Editor's note: This is the second of a three-part series analyzing keepers for 2008 and beyond. Jamey will address receivers each of the next Friday. He addressed quarterbacks last week.
The key to success in most Fantasy leagues is drafting a solid running back. In keeper leagues, a good running back could carry you for several years.
The Fantasy owner who got lucky with LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001 has probably been quite dominant the past seven years. And seven years from now, we'll probably say the same thing about Minnesota's Adrian Peterson.
In deciding on which running backs to keep, there are several factors to consider, with offensive line, quarterback, age and now potential tandems part of the equation. Some running backs who have improved their keeper value this year are Marion Barber, Kevin Jones and LenDale White.
Others like Ryan Grant, Earnest Graham and Selvin Young have emerged as guys you cannot let go. There are injury concerns with players like Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams, and some prominent players have seen their values decrease, like Shaun Alexander and Ahman Green, due to age and poor play.
As we examine keeper leagues, there are obviously different rules for different leagues. Some require a loss of a draft pick for the round that player was taken in, others have no requirements at all.
The evaluations here are based on how we think these running backs will fare next season, so apply your own league guidelines to each category.
And remember, there's still a lot that can change during the offseason, so stay on top of what develops heading into 2008.
The players listed below are in alphabetical order in their respective categories. The 2008 ranking is based on where we think this player will rank at his position. For example, LaDainian Tomlinson will likely be ranked as either the first or second running back next season.
Obvious choices
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Joseph Addai is young, talented and in a high-powered offense.
(US Presswire)
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Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Pro: Addai has proven he can handle the load of being a full-time starting running back and plays in one of the best offenses in the NFL. He also catches the ball and should finish with over 1,500 total yards and already has 14 touchdowns.
Con: This is still
Peyton Manning's offense, and Addai has slowed down in the second half of the season after a torrid start. There will be some questions about the offensive line next year as well.
2008 ranking: 2-4
Steven Jackson, St. Louis
Pro: Jackson is a complete running back and the main focus on offense when healthy. Despite missing four games with an injured groin he's likely still going to finish with 1,000 yards rushing.
Con: The Rams offensive line improved toward the end of the season but was still decimated by injuries. The entire offense, including Jackson, needs to stay healthy, which was the problem this year.
2008 ranking: 3-5
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
Pro: The rookie showed in a tandem that he can still gain over 1,500 total yards and 13 touchdowns despite missing two games. He plays behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and the offense should continue to improve next year.
Con: Injuries are a concern, and he missed two games as a rookie. And it's unknown if Chester Taylor will return next year. If Taylor is back, Peterson will still lose carries.
2008 ranking: 1-3
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego
Pro: Tomlinson's touchdown total dropped from his MVP season in 2006, but he will still finish with about 20 touchdowns and 2,000 total yards. He will maintain his role as the focus of the offense.
Con: The Chargers offense regressed in 2007, which is a slight concern going into next year, especially with coach Norv Turner expected to return. And Tomlinson has avoided serious injuries thus far in his career, which is lucky for a running back who touches the ball as much as he does.
2008 ranking: 1-2
Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia
Pro: Westbrook is the best player for the Eagles and should finish with about 2,000 total yards this season. He has over 80 catches, so he is the epitome of a complete running back. And he only missed one game in 2007, so despite missing practice time, he's remained healthy.
Con: Besides sliding down at the one-yard line at Dallas during the Fantasy playoffs, Westbrook's injury history will always remain a concern. And the Eagles could be in for an overhaul next year, which could impact how Westbrook performs.
2008 ranking: 2-4
Lock 'em up
Marion Barber, Dallas
Pro: Barber again will finish with double-digit touchdowns in a limited role and should run for about 1,000 yards. Julius Jones is an unrestricted free agent, so Barber could be the starter for the Cowboys next season.
Con: Dallas has been reluctant to make Barber the starter, and there is a chance Jones could return next year. Barber also is a restricted free agent, so there is a chance he could be elsewhere in 2008, which might be a worse situation.
