My 2009 Rankings: Top 25 RB’s
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tten By: g-men79
After doing a list of QB Rankings, I am now ranking the runningbacks. To make sure it is clear, I am ranking these runningbacks in terms of how I believe they will do this upcoming season. I’ve decided to look at the top 25 starting RB’s for this upcoming season. Anyone that is a backup like Jonathan Stewart or Ahmad Bradshaw are not included.
25. Jamaal Lewis. Cleveland Browns. 2008 stats- 279 car, 1,002 yds, 4 TD’s.
Lewis is getting old. There is no other way to look at it. He is far from his 2,000 yard season in 2003, and even though he had 1,002 yards last year, I don’t see him reaching that 1,000 this year.
24. Lary Johnston. Kansas City Cheifs. 2008 stats- 193 car, 874 yds, 5 TD’s.
We all remember the days of anticipating the LT vs. LJ match-ups between Johnston and LaDainian Tomlinson. Now LJ’s great days are over. He has had two consecutive sub-par seasons and thats what he’ll have again this year.
23. Reggie Bush. New Orleans Saints. 2008 stats- 106 car, 404 yds, 2 TD’s.
Reggie Bush no longer has Deuce McAllister playing starting runningback, and now he is the starter there. Pierre Thomas will be getting carries this year, but I think Reggie Bush will start to improve this year. Around 800 yards.
22. Knowshon Moreno. Denver Broncos. 2008 stats- N/A
After last year with the year of rookie runningbacks, Moreno is the only one I can see having a big impact as a starter. I know at the moment that he hasn’t been named the starter, but I think he will become the starter during the season.
21. Derrick Ward. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2008 stats- 182 car, 1,025 yds, 2 TD’s.
I will personally be watching Derrick Ward closely this year. As a former Giant, I hope Ward does well but I don’t know if he will be good on his own this year, without Brandon Jacobs.
20. Frank Gore. San Fransisco 49′ers. 2008 stats- 240 car, 1,036 yds, 6 TD’s.
Only playing in 14 games last year, Gore racked up 1,036 yards and 6 TD’s. If Gore can stay healthy this year he can rush for around 1,100 but I could also see him ending the season with 800 yards.
19. Ronnie Brown. Miami Dolphins. 20008 stats- 214 car, 916 yds, 10 TD’s
Ronnie Brown’s stats have gone up and down since coming into the league in 2005. He has only rushed for 1,000 yards once in his career in 2006. He can go for 1,000 yards or 600. He is going to be a questionable RB going into this season, and I’m thinking he will have an average season.
18. Joseph Addai. Indianapolis Colts. 2008 stats- 155 car, 544 yds, 5 TD’s.
Joseph Addai is a good RB, but I am not sure how he will do this season. Only rushing for 544 yards and 5 TD’s in 12 games last season, Addai is a big question mark for me this year.
17. Maurice Jones-Drew. Jacksonville Jaguars. 2008 stats- 197 car, 824 yds, 12 TD’s.
It is going to be interesting to see what Maurice Jones-Drew can do this season. He will either be a better RB, because Fred Taylor is gone to New England. Or he could do worse without Fred Taylor there. I think Jones-Drew will have a good season though, probably a little better than last year.
16. Thomas Jones. New York Jets. 2008 stats- 290 car, 1,312 yds, 12 TD’s.
Thomas Jones could be the main focus point for the Jets offense this upcoming season with the QB situation still in question. While Leon Washington will be taking some of the carries from Jones, this season could be a very good one for him.
15. Marshawn Lynch. Buffalo Bills. 2008 stats- 250 car, 1,036 yds, 8 TD’s.
Marshawn Lynch would probably be higher on this list if he wasn’t suspended for the first three games. That being said, Lynch probably won’t rush for 1,000 yards this season because of that. He is still among the leagues best though.
14. Brian Westbrook. Philadelphia Eagles. 2008 stats- 233 car, 936 yds, 9 TD’s.
Westbrook is going to be an interesting RB in the first couple weeks. He had surgery in the off-season and we will have to see how he responds to that. Westbrook will most likely also be losing some carries to rookie RB LeSean McCoy.
13. Ryan Grant. Green Bay Packers. 2008 stats- 312 car, 1,203 yds, 4 TD’s.
Since coming into the NFL, Ryan Grant has been a good RB. From 956 yards in 07, to 1,203 yards in 08, Grant will most likely make another improvement in his game.
12. Matt Forte. Chicago Bears. 2008 stats- 316 car, 1,238 yds, 8 TD’s
Yet another breakout rookie, Forte was one of the main parts of this offense from last season. This year, with the addition of Jay Cutler, these Bears are going to be dangerous. Expect another great year from Matt Forte. Something around the stats he had last year.
11. LaDainian Tomlinson. San Diego Chargers. 2008 stats- 292 car, 1,110 yds, 11 TD’s.
I don’t understand the hating on LaDainian Tomlinson. A couple of years ago he could do no wrong. He has never missed a regular season game and has rushed for 1,000 yards every year he has been in the NFL. Now everyone wants to take a shot at a guy for missing the postseason, who is still one of the best in the league. He has Now he will be splitting time with Darren Sproles, but I still think this will be a big year for LT.
