LestersLegends.com

.
Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2013 NFL rookie running back class.
.
1. Montee Ball, Denver Broncos
Ball should assume the starting role in a very potent offense. Peyton Manning has plenty of weapons in the passing game, but he knows the value of a strong running game. Ball ran for a ridiculous 73 touchdowns over the past three seasons. He had 39 combined touchdowns in 2011. Ball should handle the early downs and the goal line work. He should be a solid RB2 with some upside.
.
2. Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
Bernard gives the Bengals a dynamic running back. In two years at North Carolina he averaged 1,240.5 rushing yards, 426 receiving yards, 16.5 total touchdowns and 46 receptions. He’ll have to share the load with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, which limits his 2013 value, but he gives Cincinnati more explosiveness. His versatility should keep Bernard on the field.
.
3. Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
Lacy was expected to be the first running back to come off the board, but some concerns caused him to slide. Green Bay should be a great landing place. He should see plenty of early down carries and in the red zone. He’d likely be ranked higher if the Packers didn’t add Jonathan Franklin as well.
.
4. Le’veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bell should see plenty of opportunities as Pittsburgh struggled to find an answer at running back last year. Bell isn’t an elite talent, but he’s a big back with solid hands. Bell gets a little bump in PPR leagues.
.
5. Johnathan Franklin, Green Bay Packers
The Packers all but ensured they will have a better running attack next year by drafting Lacy and Franklin. Lacy’s presence hurts Franklin’s value, but he should still get his touches. If Lacy’s toe becomes an issue, suddenly Franklin has a ton of appeal.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterbacks
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Wide Receivers
• 2013 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Tight Ends
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

.

.
The NFL Draft is still off in the distance, but what better time to start exploring the 2013 fantasy football running back landscape.
.
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
What more is there to be said about All Day. An injury that could threaten the career of most NFL running backs was shrugged off like a hangnail. All Peterson did was challenge the NFL record with 2097 yards while posting his sixth straight season with double-digit touchdowns.
.
2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster scored 17 touchdowns last year, 15 on the ground. He had 1424 yards rushing and 217 yards receiving. That’s three straight monster years for Foster. He did see a 400-yard drop in receiving yards, which is a slight cause for concern.
.
3. Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
Richardson had 1317 total yards and 12 touchdowns despite dealing with knee, rib, and ankle injuries. If he can stay healthy, I believe he can challenge All Day for the top spot.
.
4. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While I believe Richardson will be even better in 2013, I think Martin takes a small step back. Simply because the 1926 total yards and 12 touchdowns set his bar so high. That said, this dual threat should remain one of the top fantasy backs.
.
5. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
Spiller averaged a ridiculous 6.0 yard per carry. He gained 1703 total yards on 250 touches. He should get closer to the 300 mark, which should put him over 2000 total yards.
.
6. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Lynch doesn’t typically give you the monster games like some of the other elite backs can produce, but he’s about as steady as they come. He had 1786 total yards and 12 touchdowns last year.
.
7. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Lost in Peterson’s incredible season was Jamaal Charles’ similarly impressive return from his own knee injury. At times the Chiefs went away from Charles, but he still managed to produce 1745 total yards. Another season removed from the injury, Charles should be even better in 2013.
.
8. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens may have officially made the transition from Rice being the focal point on offense to Joe Flacco, but Rice isn’t out of the picture just yet. He remains one of the most dynamic running backs in the league with an ability to produce on the ground and in the passing game while having a strong nose for the end zone.
.
9. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Morris is coming off a 1690 total yard, 13 touchdown season, but he does have the stigma of playing for Mike Shanahan. I think that is less of an issue than Robert Griffin III’s health. That and defenses adjusting to the Pistol offense.
.
10. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
2012 was a season to forget for Eagles fans and McCoy owners alike. Shady should be much better in Chip Kelly’s offense.
.
11. David Wilson, New York Giants
Wilson should have the chance to carry the load for the G-Men. He has the tools to breakout in a big way.
.
12. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Mojo’s season was a complete disaster, but he’s still on the right side of 30 (28 in March). I expect him to be the focal point of the Jaguars’ offense once again and a strong bounceback candidate.
.
13. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Johnson was held under 25 yards rushing in four of the first five games, but managed to get back on track. He averaged 92.2 total yards per game. His window is closing (he’ll be 28 in September), but he should still have a couple of good seasons in him.
.
14. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Forte is an impressive talent, and while he is able to play through injuries, how often is he limited by them? He also doesn’t punch the ball in frequently enough to be even a mid-level RB1.
.
15. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is even harder to figure with running backs than Mike Shanahan. Ridley had an impressive 12 touchdowns, but he does little in the passing game to help his yardage total.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2013 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2013 Early Fantasy Football DEF Rankings

.

