There's nothing more to say than 31 touchdowns last year.
2. Steven Jackson
The only running back with no serious question marks outside LT. Might get a slight cut in carries but that shouldn't stop you from taking him. Handcuff Brian Leonard just in case.
3. Frank Gore
Just shy of 2,200 total yards last year, Frank is the focal point of an improved offense with the additions of Darrell Jackson and the maturation of Alex Smith and Vernon Davis. Coach Mike Nolan says Frank will get the goal line carries this year so look for him to improve on his 8 rushing touchdowns of last year.
4. Larry Johnson
Will almost certainly see a decline from the past two seasons, but it'd have to be a decline of epic proportions for him to fall out of the top 4. Averaging over 2,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns the past two seasons is too good to pass up despite concerns on the line and the bleak offense.
5. Shaun Alexander
Would have projected to about 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns had he played all 16 games last year despite playing with an injured foot. I expect a rebound this season and to be a safer pick than all the upside guys after him.
6. Joseph Addai
Averaged an excellent 4.8 yds/carry and should have a great season with an increased workload. The 4.8 yds/carry was higher than even Edge's best season. There is some concern of him handling a full workload as he always shared carries at LSU. I'm sure the Colts will do their best to keep him well-rested down the stretch.
7. Brian Westbrook
Finally seeing an increased workload as he averaged over 20 carries a game in his last 6 games. He's always an injury risk but just make sure to grab some good backups and you can feast on his dual threat capability. Can be taken as early as fourth in PPR leagues.
8. Willie Parker
Surprised everyone by handling the goal line carries all year and ending up with 16 touchdowns. Only worry is he seems to disappear against the better defenses such as he averaged less than 30 yds/game against Baltimore last year.
9. Rudi Johnson
3 Straight years of over 1300 rushing yards and 12 TD's. A lot of people are worried about him declining, but he's still only 27 and in a great offense. Look for a repeat of last year.
10. Travis Henry
The Broncos didn't sign him for him to split carries. Mike Shanahan wants a featured back and Travis fits perfectly into their system. and has tremendous upside. Make sure to handcuff rookie Selvin Young and maybe even Cecil Sapp as Henry does have injury concerns.
11. Reggie Bush
Finally showed his brilliance with 9 touchdowns in his final 7 games last year (including playoffs). Should get around 200 carries this year and may even sniff 100 receptions. Defenses realized they can't focus on him as Brees, Colston, and Deuce made them pay last year. While I still expect Deuce to see the majority of goal line carries, don't be surprised to see Reggie here and there.
12. Laurence Maroney
Can scoop up some of Corey Dillon's 13 rushing TD's from last year and the Patriots will be playing from ahead in a lot of games this year. With some concern over his shoulder and durability, he can move up a few spots in these rankings with a good and healthy start.
13. Willis Mcgahee-Won't be playing from behind in Baltimore
14. Brandon Jacobs-Could put up Rudi Johnson numbers
15. Maurice Jones-Drew-Expect an increased workload but won't keep up the ridiculous 5.7 yds/carry.
16. Ronnie Brown-Recent quote from Cameron: "You need two backs in this business," he told the Miami Herald. "You can't interpret that as a negative. But you'll see both those backs in a game."
17. Thomas Jones-Playing behind a great offensive line, the Jets will rely on him.
18. Cedric Benson-Hasn't lived up to the hype, but in a great system and no real threats to steal carries.
19. Clinton Portis-Has recently become good value in drafts due to injury/committee concerns.
20. Edgerrin James-Will again see a lot of carries, maybe Ken Whisenhut can turn it around.
21. Deuce McCallister-In a great offense, could score 10 TD's again.
22. Adrian Peterson-Should still get a lot of carries behind one of the best offensive lines.
23. Jamal Lewis-Browns will give him a lot of carries and he still has some left in the tank.
24. Brandon Jackson-No real threat to steal carries; good upside.
25. Jerious Norwood-Great upside pick and should get a lot more touches
25. Marshawn Lynch-Very lackluster offense, but a very versatile back.
Sleepers:
Lamont Jordan-Offense can only go up.
Ladell Betts-Can and will explode if Portis goes down.
Kevin Jones-Coming back earlier than expected, good fit for Martz offense.
Chester Taylor-Could be the Deuce to Adrian's Bush.
Brian Leonard- Leap
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