A few days ago, I posted my rankings of the top 5 fantasy quarterbacks for 2011. Today, it’s time to rank the running backs.
The list is full of proven veterans, but youngster Arian Foster managed to crack the top 5 after a huge fantasy year in 2010.
Here’s my list of the top five fantasy running backs for 2011. And here’s a look at Fantasy Knuckleheads official top 40 running back rankings.
- Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings – Peterson has been the most consistent fantasy running back of the past few years. Even though Arian Foster had a better year last year, Peterson is a lock to be a great RB this year too. And, now that the Vikings have a tentative agreement to acquire Donovan McNabb from the Washington Redskins, Peterson won’t have to carry the entire load offensively. He’ll have plenty of space to run.
- Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans – Johnson is in the same boat as Peterson. He’s proven that he’s not a one-year wonder, something that Foster will have to prove this year. And, the Titans recently shored up their QB spot as well, signing Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck will be an upgrade and will make the offense more potent, making Johnson more valuable.
- Arian Foster, Houston Texans – Foster certainly has the potential to be the No. 1 fantasy running back again in 2011, but I’m not sold just yet. He’ll certainly have a very strong year, but he won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. Let’s see how he does when defenses game plan for him. I’m not saying don’t draft him, I’m just saying don’t draft him No. 1 overall.
- Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams – Jackson is the do-it-all running back for the St. Louis Rams. He’s always a top 10 fantasy running back, but now that the Rams have a solid QB, he should be even better. If the Rams get a legitimate No. 1 receiver, that’ll be even better news for potential Jackson owners.
- Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars – MJD was awesome last season despite playing through an injury. Imagine how much better he should be this season if he’s at 100%. He’s always a threat to break a long run, and one long run could mean a good week for your fantasy team. If you are picking in the middle of the first round of your draft, grab MJD. You won’t regret it.