Top 5 Running Backs going forward (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

Obviously, this is very subjective. With Ronnie Brown going down today, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find a main guy who will get the bulk of the carries, including goal line, and be consistently productive. Here is the top 5 as I see it, throughout the rest of the year:

1. Joseph Addai. There are three high powered passing offenses currently in the NFL: Indy, New England, and Dallas. (Bengals could still become this, but they're not there right now.) All three of these force the defenses to leave their safeties out of the box, which allows more running room. But only Indy has a single dominant RB who takes advantage of this situation. Addai is by no means the most talented runner in the league, but he is talented enough, and he' in the best situation by far. He is also used as a receiver. Count on Addai to be the most consistently high RB for the remainder, so long as he can stay healthy.

2. LT. Still the most talented RB in the NFL. The addition of Chambers means that defenses can no longer cheat with their safeties as much, though River's remains inconsistent as a QB. The whole team seems rejunvenated and may continue the explosion after the bye.

After the top two, there is a significant drop off:

3. ADP. The problem here is not the talent (IMO, second only to LT) but that he is being misued in what remains an RBBC. Peterson should get 65-70% of the carries, minimum, and should be used in the passing game more. But unfortunately this is not happening. It remains an amazing statement about the great ability of this RB that he is so high on this list even given his limited touches.

4. Willie Parker. He gets more carries than anyone, but he's being replaced by Davenport at the goal line. Still, given the topsy turvey league this year, his performances are consistent enough to be on this list.

5. Kevin Jones. I realize most people will consider this a stretch. But consider: he is now the main RB on what is the closest thing to a high powered offense outside of Dallas in the NFC. So the safeties will lay off, and he becomes a poor man's Addai, although with probably more receptions when it' all said and done. This week: 15 carries for 75 yards and a TD, plus 6 receptions for 34 yards. If these numbers remain consistent (and there is every reason to believe they will) then Kevin Jones belongs on this list going forward.

Others under consideration:

Larry Johnson- terrible start, but may be getting into his groove...

Brandon Jacobs- awesome when he's healthy and when he's been the main guy, but it's hard to predict this will continue...

Lawrence Maroney...when he's healthy, and the weather gets colder, the Pats will probably try to pound the ball a lot with him. I expect Maroney will be especially effective during the fantasy playoff weeks...

I'm probably forgetting some folks, so please give your imput whether you agree or not with this list...

 

[delusional]

honestly who knows anymore this season

 

[eagles2007]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

 

[Notinuse]

I don't know, I like LT, Addai, LJ, Westbrook, and Parker, in that order.

...forgot ADP but I'd probably put him at number 5 or 6. If he got all the carries he'd be somewhere between 1 and 3 but Childress is stupid.

 

[LMF]

Where does Brown rank IF he plays next week and was a MINOR injury? Complete speculation.

 

[eom]

slammin' sammy

 

[Jack Burton]

MB3 needs to be mentioned here.

 

[Keys Myaths]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

This was my first thought when seeing the OP.

 

[fsufan]

Where does Brown rank IF he plays next week and was a MINOR injury? Complete speculation.

IF Brown is OK, he should be on a top 5 list. He still is the #1 RB after week 7 in my leagueI would go withLTaddaiBrown- if healthyPetersonWestyMcgahee-if Brown is outreally it is a coin flip

 

[timschochet]

1. You're right, Westbrook was an oversight on my part, he certainly belongs, only question is health. Upon reflection, I would actually put Westbrook at #3 and move everyone else down one spot.

2. If Brown is healthy he deserves to be in the list just below the top 5 with Johnson, Jacobs, etc. But the news I heard didn't sound good, so I left him out.

3. Travis Henry would be high on this list but he looks to be suspended shortly.

 

[pollardsvision]

portis probably needs to be in the discussion

 

[Crusaderfan]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

Exactly. ADP made the list and his coach also is the biggest detriment to him being even more valuable.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Don't know if I really like the Maroney plug. I haven't really seen anything to show me NE has a good running game. I think they rely on the pass way to much tp produce a consistent, point-producing RB. Like you said, things could change when it gets colder, but I don't think it will. Just an opinion though obviously.

 

[PantherPower]

Bush, Portis, Jackson (when he returns) DeAngelo (when Foster finally gets benched) and Gore all need to be considered. Because I own all of them on my fantasy teams.

 

[timschochet]

Don't know if I really like the Maroney plug. I haven't really seen anything to show me NE has a good running game. I think they rely on the pass way to much tp produce a consistent, point-producing RB. Like you said, things could change when it gets colder, but I don't think it will. Just an opinion though obviously.