10. Steven Jackson. St Louis Rams. 2008 stats- 253 car, 1,042 yds, 7 TD’s.
Like Willie Parker, last season Jackson only started 11 games due to injury. We have all seen what Jackson can do when healthy though, and I think he is on his way to returning to form this season.
9. Willie Parker. Pittsburgh Steelers. 2008 stats- 210 car, 791 yds, 5 TD’s.
Last season Parker only played 11 games due to a knee injury bringing backup Rashard Mendenhall into the role. But if Parker can stay healthy, then this could be a very productive season for Willie Parker. I would say that, if healthy, he could rush for around 1,200 yards and 8 TD’s.
8. Brandon Jacobs. New York Giants. 2008 stats- 219 car, 1,089 yds, 15 TD’s.
Now that Derrick Ward is gone to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brandon Jacobs will be sharing carries with Ahmad Bradshaw. While I think Bradshaw will have success, he won’t be as good as Ward was and I think Jacobs will get more carries. He is one of the most dominant RB’s in the league, with the way that he punishes defenders. I see Jacobs piling up 1,250 yards and 15 TD’s.
7. Clinton Portis. Washington Redskins. 2008 stats- 342 car, 1,487 yds, 9 TD’s
Clinton Portis was considered to be one of the candidates for MVP during last season. Portis is still one of the top runningbacks in the league and is probably the biggest key of the Washington Redskins offense. I think his stats will pretty much be the same as last year.
6. DeAngelo Williams. Carolina Panthers. 2008 stats- 273 car, 1,515 yds, 18 TD’s.
In his first season as a starter last year Williams had great success along with 2nd string RB and rookie Jonathan Stewart. This year he will most likely have the same amount of success. I see him having the same stats as last year, maybe a few less TD’s.
5 . Marion Barber. Dallas Cowboys. 2008 stats- 238 car, 885 yds, 7 TD’s.
Another RB that will be sharing carries, with possibly two other guys, I think Marion Barber is going to have great success this season. Even though the Cowboys running game will be like the New York Giants last year with Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice all getting a good share of carries. He will probably have around 1,200 yards and 10 TD’s.
4. Steve Slaton. Houston Texans. 2008 stats- 268 car, 1,282 yds, 9 TD’s.
Just like Tennesse’s Chris Johnston and Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart, Steve Slaton was a breakout rookie from last year. The only difference is that Slaton is the starter in Houston and has no one to share carries with. Slaton could be one of the best runningbacks in the next couple of years. This year, I believe his production will be around 1,300 to 1,400 yards.
3. Michael Turner. Atlanta Falcons. 2008 stats- 376 car, 1,699 yds, 17 TD’s.
One year after becoming the Falcons starter, after playing behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael “Burner” Turner had a great season. 1,700 carries and 17 TD’s. This year will be interesting to see what he can do. I am thinking Turner could either go down to around 1,500 yards, but has the potential to rush for 2,000.
2. Chris Johnston. Tennessee Titans. 2008 stats- 251 car, 1,228 yds, 9 TD’s.
One of the breakout rookies last year, Chris Johnston looks to continue his success this season. Even though he will be sharing carries with LenDale White, I think Johnston is going to have loads of success this year. I’m guessing he’ll have somewhere around 1,400 yards and 14 TD’s.
1. Adrian Peterson. Minnesota Vikings. 2008 stats- 363 car, 1,760, 10 TD’s.
Adrian Peterson is the unanimous #1. He is the best RB in the league, and could pile up 2,000 yards and 15-17 TD’s on his way to an MVP season. We are all expecting alot from Peterson this year, and I doubt he will disappoint.
Well there you go, there are my top 25 RB’s for the 2009 season. I will be looking into the WR’s next. If you missed my QB edition you can read it here: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/212045-my-2009-nfl-rankings-qb-edition
Great List man u nailed it with the cowboys and ur a giant fan that earns respect Good website
NO OFFENSE. BUT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. I DONT EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN TO CRITICIZE.
It will be awesome when Ronnie Brown ends up top 5 in the NFL for yfs this season.
I have to say I think you’re giving to much credit to both Portis and Barber. Good RB’s but a lil high. Forte also I believe should be a few notches above 12?!? Good call on Slaton I have my eye on him and the Texans this year.
I might have put Bush a little higher. Other than that I can’t argue with much. Good Job.
I think Jonathan Stewart should be on the list. He should be good splitting carries with Williams.
LT is overrated.
Joesph Addai #18? Normally I wouldn’t have a problem with this. But with guys like Ronnie Brown and Frank Gore below him, that ranking is a big question mark for me.
Another thing I want to comment on is that I am surprised of the vast displacement between Frank Gore (20) and Steven Jackson (10). Both running backs remind me a lot of each other. They have been almost identical in performances in the past two or three years. But the big thing is San Francisco is looking to be a run based team in 2009. I believe he will get at least one and a half more carries then he got in 2008 with Martz. Not only will he get more carries, but he will be getting them between the tackles which is more of his style. I have always said those two HBs are quite equal. But this upcoming year I would put Gore above Jackson, not 10 spots below.
