1. LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego

Forget Tomlinson as a last name. He should keep the initials LT but change his surname to Touchdown, because he sure does score enough to make it a worthwhile move. Tomlinson has scored at least 10 in each of his four NFL seasons, including a total of 34 in the last two. Defenses couldn’t stop him when he was San Diego’s only offensive weapon, and now he’s got Antonio Gates at tight end and veteran Keenan McCardell to exert some pressure on defenses. In leagues that award points for catches, Tomlinson, the only player to ever run for 1,000 yards and grab 100 balls in the same season (2003), becomes even more valuable. There’s little debate as to who the top pick in any draft should be.

Key Stat: Why is Tomlinson No. 1? He scored in 15 of San Diego’s 16 games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

San Diego 1,335 17 53 441 1

2. Edgerrin James, RB, Indianapolis

Few running backs have ever climbed back up the fantasy ladder following a major injury. James is among the first to return to the top of the mountain after running for 1,548 yards, his highest total in four years. The touchdown total was a little disappointing, but that’s what happens when your quarterback sets an NFL-record for touchdown passes. It’ll be tough for Manning to keep up the pace for a second consecutive season no matter how many times he changes the play at the line. Look for James to crack the double-digit mark in scores and hover around the 2,000 total-yard mark again.

Key Stat: A yardage machine, Edge had at least 120 total yards in 10 games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Indianapolis 1,548 9 51 483 0

3. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle

There’s definitely a case to be made for Alexander as the No. 2 overall running back. But his 2004 campaign is what’s called a ceiling. His 20 total scores were an NFL-high, and he’s also coming off a ridiculous 353 carries. Alexander’s criticism after falling 1-yard shy of the rushing crown won’t help in his quest to repeat the workload and win the title. All things considered, he is wildly consistent, especially in the touchdown department—at least 16 in each of the last four years.

Key Stat: Alexander had six games with at least two scores, including three games with three.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Seattle 1,696 16 23 170 4

4. Jamal Lewis, RB, Baltimore

Drag out the trampoline, because Lewis is set for a major-league bounce back. Injury limited him to just 12 games and cut his production almost in half from his 2,066 yards in 2003. The legal issues he had during the offseason are in the rearview mirror and early reports indicate he’s in excellent shape to boot. Lewis will also benefit from the growth of quarterback Kyle Boller and addition of Derrick Mason to the wide receiving corps. Defenses simply won’t be able to stack the line and force the Ravens to the air anymore. Lewis isn’t staring at another 2,000-yard season, but 1,700 and 13 touchdowns are a lock.

Key Stat: Lewis only had two games with 30 carries or more.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Baltimore 1,006 7 10 116 0

5. Deuce McAllister, RB, New Orleans

On one leg McAllister ran for over 1,000 yards and fell just shy of 10 touchdowns. Assuming he doesn’t have his ankle booted again like an illegally parked car, McAllister will resume his position as the engine of New Orleans’ offense. Like every other back at the top of this list, McAllister does it all. Unlike every other back ahead of him, he has youth on his side at age 26. If there’s a drawback to McAllister, it’s the inconsistent play of his quarterback, Aaron Brooks.

Key Stat: McAllister finished strong, running for more than 100 yards in three of the Saints final six games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

New Orleans 1,074 9 34 228 0

6. Priest Holmes, RB, Kansas City

Guarantee that Holmes will stay healthy for a full season and he’d take over the top spot in most fantasy drafts. In just half a season Holmes still managed to outscore all but two running backs and fell a mere 108 yards shy of 1,000 on the ground. Simply put, he’s the key figure in one of the league’s most potent offenses and warrants consideration as a Top 5 pick. When healthy Holmes is a machine in any fantasy format, having topped the 2,000 total yard mark with at least 25 scores in 2002 and ‘03.

Key Stat: Scored three touchdowns or more in three of his nine games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Kansas City 892 14 19 187 1

7. Ahman Green, RB, Green Bay

Even though Green is ranked seventh, it shouldn’t be taken as a knock on his fantasy production. Yes, 2004 was a down year by his standards (seven games with less than 70 yards), but his quarterback didn’t help matters with 17 interceptions. That took away quite a number of opportunities to put yardage and scores on the board. Green hasn’t reached the top of the mountain yet, and the return of Brett Favre will keep defenses from focusing solely on the ground attack.

