THE WIZARD’S WORLD OF FANTASY FOOTBALL: TOP 15 RUNNING BACKS FOR 2010

Chad Tate here and I can’t get me enough Fantasy Football.  When one season ends, I’m already scheming on picks and trades to get the collective pot of money from my boys.  I still play in a keeper league with my frat bros from college.  When we started in the days at the U, fifty bucks was our entry.  Now we’re upped it to 2 Grand and one lucky winner walks away with a new car.  It’s probably the only reason their wives let our league go – they want to get out of that Cavalier.  The one I’ve kept them in for a number of years.  Yeah, I’m that good.  But fortunately for EXPO disciples, I’m going to share the Kool-Aid.  Drink up, and get that money.   This week I’m drawing from the psychic network and letting you in on what the future holds.

Note that I’m working off fractional scoring:  10 yds = 1 pt, TD = 6 pts, 1 rec = .5 pts.

1.   Ray Rice, Ravens  – This guy can do everything.  He’s quick, hits the hold and always fights for extra yardage.  Given that the Ravens will bolster their receiving corps beyond Derek Mason, it will be harder to key in on the run game.

2.  Steven Jackson, Rams  – The Rams can’t get much worse, yet S-Jax put up solid numbers.  Odds are he’ll have a veteran quarterback and at least one stud added to the O-line.  The young receivers that showed hints of brilliance will have experience to balance the game.  Look for a big spike in TDs.

3.  Chris Johnson, Titans – There’s no way CJ breaks 2000 all-purpose yards.  He’ll be good, freakishly good, but he’s not getting as many long breakaways as he did this year.  LenDale White may not be around for backup, and that may leave Johnson with less energy and a few more bruises.

4.  Cedric Benson, Bengals – One of the few solo back systems in the league, I expect the former drunk to punish opponents next year.  Expect similar yardage through 16 games, plus touchdown production comparable to his recent hair growth – from wire-like Coolio twists to full on Bob Marley dreads.

5.  Adrian Peterson, Vikings – He’s got the talent to be #1, but he’s got a lot to overcome.  He single-handedly (or no-handedly) kept his team from heading to the SuperBowl by fumbling, and he may not have possibly the greatest QB running the show.

6.  Ryan Grant, Packers – His team’s got offensive talent all around and a winning culture.  I think he’ll be putting up 100 yard games left and right, and he’s got a nose for the end zone.

7.  Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars – This little guy gets it done, but how long can it continue?  That’s why he’s not #2 or #3 like everybody else thinks.  I can’t imagine what he could do behind a real offense.

8.  Knowshon Moreno, Broncos – The Brandon Marshall-less offense will be more dependent on the run game.  Once Correll Buckhalter got bounced, Moreno was able to show off.  With a year under his belt, expect the Broncos to center their offense on this guy and catch a lot of passes.

9.  Michael Turner, Falcons – A year removed from the Curse of 370, and a downward spiraling Matt Ryan, expect a bounce back year from the thick-legged wonder.  The Falcons are ready for a rebound and Turner will barrel through for yardage and touchdowns.

10.  Jerome Harrison, Browns – Only given the chance to shine at year end, he was ridiculous.  Erase Jamal Lewis and consider the Browns historically rush first offense.  Harrison could end 2010 much higher than even I anticipate.

11.  Jamaal Charles, Chiefs – I’m talking about a guy that put up 152 rushing yards and 0 TDs in the first 8 games, only to end it with 1120 and 7 – plus a TD reception.  Give Matt Cassell a full season to work with this newbie and he may crack the top 10.

12.  Beanie Wells, Cardinals – Matt Leinart is no Kurt Warner and Boldin may not be a part of the organization.  Expect Wells to be the centerpiece.

13.  Frank Gore, 49ers – His numbers have been on the rise, but I expect Crabtree to emerge and strengthen air forces with Vernon Davis, resulting in less catches and maybe a few less TDS.

14.  Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers – He’s healthy, and he’s back.  Fortunately, Polamalu will be too.  That translates to less gunfights from behind and more control of the clock.  Think Fast Willie numbers from years past, but more touchdowns.

15.  Matt Forte, Bears – Most fantasy ballers have given up him, but it’s not all his fault.  When your QB, Cutler, throws 26 picks, you lose a lot of chances to get your hands on the ball, let alone score.  I expect him to put up 2008 numbers and fumble a lot less.  He might just be the steal of the draft!

I’m looking forward to this year’s NFL Draft, trades and other shockers that will surely alter the above.  And yes, I’ll have plenty of updates as we approach next season.    Good luck!

Chad

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