Since running backs are so important to fantasy football success it's very possible that the top 8 overall picks will consist entirely of them unless somebody pulls the trigger early on Peyton Manning.
The obvious #1 running back and overall selection in almost every fantasy draft this year will be LaDainian Tomlinson. LT may not score 31 touchdowns again this year but he's still in his prime. Even if he does 75% of what he did last year he's still the best guy to pick at #1.
Steven Jackson has emerged as the second pick in most fantasy football drafts. He ran for over 1500 yards and caught 90 passes for another 806 yards last year. The only difference between him and LT is the amount of end zone visits - Jackson scored 16 times last year. Still, Jackson's only 23 and is one of those guys with huge TD potential. He may also be a better player to have on your team during your fantasy football playoffs than LT as the Rams may be fighting to make the NFL playoffs in the NFC while the Chargers are sittin' pretty at the top of the AFC at the end of the NFL regular season.
The #3 running back is a toss up between Larry Johnson and Frank Gore for most fantasy football managers. Both performed well last year, but there are many who question how they'll do this year. Johnson's going to be running behind a depleted line with an inexperienced QB at the helm so defenses will be gunning for him. There's also the history of running backs who've underperformed in fantasy football the year after carrying the ball over 400 times in a season. Gore has a recent hand injury and a history of injuries from his college days. Still, he's younger and has more upside than Johnson depending on how fast his hand heals.
The questions surrounding Johnson and Gore may bring 2 players with huge potential this season to the forefront - Joseph Addai and Reggie Bush. Addai won't be sharing carries this season in that awesome passing offense the Colts possess. He very well could have a season like Edgerrin James had at his peak in that offense. Reggie Bush didn't gat too many yards per carry (3.6) last season and he still has Deuce McAllister there splitting carries, but he caught 88 passes last year and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. At some point this season he'll get more carries per game. With his athletic ability he's worth a risk if you have a top 5 pick in your fantasy football draft. If he falls to you late in the first round you should grab him and consider yourself lucky.
Shaun Alexander could have a big comeback season or just be another solid running back if he stays healthy, so you can't go wrong selecting him between #6 and #10 in the first round of your fantasy football draft. If he comes back big he could be one of the biggest steals in the first round.
Brian Westbrook and Willie Parker both had nice seasons last year and are solid running backs who should go late in the opening round of your fantasy draft. They both have that 'small for a running back, but could perform like Tiki Barber or Warrick Dunn' thing about them.
Top 8 Fantasy Football Running Backs
#1 - LaDainian Tomlinson
#2 - Steven Jackson
#3 - Larry Johnson
#4 - Joseph Addai
#5 - Reggie Bush
#6 - Frank Gore
#7 - Shaun Alexander
#8 - (tie)Brian Westbrook - Willie Parker
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