Rankings and Analysis for the most important positions in NFL Fantasy Football
Quarterbacks ·
Running Backs
For all fantasy football rankings, nfl stats, and links go to: NFL Stats
These rankings cover one starter from every team at the position. If there are two competing players they are both listed. No need to wonder what your missing. There are 32 NFL Teams and 32 rankings. First 2007 post: 7/19/07. Most recent update: August 24, 2007.
Top 2007 Running Backs for Fantasy Football
Position Overview: There are more and more RB's splitting time. This places a bigger emphasis on those RB's that you know will be getting the carries and TD opportunities. We consider our top 12 RB's to be top-tier. In a best case scenario you get 2 of these guys. Otherwise, don't panic. There's upside value all the way down the chain-- from Portis, to MaGahee, to Cadillac Williams, etc.
1. LaDainian Tomlinson San Diego Chargers
Keep in mind: Phillip Rivers was solid last year, opening the way for L.T. Will Rivers be solid again? Plus, L.T.'s back-up, Michael Turner, is always around to spell L.T.
Bottom line: Finally delivered the big, breakout season last year paying off big-time for fantasy owners. The easy #1 pick this year.
2. Steven Jackson St. Louis Rams
Keep in mind: His weak spot in 2005 was a 4.1 ypc, fortunately that bounced up in 2006.
Bottom line: Jackson did prove himself last year, so you can pick him up here with confidence. Jackson delivered several big games last year and if he falls on his face this year, you still made the right pick. Especially check his last few weeks from last year-- he's got the potential to be the best in the league.
3. Larry Johnson Kansas City Chiefs
Keep in mind: Priest Holmes looms in the background, but L.J. got his big money contract. He's the Chiefs guy.
Bottom line: L.J. is a decent pick at #3 even though he may be rusty in the early weeks-- given his lengthy holdout. Bottom line: L.J. racked up over 400 carries last season in Herm Edwards offense.
4. Shaun Alexander Seattle Seahawks
Keep in mind: One issue is that Alexander is not getting the ball thrown to him out of the backfield as much.
Bottom line: Other than last season, Alexander has been very consistent. It's hard to just turn away from that kind of track record. Better to bet on a bounce back.
5. Rudi Johnson Cincinnati Bengals
Keep in mind: Steady, but never improving. 1,400 yards and 12 TD's... every year.
Bottom line: It's hard to expect anything more than the usual from Johnson, but consistency is worth something. Just too bad there are not enough TD's to go around in Cincy.
6. Willie Parker Pittsburgh Steelers
Keep in mind: With Bettis out of the way last year, Parker's overall TD's skyrocketed from 5 to 16. Will the Steelers continue to let the little guy get the goal line TD's?
Bottom line: Parker has earned his Steeler stripes, and there is no reason to suspect he won't get most of the TD's this season.
7. Brian Westbrook Philadelphia Eagles
Keep in mind: Westbrook basically doubled his rushing yards last season to add to his steady 700 receiving yards.
Bottom line: Westbrook has emerged as a solid fantasy option. Not necessarily reliable, but solid (top-tier) when he's playing.
8. Joseph Addai Indianapolis Colts
Keep in mind: Last year Addai put up his solid numbers without starting a game.
Bottom line: With Rhodes out of the picture, Addai can pick up right where he left off (the Super Bowl) and should be trusted to put up good fantasy numbers.
9. Frank Gore San Francisco 49ers
Keep in mind: Gore has historically been known more for his injuries.
Bottom line: Gore was a runaway success last year in just about every area. And the wide-open opportunity in SF should lead to more of the same.
10. Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush New Orleans Saints
Keep in mind: Each of these guys eats away a little at the other's fantasy value. However, for the Saints, the competition has been a dream come true (getting the most out of McAllister).
Bottom line: It may not be wise to get too excited about Reggie Bush. If you can get him at a prudent point in the draft, great. Otherwise, let someone else grab him early. True, the fantasy owner with Bush will have a lot to talk about-- on draft day, and week-to-week during the season. But, ultimately, winning the fantasy league means a little patience.
11. Edgerrin James Arizona Cardinals
Keep in mind: Last season proved that much of James' success in Indy was due to Manning's offense.
Bottom line: While you shouldn't expect too much from James, it does seem he has been good enough to relegate both backups (Shipp and Arrington) to the bench. Therefore, James should be counted on among the top fantasy RB options.