2008 ranking: 8-14
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Reggie Bush needs to show more in his third season.
(US Presswire)
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Reggie Bush, New Orleans Pro: Despite missing at least two games with a knee injury, Bush finished with about 1,000 total yards. He also has 73 catches, which is great in leagues where receptions count.
Con: Prior to getting hurt, Bush did not rush for over 100 yards in a game and struggled to be the No. 1 guy once
Deuce McAllister (knee) got hurt. McAllister will be back in 2008, so Bush will go back to being more of a role player.
2008 ranking: 10-15
Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay
Pro: Graham has been a star since Cadillac Williams (knee) and Michael Pittman (ankle) got hurt and will finish the season with double digits in touchdowns. Williams will likely miss the start of next season, which means Graham will open next season as the starter.
Con: Williams will return at some point next year, which will hurt Graham's value. The Bucs could have some issues on offense with an aging roster.
2008 ranking: 9-14
Ryan Grant, Green Bay
Pro: Grant has been a stud since taking over as the starter for the Packers in Week 8. The Packers will remain explosive next year, and Grant should continue to shine in his first year as the starter.
Con: Grant's opportunity came at the expense of an injury to DeShawn Wynn (shoulder), and rookie Brandon Jackson was ineffective. Grant should still start next year, but Wynn and Jackson could have an increased role.
2008 ranking: 6-11
Frank Gore, San Francisco
Pro: After a poor start, Gore is finishing the season strong and proving he is a complete running back. The 49ers should improve from this year's dismal performance, especially on offense, and Gore will have a bounce back season.
Con: The quarterback situation could be a mess for the 49ers with Alex Smith's struggles this year. The offensive line needs help, and Gore needs to stay healthy.
2008 ranking: 5-10
Brandon Jacobs, N.Y. Giants
Pro: Despite missing five games with knee and hamstring injuries, Jacobs played well in his first year as the starter. He will rush for about 1,000 yards and showed he can catch the ball as well. Derrick Ward also is a restricted free agent and might not return, which will mean more carries for Jacobs.
Con: He missed five games, and injuries are a concern because of his running style and size. Ward could be back, and Jacobs had trouble finding the end zone this year.
2008 ranking: 10-15
Larry Johnson, Kansas City
Pro: Johnson will return from his injury this season and be 100 percent for next year. He still plays for Herm Edwards, so you know he will get the ball. And he's going to be motivated following this year's debacle.
Con: The offensive line for the Chiefs is a mess and will need improvement. Johnson was expected to break down after 416 carries in 2006, but we'll have to see how he responds coming back from an injury.
2008 ranking: 5-9
Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville
Pro: Fred Taylor will be 32 next year, and although Taylor has been stellar this season, Jones-Drew will assume more of a role as the featured back. Even if the tandem remains as is, Jones-Drew scores touchdowns and makes the most of his limited carries.
Con: Will Taylor ever slow down? He's often-injured, but this year Taylor has been rejuvenated, which hurt Jones-Drew's development. If Taylor comes back strong again, Jones-Drew will suffer.
2008 ranking: 7-11
Kevin Jones, Detroit
Pro: He came back sooner than expected from his foot injury and proved to be 100 percent healthy. The offense should remain dynamic, and Jones will continue to be the No. 1 RB in Mike Martz's offense.
Con: There are times when Jones disappears from the gameplan, so some Fantasy owners would like to see Martz leave. Jones hasn't played a full season yet in four years.
2008 ranking: 9-14
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo
Pro: As a rookie, Lynch will run for over 1,000 yards and has played well behind an underrated offensive line. The offense should continue to improve in Buffalo, and Lynch should be a solid keeper in 2008.
Con: Lynch missed three games with an injury, and the Bills need to add more playmakers to open up the offense. Fred Jackson's emergence could hurt Lynch next year, and it's unknown what role Anthony Thomas will play if he returns.
