11. Jamaal Charles
Charles supplanted Larry Johnson after his twitter outburst and was one of the top backs in fantasy football - and the league – from the midway point last season. He finished with over 1100 yards and 7 TDs on just 190 carries. He was a force as a receiver as well.
We’re not sure how the Chiefs plan to use Thomas Jones, but you can bet that the explosive Jamaal Charles will be the primary ball carrier… and deliver.
12. Ryan Grant
The Packers offense is explosive and Grant ran behind a very suspect offensive for most of last season. That unit improved along the way and they upgraded the position in the off-season. He was a top 10 fantasy scorer with 197 points in 2009 and should easily top that total this year.
13. Shonn Greene
His 2009 post season left no doubts about his ability; it’s durability which is the question mark. He’ll be a very strong fantasy sleeper entering this season and should go early in the draft. Still, it remains to be seen how Tomlinson will be utilized in the Jets offense, although we think Greene will be the featured guy and have a solid year.
14. Joseph Addai
The Colts running game never got on track last year and Addai suffered much like Ryan Grant did due to a poor offensive line. Yet he still managed 182 fantasy points thanks to his 13 total TDs. The offensive still goes through Peyton but expect Addai to make an impact. He’s a good No. 2 RB in 2010.
15. Ryan Mathews
This is a real boom or bust type pick. The Chargers offense is loaded at the skill positions but there are once again questions along the offensive line and with Norv Turner’s run blocking scheme. Both were horrible last year. Provided Matthews remains healthy, he has the speed and talent to be a 1,000 yard back with double digit TDs.
16. Jonathan Stewart
While many may argue there are only so many carries to go around, both he and Williams were top 13 scorers in 2009. The Panthers will look to maintain control on the ground and Stewart has the size, speed and talent to make a big impact. He’ll start off as a solid No. 2 in fantasy, but could end up a No.1 by season’s end.
17. LeSean McCoy
McCoy will be the main running threat now that Westbrook’s gone in what could be a potent Eagles offense. He finished with 103 points sharing the load in 2009 and has the ability to double that over the course of a full season.
18. Pierre Thomas
PT Cruiser had a strange year in 2009. It began with a freak injury prior to the season opener and was very average throughout. He still managed 148 fantasy points but has the potential to do much more. Look for a big bounce back season for Thomas in 2010.
19. Beanie Wells
He showed flashes of big-time ability in his rookie year and will be relied on even more now that Leinart is set to go under center. Expect Wells to receive the ball 200 plus times and top 1,000 yards with 8-10 TDs.
20. Ronnie Brown
Brown will be coming back from another knee injury but should regain form quickly in the Dolphins offense. With the new threat posed by the passing game, expect running lanes to open and Brown to run through them en route to a strong fantasy season.
Missed top 20 cut -
Felix Jones, Knowshon Moreno, Brandon Jacobs, Marion Barber and Ricky Williams.
» Football Futures Betting: An Early Look at the AFC West
July 25th, 2010 at 13:19
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[...] cruise to another AFC West Championship in 2010. They’re loaded across the board and drafted intriguing RB prospect Ryan Mathews out of Fresno State in the 1st Round to upgrade the running game. WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus [...]