12. Laurence Maroney New England Patriots
Keep in mind: Health is a slight concern heading into the season. Also, he likely will not be the only option.
Bottom line: Still, Corey Dillon is out of the picture. And owning a Patriots RB usually pays off.
13. Cedric Benson Chicago Bears
Keep in mind: The Bears ownership is in love with the guy.
Bottom line: Owner love means Benson will be getting the ball. And the ball should mean enough yards and TD's for a fantasy owner. However, because Benson is a headcase and an injury risk, keep a finger on the pick up button for Bears back-up Adrian Peterson, who has shown good potential.
14. Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns New York Giants
Keep in mind: Jacobs has the upside potential even though Droughns will split time.
Bottom line: In any scenario, Jacobs will get a lot more carries this season with Tiki Barber gone and so his yards will go up. But there may not be too much upside to the 9 TD's he got last season.
15. Travis Henry and Mike Bell Denver Broncos
Keep in mind: Mike Bell remains in the picture, which should temper some of your enthusiasm about Henry.
Bottom line: Travis Henry proved his potential with a breakout performance in Tennessee last year. So he gets his chance to shine in Denver. The one place known for big RB seasons.
16. Ronnie Brown Miami Dolphins
Keep in mind: Did not deliver on the hype last year. So much so, that he's in competition to keep the job. Jesse Chatman may steal the role. And Lorenzo Booker is emerging.
Bottom line: Don't jump off the ledge just yet, despite a 'bad' year, Brown topped 1,000 yards despite playing, basically, 12 games. His problems may be more related to the Dolphin's stagnant offense. The Dolphins questioning starting Brown is likely the Chiefs acting like Huard won't be the QB.
17. Clinton Portis Washington Redskins
Keep in mind: Ladell Betts was 'the man' big time in the final 6 games of '06. But the Redskins ownership and Coach Gibbs are known for their unwavering loyalty to the big names on the roster.
Bottom line: So, it's likely Portis' job. Maybe Betts performance last year dilutes his value. And, you can likely be really patient with Portis because other fantasy owners will be laying off because he plays for the Redskins, was injured last year, and was a flop even when healthy. But there may be some value in drafting him as a stealth pick.
18. Willis McGahee and Mike Anderson Baltimore Ravens
Keep in mind: Mike Anderson was a big flop last season, so its presumably McGahee's ball all season.
Bottom line: This a fortunate, kind of, 2nd opportunity for McGahee. He has failed to live up to the hype and the potential. But since he's basically the option in Baltimore, and because Baltimore is a good place for RB's, you gotta pick him. Then just hope it works out.
19. Jamal Lewis Cleveland Browns
Keep in mind: The big issue is getting the Browns in the end zone.
Bottom line: Lewis gets a new shot at a staring role. But scoring TD's in Cleveland is tough. The upside, and the wide open opportunity, are worth betting on, as a 2nd tier option.
20. Thomas Jones New York Jets
Keep in mind: What role will Leon Washington play? Also watch Jones injury status heading into the season (looks minor).
Bottom line: Jones is a class-act workhorse. But that type of player worked in the Bears slug-it-out-yard-by-yard offense. How well it works in NY remains to be seen. But, for the start of the season at least, he should be a reliable 2nd tier RB option.
21. Marion Barber III and Julius Jones Dallas Cowboys
Keep in mind: Barber burst onto the scene last year with 14 TD's, but Jones still looms.
Bottom line: Barber isn't the every down option, but he may still be the safer bet between the two. For example, he might not get 14 TD's this year, but more carries and yards may fill the gap.
22. Carnell Williams Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep in mind: It would be hard to be any worse than his 2006 season. Disappointing isn't close to a strong enough description.
Bottom line: Alstott and Pittman aren't getting any younger. Cadillac will be getting the ball again this year. He's got something to prove. And you may as well take a chance on him. There are worse ways to lose. And you get cheap upside.
23. LaMont Jordan and
Dominic Rhodes Oakland Raiders
Keep in mind: Both Rhodes and Jordan were disappointments last season. They each were given opportunities, but Jordan got hurt and Rhodes just never could punch through to success.
Bottom line: With Rhodes out, Jordan's fantasy value has shot back up.
24. Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew Jacksonville Jaguars
Keep in mind: On the one hand, Fred Taylor is a Jacksonville mainstay with 9 years of service worthy of keeping his job. On the other hand, he's 31 and Jones-Drew proved some big upside last year. As great as Taylor has been for the Jaguars, his age means he's on his way out. The question is how fast.
Bottom line: There is value with the Jaguars. And the one to pick is Jones-Drew. Keep your eye on Taylor if Jones-Drew gets injured, but the upside and smart pick is to take Jones-Drew.
25. DeShaun Foster and
DeAngelo Williams Carolina Panthers
Keep in mind: For all of the hype, these 2 guys have failed to deliver. It's that simple.
Bottom line: What this likely means is that Foster (the guy who's had more time to prove himself) will be moving aside to give Williams a full shot at the job. But whether this translates into any fantasy value is doubtful. It's probably best to lay back and let someone else sort this one out.
26. Ahman Green and
Ron Dayne Houston Texans
Keep in mind: This should turn out to be a cut-and-dry split of time between Dayne and Green.
Bottom line: It would be nice to see Green get his career back on track, or for Dayne to get the reigns and deliver a big season, but something in between is more likely.
27. Vernand Morency and
Brandon Jackson Green Bay Packers
Keep in mind: Do the Packers see something in Morency? Or was it just time to let Ahman Green go? And will rookie Brandon Jackson spoil his potential.
Bottom line: Morency hasn't really shown any potential. Yet, he seems to have a wide open opportunity here-- kind of like Frank Gore got last year. Worth a gamble?
28. Warrick Dunn Atlanta Falcons
Keep in mind: Dunn has to contend with Jerious Norwood. And with Dunn out for 3 weeks in August, Norwood has an opening.
Bottom line: It's going to be pretty difficult to determine fantasy value at the RB position in Atlanta this season. Dunn and Norwood are both capable of solid numbers any given week, but which guy and which week?
29. Marshawn Lynch Buffalo Bills
Keep in mind: Veteran Anthony Thomas did fine filling in at times last season, so the Bills don't have to give the rookie Lynch every carry out of the gate.
Bottom line: Lynch arrives in the best possible place for his career potential. But that may not yet translate into fantasy value. Keep an eye out during the preseason to guage Lynch's value.
30. Kevin Jones,
Tatum Bell and
T.J. Duckett Detroit Lions
Keep in mind: Kevin Jones' inconsistency and 2nd half injury required Detroit to go out in the offseason and grab Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett.
Bottom line: Don't forget Detroit has loyalty to Jones and his Fantasy stats per game are solid. As it stands right now, Kevin Jones status at the start of the season is in limbo. Start the season with Bell or Duckett.
31. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor Minnesota Vikings
Keep in mind: Adrian Peterson is entering his rookie season following a season-ending injury in college. Minnesota may need to start very slowly with him. As for Chester, too bad he never did come through last season.
Bottom line: For this reason, wasting a pick on A-D ("All Day") is probably not worth it. Pick him up later if he starts to perform.
Lucky 32. Chris Brown,
Chris Henry and
LenDale White Tennessee Titans
Keep in mind: QB Vince Young takes some of the running yards and TD's away, but Travis Henry put up solid numbers last year, so the Titans RB position does yield some fantasy value.
Bottom line: It's a messy situation in the backfield in Tennessee. If you can get a read on which one of these guys will get the ball every time, than maybe there's an opening. Heading into the season, LenDale White is the best bet.
Top 2006 Quarterbacks for Fantasy Football
Position Overview: Our introductory 2007 Quarterback rankings now posted below. There are 3 to 5 top-tier Quarterbacks this year.
1. Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts
Keep in mind: The only fault to find is whether he will ever go record-chasing again in the TD category.
Bottom line: Rock solid, low risk pick. Has played in every game since joining the NFL.
2. Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals
Keep in mind: Concern about his injury lingers in his head-- evidenced by his 15 fumbles last season.
Bottom line: Despite the injury comeback, Palmer passed for over 4,000 yeards. Capable of a big, NFL-leading season, but this year, or still in the future, that's the question.
3. Tom Brady New England Patroits
Keep in mind: Throughout his 6 seasons in the NFL, Brady has been a model for rock, solid consistency: 3,600 yards, 26 TD's, 13 INT's.
Bottom line: This year, Brady could be poised for his best season. He is a seasoned NFL'er, in the prime of his career, and ownership has loaded up on new WR targets for him.