Right now New England is not really trying to run the ball consistently. However, when they want to, they can, for the same reason that Indy can: the high powered attack keeps the safeties out of the box. Witness Sammy Morris against Cincy. Now Maroney hasn't been right yet, and he probably won't be until after their bye coming up in a few weeks. But after that, the combination of his health and cold weather means to me Maroney is a good bet to explode the rest of the way.

 

[pizzatyme]

LT

Peterson

Addai

LJ

Westbrook

If you live in the upper East Coast, you'd prolly say:

Maroney

Faulk

Morris

Eckle

Barlow

you know, since everything in NE is the best.

 

[shredhead]

Right now New England is not really trying to run the ball consistently.

New England has one goal right now, and no it's not the superbowl and it's not going 16-0. New England's one and only goal right now is to have Tom Brady Break Peyton Manning's 49 TD record. The Patriots will not have a consistant RB fantasy wise until that record is broken. The Patriot RB's may get some yards, but they will get minimal TD's

 

[Bender]

Right now New England is not really trying to run the ball consistently.

New England has one goal right now, and no it's not the superbowl and it's not going 16-0. New England's one and only goal right now is to have Tom Brady Break Peyton Manning's 49 TD record. The Patriots will not have a consistant RB fantasy wise until that record is broken. The Patriot RB's may get some yards, but they will get minimal TD's

New England's one goal is to obliterate everything and anything in its path as retribution for the cameragate thing. It's basically like watching a BCS team at this point...it looks like they're playing pushovers, and they'll run it up on anyone. And I can't imagine what they'll do to the Jets at this point later on in the season.

 

[MCguidance]

sjax if healthy

 

[maxwell1295]

Right now New England is not really trying to run the ball consistently.

New England has one goal right now, and no it's not the superbowl and it's not going 16-0. New England's one and only goal right now is to have Tom Brady Break Peyton Manning's 49 TD record. The Patriots will not have a consistant RB fantasy wise until that record is broken. The Patriot RB's may get some yards, but they will get minimal TD's

New England's one goal is to obliterate everything and anything in its path as retribution for the cameragate thing. It's basically like watching a BCS team at this point...it looks like they're playing pushovers, and they'll run it up on anyone. And I can't imagine what they'll do to the Jets at this point later on in the season.

And this comes from a Jets fan...

 

[zamboni]

Right now New England is not really trying to run the ball consistently.

New England has one goal right now, and no it's not the superbowl and it's not going 16-0. New England's one and only goal right now is to have Tom Brady Break Peyton Manning's 49 TD record. The Patriots will not have a consistant RB fantasy wise until that record is broken. The Patriot RB's may get some yards, but they will get minimal TD's

New England's one goal is to obliterate everything and anything in its path as retribution for the cameragate thing.

No doubt - but no doubt the Brady TD issue is a big goal - especially since it was Manning and the Colts who finally bounced the Pats out of the playoffs. The fact that Brady came back in to throw that last TD to Welker was a pretty clear intent that Belicheck wants that TD record.

 

[The Jerk]

Travis Henry would be high

That's all you needed to say right there.

 

[MCguidance]

Travis Henry would be high

That's all you needed to say right there.

Correction: Travis Henry IS high.

 

[zamboni]

sjax if healthy

The Rams are playing from behind early and often, so it's hard to see Jackson getting enough carries.

 

[the spanker]

I think Reggie Bush might have something to say about your rankings and not being mentioned

 

[southeastjerome]

I think Reggie Bush might have something to say about your rankings and not being mentioned

:X Especially in PPR leagues. Not as sure if he's top 5 in standard leagues.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Why is Willie Parker on this list?

 

[the spanker]

Well the original post did mention Addai and KJ's skills as a receiver so how can you not give any love to Reggie Bush?

He belongs on the list without a doubt.

 

[shims3]

Well the original post did mention Addai and KJ's skills as a receiver so how can you not give any love to Reggie Bush? He belongs on the list without a doubt.

I agree. How do you guys rank KJ and Bush going forward? Who has more value?

 

[lion_crazz]

Wow, a lot of absurdity on this list.

Top 5:

LT

LJ

Westbrook

Addai

Parker

Close to the top are the next three.

Bush - Saints will be passing the ball much more because the defense can shut down Bush (without having to guard against McCallister. Bush will only be productive catching the ball.