2008 ranking: 7-11
Laurence Maroney, New England
Pro: Plays in one of, if not the, most explosive offenses in the NFL and showed signs of being a dominant runner when given an opportunity.
Con: He missed three games with an injury and only had two games with 20 or more carries thus far. If everyone returns for the Patriots as expected, will Maroney continue to be phased out of the offense? That's the concern.
2008 ranking: 11-15
Willis McGahee, Baltimore
Pro: McGahee only has one game this year without 100 total yards or a touchdown and will finish the season with about 1,500 total yards. He's the lone bright spot on offense and was stellar in his first season with the Ravens.
Con: The Ravens offense is a mess and needs help at quarterback and the offensive line, which could affect McGahee next year. McGahee still hasn't had a dominating year yet, which is why he toes the line of a No. 1 and No. 2 Fantasy RB.
2008 ranking: 9-13
Willie Parker, Pittsburgh
Pro: Parker was the leading rusher in the NFL before getting hurt in Week 16 at St. Louis. He should be ready for the start of 2008 and will resume his role as the No. 1 runner for the Steelers.
Con: There could be lingering effects from the broken leg, which would limit his play. And he barely found the end zone this year, finishing with only two touchdowns.
2008 ranking: 11-15
Clinton Portis, Washington
Pro: He proved he could stay healthy this year behind a beat-up offensive line and will finish with over 1,000 yards rushing. The Redskins offense will improve, and Portis is only going to be 27 next season.
Con: Ladell Betts, although not much of a factor this season, remains on the team, and the offensive line needs work. Portis isn't a No. 1 Fantasy option anymore, but he's a definite starter and has improved his stock.
2008 ranking: 11-15
LenDale White, Tennessee
Pro: White proved to be the power back for the Titans and had a breakthrough year. He will finish with about 1,000 yards and will come into next season as the starter.
Con: Chris Henry will play more of a role, and White sometimes disappears in the offense when Tennessee is behind. Vince Young also needs to improve, which would open up more running lanes for White.
2008 ranking: 12-17
Selvin Young, Denver
Pro: When given the chance, Young showed he could be the featured running back for the Broncos. Coach Mike Shanahan said Young has the potential to be starter in the NFL, and Denver might be willing to part ways with Travis Henry after his tumultuous season.
Con: Henry could remain, and Shanahan is fickle with his running backs. Who knows, next year Andre Hall could be the starter. Young hasn't proven he can handle being a starter, so next year he could take a step back.
2008 ranking: 12-17
Worth a look
Cedric Benson, Chicago
Pro: Benson should return from the leg injury he sustained in Week 12 against Denver and resume his role as the starter. The Bears offensive line should improve, and Benson showed flashes of being a capable No. 2 Fantasy RB.
Con: At times, Benson was terrible, whether it was his play or a poor offensive line. The injury could linger, and the Bears also might want to see how Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe finish out this year.
2008 ranking: 15-20
Ronnie Brown, Miami
Pro: Before Brown got hurt in Week 7 he was one of the best running backs in the NFL. He finished the year with 989 total yards and five touchdowns and was on pace for a 2,000 yard season. The Dolphins offensive line was solid this year, and Brown was thriving despite limited talent on offense.
Con: His knee injury could linger into the start of the season, which would obviously limit his play. The Dolphins also could draft Darren McFadden from Arkansas with the No. 1 overall pick, which would turn Brown into next year's version of Chester Taylor.
2008 ranking: 13-17
Justin Fargas, Oakland
Pro: Fargas only started eight games and played a limited role as a backup, but he still finished with 1,009 yards and four touchdowns before hurting his knee in Week 15. He is a free agent after this year, so where he ends up could determine his value.
Con: If Fargas returns to Oakland he could be starter, but he will likely share carries with Michael Bush. If he goes elsewhere, he might return to being a backup or take a lesser role.