.
1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
The Baltimore Ravens ranked 20th (122.8 yards per game, 15 rushing touchdowns allowed) in run defense during the regular season. Ray Lewis’ return has helped turn things around defensively, but the continue to struggle against the run. The Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots combined for 128.3 rushing yards per game. They have buckled down when it matters though, as they have not allowed a playoff rushing score. Frank Gore had 1448 total yards and nine touchdowns (eight rushing, one receiving) during the regular season. He had continued to shine during the playoffs, combining for 257 total yards and three touchdowns in wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons. His performances are even more impressive considering the record-setting performance Colin Kaepernick had against the Packers and were playing from behind for most of the NFC Championship game. The Niners have a massive, mauling offensive line, which gives them an edge in the Super Bowl.
.
2. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
It has been a long time since the Super Bowl featured two running backs of this caliber. Rice finished with 1621 total yards and 10 touchdowns. He had 316 total yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Ravens’ three playoff wins. The 49ers finished the year ranked 4th in rushing defense (94.2 yards per game, seven touchdowns). They held the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons to 92.5 yards per game. Even if the Niners slow Rice on the ground, he’s still capable of getting his through the air.
.
3. Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens
Pierce has emerged, averaging 59 total yards per game during the playoffs. He 216 yards in the final two games of the season. He runs with a great deal of power and is a nice complement to Rice’s style. The Ravens have confidence in the rookie and he’ll likely play a solid amount of meaningful snaps.
.
4. LaMichael James, San Francisco 49ers
James is an electric runner that is a great change-of-pace to Gore. That said, he had just 66 total yards in the two playoff wins. Between Gore and Kaepernick, there just isn’t enough to go around for James.
.
5. Anthony Dixon, San Francisco 49ers
Dixon hardly gets any carries, but he is a threat for a short vulture touchdown.
.
.
Also check out:

• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football K Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• Super Bowl XLVII Pick
• Early Fantasy Baseball Rankings

.
.

.
Here are the Lester’s Legends running back rankings for the  the AFC & NFC Conference Championship Games of the 2012-13 NFL Playoffs.
.
1. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
The Atlanta Falcons had the worst run defense (123.2, 16 rushing touchdowns) of the remaining playoff teams. They allowed 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns to a similarly constructed Seattle Seahawks team. Gore ran for 119 yards and a touchdown last week to go with 48 receiving yards. I give him a slight edge over Ray Rice in the top spot.
.
2. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Rice was a workhorse last week, dropping 131 yards and a touchdown on the Denver Broncos. The Ravens will try to give him another heavy workload against the New England Patriots. Rice didn’t catch a pass last week. I expect he’ll be more active this week. Arian Foster had seven receptions last week against the Pats. Baltimore will try to exploit that as well. Rice had 150 total yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with New England.
.
3. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Shane Vereen stole the show with three touchdowns, but Ridley was still the leading runner with 82 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. The Pats mix it up better than anybody, but Ridley has been consistent. The Ravens allowed 122.8 rushing yards per game and 15 scores on the ground.
.
4. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner is easily the starting back that I have the least amount of confidence in despite running for 98 yards on 14 carries against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers have the best run defense (94.2 yards, seven rushing touchdowns) of the playoff teams.
.
5. Shane Vereen, New England Patriots
Vereen scored a trio of touchdowns last week, but Bill Belichick loves to mix and match. It’s hard to imagine that Vereen won’t see double-digit touches, but you never know.
.
6. Jacquizz Rodgers, Atlanta Falcons
Rodgers had a 45-yard run, which made his final numbers look respectable (10 carries, 64 yards), but was pretty much bottled up the rest of the day. It was only his fourth time topping 70 total yards. I don’t have a lot of faith going up against San Francisco’s defense.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Conference Championship NFL Picks