This is my opinion based response to your opinion based article, so don’t take it the wrong way. Nicely written. Fun to read.
How am I supposed to really take any of this serious when you dont even spell some of the RBs names correctly. How exactly is LARRY JOHNSONs days over again? Hes not even 30.
I think Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons, should not only be on there but at least higher than Bush.
I thought sometimes NFL.com didn’t have the best lists. But, this is probably one of the worst lists I’ve ever seen. Whoever made this list probably looked in a lousy fantasy magazine and mixed up the order a tiny bit. This is really bad. Like how is Knoshawn Moreno already on the list? How is Reggie Bush even close to the list? Out of 25 you got 1 right and that’s A.P. I’m sorry I looked at all of these and every other one is wrong like really this is really bad.
i think that Pierre Thomas is one of the most underated running backs in the league and expect him to have a big year. Also expect a big year from Marice Jones Drew with the upgrade in the offensive line and now that he is geting majority of the snaps. Steve Slayton could also have a big year.
I can dig Clinton Portis being number 10 on your list. If the Redskins get more OL help this year, and stay healthy, he will be higher that Marion Barber. HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
I think Matt Forte should have been ranked higher
I agree with only a few of your statements. Forte, MJD, and Westbrook are way too low. Clinton Portis is going to be around for 12 games and Marion Barber is not the starting RB going into the season. I think he will have a good year but not better then many you ranked below him. If this list were to hold true the fantasy world would be turned upside down.
It is one thing to rank guys, but it is another to have a reason for doing so. Here is my top 15: 1. AP, 2. Michael Turner, 3. Forte, 4. Steven Jackson (when healthy he is a beast), 5. MJD (can’t argue with his TD prowess), 6. Chris Johnson (could be higher if White would quit stealing TDs), 7. Brian Westbrook (a huge part of their offense, averages 1800 total yards), 8. DeAngelo Williams (scored most of his TDs in two games), 9. Frank Gore, 10. Brandon “beast” Jacobs, 11. LT (he will have 1500 yards, and 14 TDs), 12. Kevin Smith (young, talented, all they have), 13. Ryan Grant, 14. Marion Barber (will have more success as the 3rd quarter guy), 15. Clinton Portis (if he stays healthy, I predict 12 games).
Not only are many of my top RBs able to run the ball, but they are also able to catch the ball out of the backfield. Good fantasy scoring systems account for rushing and receiving yardage and this list is based on that. I was really hopeful when I heard about this website…,that is until I saw the quality, or lack there of of their experts! If you want some quality articles drop me an email and I will give you something worth publishing.
no Kevin Smith??
i dont believe marion baber should be so high either should willie parker…baber is going to be like landale white for chris johnson except johnson is felix jones…willie parker is way to over rated but other than them two you hit it on the dot
I really didnt like the list, no offence. But i think you have steve slaton, marion barber and a few other backs to high, and matt forte deserves a much higher spot. And i am suppose to say this, becouse i am a philly fan. but it is ridcolous to put ryant grant over Brian westbrook, brian westbrook had a season plagued by injuries that set him down the list, but he still has a lot of total yards every year, hes a tough and talented player and defenatly deserves a top 10 spot. but i give you credit for making the list, becouse its hard to rank RB´s becouse there is so many talented players at that position
BTW perfect list Moon
This is absolutely terrible… I mean all you have right is adrian perterson and michael turner! You put jones-drew 17 and frank gore is way higher than you placed him… TERRIBLE
OMG, dude what are u basing these picks off of. U put Mojo at 17, WOW. Man, u got to be kidding me, do me a favor, watch some football this season and watch Mojo, and frank gore tear some stuff up, and chris johnson should be behind turner, and forte should be in top 5 for sure, his rockie seaon was ridiculous. I am a huge Barber fan but even I know he isnt 5th, come on now, and WILLIE PARKER, in top 10, since when, Dude, I smell re-due. But I appreciate the effort.
How is Jones-Drew 17!?!?!?!…he is easily the second best back in the league BEHIND Adrian Peterson of course…but come on…this list is horrible.
Couldnt disagree more, although i repsect your opinions. This time next year you will be talking about my main man JUSTIN FORSETT in Seattle. Possibly Lendale White or Leon Washington too. Go Hawks!
I dont think that AP should be #1 he pretty much blew the playoffs. Also I think after this next year ryan matthews is going to be #3 or 4
Chris JohnSton? baaaaawwwwwwww…….
I think that you guys need to put Pyton Hillis on this list. One he is a strong runner, two he has a pretty high rushing average, and three he is hard to bring down. That is the definition of a power back. I still to this day regret the fact that my team traded him because of a few fumbles. By far one of the most skilled young runningbacks I have ever seen. I would put him ahead of Moreno (by far).
I doubt it
well i guess you can put it like that
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