4. Drew Brees New Orleans Saints
Keep in mind: Brees doesn't have Brady's consistency, but he is at a similar point in his career-- essentially a proven commodity.
Bottom line: Whether he can repeat last year's sensational season is questionable. If you bet on it, and it pays off, good for you. But that may be more luck then skill. Make sure you have your RB's set before picking Brees.
5. Mark Bulger St. Louis Rams
Keep in mind: Bulger had a phenomenal season in 2006-- playing all 16 games for the first time in his 5 years as an NFL QB, and throwing for 4,300 yards, 24 TD's, and 8 INT's.
Bottom line: Can it get much better than what he did last year?
6. Donovan McNabb Philadelphia Eagles
Keep in mind: Reality: McNabb has thrown for over 3,400 yards only once in his career. And he's only played 19 games the last 2 seasons.
Bottom line: That said, there are few other QB options that you can pick with confidence, and have some upside. Just keep an eye on his injury status.
7. Matt Hasselbeck Seattle Seahawks
Keep in mind: Hasselback has only thrown for more than 3,500 yards once in the 6 full seasons he's played in the NFL.
Bottom line: Our ranking reflects Hasselback repeating his 2005 season. And, if he does, you'll get great value for him on draft day. He's being overlooked.
8. Vince Young Tennessee Titans
Keep in mind: Young did not throw for over 250 yards in any game last year, and was over 200 only 4 times. Plus he threw more INT's (13) than TD's (12).
Bottom line: Ok, that said, Young is going to get better and better with NFL experience. Remember, the Titans went 6-1 to end the season once Young was settled in. The downside is that Vince does what it takes to win. He's not always looking to pile up his own numbers. But one will lead to another more often this season.
9. Philip Rivers San Diego Chargers
Keep in mind: Rivers has only played 1 full season in the NFL. The concern is some form of slump will hit at points this season.
Bottom line: On the whole, Rivers delivered fantasy value in 2006. But it was too inconsistent to justify relying on him.
10. Jay Cutler Denver Broncos
Keep in mind: He's only played 5 NFL games.
Bottom line: Cutler is the future in Denver. The question is whether he bursts onto the scene this season, or just settles into the comfortable role he's been given. We think he's going to be solid enough this year, but we don't expect him to be a long-term franchise QB.
11. Jake Delhomme Carolina Panthers
Keep in mind: Delhomme rarely delivers big games, so his fantasy value is usually really low.
Bottom line: If it happens that Delhomme is available when it time for you to grab your 2nd QB, pick with confidence, because he does have upside.
12. Matt Leinart Arizona Cardinals
Keep in mind: Thing working in your favor: Leinart had the greenest of green lights to throw at will last year. For example, he threw 51 pass attempts in Week 12.
Bottom line: The downside is that Leinart may be due for more growing pains. The upside is the 2 awesome targets he has (Fitzgerald and Boldin)-- 3 if you count James coming out of the backfield.
13. Jon Kitna Detroit Lions
Keep in mind: Kitna turns 35 on September 21.
Bottom line: After 2 years sitting on the bench behind Carson Palmer, Kitna got a new lease on life in Detroit. And he delivered a career best 4,200 passing yards. But he was too inconsistent last year, throwing 22 INT's vs 21 TD's. So fantasy value is a bit of a wild card.
14. Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
Keep in mind: If not for Week 12 last year, what would people be saying about Romo now. That 5 TD performance, in the midst of his 5-2 beginning as the starting QB, made his overall stats solid enough that fans might be able to overlook the botched hold that ended the Cowboys playoff season.
Bottom line: It's kind of all-or-nothing for Romo heading into the season. Watch the preseason games to get a clue as to which Romo will be showing up in 2007.
15. Eli Manning New York Giants
Keep in mind: This will be kind of one of those make-or-break seasons. Eli needs to deliver results this year, or fans will begin talking about who the next Giants QB will be.
Bottom line: The only good thing for fantasy owners is he will likely be given all season to prove his ability. Therefore, this type of week-to-week reality gives him fantasy value.
16. J.P. Losman Buffalo Bills
Keep in mind: Losman actually did just fine in his first full season as an NFL starting QB.
Bottom line: He's earned the right to be taken seriosly. Not sure if he alone can turn around the Bills offense, but for a halfway decent #2 QB, Losman should work out fine.
