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2010 Fantasy Football’s Top Ten Running Backs Not Named CJ, AP or MJD

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Ray Rice

1- Ray Rice (BAL) – Without a doubt, the best RB outside of the Big 3 is Ray Ray. In fact, he may have a better year than any of the Big 3.  He’s got a better overall offense than Chris Johnson or Maurice Jones Drew with the addition of Anquan Boldin. The only thing that may hurt him will be the use of Willis McGahee or Le’Ron McClain near the end zone. Either way, Ray Ray is going to put up big numbers and be a fantasy stud.  Especially in PPR leagues where he can gain points catching the ball out of the back field.

2. Michael Turner (ATL) – If you’re drafting late in the first round, Mike Turner may be your blessing. Look for Mike to bounce back and be that “burner” again, despite an injury plagued 2009/10 season. Atlanta has a nice playoff schedule with games in Carolina and Seattle that would look to feature Turner’s running attack. They also have a game versus New Orleans in which if ATL wants to win, they’ll have to keep the ball on the ground and out of Brees’s hands.  I look for “The Burner” to be the Comeback Player of the Year and post 300+carries, 1500+yards, 10+TD’s which all may mean for your fantasy team… CHAMPIONSHIP.

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Cedric Benson

3. Cedric Benson (CIN) – Ochocinco may have been doing a dance when Cincinnati signed Terrell Owens, but I guarantee that Benson was the choreographer. Cedric had a nice 2009/10 season, but look for him to get more red zone opportunities with the addition of TO. Carson Palmer needs to live up to the hype he gained before his knee injury and shake off the elbow injury. This should be a year in which the Bengals offense makes it easier for their great defense. With no other RB behind Benson, look for him to post 300+ carries and be your fantasy stud.

4. Steven Jackson (StL) – Jackson is an interesting player to watch. He has all the tools you want in a running back. He can run, catch, has size and speed, but plays in one of the worst offenses in the league. If the addition of Sam Bradford at the quarterback position pans out, then SJax is primed to have a great fantasy year. He is one of the few every down RB’s in the league without an RB committee around him. After coming off back surgery, will he be able to handle the load? That’s the big question for him and his fantasy owners. **Buyer Beware**

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Frank Gore

5.  Frank Gore (SF) – Gore has been San Francisco’s lone bright spot in their offense for the past four years. He’s one of the few every down RB’s with no back-up threat. If Alex Smith can play up to his first round pick selection, then Gore may have a shot at fantasy stardom. Frank typically has a great first half of the year, but then due to injuries, slumps in the second half.  If he can stay healthy, he may be a steal in the late first or second round for your fantasy squad.

6. Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – Again, playing without a RB committee is a hard thing to find in the NFL now, so Mendenhall is a great option for fantasy owners. PIT is looking to return to their roots by being a smash-mouth, run-defense oriented team again, especially with Ben Roethlisberger on the shelf for at least four to six games. Look for Rashard to have a ton of carries and catches out of the backfield in the first couple of weeks. Mendenhall may get your team off to the start it needs to make the playoffs.   

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Jamaal Charles

7. Jamaal Charles (KC) – Charles had a big second half last year. He was able to post huge numbers with everything from running the rock, catching out of the backfield and kick returns. If your league is a PPR league, then JC may be a great pickup in that KC will most likely be down big pts in the 2nd half of games and rely heavily on the pass to get them back in the game.  I look for JC to post 40-60 catches this year or better and be a great pick me up for your cause.

8. DeAngelo Williams (CAR) – Williams is a great low second round pick up. The only problem for owners is the competition from Jonathan Stewart. If the NFL magically made their stats into one, then we would have the number one pick year in and year out.  Baring injury, Williams has received more carries and is more versatile catching the ball, but Stewart has been the hammer. Stewart has been getting more and more carries late in the year to preserve Williams, so if they’re in the playoff hunt DeAngelo’s stock will drop.  If your staring Williams in the face, hopefully you’ve taken a better QB already.  **Buyer Beware** He’s either gonna give you a big year or be the reason you’re out of the playoffs.

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Ryan Grant

9. Ryan Grant (GB) – The only thing good about Grant is that he plays for a high powered offense and doesn’t have much competition from Brandon Jackson. He seems to only play big in the playoffs (fantasy & NFL). Other than that, he tends go into hibernation because his regular season fantasy numbers don’t match him being the every down back for a great offense. Aaron Rodgers will continue to have a big year, but if Green Bay wants to contend for a championship Grant has to be a bigger part of their offense.  

10. Beanie Wells (ARZ) – Wells is now the man in the desert. Tim Hightower may steal some goal line scores, but look for Beanie to carry the load. Now without Kurt Warner, look for Arizona to feature a more running back friendly offense… if they want to win the NFC West again. 

Outside looking in:

Shonn Greene (NYJ) – With Ladainian Tomlinson looking to steal carries Greene's stock falls and only time will tell how much. Don't get too worried though, Greene is a monster who will put up great numbers by season's end. 

Knowshon Moreno (DEN) – Due to the losses of superstars in Denver, Knowshon will have to carry the load. Barring any injuries, look for him to get points from everywhere out of the backfield.

Ryan Mathews (SD) – This rookie comes in with great hype. Realistically, he plays in a pass first offense with another RB making a ton of money.  I look for him to have some good games, but his overall season to be average or just a little bit above. I wouldn’t make him your first RB, but may be a good situational second.  Check his matchups and he may even be great trade bait for you to get your team over the hump and into your fantasy playoffs.  

Written by Mike Rodriguez exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com. You can email him: Mike(at)TheFantasyFix(dot)com or Follow him on the Twitter account he doesn't use: @FantasyFix_Mike

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