Key Stat: Green scored at least two touchdowns three times.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Green Bay 1,163 7 40 275 1

8. Willis McGahee, RB, Buffalo

You have to hand it to McGahee. He climbed a mountain in one fell swoop last year, taking over the No. 1 job in Buffalo at the same time he made his NFL debut. Oh yeah, that came after a year of rehab from a serious knee injury. Pressure is nothing new to McGahee, and it should lighten up some now that Buffalo has chosen to go in his direction, rather than Travis Henry’s. Losing cement-footed quarterback Drew Bledsoe gives the offense more options to work with, and even a slight step forward by the offensive line would help catapult McGahee to the top of the class.

Key Stat: McGahee had seven 100-yard games in 2004.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Buffalo 1,128 13 22 169 0

9. Corey Dillon, RB, New England

Not many players can say they had a career year at age 30 after eight NFL campaigns, but Dillon finally found a coach willing to let him run wild. Hard to argue with Bill Belichick considering Dillon was a key cog in New England’s title run. It’ll be hard for Dillon to top a year in which he posted more than 100 yards in nine games. Age is the biggest reason why he’s listed so far down this list.

Key Stat: Dillon scored in nine of the Patriots 17 games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

New England 1,635 12 15 103 1

10. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington

Big numbers were expected when Portis moved from Denver to Washington, D.C., even bigger than the 1,315 he put on the board. Many thought Portis would be a Top 5 back working with Joe Gibbs, but the world domination never took place. Much of the problem stemmed from Mark Brunell’s ineffectiveness, and the problem area has been taken care of. Patrick Ramsey is now the unquestioned leader under center, and a deep thrower to boot. Stretching the field with Santana Moss can only help Portis’ value.

Key Stat: Portis scored in just two of Washington’s final 11 games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Washington 1,315 5 40 235 2

11. Curtis Martin, RB, N.Y. Jets

Like Dillon, Martin proved that age is nothing but a number. With Chad Pennington and the Jets’ passing game struggling, the 11-year veteran posted his best season yet. The biggest concern heading into 2005 has to be the workload Martin shouldered—371 carries. He’s played in all 16 games for six consecutive years, netted at least 300 totes in four of the last five and could start to burn out from all the handoffs he’s taken. There’s a reason why the Jets acquired Derrick Blaylock from Kansas City, and it’s to spell Martin.

Key Stat: The NFL rushing leader, Martin had nine 100-yard games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

N.Y. Jets 1,697 12 41 245 2

12. Tiki Barber, RB, N.Y. Giants

They say size doesn’t matter, and Barber is living proof. It was a lost season for almost every player in Big Blue with the exception of Barber. From the freefall of Kurt Warner to the struggles of Eli Manning, the running game was the one area head coach Tom Coughlin could count on. Though he didn’t finish as strong as he started—one 100-yard outing in the last six—there’s little doubt Barber will benefit from the offense’s overall growth and addition of Plaxico Burress.

Key Stat: Barber scored at least one touchdown in 11 of the Giants 16 games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

N.Y. Giants 1,518 13 52 578 2

13. Domanick Davis, RB, Houston

Injuries tend to slow Davis down at one point or another, even if he doesn’t miss an entire game. He had three games with fewer than 14 carries, and ran for less than 66 yards six times. Hardly the type of stats any would dream of from a No. 1 fantasy runner. Davis’ efficiency in the passing game keeps him afloat for consideration in the early stages of the second round.

Key Stat: Davis had eight games with at least five receptions.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Houston 1,188 13 68 588 1

14. Julius Jones, RB, Dallas

Maybe Bill Parcells was onto something when he passed over Steven Jackson and waited on Jones in the 2004 Draft. When the smoke cleared on Jones’ rookie campaign he became a beacon for the rest of the Dallas offense to follow. Back-to-back games of at least 150 yards were an exclamation mark on his arrival in the NFL. Bledsoe is a perfect fit for the plodding offense Parcells likes, and Jones will be run into the ground. That’s a great thing for his fantasy owners.

