Top Running Backs for Fantasy Football 2009

Peterson has to be number one because he is the surest thing in the NFL when he's healthy. With what seems to be an improved passing game to back him up that should keep defenses a little less dialed in on him which should help him open up for bigger runs.

2. Michael Turner, Falcons

Turner is another sure thing. He is big, strong and knows how to run, especially at home. Matt Ryan will be improved at quarterback this year with a better passing game since Tony Gonzales is on board which means less of a lean on Turner and more opportunity for bigger runs.

3. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers

In 2008 Williams was the best fantasy producer in the NFL. Carolina is a running team, through and through. With Jonathon Stewart to spell him Williams, who is the more versatile of the two, should reproduce in 2009. Look for his stats to drop some but still be significant.

4. LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers

No matter what he is still one of the best in the game. LT now has a proven backup to spell him and his teams passing attack proved itself last season as one of the best in the AFC. Tomlinson's numbers will be better this season since last year he was hampered by injury.

5. Matt Forte, Bears

Forte came out of nowhere last season to be one of the best running backs in the NFL. Now he has a real quarterback behind him in Jay Cutler. Forte can run the ball and catch and has a knack for making the big play. 6.
Brandon Jacobs, GiantsJacobs is a bruising runner who is almost a sure thing near the end zone. He scored 15 times in 2008 while hampered with an injury. This season he will likely see more of a load, especially in the red zone which means more touchdowns and more yards.

7. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

MJD should have another spectacular year this season although he probably won't reproduce last season's output unless a quality running back emerges to spell him. He is a deadly big play man though which means he will score and he will gain yards.

8. Clinton Portis, Redskins

Portis had a great season in 2008 and is looking to have another in 2009. Year in and year out he has proven to be a reliable source of fantasy points. In 2008 he nearly racked up 1500 yards so he is clearly able to produce.

9. Brian Westbrook, Eagles

The only reason Westbrook is this low on the list is because he runs into an injury problem every year. When he is healthy though he is probably the most versatile threat at his position with the exception of Jones-Drew. The Eagles offense has a versatile attack which means Westbrook will have room to operate and create. If he stays healthy he could have a career season.

10. Thomas Jones, Jets

Jones carried a huge load last season and surprised almost everyone. This year he will be again carrying a load for a Jets offense that will likely feature a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez. The Jets are hoping for a result similar to what Michael Turner and Matt Ryan had in 2008 for the Falcons. Jones should reach over a thousand yards again this season and look for him to be relied on around the goal line to keep pressure off of the rookie.

Honorable Mentions

1. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos

He is probably one of the most talented runners in the NFL and has never taken a regular season snap. While Denver will likely struggle some on offense this season Moreno should easily work himself into being the premier back for the Broncos and if healthy should see his first of many 1,000 yard season.

2. Chris Johnson, Titans

Johnson came bursting onto the scene last season as another shining surprise. The down part; he will be hard pressed to recreate last season's stats. Every defense facing the Titans will be looking to stop the run and LenDale White will see plenty of carries down the stretch and in the end zone. Johnson may have a nice season nonetheless.

3. Larry Johnson, Chiefs

Johnson is still the feature back for the Chiefs and is apparently in shape. He has maintained discipline off the field this offseason and is committed to staying with the Chiefs. His competition is Jamaal Charles, a younger, speedier back, but Charles has yet to show he can do what Johnson has done in the past. Johnson did average over 4.0 yards per carry last season and with a new coach and new offensive system that complements his running style Johnson could be looking at a comeback year in 2009.

4. Steven Jackson, Rams

If Steven Jackson were a stock it would be on the decline. Nonetheless he is a strong, talented runner who will be the premier go to guy for the Rams this season. If he can stay healthy he may find himself back in the top 5 for his position. If he doesn't he will still produce decent numbers.

5. Frank Gore, 49ers

He is a natural at running the ball and isn't afraid to get physical. The down on Gore is injury history and the lack of offense around him. If the Niners can put together a decent offensive output this season Gore may run himself back to premier status.

6. Chris Wells, CardinalsWells, the highly touted rookie out of Ohio State, could be the missing ingredient for the Cardinals. While there is concern of a nagging ankle injury similar to the one he suffered in college, Wells is a tough, strong back who has a knack for finding holes and making cuts. If he becomes the feature back he will produce good numbers.

7. Marion Barber, Cowboys

Barber is a fun back to watch. He fights for yards every time he touches the ball. The downside is his injury history and that Felix Jones will get some of his carries. Barber should be the go to guy in the red zone and if he stays healthy should put up decent numbers but I think he comes with a risk.

8. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins

Brown is a great runner but yet another back with injury problems. When he's healthy he's one of the best in the game. However he now shares a good portion of his carries with Ricky Williams. Still, under the Dolphins run first system he should be able to total a fine output for 2009.

9. Steve Slaton, Texans

Slaton was another rookie that burst onto the scene in 2008. He sits on a team that has trouble on offense in a tough division. Slaton will be the main back for the Texans in 2009 and should take in a good load, both running and receiving. Could be an even better season this year than last.

10. Joseph Addai, Colts

Addai, another frequent to injuries, is a Peyton Manning favorite. If Addai can stay healthy he will produce in running yards and receiving. However, there may be concerns with him being able to punch in on the goal line which means he may give up those carries to others on the depth chart.