it seems Ricky Williams is no longer in the mix. The one hindrance to his draft value is questions about the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the team's offensive line. Still, Brown remains a surefire second-round selection and an attractive No. 2 fantasy back. Rookie Lorenzo Booker is now second on the depth chart and will serve as a nice third-down back for head coach Cam Cameron. He's also a nice insurance pick for owners who land Brown.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Adrian Peterson might be second on the team's depth chart, but he will be selected ahead of Chester Taylor in numerous seasonal drafts. The talented rookie has a pile of upside as a pro, but the fact remains that both he and Taylor will share the workload so a featured back won't emerge. With little explosiveness in the pass attack, however, the Vikings will run the ball often and use a ball-control offense, so each can still be used as a No. 3 fantasy runner. Mewelde Moore is also in the mix, but his value is limited to points per reception (PPR) formats.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Laurence Maroney is the new featured back in New England after the offseason release of Corey Dillon, so his value has never been higher. Barring setbacks from an offseason surgical procedure on his shoulder, he should be considered in the first or second round as a viable No. 1 fantasy runner. Sammy Morris signed in the offseason to serve in a reserve role, but versatile veteran Kevin Faulk will see most of the work on third downs. Neither is worth more than a late-round flier, but Faulk has added value in PPR formats.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister combined to form one of the most formidable backfield committees in the NFL last season, and head coach Sean Payton is certain to utilize both in a prominent fashion again. Bush will be the first of this duo to be drafted -- somewhere in the first or second round -- and he'll have added value in PPR leagues. McAllister will continue to see more than his share of carries in the offense, but he's more of a No. 2 fantasy runner. Rookie Antonio Pittman might also see some work, but he has little value.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Brandon Jacobs is considered the favorite to replace the retired Tiki Barber as the new starter in the Giants backfield, but there are some questions about to whether he can handle the increased load over a full 16-game season. Still, Jacobs will remain a solid sleeper candidate across the board and is worth a third- or fourth- round selection. Reuben Droughns will also see his share of the work, but he's more of a middle- to late-round choice as a No. 4 or 5 fantasy runner or insurance for owners who land Jacobs.
NEW YORK JETS
Thomas Jones is the new featured back for the Jets, who now have their first legitimate fantasy runner since Curtis Martin. A versatile veteran, Jones is underrated in some circles and is well worth a second- or third-round choice as a No. 2 fantasy back. Leon Washington moves to second on the depth chart and will see time as a third-down back for head coach Eric Mangini, and he will come off the board in the middle rounds. Cedric Houston could see some short-yardage work, but he now has very little draft value.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
LaMont Jordan endured a miserable 2006 season and was considered one of the major disappointments in fantasy football, and now he'll have to battle with Dominic Rhodes for the top spot on the depth chart. In fact, there have been some reports that Rhodes, not Jordan, is the favorite to start. Since head coach Lane Kiffin will use multiple backs, neither Jordan nor Rhodes is worth more than a middle-round selection. Rookie Michael Bush could also be in the mix, but his status remains uncertain as he recovers from a broken leg.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Brian Westbrook had an incredible season in 2006, posting career bests in receptions and rushing yards, so his value is at an all-time high. While injuries are always a concern, Westbrook will be a surefire first-round selection and has added value in PPR leagues. Correll Buckhalter re-signed with the team and will back up Westbrook, so he's a nice insurance selection for owners who land the versatile back. Rookie Tony Hunt has shown some flashes of potential in offseason work, but he's more of a late-round flier or keeper selection.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Fast Willie Parker enjoyed a career season in 2006, and his statistical success has made him a surefire first-round selection across the board. While it could be hard for him to duplicate the 16 total touchdowns he had last season, Parker should still finish with solid numbers in a Steelers offense that will lean on the run. Najeh Davenport is second on the depth chart but could see some competition from Verron Haynes, who is back from an injured knee. Kevan Barlow and John Kuhn will also battle for roster spots in training camp.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
LaDainian Tomlinson is the unquestioned king of the fantasy football mountain and will be the first overall selection in 99.9 percent of seasonal drafts. The talented and versatile Tomlinson will be hard-pressed to duplicate the NFL-record 31 total touchdowns he had last season, but he's still a virtual lock to record 1,800-plus all-purpose yards and 18-plus touchdowns. Michael Turner is fantastic insurance for owners who land L.T., but it could be difficult to secure him since he'll be one of the more coveted backup runners in drafts.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Frank Gore remains the unquestioned featured back for the Niners after a breakout 2006 season that saw him lead the NFC in rushing yards. While the departure of former offensive coordinator Norv Turner is cause for some concern, Gore will still be a top-five selection in countless drafts. Maurice Hicks, Michael Robinson and rookie Thomas Clayton will be in an all-out battle for the second spot on the depth chart, but none of this trio will warrant more than a late-round flier as insurance for Gore in leagues with 12-plus teams
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Shaun Alexander will enter this season at 100 percent and remains one of the more coveted running backs in the world of fantasy football. The one concern is his age -- Alexander will be 30 this summer -- so there is the chance that he could endure a statistical decrease that has hurt the value of other runners his age. Still, he will be one of the first five players selected in most drafts. Maurice Morris remains second on the depth chart and is a decent insurance pick for owners who land Alexander in leagues with 12-plus teams.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Steven Jackson had his best season as a pro in 2006 and is now ranked second on our list of backs due to the potential holdout of Larry Johnson. A versatile athlete, Jackson led his position with 90 receptions last season and has set a goal of 2,500 all-purpose yards (it would be an NFL record) in 2007. Brian Leonard is expected to serve as Jackson's immediate backup, but his value is limited to leagues with 12-plus teams. Travis Minor and Kay-Jay Harris will battle for the third spot, but neither warrants much draft consideration.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Carnell Williams will look to bounce back from a horrid 2006 season, but he'll have to do it behind a young offensive line that will need T Luke Petitgout to return from a broken leg in order to be truly effective. The fact that the Cadillac is a featured back will make him viable No. 2 fantasy runner and worth an early-round selection, but he does come with some real risk issues. Michael Pittman, who caught 47 passes last season, still has plenty left in his tank at age 31 and is a nice late-round selection as insurance for Williams.
TENNESSEE TITANS
LenDale White appeared to be the favorite to start for the Titans, but the team drafted Chris Henry and then added veteran Chris Brown to what could be a three-headed backfield monster. Brown has the most experience and a great work ethic, so he could have the edge headed into training camp. However, head coach Jeff Fisher has stated that this is an open competition, so there's no clear-cut leader for the top spot. Brown and White will warrant middle-round picks, while Henry is considered the sleeper of the bunch.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Clinton Portis endured hand and shoulder surgeries in the offseason, and reports that he had a sore knee have surfaced in recent months. He is expected to be fine for the start of the regular season, however, so Portis will be a viable second-round selection in drafts. The one issue that he faces outside of injuries is the presence of Ladell Betts, who was a statistical beast last season and should see more work in the offense. Betts will be a coveted backup, so owners who land Portis will find it hard to insure him in most cases.