Key Stat: Jones was given at least 29 carries four times.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Dallas 829 7 17 109 0

15. Kevin Jones, RB, Detroit

He’s fast, plays his home games in a dome (on turf) and is a central figure in Detroit’s offense. Whether or not the Joey Harrington/Jeff Garcia tandem can get things rolling through the air won’t matter much. Defenses can’t hit what they can’t catch, and Jones definitely makes people miss on a regular basis. His 1,133-yard debut is just the tip of the iceberg, and his five touchdowns are merely a jumping of point in scoring leagues. Fantasy ballers have to love his 2004 second-half performance that included four 100-yard efforts.

Key Stat: In topping the 1,000-yard mark, Jones had just two games with more than 25 carries.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Detroit 1,133 5 28 180 1

16. Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati

Corey who? Guess the Bengals had a reason for getting rid of Dillon prior to 2004. The 25-year old is just one of Cincinnati’s many young offensive weapons, although he does get the biggest piece of the scoring unit’s pie. His 361-carry, 12-touchdown year was punctuated by a monster second half. Johnson ran for 866 yards and eight scores over the final nine games, and will get little competition for carries in the Bengals backfield. The only drawback is his lack of play in the passing game, but it’s tough to complain about a back that can rack up 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns.

Key Stat: Johnson finished strong, netting at least 100 total yards in five of the final nine contests.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Cincinnati 1,454 12 15 84 0

17. Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia

Westbrook’s value is up in the air because Correll Buckhalter is a clear threat to his workload. Buckhalter, back after missing all of 2004 with a knee injury, could reclaim his status in short-yardage situations. Westbrook’s biggest value is in the passing game, where his 73 receptions were tops among running backs. Keep a close eye on the situation in Philadelphia during training camp and the preseason, because the Eagles also have 2005 draftee Ryan Moats looking to claim some work.

Key Stat: Westbrook caught at least three balls in all 13 games he played.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Philadelphia 812 3 73 703 6

18. Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis

Because Marshall Faulk’s role isn’t clearly defined at the moment, it’s hard to deem Jackson worthy of a first-round selection. Rams head coach Mike Martz consistently switches gears and is loyal to the veterans. Faulk will have a significant role in the passing game, keeping Jackson from becoming a full-fledged fantasy stud. A 1,000-yard season on the ground is likely, but don’t bet on a true explosion of stats just yet. That won’t happen until Faulk rides into the sunset.

Key Stat: In two official starts, Jackson totaled 50 carries for 267 yards rushing.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

St. Louis 673 4 19 189 0

19. Tatum Bell, RB, Denver

Dare we doubt Mike Shanahan? Like King Midas, every runner the Denver head coach touches turns into fantasy gold. Reuben Droughns was the latest in a long line of Broncos 1,000-yard rushers last season, and there’s no reason to think Bell can’t continue the act. Even with limited opportunities—Bell had only three games of more than eight carries—he managed to average a healthy 5.3 yards per tote and score three times. On the outside it looks like Bell only needs an opportunity and that’s exactly what he’ll get in 2005.

Key Stat: Bell ran for more than 90 yards in two of Denver’s final four games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Denver 396 3 5 80 0

20. Chris Brown, RB, Tennessee

No running back started 2004 faster than Brown, who topped the 100-yard mark four times in the first five games. Then, the injury bug struck and took his seemingly super powers with it. He missed five games over the second half of the year and injuries are nothing new to Brown. Since his days at Colorado they’ve plagued him and even delayed his 2004 debut. A solid choice as a No. 2 back, Brown requires at least one more solid runner behind him on your roster. Also keep in mind Tennessee is a vastly different team without wide receiver Derrick Mason. Defenses will focus considerably more attention on Brown.

