You know about LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson and Shaun Alexander. Those are the top four running backs in Fantasy Football and the players who will command the spotlight at the top of every draft.
But those aren't the only running backs who will make headlines this season.
Several running backs will benefit from a new coach, new team or leaving a tandem situation. For others, their value will take a hit because their offseason was horrible.
When putting together your Fantasy team, you want running backs who will have more value than where you draft them. Go back to last year when guys like Frank Gore, Deuce McAllister, Chester Taylor and Ahman Green were taken well after the first round but were used as starting Fantasy running backs.
The goal is to find those players every year. With that in mind, here are three running backs on the rise this year and three on the decline.
Three Up
Ronnie Brown, Miami Brown isn't going to turn into LaDainian Tomlinson simply because Cam Cameron, the former Chargers offensive coordinator, is now the Dolphins head coach. But Cameron has proven to be an offensive guru and he and Tomlinson were a magical combination. Brown is being viewed as a No. 2 Fantasy RB heading into the season, but he should get plenty of opportunities to run and catch the ball, which will increase his value. By the end of the season, don’t be surprised if Brown is a top 10 Fantasy RB.
Edgerrin James, Arizona
James will never be the same player he was in Indianapolis. The Colts offense was that good, and James thrived playing with Peyton Manning and Co. But James also won't be as bad as he was last year in his first season with the Cardinals. Matt Leinart will give the Cardinals stability at quarterback, and new coach Ken Whisenhunt will find ways for James to be successful. He was a bust last year, but this year he will be back as a starting Fantasy RB.
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Laurence Maroney has a full-time gig for the Pats in 2007.
(US Presswire)
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Laurence Maroney, New England The Patriots wouldn't have let Corey Dillon go if they felt Maroney was unable to be a full-time starter. Like fellow sophomore Joseph Addai in Indianapolis, Maroney is looking to build off a solid rookie campaign. Maroney will benefit from all the new wide receivers for the Patriots -- Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth and Wes Welker -- which will force teams from stacking the line of scrimmage. And Maroney has the chance to make an impact catching the ball, which will make him a star this season.
Three Down
Kevin Jones, Detroit
The biggest problem for Jones is a left foot injury that has his status for the start of the season in doubt. But even if Jones is able to play in the season opener, he will have to compete with Tatum Bell and T.J. Duckett for carries. In several mock drafts already done, Jones is going higher than Bell. That shouldn't be the case because Bell will be more productive. Consider Jones a No. 4 Fantasy RB at best and hope he can help your Fantasy team at the end of the season.
LaMont Jordan, Oakland
Jordan had an awful season last year as he battled injuries and played for a bad team. This year Jordan is healthy, but the Raiders are still bad. And now Jordan has to share carries with Dominic Rhodes, who was added from Indianapolis. Jordan will still be the starter, but he will lose playing time. For Fantasy owners counting on Jordan to have a bounce back year, don't hold your breath. He can still be used as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy RB, but his days as a starting Fantasy RB are over.
Clinton Portis, Washington
Portis used to be a lock as a No. 1 Fantasy RB and a first-round draft pick. But those days are behind him. He comes into the season battling knee tendinitis and getting over hand and shoulder injuries from last year. And now Portis will have to deal with the emergence of Ladell Betts, who shined when Portis was hurt last year. Portis still has the potential to be a No. 2 Fantasy RB, but he should not be drafted in the first round. You should also monitor his health during the preseason to see if he's ready to play.
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