17. Steve McNair Baltimore Ravens
Keep in mind: He's never been Air McNair in the NFL. Entering his 13th NFL season, McNair's never thrown for over 3,387 yards (2002).
Bottom line: Not a reliable fantasy starter, but could work out for a week, or two, filling a gap.
18. Chad Pennington New York Jets
Keep in mind: For the first time in his 7 year career, last year Pennington played in all 16 games.
Bottom line: Kudos to Pennington, who led the Jets to the playoffs. But it was a steady job. There wasn't one game all season that stood out for fantasy value.
19. Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers
Keep in mind: Yes, there's no question Roethlisberger is a winner. But that doesn't always translate into fantasy value.
Bottom line: Let someone else take Roethlisberger. He needs to prove some fantasy value before you try to hope and guess he can deliver it.
20. Brett Favre Green Bay Packers
Keep in mind: Favre has played in all 16 games for 14 consecutive seasons.
Bottom line: Favre may still be able to pass for 3,900 yards a season, but he needs to reverse the INT problems he has had for 2 straight years. Fantasy value is a stretch.
21. Trent Green Miami Dolphins
Keep in mind: Since his monumental 2004 season (27 TD's and over 4,500 yards passing), Green has been on a down trend.
Bottom line: Capable of putting up the numbers. And he's a proven commodity. A decent back-up option.
22. Damon Huard Kansas City Chiefs
Keep in mind: Huard wasn't supposed to be the long-term plan for K.C. And no one believes that he will be, even after turning in 11 TD's and 1 INT and starting just 8 games last year.
Bottom line: For the Chiefs we think its better to stick with what you know, Huard, then try Croyle, especially when trying to return to the playoffs. But that's just us. Because K.C. benched Huard in their playoff appearance last year. Tough to bet on fantasy value this year. Keep an eye on maybe picking him, or Brodie, up if things start clicking.
23. Rex Grossman Chicago Bears
Keep in mind: Grossman treads a very fine line between great NFL QB with upside and horrible QB in the right spot at the right time.
Bottom line: It's anyone's guess which side of the line he falls on this season.
24. Matt Schaub Houston Texans
Keep in mind: Schaub is a natural fan favorite.
Bottom line: Now he's getting the keys to the car in Houston. Keep an eye on him, but hard to expect any fantasy value.
25. David Garrard Jacksonville Jaguars
Keep in mind: Leftwich had been given opportunities in Jacksonville, but never has delivered. And now he's out. So the pressure is on David Garrard, who played in 10 games last season.
Bottom line: Garrard is no stranger to playing, and winning, for the Jaguars.
26. Joey Harrington Atlanta Falcons
Keep in mind: Bye-bye Vick. Hello working-man (punch in, get the basic job done, and go home) QB Joey Harrington.
Bottom line: Harrington has always been just good enough to play starting QB in the NFL and never anything more. He treads water.
27. Jason Campbell and Mark Brunell Washington Redskins
Keep in mind: Campbell is built for the NFL at 6-4, 230 pounds.
Bottom line: Worth watching on TV to see if he has what it takes to make it in the NFL. But, the former Auburn QB has work to do to prove he has any fantasy value.
28. Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers
Keep in mind: Smith was solid, really solid-- at handing the ball off to Frank Gore.
Bottom line: The good news is that Smith actually did all right last season (good enough for Niner fans to have some glimmer of hope). The bad news, impacting fantasy owners, is that Smith's strength seems to be 190-yard performances.
29. Chris Simms and Jeff Garcia Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Keep in mind: The smart move for Tampa would be to go with Garcia.
Bottom line: Watch the preseason, if Tampa unequivocally goes with Garcia there could be some fantasy value.
30. Charlie Frye and Brady Quinn Cleveland Browns
Keep in mind: Quinn will play a lot this season after proving he's NFL ready in the preseason.
Bottom line: But fantasy value will likely be hit or miss.
31. Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper, and JaMarcus Russell Oakland Raiders
Keep in mind: Since Russell has decided to hold-out the entire preseason it looks like this season is basically shot for him.
Bottom line: With Culpepper on the roster, and coming off a 2-14 season, the Raiders aren't exactly desperately in need of throwing Russell to the wolves. No fantasy value here, unless from Culpepper.
32. Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger Minnesota Vikings
Keep in mind: Seems like pitty the Viking fans.
Bottom line: We wish the best for the Vikings trying to get the best out of Jackson. Should be fun to root for.
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