Running backs are the backbone of every fantasy team.  I’m not a gambling man (I keep telling myself this) but I would put money on the fact that if you won the league you had either LaDainian Tomlinson or Steven Jackson on your team.  The best backs not only get you rushing yards but are very talented at catching balls out of the backfield.  Sure LT ran for over 1,800 yards, but he also caught 56 balls for over 500 yards.  Steven Jackson ran for over 1,500 yards and led all backs with 90 receptions for over 800 yards!  When you have a versatile back, that will give your team the edge every time.  Some other notable RB’s that can be great receivers are Brian Westbrook, Reggie Bush, Frank Gore, and Larry Johnson.  So sit back and relax while I go over in order the running back class of 2007.

1.    LaDainian Tomlinson – RB San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson had a record-breaking year in 2007, scoring 31 total TD’s.  He also led all RB’s with 1,815 yards and also caught 56 balls for 508 yards.  LT is on a stellar team in San Diego (“Which of course in German means a whale’s….”  ok nevermind) which means great opportunities for LT to just run the ball and run the clock out.  I’ll make this real easy:  If you have the #1 pick in your draft, this is the guy to pick.

2.    Steven Jackson – RB St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson enjoyed his best season yet, amassing 1,528 yards and also catching 90 balls for 806 yards.  He scored 16 TD’s along the way, but towards the end of the season (fantasy playoff time) he was money.  Jackson is on a team chock full of offensive weapons, but he still remains a central figure in their scheme.  The odds of him catching another 90 balls aren’t so good with the additions of WR Drew Bennett and TE Randy McMichael, but he will still be a huge contributor. 

3.    Larry Johnson – RB Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson put up very solid numbers in 2006 with 1,789 yards rushing and 410 yards receiving.  He scored 19 TD’s also, and looks to keep the momentum going.  He has carried the ball a lot the past 2 seasons, but he is still young, and can handle the abuse, so look for him to be a key asset this season in KC. 

4.    Frank Gore – RB San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore had a fantastic 2006 season rushing for 1,695 yards and 485 yards receiving.  He put up 9 total TD’s and caught 61 passes.  Gore is a centerpiece on a very young, but talented 49ers team, so the best is still yet to come.  With QB Alex Smith getting better game by game, that will take a lot of the pressure off Gore, and open things up even more.  Look for big things from Gore in 2007.

5.    Shaun Alexander – RB Seattle Seahawks
Shaun Alexander, while healthy in 2006, put up decent numbers.  The only problem is he missed 6 games with a broken foot.  Was it the Madden curse????  No one will ever know (I think I have a pretty good idea, however).  With all of the hype right after his record setting TD season of 2005, I would look for Shaun to rebound nicely in 2007.  He should be good for 11-12 TD’s and over 1,300 yards.  A very solid #5 pick.
 

6.    Brian Westbrook – RB Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook had a very solid 2006 season, rushing for 1,217 yards and catching 77 balls for 699 yards.  He scored 11 total TD’s, and played an intricate role in the Eagles offense game in and game out.  The main stat for Westbrook in 2006 was playing in 16 games…he has been prone to injury, but last year, he asked for the ball, and stepped up big time.  Look for the same in 2007 from Westbrook.

7.    Joseph Addai – RB Indianapolis Colts
Joseph Addai enjoyed a nice rookie season, even though he split time with Dominic Rhodes.  Addai rushed for 1,081 yards and scored 8 total TD’s.  He also caught 40 balls for 325 yards.  He is a versatile back no an explosive team, which means big things for 2007!  Look for his yards to be around the 1,300 mark and receptions in the neighborhood of 50 catches.

8.    Rudi Johnson – RB Cincinnati Bengals
Rudi Johnson is a beast on the field, rushing for 1,309 yards and 12 TD’s last season.  He only had 23 receptions last year, but he is still a consistent performer week in and week out.  Provided the rest of the Bengals will stay out of jail, they should have a solid team, which means lots of points being put up and Rudi will be a huge beneficiary of that.