Top 5 (Running Backs)

Running Backs

Top 5

Michael Turner- You might be thinking that I’m crazy to put Michael Turner in front of Adrian Peterson. I’ll give you some reasons why I’m not. First of all, Turner had an amazing year, running for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns, 7 more touchdowns than Adrian Peterson. Another reason is that the Vikings Quarter Back system is a big mess and that means that opposing defenses can put 8 in the box and expect the run. Peterson will have a hard time running when there is nowhere to go. On the other hand, Michael Turner has a great, young, and emerging star Quarter Back in Matt Ryan. Matt will make defenses have to respect both run and pass and that will give Michael Turner room to run. Also, there really isn’t another running back that can take away Michael Turner’s carries. But in Minnesota, Chester Taylor is a big goal-line threat and had 4 touchdowns last year. Adrian Peterson could’ve had all of them. This year, I predict that Turner will rush for 1,569 yards and 16 touchdowns. The only reason his stats are down slightly is because all eyes will be on him this year.

Adrian Peterson- Peterson is probably the best running back in the NFL. The only reason he is ranked behind Michael Turner is his team. Like I said above, the Quarter Back situation is a big mess which means defenses can stack the box and Peterson will have nowhere to go. The other reason is that Chester Taylor can steal carries from him and last year he had 4 touchdowns, all of which could’ve been Peterson’s. Durability is also a concern. AND, he fumbled 9 times. But don’t get me wrong, Adrian Peterson is an elite running back with premier talent. Last year he had 1,760 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. He will have a year quite similar this year. I predict 1,677 yards and 12 touchdowns. If you want, take Peterson number 1 because he is well worthy, but just look at the supporting cast for both teams before you do. You might notice that Michael Turner’s is a lot better.

Maurice Jones-Drew- Last years stats don’t look great. Only 824 yards and 12 touchdowns. But also know that Fred Taylor isn’t on the Jaguars anymore. Jones-Drew has the backfield to himself now. Although Taylor only had 1 touchdown last year, but he rushed for 556 yards. And the pick of Eugene Monroe in the draft will help Maurice in the ground game. He is probably the best goal-line running back in the NFL. Last year, the Jags gave Jones-Drew the ball more than 12 times in a game, only 5 times. This year he should get a lot more carries and that should improve his rushing yardage. This year he should get 1,246 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is also a very good receiver. He had 62 receptions and 565 yards receiving.

Matt Forte- Last year the Bears knew Matt Forte was going to be good because before the season even started, they cut Cedric Benson. And they were right, he was spectacular. He rushed for 1,238 yards and 8 touchdowns. This year will be even better because of Jay Cutler. He can throw the ball deep which means less 8 man fronts that Forte will see. The one thing about Forte that’s different than most of my top ten players is that he’s not a game breaker. That doesn’t mean that he’s not worthy of the number 4 pick, it just means that he doesn’t have the ability to get that 65 yard touchdown, or take over the game single handedly. I predict that Forte will get 1,329 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

Chris Johnson- Chris Johnson and LenDale White are a deadly “smash and dash combo.” Johnson is the “dash” in the “smash and dash.” He is very fast and can change a game with one run. Unlike Forte, he has that game-breaking speed. Last year he ran for 1,228 yards and 9 touchdowns. He could have a much better year this year. It seems hard to believe but I think he will rush for 1,509 yards and 12 touchdowns.