Top 10 Fantasy Football Running Backs

1. Shaun Alexander – Last year, Shaun Alexander was absolutely dominant. He’s a machine who rushed for an astounding 27 touchdowns. Alexander is Seattle’s top weapon down near the goal line and gets all the carries. He also rushed for a total of 1880 yards in 2005. It’s a tough decision between Alexander and Larry Johnson as the top fantasy back in football but I will go with Alexander because he has proven himself longer.

2. Larry Johnson – Larry Johnson had 20+ carries in only 10 of 16 games last season but was still the second best fantasy back behind Alexander last season. He rushed for 1350 yards and 20 touchdowns. Johnson is also a very good receiving back who had 370 yards and 2 more touchdowns. His numbers are astounding and would have been through the roof if he were the main back all season. The only question remains is whether or not Larry Johnson can put up magnificent numbers in consecutive seasons as this is his first shot at being the lone back on the Chiefs depth chart. I say he will be just fine and have another banner year.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson – Heading into last season, LT was number one on everybody’s draft board and didn’t disappoint. He finished as the third best running back fantasy wise with 1464 yards and 18 TDs. Tomlinson will be right back up there at the top as he is a proven back with all the tools. LT is a big time player if you have the opportunity to add to your team.

4. Tiki Barber – Over the last two seasons, Tiki Barber has been tremendously consistent for fantasy owners. In those two seasons he has rushed for more than 1500 yards and has ran for 1000+ yards in the last 4 years. I think he will be right back near the top again in fantasy points. His 1860 yards rushing and 530 yards receiving make him the complete back. Barber, however, only ran for 9 TDs last season which separates him from the top tier backs. He will have another solid year in 2006 and is our 4th rated running back heading into the year.

5. Edgerrin James – The Edge has found a new home in Arizona but is looking to duplicate the same results he had in Indianapolis. There is a solid supporting cast around him in Arizona but nowhere near what he had in Indy. This will be an interesting year to see how James does with an offensive line that has struggled profoundly in the past. Last season, James rushed for 1382 yards and 13 TDs. It will be challenging but I still think the Edge is a top five fantasy back and should have room to run with Boldin and Fitzgerald giving secondaries fits all year long. The Cardinals just need to figure out who will be throwing them the ball, Kurt Warner or Matt Leinart. Either way, Edgerrin James should have another solid season.

Click here for the next five running backs to choose for your NFL fantasy draft. Remember if you are betting on pro football to check out expert football picks from Maddux. Also bookmark our nfl lines section of the site so you always have up to date betting lines.

For more 2006 fantasy football info check out the main 2006 fantasy football page which includes rankings on quarterbacks and wide receivers.