Fantasy football: Scouting the running backs

Joseph Addai, Colts: Indianapolis has been dreadful running the ball the last few years and coaches are promising that will change. Addai, who has a nose for the end zone, could be a gem as a No. 2 back.

Marion Barber, Cowboys: He's notorious for wearing down as the season progresses. For whatever it's worth, Felix Jones (218 pounds) reported to camp heavier than Barber (214). That might tip the scales (ahem) in Jones' favor.

Cedric Benson, Bengals: Not only did Benson set a career high with 301 carries, his 4.2 yards per carry also was a personal best. Benson has never played a full season, so be sure to handcuff him with Bernard Scott. (Sorry, Bengals fans. Didn't mean to use Benson and "handcuff" in the same sentence.)

Michael Bush, Raiders: Has more of an upside compared to backfield mate Darren McFadden, but deserves to be no more than bye-week roster filler.

Arian Foster, Texans: Had two terrific games to end last season and appears to have parlayed that into the starting job. Hate to dismiss the local guy, but forget Steve Slaton for now. Foster is the guy you want.

Ryan Grant, Packers: As his eight games with less than 65 yards rushing last season indicates, consistency is the only thing keeping Grant from being a top 10 overall pick. He sustained a concussion in preseason that doesn't appear threatening at this point. Still, it's worth noting that Brandon Jackson is Grant's immediate backup.

Shonn Greene, Jets: The apple of many fantasy players' eyes after running for 135 and 128 yards in two playoff games. Don't reach too high, however. The addition of LaDainian Tomlinson could spell trouble for Greene in the red zone.

Frank Gore, 49ers: After Gore finished strong last year with three 100-yard games in his last four, it's worth noting that San Fran closes 2010 with favorable matchups at St. Louis and home to Arizona. Rookie Anthony Dixon, and not Brian Westbrook, is the handcuff to have if/when Gore gets hurt.

Steven Jackson, Rams: Ran for 1,400 yards last year even though everybody in the stadium knew he was getting the ball. St. Louis will be better than 1-15 (5-11, maybe) and Jackson will score more than four TDs. Would you settle for eight?

Chris Johnson, Titans: None of the previous five players who have run for 2,000 yards came back with a season so spectacular it was worthy of the No. 1 overall fantasy pick that year (see centerspread). Johnson is a horse, but those 358 carries and 50 receptions last year is a concern. This is a good year to have a midround pick.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars: Had a breakout season after finally losing Fred Taylor as his shadow. However, MJD had limited success after Thanksgiving – one 100-yard game, three total touchdowns in his final seven. Consider taking a top quarterback in the first round instead of getting caught up in the inevitable opening run on tailbacks.

Ryan Mathews, Chargers: The rookie out of Fresno State takes over for that LT fellow as the primary running back on a potent San Diego offense. Being viewed as a popular sleeper, keep in mind Mathews never played a full season in college.

LeSean McCoy, Eagles: The No. 1 running back in a good offense is never a bad thing to have. With the Birds' other weapons, including Michael Vick, it remains to be seen how many red-zone opportunities McCoy will get.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers: Aside from keeping up with the quarterback's bar-hopping, the offseason focus for the Steelers was getting back to running the ball. The new offensive line coach, Sean Kugler, basically wants his boys to rip people's heads off. Mendenhall will benefit.

Knowshon Moreno, Broncos: Always a little leery about guys who miss significant chunks of training camp. Handle Moreno, and his delicate hamstring, with care.

Clinton Portis, Redskins: It's interesting that Mike Shanahan brought in running backs coach Bobby Turner from Denver. Keep Ryan Torain on the radar as a pickup for later in the season.

Ray Rice, Ravens: Was an absolute stud, especially in points-per-reception leagues (had 78 grabs last year). Might need a little patience since Baltimore opens with four of six on the road, including visits to the Jets, Steelers and Patriots. Then again, Rice had 100 yards last year at both Pittsburgh and New England.

Adrian Peterson, Vikings: A.P. had eight more rushing touchdowns with Brett Favre in 2009 as he did without him in '08. He has to control his fumbling.

Pierre Thomas, Saints: An excellent No. 1 back for those who decide to take a quarterback or wide receiver with their first pick . . . as long as the Saints don't trade for Willis McGahee, that is.

Michael Turner, Falcons: The Falcons ran him into the ground with 376 carries in 2008 and paid for it last year when he missed five games. Look for a bounce-back year.

DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: There are three reasons to stay away from Williams. One, Carolina is breaking in a new quarterback. Two, backup Jonathan Stewart (10 rushing TDs last year) remains in the picture like a vulture in a tree. Three, right tackle Jeff Otah, the team's best run-blocker, is nursing a knee injury. The primary reason to go after Williams is the vision of the 20 total touchdowns he scored in 2008.

QUICK TAKE

On the way up: Ray Rice, Ravens

On the way down: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers

Riskiest pick: Knowshon Moreno, Broncos

Sleeper: Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers

Please avoid: Marion Barber, Cowboys

Top rookie: Ryan Mathews, Chargers

THE DRAFT BOARD The Top 50 (bye week next to team name)

1. Adrian Peterson, Vikings 4

2. Chris Johnson, Titans 9

3. Ray Rice, Ravens 8

4. Michael Turner, Falcons 8

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars 9

6. Steven Jackson, Rams 9

7. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers 5

8. Frank Gore, 49ers 9

9. Ryan Grant Packers, 10

10. Ryan Mathews, Chargers 10

11. LeSean McCoy, Eagles 8

12. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers 6

13. Shonn Greene, Jets 7

14. Pierre Thomas, Saints 10

15. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins 5

16. Cedric Benson, Bengals 6

17. Arian Foster, Texans 7

18. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos 9

19. Joseph Addai, Colts 7

20. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs 4

21. Beanie Wells, Cardinals 6

22. Jerome Harrison, Browns 8

23. Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers 4

24. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 6

25. Felix Jones, Cowboys 4

26. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants 8

27. Matt Forte, Bears 8

28. Marion Barber, Cowboys 4

29. Michael Bush, Raiders 10

30. C.J. Spiller, Bills 6

31. Laurence Maroney, Patriots 5

32. Jahvid Best, Lions 7

33. Brandon Jacobs, Giants 8

34. Clinton Portis, Redskins 9

35. Justin Forsett, Seahawks 5

36. Darren McFadden, Raiders 10

37. Tashard Choice, Cowboys 4

38. Ricky Williams, Dolphins 5

39. Steve Slaton, Texans 7

40. Donald Brown, Colts 7

41. Reggie Bush, Saints 10

42. Montario Hardesty, Browns 8

43. Bernard Scott, Bengals 6

44. Kevin Smith, Lions 7

45. Thomas Jones, Chiefs 4

46. Correll Buckhalter, Broncos 9

47. Chester Taylor, Bears 8

48. Anthony Dixon, 49ers 9

49. Javon Ringer, Titans 9

50. LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets 7