For fantasy football enthusiasts, creating running back rankings is one of the toughtest tasks
leading up to the fantasy football draft; 2009 will be no different. When you consider player movements,
RBBC
backfields, and the recent emergence of productive rookie running backs,
creating accurate running back rankings becomes an inexact science.
In years past we would have insisted that you draft for running backs who are not in a RBBC system, but 2008 turned
that logic on its head with players like Maurice Jones-Drew & DeAngelo Williams (the highest point
scorer in 2008) putting up huge numbers and finishing in the top 5 in scoring. Still, as a general rule, drafting
those players that are less-likely to split carries is a sound strategy. Michael Turner, Matt Forte,
Adrian Peterson, Thomas Jones, Steve Slaton, Clinton Portis & Brian Westbrook were a testament to
this in 2008 as they all ended the season in the top 10 in scoring.
Most people agree that running back is the most vital position on the fantasy roster. The small number of true #1 RBs, combined with the
fact that the
standard starting lineup
includes 2 starters each week, means your team's success will be closely tied to your success at the running
back position. Be sure to fill this fantasy position with both quality and quantity on draft day.
Our 2009 running back rankings are directly integrated into our fantasy football cheat sheets. To view our running back rankings for any position, click on the
supplemental rankings on each player template. In addition to our running back rankings, we also provide running back rankings from other reputable sources.