1. Frank Gore
While missing what essentially amounted to three full games a year ago, Frank Gore still finished 6th in fantasy football scoring for RBs. This year he could end up in the top three. The 49ers O-line was upgraded via the NFL Draft and the improvement in the passing game should keep defensive backs from cheating up close to the line. This will open up running lanes for Gore. Another plus in his favor is that the Niners will play the Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals a total of six times.
2. Rashard Mendenhall
In Mendenhall’s first full season, he justified the 1st Round selection the Steelers invested in him. He finished with over 1,100 yards and 7 TDs. 2010 will be an even bigger year for him. RB Willie Parker’s gone and QB Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension means his importance to the offense will be that much greater over the 1st half of the season. Look for Pittsburgh to feed the ball to Mendenhall who’ll end up a top 10 fantasy RB in 2010.
3. Beanie Wells
Wells had a strong rookie campaign and finished a shade below 800 yards with 7 TDs. He showed an excellent combination of power, speed and awareness. The retirement of QB Kurt Warner means the Cardinals will place more emphasis on the running game, and the beneficiary of those carries will be Wells. Provided either Matt Leinart or Derek Anderson can keep defenses honest, he could be in line for a 1,100-1,200 yard season with double digit TDs.
Fallers
1. Steven Jackson
Jackson is one of the most talented runners in the league who is stuck on a horrendous team. His 2009 campaign was very good outside of touchdowns, especially in point per reception leagues where he hauled in 50 receptions to go with his 1,416 rushing yards. This year the outlook is bleaker. He’ll again be playing behind a shaky O-line but now with a rookie a QB (Sam Bradford). The Rams Offense will continuously see eight-and-nine men in the box and Jackson can expect his stats to decline.
2. Jamaal Charles
Charles was as devastating over the last eight games of the season as anyone in fantasy football. He put up 155 fantasy points from Week 10 on. It’s difficult to read how the 2010 season will play out for Charles and the Chiefs. They’ve brought in a new Offensive Coordinator (Charlie Weiss) and signed former Jets RB Thomas Jones in Free Agency. Charles is still an exciting fantasy prospect but we expect Jones to see the ball between 10-12 times per game, and especially near the goal line.
3. Shonn Greene
There’s plenty of hype surrounding Greene (and the Jets). Many pre-draft player rankings have Greene in the top 10 after his impressive 2009 Playoff stretch. While his upside appears high, there’s plenty of red flags too. The Jets lost OG Alan Faneca in Free Agency and will be starting a rookie at Guard. QB Mark Sanchez is only in year 2 and RB LaDainian Tomlinson is still talented enough to command 10-12 carries per game. The closer one looks, it becomes more apparent that Greene’s a real boom or bust pick.
Pro Football 101» 2010 Fantasy Football Draft Rankings: Top 25 RBs
August 19th, 2010 at 18:15
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[...] Beanie Wells – More will be expected out of Wells after Kurt Warner’s [...]
Pro Football 101» 2010 Fantasy Football Rankings – Week 1 RBs
September 6th, 2010 at 11:22
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[...] Charles – Charles is a threat as a runner and receiver and will present all sorts of problems for San Diego on Monday Night. 100 yards and 1 [...]