Fantasy Football Edition – Top 20 Running Backs

Welcome to another edition of the Fantasy Football Edition.  Last time we broke down what I felt were the top 20 quarterbacks for Fantasy Football.  In this we are breaking down the top 20 running backs.

I know that in most leagues, each team has at least four RBs on their roster due to needing to start two and also having to fill a flex position-- potentially with a RB-- but I am still only giving you the best 20 to use for your fantasy team.

Let's get started:

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings- He came back from major knee surgery and came within eight yards of breaking the single-season rushing record.  Enough said.

2. Arian Foster, Texans- If he stays healthy, he could put up numbers similar to what Peterson did a year ago.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks- Beast Mode is a fantasy godsend. However, his bruising style of play could lead to injuries. Backing him up with his Seahawks backup Robert Turbin is a good idea.

4. Ray Rice, Ravens- Many believe the emergence of Bernard Pierce will diminish Rice's numbers. I think it will make him even better. Bet on, "Hey Diddle diddle, Ray Rice up the middle."

5. Doug Martin, Buccaneers- Small stature scared many people a year ago. Great rookie season proved them wrong.  Simply excited to see what Martin will do this year to surprise us again.

6. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs- Topnotch RB will only get better with the consistent QB play of new addition Alex Smith and the offensive-minded coaching of one Andy Reid.

7. LeSean McCoy, Eagles- It is scary to think what kinds of ridiculous numbers we can possibly see from McCoy in Chip Kelly's offense.

8. Trent Richardson, Browns- If he can remain healthy and Brandon Weeden shows up at QB, he can become a top-rung RB like Peterson, Foster, Lynch.

9. Alfred Morris, Redskins-  A perfect fit for Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.  How does Shanahan keep finding these gems in sixth round of drafts over and over again?

10. Chris Johnson, Titans- A much-improved offensive line and bruiser Shonn Greene to give him a breather, and CJ2k looks to finally have that bounce-back season he has needed since he demanded his huge contract.

11. C.J. Spiller, Bills- Question marks at QB, with his health, his occasional fumbles, and still sharing touches with Fred Jackson knock him down a little on this list.  His explosive play ability still makes a starting option.

12. Stevan Ridley, Patriots-  Ridley would be a definite option top five RB if not for the fact that he has to share the load with so many other RBs in the Patriot's offense.

13. Steven Jackson, Falcons- He may be entering his 30s, but being on a Super Bowl contender will bring new life to those 30-year old legs.

14. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys- If the offensive line improves their run-blocking and cuts down on their penalties and Murray stays healthy for a full season, he will be a steal for some lucky team.

15. Darren Sproles, Saints- Sproles may no longer be capable of running for 1,000 yards, but his receiving ability out of the backfield in the Saints' offense still makes him a great option at the Flex position.  He is a definite boon in PPR leagues.

16. Matt Forte, Bears-  Not very durable, but very consistent when he is healthy.  Still a good option to draft in the middle rounds.

17. Reggie Bush, Lions- Proved in Miami that he can be an every-down back.  Now moves to an offense that will use his skills to perfection.

18. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars- Coming back form the Lisfranc injury and not having consistent QB play make him a question mark.  Overall talent, make him steal.

19.Frank Gore, 49ers- Even at 30, he is a workhorse RB worth having.  The emergence of LaMichael James will only help him stay fresh.

20. Montee Ball, Broncos- TD machine while at Wisconsin, look for Ball to beat out Ronnie Hillman and Knowhson Moreno and put up very nice numbers lining up behind Peyton Manning.

There you have my top 20 RBs. Up next is the wide receivers.