2008 ranking: 14-19
Travis Henry, Denver
Pro: Before his injuries and off-field issues, Henry was one of the best running backs in the NFL and proved Denver right for signing him in the offseason. He could return as the starter for the Broncos next season, which would make him a solid No. 2 Fantasy RB if that happens.
Con: Once he got hurt and his name was tarnished with a possible suspension for drugs, Henry might have lost his job for next season. Coach Mike Shanahan likes Selvin Young a lot, and even if Henry returns to Denver he will likely share carries with Young next season.
2008 ranking: 12-17
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Edgerrin James will be a year older and likely a step slower in 2008.
(US Presswire)
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Edgerrin James, Arizona Pro: James had a better second season with the Cardinals than he did last year. He plays in an improving offense and for a coach who likes to run the ball.
Con: He will be 30 next year, which is a terrible age for running backs because it's when most start to tail off. His reception total was almost cut in half this year, and the Cardinals need to give James more carries at the goal line.
2008 ranking: 10-15
Julius Jones, Dallas
Pro: The only reason you would consider keeping Jones is if he ends up somewhere else next year as the starter since he's an unrestricted free agent. If he goes somewhere and is guaranteed carries, he could have significant Fantasy value.
Con: If Jones returns to Dallas next year or ends up as part of a tandem again, he would be a No. 3 Fantasy option at best and not worth keeping.
2008 ranking: 16-21
Jamal Lewis, Cleveland
Pro: Lewis was rejuvenated in Cleveland this year with over 1,000 yards rushing and double-digits in touchdowns. He also proved he could catch the ball and plays in a dynamic offense. If he returns to the Browns next year as an unrestricted free agent, his Fantasy value would remain high.
Con: If Lewis goes elsewhere as a free agent, his Fantasy value could take a hit, especially if he's given a long-term contract, which could limit his motivation. If he stays with the Browns and another running back is brought in, Lewis' Fantasy value also would go down.
2008 ranking: 12-17
Maurice Morris, Seattle
Pro: When Shaun Alexander was hurt this year, Morris played well and proved he could be a starter. If Alexander doesn't come back to Seattle, Morris could be the No. 1 RB.
Con: Morris will likely remain the backup running back for the Seahawks, meaning he has little Fantasy value and is not worth keeping.
2008 ranking: 20-25
Jerious Norwood, Atlanta
Pro: The Falcons finally gave Norwood a chance to be the starting RB. Warrick Dunn's best days are behind him, and Norwood will enter next season with a chance to shine.
Con: The Falcons are a mess. They have no coach or quarterback, and the offensive line is shaky at best. Dunn could still hang around, which would limit Norwood's carries. And Norwood, despite being talented, really hasn't proven anything yet.
2008 ranking: 19-24
Chester Taylor, Minnesota
Pro: The Vikings could trade Taylor elsewhere and give him a chance to start. If that happens, Taylor would have the chance to be a solid Fantasy RB again and a No. 2 option in 2008.
Con: Taylor remains in Minnesota as the backup to Adrian Peterson. If that happens, Taylor would not be worth keeping since he will only continue to lose carries.
2008 ranking: 17-22
Michael Turner, San Diego
Pro: Turner is finally a free agent and could go where he pleases. Last year, Turner spoke with Buffalo and Tennessee as a restricted free agent. He should have the chance to start somewhere else.
Con: Turner had a better year in 2006 as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup than he did this year. That could limit his suitors and his chance to be a starter next year. His value will be determined by where he ends up.
2008 ranking: 18-23
Derrick Ward, N.Y. Giants
Pro: Ward played great at times this year in place of Brandon Jacobs before his season ended in Week 13 with a broken leg. He is expected to be fine for the start of the season and will be a restricted free agent. If he goes somewhere else, he could have significant Fantasy value.
Con: If Ward returns to the Giants, he would not be worth keeping. And there could be lingering effects from the injury, so keep an eye on what develops.