Peterson - As long as there is no QB to move the ball down the field, Peterson will be limited. Against a bad defense, he will be able to take control. Against a good D, he will have a game like yesterday.

Brown (if healthy) - The Dolphins are going nowhere fast .

Should not be considered:

Kevin Jones - The Lions are a passing team. Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, and Shaun McDonald are enough to throw at. Kevin Jones is not Marshall Faulk.

Laurence Maroney - As stated, this year, New England is a passing team. Running the ball is the fifth or sixth priority on the list, after Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and the tightend of the week get their touchdown passes or two.

Steven Jackson - The Rams will be playing from behind and there is no offensive line to block for Jackson. Though he is dynamic, he will not be at full health for a while anyway.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I play in all PPR leagues

My top 10 RBs for 2008

LT will be #1 again next season

Addai

ADP (if hes named full-time starter)

Bush

Portis

Westy

LJ

SJax

Brown (if it is the ACL... then I don't know)

Parker (no GLs)

 

[FF Thinker]

Why is Willie Parker on this list?

I have to agree and I am a Parker owner. I love his consistency but without TDs he isn't going to be anywhere near the top 5. Everyone talks about their schedule but last night was supposed to be as easy as it gets. He was good but not great/top 5.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Why is Willie Parker on this list?

I have to agree and I am a Parker owner. I love his consistency but without TDs he isn't going to be anywhere near the top 5. Everyone talks about their schedule but last night was supposed to be as easy as it gets. He was good but not great/top 5.

because hes not hurt... unlike every other 1st round RB taken this yr...

 

[the spanker]

I play in all PPR leaguesMy top 10 RBs for 2008LT will be #1 again next seasonAddaiADP (if hes named full-time starter)BushPortisWestyLJSJaxBrown (if it is the ACL... then I don't know)Parker (no GLs)

I believe the title said top 5 RBs for the rest of the 07 season

 

[the spanker]

Why is Willie Parker on this list?

I have to agree and I am a Parker owner. I love his consistency but without TDs he isn't going to be anywhere near the top 5. Everyone talks about their schedule but last night was supposed to be as easy as it gets. He was good but not great/top 5.

because hes not hurt... unlike every other 1st round RB taken this yr...

Parker still isn't top 5LTAddaiLJWestyBush or KJ

 

[the spanker]

Travis Henry would be high

That's all you needed to say right there.

 

[new-guru]

Obviously, this is very subjective. With Ronnie Brown going down today, it becomes increasingly more difficult to find a main guy who will get the bulk of the carries, including goal line, and be consistently productive. Here is the top 5 as I see it, throughout the rest of the year:1. Joseph Addai. There are three high powered passing offenses currently in the NFL: Indy, New England, and Dallas. (Bengals could still become this, but they're not there right now.) All three of these force the defenses to leave their safeties out of the box, which allows more running room. But only Indy has a single dominant RB who takes advantage of this situation. Addai is by no means the most talented runner in the league, but he is talented enough, and he' in the best situation by far. He is also used as a receiver. Count on Addai to be the most consistently high RB for the remainder, so long as he can stay healthy.2. LT. Still the most talented RB in the NFL. The addition of Chambers means that defenses can no longer cheat with their safeties as much, though River's remains inconsistent as a QB. The whole team seems rejunvenated and may continue the explosion after the bye.After the top two, there is a significant drop off:3. ADP. The problem here is not the talent (IMO, second only to LT) but that he is being misued in what remains an RBBC. Peterson should get 65-70% of the carries, minimum, and should be used in the passing game more. But unfortunately this is not happening. It remains an amazing statement about the great ability of this RB that he is so high on this list even given his limited touches.4. Willie Parker. He gets more carries than anyone, but he's being replaced by Davenport at the goal line. Still, given the topsy turvey league this year, his performances are consistent enough to be on this list.5. Kevin Jones. I realize most people will consider this a stretch. But consider: he is now the main RB on what is the closest thing to a high powered offense outside of Dallas in the NFC. So the safeties will lay off, and he becomes a poor man's Addai, although with probably more receptions when it' all said and done. This week: 15 carries for 75 yards and a TD, plus 6 receptions for 34 yards. If these numbers remain consistent (and there is every reason to believe they will) then Kevin Jones belongs on this list going forward.Others under consideration:Larry Johnson- terrible start, but may be getting into his groove...Brandon Jacobs- awesome when he's healthy and when he's been the main guy, but it's hard to predict this will continue...Lawrence Maroney...when he's healthy, and the weather gets colder, the Pats will probably try to pound the ball a lot with him. I expect Maroney will be especially effective during the fantasy playoff weeks...I'm probably forgetting some folks, so please give your imput whether you agree or not with this list...

