Sports
T.O's fantasy minute
Tyler Ohmann
08/13/2013
Running backs are going to be a hot commodity early and often in the 2013 fantasy football draft this year. Seriously, the mad scramble for rushers early in this year’s draft might be like a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.
While they still don’t score as many points as quarterbacks there is a definite lack of depth at running back, which makes them valuable early on.
With that lack of depth and the uncertainty with backs returning from injury makes it imperative to get replacements this season. Even if you have to take them a round or two early guys like Ben Tate, Bryce Brown or even Jacquizz Rodgers could be potential starters if they get their chance.
With that said here is how I rank the running backs in standard leagues:
1. Adrian Peterson (Vikings): No question about who is the top back this season. After Peterson's miraculous recovery and outstanding performance last season there is no doubt he's on top this year. The Vikes have a strong O-line and with Peterson's talent he could put up one of the best fantasy seasons ever.
2. Doug Martin (Buccaneers): After a fantastic rookie year, Martin will look to duplicate in 2013. With an offense that features Martin exclusively he should not only duplicate but surpass his rookie year.
3. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs): A bounce back year in 2012 helped Charles rise to one of the best backs in the league once again. With a new offense, a new coach and a new quarterback Charles should have an even better year this season.
4. C.J. Spiller (Bills): Durability issues aside, Spiller is a monster of production. He had some of the biggest weeks by a rusher last year, and don't expect less this year. Though the Bills offense is frankly pretty awful, Spiller is a bright light and his talent will lead to top-five fantasy production, assuming he can stay healthy.
5. Arian Foster (Texans): Injury concerns dropped Foster from the second spot to fifth, but if he falls this far in the draft, he is worth the risk. He definitely has top-back potential if healthy, so though it's a risk, it could also be a big payoff. Draft him if he's still available after pick four.
6. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars): there are safer picks here, but MJD can still perform and did when healthy last year. He will bounce back this season thanks to an improved Jaguars offense that includes a number of young talented stars, who are getting better.
7. Trent Richardson (Browns): Richardson had a strong rookie campaign, and with a year under his belt 2013 will be a stronger year for the Cleveland sophomore. I would expect 1,200-plus yards and about 12-15 touchdowns.
8. LeSean McCoy (Eagles): Though I don't think he'll bounce back as well as MJD, McCoy still is a talented back with a strong cast around him. He could easily return to form, but maybe scoop up back up Bryce Brown, earlier if need be.
9. Matt Forte (Bears): I am very high on players rebounding from injury this year. Forte is no exception as he could help the Bears compete in a strong NFC North. It should also translate to strong fantasy numbers, especially catching the ball. Forte has caught about 50 balls each of the past three season, expect as many this year, which will help his production, more so in points per reception leagues (PPR), but also in standard too.
10. Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks): Though he had a strong year last year, the lack of offensive fire-power in the Seahawks lineup might lead to some struggles on offense. That said, Lynch should still stay strong enough to get 1,000 yards and hit double-digit touchdowns.
11. Alfred Morris
12. Ray Rice
13. Chris Johnson
14. Stevan Ridley
15. Reggie Bush
16. Frank Gore
17. Le'Veon Bell
18. Lamar Miller
19. Darren Sproles
20. DeAngelo Williams
21. Ryan Mathews
22. Chris Ivory
23. Darren McFadden
24. David Wilson
25. Steven Jackson
Everyone outside of the top 15 is a toss-up, but I'm taking risk into account in my rankings. I hope these help when draft time rolls around. Next week a deep, but not too deep look at wide receivers.
Just a reminder, standard scoring for these rankings is based on six points for a touchdown rushing or receiving and one point for every 10 yards rushing or receiving.