Top 5 Fantasy Running Backs

It is likely that you picked a running back in the first round of your fantasy draft back in September, and the way this season has gone, it is just as likely that you have been disappointed by your choice.  C.J. Spiller, Doug Martin, Ray Rice, Trent Richardson, and Alfred Morris were all highly-touted fantasy selections that have failed to live up to expectations.  Here's a list of the few running backs that have been able to keep their heads above the water in a season that has seen most running backs leaving owners sweating over poor waiver wire replacements.

1. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

If you have read any of my articles before, you will understand that the most important statistic in fantasy football is touchdowns.  While Charles only has one week over 100 yards, he has six rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns through seven weeks.  His eight total touchdowns are tied for first in the NFL, and this production should not end any time soon, as the Chiefs continue to lean heavily on Charles, their only star skill player.

2. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

In a similar situation to that of Jamaal Charles, Lynch only has one game over 100 yards.  However, "Beast Mode" owners will be happy to know that he has more than made up for the lack of yardage with seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving).  It seems that his diet of skittles is working, as Lynch has rewarded fantasy owners with another steady and productive fantasy year that should continue with match ups against the two worst fantasy rush defenses in the league soon (I'm looking at you St. Louis and Minnesota).

3. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

Moreno's production this season has been incredible, but may be more a function of the rest of Denver's awesome offense than anything else.  When game planning for the Bronco's, coaches certainly focus on Manning and his receiving core more than Moreno, who has obviously taken advantage of this.  As the season goes on, expect opposing teams to be more prepared for what Moreno brings to the table.  However, until teams begin to make adjustments, Moreno will remain a top five fantasy running back.

4. LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Though McCoy may be putting up the most impressive numbers of any running backs on this list, his inconsistent amount of touches inside the red zone is worrying.  He only has three touchdowns on the year, and though he leads the league in rush yards by a long shot, until he begins to produce touchdowns, he will remain a good fantasy play, but not a great one.

5. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

Forte has been an absolute workhorse for the Bears, not posting less than ten fantasy points in any game so far this year.  His touchdown production has been key, as he has 6 touchdowns through the first seven weeks (all rushing).  Additionally, he has provided top notch receiving stats for a running back.  Forte has done it all this year, and owners should be exuberant after drafting him most likely in the third round or later.

2013 Fantasy Football: Running Backs

1. Adrian Peterson: There is no disputing that Adrian Peterson is the greatest active running back in the National Football League. Peterson rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season in the wake of an ACL injury. Peterson's knee will only strengthen over time, and it is very likely the Minnesota Vikings rely heavily on their star running back in 2013. Opposing defenses will focus on the AP due to the poor passing game in Minnesota, so it is highly unlikely Peterson replicates the same statistics seen in 2012.

2. Arian Foster: In the category of yards per carry, running back Arian Foster has seen a gradual decrease in production over the past three years. In 2012, Foster averaged 4.1 yards per carry, which is good, but not elite. Foster made up for it by scoring 15 touchdowns over the course of the season. Foster is no Adrian Peterson, but is clearly worth the second overall pick in the draft.

3. Marshawn Lynch: "Beast Mode" has finally taken the league by storm, as Marshawn Lynch's pure tenacity proves to be a challenge on opposing defenses. What Lynch lacks in size is made up for with speed and strength, as the Seahawks running back ran for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite the addition of wide receiver Percy Harvin, head coach Pete Carroll has said he will center his team around the running game in 2013. Lynch's consistency makes him extremely valuable in fantasy football, and is a valuable pick up after AP and Foster.

4. Ray Rice: A large part of Baltimore' success in 2012 can be credited to running back Ray Rice, who played a key role for Baltimore throughout the postseason run. Ray Rice saw a decrease in attempts in 2012, but by averaging 4.4 yards per carry, Rice ran for 1,143 yards. At age 26, Ray Rice should be entering the prime of his career, yet his productivity has gradually decreased over the years. Bernard Pierce, who proved himself as a consistent rusher, will also steal attempts from Ray Rice in 2013.

5. Alfred Morris: Alfred Morris, a sixth-round pick out of Florida Atlantic, broke out as a star in Week 1, and then consistently posted sensational fantasy points week in and week out. Morris' 1,613 rushing yards ranked third all-time among rookie running backs, and there is no reason why Morris can't replicate these same numbers in 2013. In fact, Robert Griffin III is injury-prone, so when RGIII is off the field, Morris will be the main guy to help move the chains.

6. Doug Martin: In a Week 9 game against the Oakland Raiders, Doug Martin caught the eyes of football fans everywhere when he rushed for 251 yards and four touchdowns, a grand total of 51 fantasy points. Martin's inconsistent play after Week 9 is worrisome as a fantasy owner, because who says Martin can replicate such numbers again. Defenses will begin to focus on Martin unless Josh Freeman can elevate his game; otherwise, "The Hamster" may be at risk of extinction.