The one thing I would change is Willie Parker for LJ. KJ To the guy who said detroit is a passing team only. Did you watch the game? MArtz loves his running backs! KJ might not end up in the top five but I forsee big things ( 100 tot. yds/game and a td)Maroney I highly doubt it! The pats are throwing the ball everywhere. Brady is proving he is the Best QB EVER! No way even in the top ten.Brandon Jacobs - He looked amazing yesterday and with that offense he might get several goal line carries.Gore --- Offense suck

 

[ProBowler88]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

Because he can never stay healthy, I think last year was the first season where he made it through alive.....on life support.When he is healthy, he is great........but he is a risk.

 

[KSB2424]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

When he is healthy, he is great........but he is a risk.

Like other RB's are not. I guess you havn't watched football this year. :cough: Maroney, Jackson, Caddy, Brown, Lewis, Rudi, Green, Addai, ect., ect. :cough:

 

[Judge Smails]

I own Addai and Parker. I will say that while Parker may not get in the end zone as much as anticipated, he still will have monster games (180-200 yards + long TD) that can win weeks all by themselves. So if he's not top 5, he's close. If he has a bad matchup on the road, he's vulnerable (as are most).

Sleeper candidate is MJD. He's one tweaked Taylor hammy away from being top 3 IMO.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

I own Addai and Parker. I will say that while Parker may not get in the end zone as much as anticipated, he still will have monster games (180-200 yards + long TD) that can win weeks all by themselves. So if he's not top 5, he's close. If he has a bad matchup on the road, he's vulnerable (as are most).Sleeper candidate is MJD. He's one tweaked Taylor hammy away from being top 3 IMO.

What long TD?

 

[ProBowler88]

why does brian westbrook always get left off these lists?

When he is healthy, he is great........but he is a risk.

Like other RB's are not. I guess you havn't watched football this year. :cough: Maroney, Jackson, Caddy, Brown, Lewis, Rudi, Green, Addai, ect., ect. :cough:

I have seen plenty of football this season thank you, I have also seen some of those guys you mentioned, Like Rudi Johnson, stay perfectly healthy all season, every season with the exception of course of this season.My point is that Westbrook consistently gets hurt every single damn year, he is a great rb, but he should not be depended upon to carry a fantasy team......if you are then don't be surprised when he is not there for you in the playoff weeks.

 

[Fallerjw]

I own Addai and Parker. I will say that while Parker may not get in the end zone as much as anticipated, he still will have monster games (180-200 yards + long TD) that can win weeks all by themselves. So if he's not top 5, he's close. If he has a bad matchup on the road, he's vulnerable (as are most).Sleeper candidate is MJD. He's one tweaked Taylor hammy away from being top 3 IMO.

What long TD?

 

[KellysHeroes]

rest of the way... PPR

LT2 / Addai / CP / Bush / Parker (hes top 8 right now)

 

[Bodysnatcher]

I don't see why people are using Detroit's great passing attack as a reason why Kevin Jones won't be that good. Detroit's great passing attack IS a huge reason why KJ WILL be great the rest of the year.

 

[buckeye35]

I don't know if he'll be healthy and I don't know if he'll be top 5 the rest of the way, but Jamal Lewis has a pretty sweet schedule the rest of the way and should at least be in the conversation. Unlike most -- and again, IF he's healthy -- he is not going to be sharing a lot of carries.

 

[the spanker]

I own Addai and Parker. I will say that while Parker may not get in the end zone as much as anticipated, he still will have monster games (180-200 yards + long TD) that can win weeks all by themselves. So if he's not top 5, he's close. If he has a bad matchup on the road, he's vulnerable (as are most).Sleeper candidate is MJD. He's one tweaked Taylor hammy away from being top 3 IMO.

Or one aggravated groin pull. I agree with this. I can't see Taylor ever being completely healthy for the remainder of the season.All the negative criticism about MJD being a 2nd round pick. Looks like all he was doing those first few weeks was putting on the last few touches of polish on the train to carry his owners to the CHAMPIONSHIP!

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

1. L. Tomlinson

2. J. Addai

3. L. Johnson

4. A. Peterson

5. C. Portis

 

[Bodysnatcher]

I think that a refreshed and reay Alex Smith returns this week, or the next, and Gore explodes into the top 5.

 

[kd1]

any of you who have mentioned portis in the top 5 havent seen him play this year