.
Here are the Lester’s Legends running back rankings for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs.
.
1. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
The Atlanta Falcons had the worst run defense of all the remaining playoff teams. They gave up 123.2 yards and a touchdown per game on the ground. Beast Mode has averaged 123 total yards with eight touchdowns in his past six games.
.
2. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster has averaged 170 total yards with four touchdowns in his three career playoff games. Foster was “held” to 85 total yards in the first meeting with the New England Patriots, but he scored a touchdown.
.
3. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
The Denver Broncos have the third-rank run defense, but Ray Rice is more versatile than most backs. If you slow him in the running game, he can still get his in the passing game.
.
4. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
Moreno averaged 110.8 with three touchdowns in the six games in which he assumed the starting gig. The Ravens ranked 20th in run defense, allowing 122.8 yards per game and 15 rushing scores.
.
5. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
The Green Bay Packers had the 17th-ranked run defense, but if you take away Adrian Peterson’s dominance, they were a little more respectable. Gore had a solid season and with Colin Kaepernick making his first playoff start, the Niners will likely lean on the veteran running back.
.
6. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Ridley had 72 yards and a touchdown in Week 14 against the Texans, but that was one of five rushing scores allowed for the league’s seventh-ranked run defense.
.
7. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner scored 11 touchdowns this year, but he is all or nothing. If he doesn’t get in the end zone, he doesn’t provide enough yardage to make up for it. I particularly don’t like him against the Seahawks.
.
8. DuJuan Harris, Green Bay Packers
Harris scored, but only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Ryan Grant took seven carries away and John Kuhn had a short touchdown run to go along with his short touchdown pass. Harris is the most reliable play among the Packers’ running backs, but I’d go elsewhere.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Divisional Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Divisional Round Picks
• 2013 NFL Mock Draft: Top Ten Picks

.
Here are the Lester’s Legends fantasy football running back rankings for the Wild Card Round.
.
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson fell just nine yards short of the NFL record with 2097 yards. The Green Bay Packers rank 17th in run defense, thanks to Peterson’s 409 rushing yards. The Vikings are committed to running the football and they clearly have success against the Pack.
.
2.  Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Beast Mode finished the year off with four straight 100-yard games. The Washington Redskins rank fifth against the run, but they did allow 11 rushing touchdowns.
.
3.  Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Rice was able to get some rest last week. He faces the worst run defense in the NFL Playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts rank 29th in the league with 137.5 rushing yards allowed per game. They also allowed 14 scores on the ground. Rice’s yardage was virtually the same at home as it was on the road, but he scored eight of his 10 touchdowns at M&T Bank Stadium.
.
4.  Arian Foster, Houston Texans
Foster led the NFL with 17 touchdowns. It was his second time in three years leading the league in touchdowns. The Cincinnati Bengals have the 12th ranked run defense, but they did allow 13 rushing touchdowns.
.
5.  Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Morris rallied to finish second in the league in rushing with 1613 yards. He also finished second with 13 rushing touchdowns. The ranking is not a slight on Morris. It just so happens that five of the top six fantasy backs, along with Doug Martin, are playing in the Wild Card Round. Plus, the Seahawks have the 10th ranked run defense. They were also one of five teams to allow eight or fewer rushing scores.
.
6.  Vick Ballard, Indianapolis Colts
Ballard averaged 91.3 total yards in the last four games of the year. The Ravens have the second-worst run defense of the Wild Card teams. They were one of ten teams to have allowed 15 or more rushing scores.
.
7.  BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
The Law Firm is banged up and had a rough finish to the season. He missed the finale with a hamstring injury and had 14 yards on 15 carries in Week 16. The Houston Texans allowed the fewest (five) rushing touchdowns and had the seventh-ranked run defense.
.
8. DuJuan Harris, Green Bay Packers
The Packers turned to Harris in the season finale against the Vikings. He had 70 yards on 14 carries. He also caught a pair of passes for 17 yards. The Vikings rank 11th in run defense and Ryan Grant and/or Alex Green could eat into Harris’ touches depending on how the game unfolds. This is easily the most fluid of the running back situations.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2012-13 Wild Card Round Fantasy Football K Rankings
• 2012-13 NFL Wild Card Round Picks