2008 ranking: 22-27
DeAngelo Williams, Carolina
Pro: The Panthers could enter next season with Williams as the starter, which would dramatically increase his Fantasy value. Williams, in a limited role, has shown flashes of being a quality RB.
Con: The Panthers have been reluctant to give Williams the job and could return next year with the same tandem of DeShaun Foster and Williams. If that's the case, don't plan on keeping Williams next year.
2008 ranking: 17-21
Let 'em go
Shaun Alexander, Seattle
Pro: He could still return as the starter for the Seahawks next year, and should be in better health than he was this year. He could also end up playing for another team and still get the majority of carries.
Con: Alexander will be 31 next year, and his best days appear to be behind him. It's unlikely he comes back next year as the starter for Seattle.
2008 ranking: 18-23
Ladell Betts, Washington
Pro: Despite Clinton Portis making it through the entire season, he is still injury prone, which gives Betts some value. When given an opportunity this year, Betts showed he has some value.
Con: Portis appears to be 100 percent, meaning Betts will stay on the bench another season. Unless you are in a deep keeper league, don’t plan on holding onto Betts.
2008 ranking: 27-32
Chris Brown, Tennessee
Pro: Brown showed flashes of still being a quality RB this year when given playing time. He's an unrestricted free agent and could do well on another team.
Con: It's unlikely Brown will be a starter elsewhere next year, and he probably won't return to Tennessee with the Titans having LenDale White and Chris Henry. Most likely, Brown will end up being a backup on a different team.
2008 ranking: 28-33
Ron Dayne, Houston
Pro: Dayne has played well for the Texans the past two years and could enter next year as the starting running back with Ahman Green's career likely over. Coach Gary Kubiak likes Dayne, and even if he doesn't start he will remain a contributor out of the backfield.
Con: The Texans need to improve their running game with Green and Dayne, who will be 30 next year. Look for Darius Walker to get some extended carries, and the Texans likely will address the running back spot again this offseason.
2008 ranking: 23-28
Warrick Dunn, Atlanta
Pro: When Jerious Norwood missed time this year due to injury, Dunn showed he still has something left. He plans to return to Atlanta in 2008 and could be useful as a third-down back if he doesn't win the starting job.
Con: Norwood already has emerged as the starter this year, and that should continue in 2008. Dunn will be 33 next year, and the Falcons are a team in disarray right now.
2008 ranking: 28-33
DeShaun Foster, Carolina
Pro: Foster remains the starter for the Panthers and could hold onto that role next year as well. The Panthers should improve next year, so even with Foster in a tandem situation again he could be a useful No. 3 Fantasy RB.
Con: Foster only had one game over 100 yards rushing this season, and the Panthers have to start giving Williams more carries. The only way Foster should be kept at this point is in very deep keeper leagues.
2008 ranking: 29-34
Ahman Green, Houston
Pro: The Texans gave Green a lot of money to be their starting running back and will give him the chance to remain in that position next year. When healthy, Green is a solid Fantasy option and No. 2 RB for your team.
Con: His best days are behind him. Green will be 31 next year and might not play again with all his knee troubles.
2008 ranking: 30-35
Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati
Pro: Prior to this year, Johnson had rushed for at least 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in each of the past three seasons. He was derailed by injuries this year, but showed flashes of still being a dominant running back in what remains an explosive offense.
Con: The Bengals could be in for an overhaul next year, including Johnson. The Bengals didn't get to use rookie Kenny Irons (knee) this year, but he will likely be a part of the offense in 2008 along with Kenny Watson, which will hurt Johnson.
2008 ranking: 15-20
Thomas Jones, N.Y. Jets
Pro: Despite playing behind a terrible offensive line and an inept offense, Jones still managed to run for about 1,000 yards. He should return next year as the starter, and the offense will improve.
Con: Jones only has one touchdown this season, and the Jets are very high on Leon Washington. Jones also will be 30 at the start of next season and has a lot of wear and tear after the beating he took this year.
