Fantasy Rankings Part 2: RBs

Last week, I focused on QBs. Now, this week, we focus on that other part of your backfield, the running backs.

1. Arian Foster, Texans

2011 stats: 278 rush, 1224 yds, 4.4 YPC, 10 TD; 53 rec, 617 yds, 2 TD

2012 projections:  307 rush, 1488 yds, 4.8 YPC, 12 TD; 61 rec, 724 yds, 2 TD

Upside: Elite runner, good rushing and receiving numbers, versatile

Downside: Lost top blocker, hamstring/injury issues, good backup who can steal touches/TDs

2. Ray Rice, Ravens

2011 stats: 291 rush, 1364 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 76 rec, 704 yds, 3 TD

2012 projections: 285 rush, 1331 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 73 rec, 672 yds, 3 TD

Upside: TDs have gone up, versatile, useful as rusher and receiver

Downside: Lost top blocker, working new blocker into offense

3. LeSean McCoy, Eagles

2011 stats: 273 rush, 1309 yds, 4.8 YPC, 17 TD; 48 rec, 315 yds, 3 TD

2012 stats: 267 rush, 1276 yds, 4.8 YPC, 13 TD; 41 rec, 302 yds, 3 TD

Upside: Good YPC average, worth a top 5 pick if available, underrated as receiver

Downside: Reid admits overworking (translation: less touches), Vick probably steals a few TDs

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

2011 stats: 343 rush, 1606 yds, 4.7 YPC, 8 TD; 43 rec, 374 yds, 3 TD

2012 stats: 300 rush, 1383 yds, 4.6 YPC, 9 TD; 38 rec, 323 yds, 2 TD

Upside: Workhorse, racks up yards, will give you points

Downside: Potentially overworked, injury risk, potential for breakdown

5. Chris Johnson, Titans

2011 stats: 262 rush, 1047 yds, 4.0 YPC, 4 TD; 57 rec, 418 yds, 0 TD

2012 projections: 301 rush, 1294 yds, 4.3 YPC, 8 TD; 60 rec, 432 yds, 1 TD

Upside: Good bounce-back potential, new contract, more focused (hopefully)

Downside: O-line remains questionable, high risk, low TDs

6. Ryan Mathews, Chargers

2011 stats: 222 rush, 1091 yds, 4.9 YPC, 6 TD; 50 rec, 455 yds, 0 TD

2012 projections: 259 rush, 1277 yds, 4.9 YPC, 8 TD; 44 rec, 412 yds, 1 TD

Upside: Explosive runner, Mike Tolbert gone, high YPC 

Downside: Can't stay healthy for full season, low TD totals, heavy workload could lead to injury

7. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks

2011 stats: 285 rush, 1204 yds, 4.2 YPC, 12 TD; 28 rec, 212 yds, 1 TD

2012 stats: 275 rush, 1137 yds, 4.1 YPC, 10 TD; 27 rec, 189 yds, 1 TD

Upside: Explosive runner, can make big gains (ex.: playoffs vs. Saints), bigger part of offense 

Downside: O-line a mess, could decline after new contract

8. Matt Forte, Bears 

2011 stats: 203 rush, 997 yds, 4.9 YPC, 3 TD; 52 rec, 490 yds, 1 TD

2012 projections: 258 rush, 1178 yds, 4.6 YPC, 6 TD; 50 rec, 507 yds, 1 TD

Upside: Workhorse, solid rusher

Downside: Bears signing of Michael Bush, holdout could affect performance

9. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

2011 stats: 12 rush, 83 yds, 6.9 YPC, 0 TD; 5 rec, 9 yds, 1 TD

2012 stats: 241 rush, 1206 yds, 5.0 YPC, 5 TD; 41 rec, 395 yds, 2 TD

Upside: Works best in a 2-back system (JC and Hillis), had more time to recover from ACL (Week 2)

Downside: Coming off ACL surgery, Hillis stealing touches, does he still have quickness

10. Darren McFadden, Raiders

2011 stats: 113 rush, 614 yds, 5.4 YPC, 4 TD; 19 rec, 154 yds, 1 TD

2012 projections: 227 rush, 1105 yds, 4.9 YPC, 9 TD; 46 rec, 372 yds, 2 TD

Upside: Explosive and powerful runner, makes big plays, underrated receiver

Downside: Injured frequently, high risk, has had toe, knee, and hamstring injuries

High risk, but worth it (special category)

Adrian Peterson, Vikings

2011 stats: 209 rush, 973 yds, 4.7 YPC, 12 TD; 18 rec, 139 yds, 1 TD

2012 projections: 247 rush, 1119 yds, 4.5 YPC, 10 TD; 23 rec, 202 yds, 1 TD

Upside: Showing signs of recovery, still among the best in the league, can be worth major points

Downside: Coming off major ACL injury