2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

Jul 21, 2011

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Check out the Updated 2011 fantasy football RB rankings here.
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Here’s an updated and expanded look at my 2011 running back rankings.
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1. Arian Foster, Houston Texans: As if leading the NFL in rushing (1616 yards) wasn’t enough, he added 66 catches for 604 yards. Oh, and he had 18 total touchdowns (16 rushing, 2 receiving). He’s the perfect back for Houston’s zone blocking scheme.
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2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings: With a rookie quarterback likely leading the way the focus of the Vikings’ offense will shift back to All Day. He’s ran for at least 1298 yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of his four season.
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3. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs: Charles should get a heavier workload this year, which is scary considering he ran for 1467 yards on 230 carries (6.4 ypc). He is less likely to score a touchdown than the top three, which is why he’s at four, but he’s capable of being the most productive fantasy back in the league.
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4. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans: I actually think he’s number three, but he is a holdout risk. I think the Titans pay him, but until they do I’d rather have Jamaal Charles.
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5. Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers: His tweets can stir up controversy, but when it comes to running the football, the kid is alright. 1273 yards and 11 touchdowns last year and he’ll be just 24 if and when the season starts.
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6. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders: Run DMC finally lived up to the hype, collecting 1664 total yards (1157 rushing) and ten touchdowns (seven rushing) in 13 games. If he can stay healthy, he could rank right up there with the big four.
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7. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens: Rice will probably never be a touchdown guy, but he’s a yardage (and PPR) beast. He’s averaged over 1900 total yards over the past two seasons.
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8. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles: McCoy caught 78 passes for 592 yards and two touchdowns. Those are solid receiving numbers. Don’t forget about the 1080 rushing yards (5.2 ypc) and seven rushing touchdowns. He’ll be just 23.
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9. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons: I still like Turner, but I moved him down a few slots. The Falcons could open it up more this year.
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10. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars: Mojo showed the toughness to battle through injuries last year, but I don’t know if he could be as effective (1641 total yards, seven total touchdown) if his knee acted up again.
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11. Shonn Greene, New York Jets: I know he was supposed to be a beast last year, but LaDainian Tomlinson ran like a kid in the early going. This is the year Shonn puts it all together.
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12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers: When he’s healthy there are only a few backs that can match his production. Unfortunately he’s averaging just 13 games the past two year.
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13. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams: Jackson had just 3.8 yards per carry last year and six touchdowns, but the offense should be improved in Sam Bradford’s second year. I flip-flopped S-Jax and
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14. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers: Stewart had a disappointing season, but the ability is still there. D-Will is likely gone meaning J-Stew could be a beast.
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15. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears: Forte bounced back with 1616 total yards (1069 rushing) and nine touchdowns (six rushing). He’s particularly valuable in PPR leagues.
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16. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants: Bradshaw is said to be healthy. If he stays with the Giants he’s a good bet to put up big numbers again.
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17. LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Blount ran for 1000 yards in just 200 carries. The Bucs could bring in a back to share the load, but until they do he’s a solid RB2.
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18. Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns: I rattled some cages by not having Hillis in my top 15. I have him at 18 though, which isn’t too shabby.
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19. DeAngelo Williams, Free Agent: Where he goes is still unknown. Denver is a likely choice. I can see taking him over Blount and Hillis in that case.
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20. Cedric Benson, Free Agent: Getting arrested prior to getting a new deal done wasn’t smart. That won’t cost him a starting gig though or a big payday. His value and ranking will be determined by where he lands.
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21. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers: Call me a sucker, but I’m willing to give Mathews another shot. Hopefully he can remain healthy this year and deliver on his high expectations.
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22. Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints: First round Rookie running backs have not had a lot of success in recent years (Spiller, Mathews, Best, Moreno, Donald Brown, Beanie), but that doesn’t mean Ingram can’t produce. Pierre Thomas will steal some carries and handle third down duties, but durability is an issue for PT.
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23. Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins: Thomas’ value will be linked to what the Dolphins do in the free agent market. Thomas is a good bet to handle led back duties.
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24. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers: If he’s healthy he should be the starting running back. James Starks earned some touches though.
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25. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks: Lynch doesn’t have much competition for carries. If Reggie Bush reunites with Pete Carroll, it shouldn’t eat into Lynch’s looks too heavily.
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2 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

LestersLegends
July 29th, 2011 at 4:36 am #

Updated RB rankings:
http://lesterslegends.com/2011-updated-fantasy-football-rb-rankings/
GREG
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:21 am #

How can you not have Felix Jones on the list. He’ll probably be the highest scoring RB this year.