2008 ranking: 17-22
LaMont Jordan, Oakland
Pro: Prior to hurting his back at Miami in Week 4, Jordan was having a tremendous season. He will likely be with a new team in 2008, and that could determine what kind of value he will have next year.
Con: When Jordan got hurt, Justin Fargas took his job and never looked back. The Raiders certainly won't give Jordan a job next year, so look for him to end up as a backup with another team.
2008 ranking: 23-28
Deuce McAllister, New Orleans
Pro: McAllister came back in 2006 from a serious knee injury and rushed for 1,057 yards and 10 touchdowns. There's no reason to think he can't do the same in 2008 after getting hurt this year. The offense should be dynamic again, and look for McAllister to remain the starter and share carries with Reggie Bush.
Con: Bush will continue to get more carries in the offense, and the emergence of Aaron Stecker could hurt McAllister next year. This is also the second major knee injury in three years, so McAllister should now be viewed as injury prone.
2008 ranking: 26-31
Adrian Peterson, Chicago
Pro: Peterson has been serviceable in place of an injured Cedric Benson (leg) and could enter next season as the starter if Benson's recovery is slow. The Bears will definitely use Peterson with Benson expected to be limited.
Con: Benson should make a full recovery, which will send Peterson back to the bench. He's someone you can let go of and still try to draft if you're really high on him next year, especially if Garrett Wolfe starts to come on strong.
2008 ranking: 30-35
Fred Taylor, Jacksonville
Pro: He's had an amazing season at 31 and shows no signs of slowing down. He has two years remaining on his contract with the Jaguars, and he will enter next season as the starter ahead of Maurice Jones-Drew.
Con: Taylor will be 32 next year, and it's hard to advise Fantasy owners to keep him for next year. He has to slow down at some point, and the Jaguars will likely increase Jones-Drew's role in the offense.
2008 ranking: 14-19
Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay
Pro: Williams was playing well before he hurt his knee in Week 4 and could return next year as the starter. If his rehab goes well and is cleared to start the season then you might want to keep Williams.
Con: Earnest Graham has emerged as a legitimate threat to Williams even if he is healthy. Williams will likely miss the start of the year, and he could find himself in a committee once he returns with Graham, Michael Pittman and Michael Bennett.
2008 ranking: 16-21
Dynasty options
Lorenzo Booker, Miami Pro: Booker has potential to be a third-down back with Miami next year. He could also see extended playing time with
Ronnie Brown (knee) hurt and the future of
Ricky Williams and
Jesse Chatman unknown.
Con: Booker didn't start playing until Week 13, and the Dolphins will likely have plenty of running backs on the roster. Booker is likely more of a specialist than a starter.
2008 ranking: 32-37
Michael Bush, Oakland
Pro: Bush could enter next season as the starter for the Raiders. Oakland is not fond of LaMont Jordan or Dominic Rhodes, and Justin Fargas is a free agent.
Con: Bush missed all of his rookie season, and there will be questions about his health. If Fargas returns, Bush could find himself coming off the bench or sharing carries at worst.
2008 ranking: 25-30
Andre Hall, Denver
Pro: Hall played well in his one start in Week 12 at Chicago and could come into next season as the backup if Selvin Young is the starter and Travis Henry is let go. As we know about Mike Shanahan, he changes running backs as often as he changes underwear, so look for Hall to play a role at some point next season.
Con: The Broncos could be loaded at running back with Young and Henry, and Hall might not see the field. Even with his solid outing against the Bears, Hall hasn't played since.
2008 ranking: 29-34
Chris Henry, Tennessee
Pro: Henry showed he could play well when given a chance. He will likely enter 2008 as the backup to LenDale White and could see extended time as a receiver out of the backfield.
Con: He was suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, and he failed to earn playing time early in the season when the Titans were in need of a running back. Those negatives could linger next year, and the Titans haven't ruled out bringing back Chris Brown.
