Fantasy Football Running Backs - New Starters Who Will Steal the Show

The very talented Laurence Maroney takes over at running back for the departed Corey Dillon. The New England Patriots ranked 12th in rushing offense in 2007, and with Dillon out of the picture, Maroney could have a career season. Don't be surprised if Maroney has a break out season with 1,500 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.

2. Cedric Bensen - Chicago Bears

With Thomas Jones moving on to New York, Cedric Bensen finally has the starting job he thought he had when he was drafted by the Bears two seasons ago. Like Jones, Bensen averaged 4.1 yards a carry in 2006, but averaged 6.8 yards per reception, compared to Jones 4.3 yards per reception. If Bensen can stay healthy, he can easily reach the 1,200 yard mark, that is, if quarterback Rex Grossman doesn't throw the ball to opposing defenders. If you draft Bensen, make sure to pick up Adrian Peterson in the later rounds of the draft as an insurance policy in the event Bensen goes down with an injury.

3. Brandon Jacobs - New York Giants

Brandon Jacobs saw the field sparingly in 2006, but was a goal line monster, scoring 9 touchdowns. Now that Tiki Barber is out of the way, he could emerge as one of the top running backs in the NFL in 2007, that is, if Ruben Droughns doesn't steal too many carries. He is easily capable of a 1,500 yard, 12 touchdown season if Droughns stays out of the picture.

4. Joseph Addai - Indianapolis Colts

If Tony Dungy wasn't planning to use a running back by committee situation, Joseph Addai would be ranked higher. Nevertheless, Addai is still a descent fantasy football option, as he rushed for 1,081 yards and 7 touchdowns while splitting carries with the now departed Dominic Rhodes. He should see an increase in carries this year, but don't expect more than 1,200 yards and 8-10 touchdowns from Addai in 2007.

5. Lendale White, Tennessee Titans

With Travis henry and Chris Brown out of the way, Lendale White is next in line for the starting job. He has a pretty large upside, as he is a very powerful runner. However, the major concerns are whether or not he can stay healthy, and that rookie Chris Henry may be able to wrestle the starting job away from White. At the time that this article was being written, rumor had it that the Titans were looking at several free agent running backs. Stay tuned for a battle in training camp battle.