Key Stat: Brown scored in just two of his final six games.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Tennessee 1,067 6 20 147 0

21. Fred Taylor, RB, Jacksonville

Out of respect to Taylor, he’s ranked in the Top 25. The smart owner will let him pass no matter how many rounds go by, because his offseason knee surgery only seems more serious whenever it’s brought up in the media. Why pay top dollar for someone with a checkered injury history who’s coming off another extended stay with the trainer? The numbers suggest otherwise—at least 1,200 rushing yards in four of the last five seasons—but this ship is sinking quick. Jacksonville has beefed up its ground attack with LaBrandon Toefield, Greg Jones and Alvin Pearman. Follow their lead and start looking for other options.

Key Stat: Taylor’s touchdown totals have declined in three straight campaigns.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Jacksonville 1,224 2 36 345 1

22. Carnell Williams, RB, Tampa Bay

Jon Gruden couldn’t have been happier when The Cadillac fell into his lap. The shifty back from Auburn is a big-play threat that can also split the tackles and dish out punishment on his way through the line. Tackling him in the open field will be tough because most defenders don’t have the speed to catch him. The Tampa Bay passing game is rounding into form, and Williams will be the engine that keeps everything moving smoothly.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

ROOKIE

23. Lamont Jordan, RB, Oakland

No longer an understudy to Martin, Jordan will finally showcase his skills for Al Davis. Whenever called upon to spell the NFL’s No. 1 rusher, Jordan answered the bell, posting three games with at least 70 yards rushing. His new head coach, Norv Turner, has dealt with some legendary backs in his day—Emmitt Smith, Ricky Williams, Stephen Davis and LaDanianin Tomlinson—meaning Jordan will get all the positive attention he needs.

Key Stat: Jordan ran for 115 yards in a single half against Miami last year.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

N.Y. Jets 479 2 15 112 0

24. DeShaun Foster, RB, Carolina

Health has been a major issue for Foster throughout his short career. He missed all of 2002, two games in ’03 and 12 games last year. Performance has never been a question, but getting him suited up always has been. The ultimate high-risk, high-reward player at running back, Foster could be an elite performer or major bust. It all depends which side of the fence you sit on.

Key Stat: Foster ran for 174 yards in Week 2.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Carolina 255 2 9 76 0

25. Cedric Benson, RB, Chicago

Benson may need directions to make his way through the Windy City, but he won’t need any such help on the gridiron. The No. 4 pick in the 2005 Draft, Benson knows where the end zone is and has never had trouble getting there. It’s great news for a Bears fan base clamoring for someone to act as an offensive catalyst. Benson set an NCAA record for consecutive games with a touchdown, and will continue hitting paydirt as often as a heavy-equipment operator.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

ROOKIE

26. Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami

Coming out of the 2005 Draft, The Hummer certainly ranked higher on this list. But the recent rumors of Ricky Williams’ return drops Brown a few notches. Built like a wrecking ball at 6-0, 230-plus pounds, Brown is really a more explosive version of Moe Williams or Leroy Hoard. Equally effective running the ball or catching it out of the backfield, you can expect him to finish among the positional leaders in catches. A.J. Felley and Gus Frerrote will look to Miami’s new safety valve often because he’s the top playmaker.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

ROOKIE

27. Michael Bennett, RB, Minnesota

Thanks to the Original Whizzinator, Bennett’s competition in the Vikings backfield dropped by one. Clearly the fastest, most battle-tested member of Minnesota’s ground attack, Bennett will make owners in yardage leagues quite happy. Two seasons removed from a major injury and big-time production, Bennett will fall down the board in many leagues. The biggest knock will be touchdowns, largely because his quarterback, Daunte Culpepper has made the goalline plunge an art form. The loss of Randy Moss, however, should open up some opportunities in the long run.

Key Stat:

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Minnesota 276 1 21 207 1

28. Duce Staley, RB, Pittsburgh

The older Jerome Bettis gets, the bigger the workload Staley can expect. Though he’s no longer the ultra-explosive threat, Staley plays in an offense where he’ll get the ball on handoffs and receptions because of head coach Bill Cowher’s conservative nature. The biggest knock is touchdowns, but that’s all because of Bettis’ presence at the goalline. As a No. 2 back, Staley is still productive. One thing’s for certain, he’ll return to the 40-reception range after a major dropoff last season.

