Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for the 2010 NFL Season

After ranking the NFL's quarterbacks for the upcoming fantasy football season, (Part 1: Quarterbacks, Part 2, and Part 3) my running back big board will now be revealed.

Tier 1
1. Chris Johnson, Titans: Last season's top scorer by leaps and bounds, the most complete back in football, a top three offensive line, and an active streak of eleven consecutive 100+ yard performances renders Johnson the undisputed No. 1 overall pick this fantasy football season.

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings: With or without Favre, Peterson remains the running back bridesmaid for the 2010 season. However, how the inclusion of rookie rusher Toby Gerhart will impact Peterson's fantasy value (more Adrian on third downs, less Adrian in the red zone?) remains an intriguing affair.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Few offenses depend on the performance of one player as much as MoJo in Jacksonville. The Jaguars recorded six wins in the eight games Jones-Drew totaled at least 20 carries.

4. Michael Turner, Falcons: Expect a full return to fantasy greatness from a healthy, determined Turner in 2010. Even Turner's injury-hampered totals last season would project to 1,250+ rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over the course of a full season.

Tier 2
5. Ray Rice, Ravens: Rice remains one of the league's most capable dual threats, as the Ravens' potent offense appears primed to light up the scoreboard, primarily facilitated by the NFL's No. 2 yards from scrimmage performer from 2009.

6. Shonn Greene, Jets: If Greene stays healthy, he will be a top five fantasy running back in 2010, ala Thomas Jones in '09. Trust me.

7. Frank Gore, 49ers: As the 49ers' unquestioned workhorse, consider Gore a lock for double-digit touchdowns and 1,500+ total yards in 2010.

8. Ryan Mathews, Chargers: Tomlinson still managed 12 touchdowns last season, thanks to Philip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers' potent offense. As a result, the team's new featured back emerges as a darkhorse top five fantasy rusher in waiting.

9. Steven Jackson, Rams: 1,700+ total yards in 2009... Great upside if (a huge if) the Rams' are able to increase Jackson's scoring opportunities.

Tier 3
10. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Expect Pittsburgh's return to their rushing roots to pay tremendous dividends to Mendenhall-owners in 2010.

11. Cedric Benson, Bengals: The featured back on an offense with lofty expectations should secure double-digit touchdowns for Benson this season.

12. Ryan Grant, Packers: Quietly ranked No. 8 amongst fantasy rushers last season, should continue to benefit greatly from one of the NFL's most explosive offenses.

13. Matt Forte, Bears: Forte served as a significant disappointed in 2009, but appears poised for great things in Mike Martz's wide open system.

Tier 4
14. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: Expect Stewart continue to carry a greater share of the burden in Carolina, presenting fantasy owners with tremendous upside this season.

15. Felix Jones, Cowboys: As the emerging featured back in Dallas, the dynamic Jones presents as much fantasy risk/reward as any player this season.

16. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Williams remains two years removed from an 18-touchdown campaign, but Stewart continues to look like the most talented back in Carolina.

17. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs: Charles served as the NFL's most startling breakout player during the second half of 2009. However, the acquisition of Thomas Jones could significantly alter Charles' fantasy value.

18. LeSean McCoy, Eagles: Expectations remain high for McCoy in his second NFL season. The versatile McCoy should serve prove a valuable security blanket to new starter Kevin Kolb.

19. Beanie Wells, Cardinals: Without Warner, expect a slight shift from Whisenhunt and the Cardinals towards an increased ground game, with Wells serving as the primary benefactor.

20. Ricky Williams, Dolphins: Similar to Grant, Williams surprisingly placed No. 7 last season and should continue to be a solid second fantasy starter at running back in 2010.

Tier 5
21. Pierre Thomas, Saints: From week 10 to the end of the season, Thomas totaled merely one rushing touchdown, but the Saints' talented downhill rusher remains a lock for primary rushing duties with the league's most dangerous offense from '09.

22. Joseph Addai, Colts: Addai quietly continues to prove valuable in fantasy circles, but expect Donald Brown continue to assert himself in a greater role in 2010.

23. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos: Move higher or lower depending on how Moreno's unfortunate injury plays out.

24. Brandon Jacobs, Giants: Although Jacobs disappointed fantasy owners in 2009, double-digit touchdowns certainly remain attainable, after 15 rushing scores in 2008.

25. Jahvid Best, Detroit: Best could become a darkhorse top 15 fantasy value if the Lions talented offensive cast can finally live up to exceeding expectations in 2010.

THE REST
26. Ronnie Brown, Miami
27. Fred Jackson, Buffalo
28. Thomas Jones, Kansas City
29. Justin Forsett, Seattle
30. Michael Bush, Oakland
31. C.J. Spiller, Buffalo
32. Jerome Harrison, Cleveland
33. Marion Barber, Dallas
34. Clinton Portis, Washington
35. Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay
36. Laurence Maroney, New England
37. Darren McFadden, Oakland
38. Ben Tate, Houston
39. Ahmad Bradshaw, New York
40. LaDanian Tomlinson, New York

Keep an eye on the running back situations play out prior to your draft, particularly in Houston, Oakland, Seattle, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Washington, Kansas City, Detroit, Denver, and Buffalo to adjust your rankings accordingly. Good luck!

References: All statistics, game logs, and player information as referenced on NFL.com.