2008 ranking: 26-31
Tony Hunt, Philadelphia
Pro: Hunt could emerge next year as the short-yardage back for the Eagles and be the eventual backup to Brian Westbrook. As we've seen in recent years, Westbrook is injury prone, so Hunt could have an impact down the road.
Con: Correll Buckhalter could remain with the Eagles, and Westbrook was pretty durable in 2007. Hunt might not see the field again much in 2008, which would be disappointing.
2008 ranking: 35-40
Kenny Irons, Cincinnati
Pro: The Bengals drafted Irons in the second round in 2007 to the backup to Rudi Johnson. Irons tore his ACL in training camp, but he is expected to be fine for 2008. He will likely compete with Rudi Johnson and Kenny Watson for playing time.
Con: We don't know how Irons will do, and we also don't know what will happen with the Bengals next season. Johnson should remain the starter, but Irons should take some carries away.
2008 ranking: 33-38
Brandon Jackson, Green Bay
Pro: Jackson opened the season as the starter for the Packers and should remain a part of the running back rotation with DeShawn Wynn and Ryan Grant. Just because Grant emerged this season don't think Jackson will be out of a job next year.
Con: Grant has solidified himself as the starter heading into 2008, and Wynn will likely be his backup. Jackson could spend more time on special teams then in the backfield next year.
2008 ranking: 34-39
Brian Leonard, St. Louis
Pro: Leonard will enter next season competing with Antonio Pittman to be the backup for Steven Jackson. Leonard played well in spurts when Jackson was hurt this year.
Con: Pittman might have passed Leonard on the depth chart, but Leonard has more value long term. But it's not like Jackson is going anywhere any time soon.
2008 ranking: 36-41
Kolby Smith, Kansas City
Pro: Smith emerged as a No. 2 Fantasy option when Larry Johnson (foot) and Priest Holmes (neck) got hurt. Smith will likely enter next season as the backup for the Chiefs, but Johnson might be on the way down after his 416-carry season in 2006.
Con: Johnson will return as the starter in 2008 and should be fine, which means Smith will remain as a reserve. His Fantasy value might not come to fruition until 2009 at the earliest.
2008 ranking: 31-36
Darius Walker, Houston
Pro: Walker could enter next year as the starter for the Texans if he finishes this year strong and Houston tires of Ahman Green and Ron Dayne. Even if both return, Green and Dayne are injury prone, so Walker could still play a significant role.
Con: Green and Dayne return healthy, and Walker is relegated to the bench. The Texans also will look to improve their running back situation because right now it needs help, even with Walker.
2008 ranking: 28-33
Leon Washington, N.Y. Jets
Pro: The Jets like Washington, who has filled in as a starter in 2006 and done well at times this year. Thomas Jones will be 30 next season, and Washington's role will remain the same if not increase in 2008.
Con: Jones has a bounce back year in 2008, and Washington remains on special teams. The Jets also need help on the offensive line, which could hurt Washington's value going forward.
2008 ranking: 26-31
Garrett Wolfe, Chicago
Pro: Wolfe could enter next season with increased playing time if Cedric Benson remains out and Adrian Peterson falters. Wolfe also could start to see extended time as a third-down back.
Con: Benson returns and Peterson remains as the backup. It could be a while before Wolfe makes a significant impact on your Fantasy team, so only consider him in deep Fantasy leagues.
2008 ranking: 35-40
DeShawn Wynn, Green Bay
Pro: Wynn was playing well before he injured his shoulder and was put on injured reserve with four touchdowns in four career starts. He will likely enter next season as the backup to Ryan Grant and also share carries with Brandon Jackson. Wynn might be useful as a short-yardage back.
Con: Grant has solidified himself as the starter heading into 2008, and Wynn will likely be his backup along with Jackson. Wynn could spend more time on special teams then in the backfield next year.
2008 ranking: 32-37
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