7. LeSean McCoy: After coach Andy Reid was fired, The Philadelphia Eagles brought in Chip Kelly from Oregon, a coach who loves to utilize the run game in order to win. LeSean McCoy will be extremely valuable to Kelly in 2013, despite missing a large portion of 2013 with a concussion. When LeSean McCoy was healthy, he averaged 11.25 fantasy points per game, even though he scored just 2 touchdowns in 12 games. McCoy likely had an off-year, and will bounce back when Chip Kelly makes his debut in Week 1.

8. Trent Richardson: Trent Richardson's rookie season was a gleam of hope for the Cleveland Browns organization, who have had just one winning season in the past 10 years. Richardson is a one man show, with a weak quarterback in Brandon Weeden and a practically non-existent offensive line. The heavy work-load last season led to several different injuries, and unless the Browns supply an improved supporting cast, Richardson will continue to be at risk of injuries.

9. CJ Spiller: When running back Fred Jackson was injured in 2012, CJ Spiller jumped in to rescue Buffalo's running game. Spiller's extraordinary speed allowed him to rush for 1,244 yards and an extraordinary 6.0 yards per carry. The Buffalo Bills believe Fred Jackson is a better running back closer towards the end zone, so Spiller is unlikely to score any touchdowns next season; however, if Fred Jackson is injured once again, CJ Spiller will transform into one of the most valuable rushers in the league.

10. Jamaal Charles: Jamaal Charles underwent surgery to repair his ACL in 2012, yet he still managed to rush for 1,509 yards, a career high. Throughout his career, Jamaal Charles has averaged 5.8 yards per carry, but he has trouble finding the end zone. Under Andy Reid's new scheme as head coach, Jamaal Charles' speed and agility will make him a fantasy football star.

Fantasy Football: Running Backs (Week 8)

Alfred Morris (Washington Post)

1. Arian Foster: Houston's number one running back is the undisputed number one fantasy player at his position. His speed, elusiveness, and power makes him an intimidating force on the field. Entering Houston's Week 8 bye, Foster has yet to score less than fourteen points for his fantasy owners in a given week. The road that lies ahead is an easy one for this star running back, and you can count on him to consistently rake in double digit points.
(Stats: 659 rushing yards, 10 total TDs, 127 fantasy points)

2. Ray Rice: Though he is not quite as consistent as Foster, Ray Rice has the ability to alter fantasy football games. With only two games under the ten point mark, Rice averages 14.3 fantasy points per game, which puts him at number two in the league. Though he does not have any receiving touchdowns this season, Rice's receiving skills adds a whole other dimension to his game.
(Stats: 524 rushing yards, 5 total TDs, 100 fantasy points)

3. Adrian Peterson: Even an ACL tear can't keep Adrian Peterson from dominating the league. His 13.1 points per game puts him at fifth in the league, but yardage has not been a problem for this star. Though he only has four rushing touchdowns, the 775 rushing yards is a positive sign for the future.
(Stats: 775 rushing yards, 4 total TDs, 92 fantasy points)

4. Alfred Morris: RGIII isn't the only offensive star in Washington. In the first seven weeks of Morris' 2012 season, he has scored five rushing touchdown, giving him an average of 13.3 fantasy points per game. His consistent play makes him the perfect running back for those who wish to succeed in their fantasy football leagues.
(Stats: 658 rushing yards, 5 total TDs, 93 fantasy points)

5. Jamaal Charles: A slow start to his comeback season left many fantasy owners wondering why they spent so much for this struggling rusher. Then, in Week 3, Charles turned into the old Jamaal Charles, rushing for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. Since that game, Charles has been consistently gaining great yardage, and his Week 7 bye should make him well rested for the road ahead.
(Stats: 591 rushing yards, 3 total TDs, 81 fantasy points)

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Running Backs

Running Back:

1. Arian Foster: Great in the playoffs, extremely consistent

(2011 Stats: 13 games, 1,224 yards, 12 TDs, 238 fantasy points)

2. Ray Rice: Good hands, lots of carries, and will dominate the league

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,364 yards, 12 TDs, 283 fantasy points)

3. LeSean McCoy: Breakout star, Vick might have more attempts

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,309 yards, 17 TDs, 270 fantasy points) 

4. Chris Johnson: A great chance at 2,000 yards in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,047 yards, 4 TDs, 157 fantasy points)

5. Maurice Jones-Drew: Passing game higher priority, consistent 1,000 yards each year

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,606 yards, 8 TDs, 249 fantasy points)

6. Marshawn Lynch: Stunning 11-week span, great at finding the end zone

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,204 yards, 12 TDs, 203 fantasy points)

7. Ryan Mathews: Mike Tolbert gone; health concern

(2011 Stats: 14 games, 1,091 yards, 6 TDs, 173 fantasy points)

8. Michael Turner: Extremely consistent, 30 years old

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,340 yards, 11 TDs, 203 fantasy points)

9. Adrian Peterson: 12 touchdowns in 12 games, major injury

(2011 Stats: 12 games, 970 yards, 12 TDs, 181 fantasy points)

10. Darren McFadden: Beast, has yet to play full 16 game season

(2011 Stats: 7 games, 614 yards, 4 TDs, 100 fantasy points)

Sleeper: CJ Spiller

Bust: Matt Forte