Chris Johnson settling his contract dispute has brought a change atop our rankings. Of course, that’s not the only thing that’s different. Let’s take a look at how our rankings currently look:
- Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans
- Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings
- Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Ray Rice – Baltimore Ravens
- Frank Gore – San Francisco 49ers
- Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams
- Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons
- Knowshon Moreno – Denver Broncos
- DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers
- Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers
- Rashard Mendenhall – Pittsburgh Steelers
- LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles
- Jonathan Stewart – Carolina Panthers
- Beanie Wells – Arizona Cardinals
- Cedric Benson – Cincinnati Bengals
- Jamaal Charles – Kansas City Chiefs
- Shonn Greene – New York Jets
- Ryan Matthews – San Diego Chargers
- Pierre Thomas – New Orleans Saints
- Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins
- Matt Forte – Chicago Bears
- Brandon Jacobs – New York Giants
- Felix Jones – Dallas Cowboys
- Clinton Portis – Washington Redskins
- Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts
- Ben Tate – Houston Texans
- Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills
- Jahvid Best – Detroit Lions
- C. J. Spiller – Buffalo Bills
- Justin Forsett – Seattle Seahawks
- Cadillac Williams – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Marion Barber – Dallas Cowboys
- Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders
- Jerome Harrison – Cleveland Browns
- Chester Taylor – Chicago Bears
- Thomas Jones – Kansas City Chiefs
- Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants
- Montario Hardesty – Cleveland Browns
- Ricky Williams – Miami Dolphins
- LaDanian Tomlinson – New York Jets
Thoughts:
- The resolution of Chris Johnson’s contract dispute in Tennessee allows him to leapfrog into the top spot of the rankings. He will be the main cog of the Titans’ offense, with Javon Ringer (who has eight career carries) as his main backup. The Vikings, meanwhile, drafted Toby Gerhart 51st overall. He easily could see some time, especially if Peterson continues to struggle with fumbling problems.
- As of right now there still is a chance that Cedric Benson is suspended a few games due to a recent assault charge. While it doesn’t appear likely, it’s still possible and has to be taken into consideration.
- The talk of the Cardinals utilizing the run more now that Kurt Warner has retired makes Beanie Wells look like a much more attractive option, no?
- Rashard Mendenhall should have a solid start to his 2010 campaign, especially with Ben Roethlisberger out due to suspension. Still, he had just three 100-yard games in 2009, so it’s hard to slot him in the Top 10.
- Does the presence of Thomas Jones hurt Jamaal Charles’ value? I certainly don’t think so, and you can see why by clicking here.
- DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart… While Williams should be ranked higher, check out why I think Stewart has more fantasy value based on his draft spot by clicking here. As a RB2, he’s a tremendous option.
- There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Ryan Mathews, but be cautious. With Darren Sproles as the third down back, Mathews may not contribute much in the passing game. Also, don’t rule out the fullback, Mike Tolbert, vulturing some TDs.
- Clinton Portis appears primed to open the season as the Redskins starter, making him worthy of being a RB2. Of course, with Larry Johnson and Willie Parker on the roster, he’ll likely share carries, but at that point in the daft, everyone has questions.
- Check out why I think Justin Forsett is the running back to own from Seattle by clicking here.
- Would you consider Brandon Jacobs a RB2? I would, and you can find out why by clicking here.
What are your thoughts on these rankings? Who is ranked to high? Who is ranked to low?
Make sure to check out our 2010 rankings:
Also, make sure to check out our recent rookie rankings:
Make sure to check out our baseball site by clicking here.
You’re a bit higher on Knowshon than anyone I’ve seen. What makes him a top 10 back for you over the likes of Deangelo, Beanie and Grant?
Arian Foster? How is he not in the top 40? He is the top RB on a great offensive team and should be playing with a lead and running often. How is he not a top 40 back, as you list many backups on this list…