.
With an exciting 16th week under our belts, here are the LestersLegends 2012 Week 17 fantasy football running back rankings.
.
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
All Day is 102 yards shy of 2000 and 208 yards from the NFL record. The Packers have a mediocre run defense. AP ripped them for 210 yards in the last meeting. My gut says he gets to 2000, but comes up a little short. Prove me wrong AP.
.
2. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills
Spiller had 173 total yards against a solid Miami Dolphins defense. He had 194 total yards and a touchdown in the opener against the New York Jets. He’ll bookend the season by thumping them again. The Jets rank 27th in run defense.
.
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Lynch is averaging 118.6 yards with seven touchdown in his last four games. He dropped 155 total yards and a touchdown on the St. Louis Rams in the first meeting. He’ll pound them again. The Rams are one of four teams to have allowed 17 or more rushing touchdowns.
.
4. Knowshon Moreno, Denver Broncos
Moreno is averaging 140 total yards in his past three games. The Kansas City Chiefs rank 26th against the run. I expect the Broncos to be particularly run-heavy this week to preserve Peyton Manning for the playoffs.
.
5. Arian Foster, Houston Texans
I am a little concerned with Foster’s irregular heartbeat. If he is not limited, he should run wild on the Indianapolis Colts’ 30th-ranked run defense as the Houston Texans try to secure the number one seed in the AFC. Foster had 169 total yards in the first meeting and has averaged 187 total yards with five touchdowns in four career games against the Colts.
.
6. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
CJ is hit or miss, but should on against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had 109 total yards in the first meeting. The Jags rank 31st against the run.
.
7. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles has a tough matchup against the Broncos, but Charles has been on a tear averaging 126.6 total yards in his past seven games. He had 107 yards against Denver in Week 12.
.
8. Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Morris has been the most consistent of the trio of stud rookie running backs. He just keeps on churning. Morris has four touchdowns in his past three games. He’s averaging nearly 100 total yards per game and has 10 touchdowns on the year. Morris had 113 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with the Dallas Cowboys.
.
9. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martin has been the most explosive of the rookie runners, averaging 117.7 total yards on the year. He should finish strong against a Falcons team that has nothing to play for.
.
10. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Rice got a heavy workload (30 touches) last week against the New York Giants and responded with 158 total yards and a score. He finishes with a tough game against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road.
.
11. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys
Murray only received 11 carries last week, but his inclusion in the passing game allowed him to finish with 91 total yards against the New Orleans Saints. He should finish strong against the Redskins.
.
12. Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers
Gore was an afterthought after the Seahawks ran away in Week 16. He should bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals’ 28th-ranked run defense.
.
13. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
McCoy returned with 122 total yards last week against the Redskins. He had 140 total yards in the first meeting with the G-Men. Look for McCoy to finish his disappointing season on a high note.
.
14. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals
The Steelers shut down The Law Firm, but he should be back in business against the Ravens. They rank 24th against the run. BJGE ran for 91 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting.
.
15. Shonn Greene, New York Jets
Greene has three touchdowns in his past three games. He ran for 94 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with Buffalo. The Bills rank dead last against the run.
.
16. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Forte is banged up, but I expect him to gut it out against the Detroit Lions’ mediocre run defense. Forte ran for 96 yards in the first meeting.
.
17. Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins
Bush continued his strong finish with 107 total yards and three touchdowns against the Bills. New England will be a tougher test, but he should see plenty of work in the passing game.
.
18. Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots
Ridely had 71 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting with the Dolphins.
.
19. Montell Owens, Jacksonville Jaguars
Owens did some damage against the New England Patriots, mainly in the passing game. He should finish well against Tennessee’s 23rd-ranked run defense.
.
20. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
Jackson has a tough finish against the Seahawks, but has averaged 109.3 total yards the past seven games.
.
.
Also check out:

• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy QB Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy WR Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy TE Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy K Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy DEF Rankings
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Options
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Sleepers
• 2012 Week 17 Fantasy Football Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em
• 2012 Week 17 NFL Picks
• Stoppage Time Sports’ Early 2013 Fantasy Football Sleepers
• Can You Trust LeSean McCoy in Week 17?