Key Stat: Staley had at least 20 carries in four games and ran for more than 100 yards in four of them.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Pittsburgh 830 1 6 55 0

29. Warrick Dunn, RB, Atlanta

How Dunn continues to hold off T.J. Duckett is anyone’s guess. But as long as Michael Vick is running the show in Atlanta, Dunn should only be considered a No. 2 fantasy back. The 5-9, 180-pounder is always good for a few nicks that keep him sidelined—2004 was the first time he played all 16 games in four years—so plan ahead and always have some depth in your own backfield. The nine scores were a huge surprise, but it’s worth noting that six came in the first four games.

Key Stat: Dunn had more than 20 carries just twice last year, and both were 100-yard efforts.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Atlanta 1,106 9 29 294 0

30. Reuben Droughns, RB, Cleveland

Do you really believe the oft-injured Lee Suggs is the answer to Cleveland’s backfield woes? Sure he makes for a great third-down back, but he’ll never be able to handle the punishment. Droughns took advantage of his chance to shine and burst onto the fantasy scene making more noise than a hungry infant at feeding time. There’s little mileage on his body and plenty of fire in his belly. Let Suggs fall off the board and grab his “backup” to help your fantasy squad. There’s nothing better than plucking a player later in a draft based on his label and getting superior results.

Key Stat: Droughns ran for more than 160 yards three times in 2004.

2004 TEAM RUSHYDS RUSH TDS REC RECYDS RECTDs

Denver 1,240 6 32 241 2

31. J.J. Arrington, RB, Arizona

Dennis Green now has a talented back to go with his insane receiving crew.

32. T.J. Duckett, RB, Atlanta

33. Kevan Barlow, RB, San Francisco

Perhaps the biggest disappointment at running back last year, rookie Frank Gore could push Barlow for the starting job.

34. Marshall Faulk, RB, St. Louis

Catches will be there, carries won’t.

35. Lee Suggs, RB, Cleveland

A solid third-down back, but he’s no main performer.

36. Jerome Bettis, RB, Pittsburgh

It’ll be tough to outrun Father Time again.

37. Travis Henry, RB, Buffalo

He needs a change of scenery in the worst way

38. Larry Johnson, RB, Kansas City

A must-have for Holmes’ owners. He had three 100-yard games in Holmes’ absence.

39. Anthony Thomas, RB, Dallas

40. Mewelde Moore, RB, Minnesota

Three efforts of at least 168 total yards make him an attractive catch.

41. Michael Pittman, RB, Tampa Bay

42. Stephen Davis, RB, Carolina

43. Najeh Davenport, RB, Green Bay

A battering ram with speed, Davenport ran for 178 yards on just 19 carries in Week 12 last year.

44. Dominic Rhodes, RB, Indianapolis

45. Thomas Jones, RB, Chicago

Will be a benefit in leagues where catches net points. His 56 last year were No. 3 among running backs.

46. Marcel Shipp, RB, Arizona

47. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco

48. Lamar Gordon, RB, Miami

49. Correll Buckhalter, RB, Philadelphia

50. Greg Jones, RB, Jacksonville

Punishing runner is the goalline back for the Jaguars.

51. Chester Taylor, RB, Baltimore

52. Derrick Blaylock, RB, N.Y. Jets

53. Kevin Faulk, RB, New England

54. Jesse Chatman, RB, San Diego

Has run for more than 100 yards in a single half. Needs limited work to be effective.

55. Eric Shelton, RB, Carolina

Foster’s injury history, Davis’ age could give Shelton a real shot at playing time.

56. Chris Perry, RB, Cincinnati

57. Verron Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh

58. Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland

Suddenly lost in the shuffle with the Raiders.

59. Quentin Griffin, RB, Denver

60. Antowain Smith, RB, New Orleans

61. Amos Zereoue, RB, Oakland

62. Maurice Clarett, RB, Denver

Shanahan took a chance, and so should you.

63. LaBrandon Toefield, RB, Jacksonville

An effective pass catcher who would benefit from Taylor’s questionable status.

64. Vernand Morency, RB, Houston

65. Marion Barber III, RB, Dallas