2006 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings

Based on a combined touchdown/yardage scoring system

 

1. Larry Johnson, Kansas City

A lot of fantasy owners owe Johnson a lot of money, no doubt. He not only carried teams to titles in 2005 but likely set those same owners up for a monstrous ’06 in keeper leagues. Honestly, how many grabbed him as a handcuff to Priest Holmes any earlier than the fifth round? Not a bad freeze, huh? New head coach Tony Dungy is no stranger to big-time backs, riding Curtis Martin during his days with the Jets. Johnson doesn’t have to worry about Priest Holmes, or any top-notch wide receivers taking his touches. He’s No. 1 with a bullet and even finished eighth among running backs with 343 yards receiving. The clear-cut top choice in any fantasy format.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Kansas City          581                         9                              22           278                         2             

05   Kansas City          1,750                      20                           33           343                         1

 

2. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego

Choosing between LT and Alexander is like trying to decide between Eva Longoria and Jessica Simpson. Does it really matter? If receptions count towards scoring, Tomlinson’s your man. New quarterback Philip Rivers will use LT like a crutch, and it’s possible he could lead all RBs in receptions, much like he did in 2003 (100). It’s impossible to go wrong with a back who totaled 23 touchdowns (three throwing) and after the way he closed the campaign—one touchdown in the last five games, less than 92 yards in four of the last five—don’t be surprised if Tomlinson rebounds to top 2,000 total yards.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   San Diego             1,335                      17                           53           441                         1

05   San Diego             1,462                      18                           51           370                         2

 

3. Shaun Alexander, Seattle

It’s not often that the league MVP is listed behind anyone on a “Most Likely to Succeed” list. But what can Alexander possibly do for an encore? He broke the all-time record for touchdowns in a season (28) and is now the fat cat after inking a long-term contract with the Seahawks. Remarkably consistent, Alexander has scored at least 16 touchdowns in each of the last five seasons. Buyer beware, however, because he’s also failed to miss a game during the span and averaged 330.6 carries. How much longer can he keep up the workload, especially as the cover boy for Madden 2007.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Seattle                   1,696                      16                           23           170                         4

05   Seattle                   1,880                      27                           15           78                           1

 

4. Clinton Portis, Washington

What a difference a year made for Portis. After struggling through stretches of 2004 under Joe Gibbs, Portis ran for 201 more yards on just nine extra carries in ‘05, and more than doubled his rushing touchdown total. Still just 25, Portis has run for at least 1,509 yards in all but one season and gets the nod as the ‘Skins workhorse. His overall numbers rank him just behind the Holy Trinity of backs, but there’s no reason to expect a slow down. Entering the prime of his career, there isn’t anyone on the roster who will take touches away. By closing with five consecutive 100-yard games last season, let it be known that even Gibbs can’t wear down Dollah Bill or any other Portis alias.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Washington          1,315                      5                              40           235                         2

05   Washington          1,516                      11                           30           216                         0

 

5. Edgerrin James, Arizona

The Edge knows all about finding his niche in a high-powered offense. So disregard any talk of his demise because of the presence of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Remember, when the Colts had three 1,000 yard receivers, James still piled on 1,548 yards rushing and scored nine times. Also bear in mind, he lost goal line carries that year to the likes of James Mungro. That’s not going to happen in the desert. They didn’t break the bank to sit James inside the 5. His ability to catch passes puts him just behind Portis in combined leagues, and just ahead of him if receptions are worthy. If I ran behind Leonard Davis at the goal line, even I could hit pay dirt.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Indianapolis          1,548                      9                              51           483                         0

05   Indianapolis          1,506                      13                           44           337                         1

 

6. Steven Jackson, St. Louis

What’s the best way to describe Jackson’s first campaign as a full-time starter? How about disappointing? Underutilized for stretches by Mike Martz, the made scientist, and utterly ignored by interim coach Joe Vitt on other occasions, Jackson’s 1,046 rushing yards were well below expectations. He had fewer than 20 carries in each of the first six games, and a dozen in all. Now that Sean Linehan is running the show in St. Louis, however, expect the running attack to take on a bigger part of the offensive game plan. He was behind Miami’s leap forward, taking the Dolphins attack to No. 14 in just one year. Throw in Jackson’s soft hands and you’ve got a well-balanced stud to carry your squad.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   St. Louis                673                         4                              19           189                         0

05   St. Louis                1,046                      8                              43           320                         2

 

7. Lamont Jordan, Oakland

What a strange year for Jordan. Because the Raiders were forced to play from behind so often, they had top abandon the running game far too often. Jordan did make up for it by leading all NFL running backs with 70 catches, nine more than the No. 2 man on the list (Brian Westbrook). New offensive coordinator Norv Turner has made a career of developing running backs (Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams), and Jordan is just the latest in a long line. Head coach Art Shell is also in favor of dishing out punishment, himself a former offensive lineman. Even with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter, Oakland will focus its attention on keeping Jordan in the game.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   N.Y. Jets                479                         2                              15           112                         0

05   Oakland                1,025                      9                              70           563                         2

 

8. Tiki Barber, N.Y. Giants

Not many will rank the NFL’s yardage leader so far down on cheat sheets. But truthfully, Barber’s not only on the wrong side of 30, he can’t even secure the goal line carries on his own team. Brandon Jacobs had just two fewer touchdown runs than Barber (9-7). Throw in a passing game that should only get stronger as Eli Manning matures, and Barber has clearly reached his ceiling. He is a bonafide No. 1 fantasy runner, he just has a few more hurdles to clear than the backs ahead of him on this list.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

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

05   N.Y. Giants           1,860                      9                              54           530                         2

 

9. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia

The knock on Westbrook is a big one—health—and not much separates him from Houston’s Domanick Davis. Like Davis, Westbrook sometimes spends more time on the trainer’s table than the field, and that doesn’t help the Eagles or his fantasy owners. Unlike Davis, Westbrook won’t have to defer any rushes or receptions. He’s clearly Donovan McNabb’s No. 1, No. 2 and possibly No. 3 option at this point. He’ll have more opportunities to succeed that Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden combined.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Philadelphia         812                         3                              73           703                         6

05   Philadelphia         617                         3                              61           616                         4

 

10. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati

The presence of Chris Perry on third downs hurts Johnson’s value. In fact, it probably keeps him out of the Top 5 in most formats. His yardage and touchdown totals are outstanding, and consecutive seasons of 1,450-plus yards and a dozen touchdowns make him as reliable as any back out there. But the fact that Perry racked up 51 receptions means Johnson had 51 fewer opportunities to compile fantasy numbers. If Carson Palmer misses any time, it will negatively impact Johnson. Anthony Wright is nothing more than a career backup under center, and defenses will surely key on the ground attack if disaster strikes.

YR  TEAM                   RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Cincinnati             1,454                      12                           15           84                           0

05   Cincinnati             1,458                      12                           23           90                           0

 

11. Ronnie Brown, Miami

Dubbed the Hummer while running over defenses at Auburn, Brown is actually more of a well-balanced runner than his moniker suggests. Sharing time with Ricky Williams for part of 2005, Brown still put together an impressive rookie campaign and finished one strong game shy of 1,000 yards rushing. With Williams so far out of the picture that he’s in another country, Brown remains a key component in a Miami attack upgraded by the acquisition of quarterback Daunte Culpepper. A threat to do a little of everything, treat Brown just like the Dolphins will—as an anchor to build a team around.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

05   Miami                    907                         4                              32           232                         1

 

12. Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay

Injuries curtailed what could have been one of the better NFL debuts in recent memory. After opening his career with three straight 100-yard games, the Cadillac headed to the shop for some on-going maintenance on his hamstring. The in-season tune-ups didn’t completely get rid of the problems, but Williams did finish with two 100-yard outings in his final four games. Fully healthy, Williams will become an even bigger part of Jon Gruden’s offense and has a shot at 1,500 yards and double-digit touchdowns, if he can wrestle the ball away from Mike Alstott at the goalline. The biggest difference between Williams and his former college teammate (Brown) is pass-receiving points.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

05   Tampa Bay            1,178                      6                              20           81                           0

 

13. Domanick Davis, Houston

Davis tried his best to make up for a disappointing campaign by running for 364 yards in Weeks 13-14. It was probably too little, too late for his fantasy owners who had to weather five missed games (including the final three) and three others with less than 60 yards on the ground. His six total touchdowns didn’t help much, either. The addition of wide receiver Eric Moulds and an offensive-minded head coach (Gary Kubiak) push Davis to the fringes of the first round, but that injury-bug issue (eight missed games in three years) is tough to swallow for owners burned before.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Houston 1,188                      13                           68           588                         1

05   Houston 976                         2                              39           337                         4

 

14. Julius Jones, Dallas

Like B. Rabbit in 8 Mile, Jones choked in his first attempt at being a full-time starter for Bill Parcells. He missed three games, averaged just 76.4 yards in the 13 he played and lost time to Marion Barber III. The smoke has settled in Big D and Jones is still surviving the cut. He won’t spike the ball on the star as often as Terrell Owens, but Parcells is still willing to give Jones one final shot at being the featured back. Just imagine all the space he’ll have after getting through the line with the Cowboys vertical passing game. Besides, do you really think Parcells will admit defeat with Jones this quickly after passing on a chance to grab Steven Jackson in the 2004 Draft?

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Dallas                    829                         7                              17           109                         0

05   Dallas                    993                         5                              35           218                         0

 

15. Willis McGahee, Buffalo

It’s tough to consider McGahee’s 1,247-yard sophomore season a disappointment, but that’s what happens when one describes himself as the best back in the NFL. Defenses tend to get added pep in their step. Moving forward, the Buffalo offense is weak. Kelly Holcomb could be a solid option under center, but then again, other than Lee Evans, there isn’t much in the way of proven pass catchers. And, the Bills tight end takes on more of a blocking role than anything else. Suffice to say, McGahee will be looking at quite a hefty workload. So even if he averages under four yards per carry, the overall numbers will swell.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Buffalo                   1,128                      13                           22           169                         0

05   Buffalo                   1,247                      5                              29           178                         0

 

16. Deuce McAllister, New Orleans

If a No. 2 runner is what you’re after, let Deuce fit the bill. Despite his season-ending knee injury and the Saints selection of Reggie Bush, McAllister is still the first Saint to go marching into the end zone. The presence of Bush may actually help McAllister, because the rookie adds another dimension to the passing game. The rookie will overtake the veteran in time, but he’ll sizzle in spurts. McAllister continues to assume the bulk of the rushing load.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   New Orleans        1,074                      9                              34           228                         0

05   New Orleans        335                         3                              17           117                         0

 

17. Kevin Jones, Detroit

Jones was as plain as his last name in what was supposed to be a breakout campaign. Forget the two missed games and focus on the whopping statistical nightmare most owners endured. There were no 100-yard efforts and six games with fewer than 40 yards rushing. Factor in the change in head coaches—Mike Martz takes the helm—and Jones has BUST written all over him. Sure Martz led the way when Marshall Faulk was in his heyday. But who’s comparing Jones to Faulk? The word on the street has Jones taking on a bigger role off the bat, but don’t bank on him living up to any hype.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Detroit                   1,133                      5                              28           180                         1

05   Detroit                   664                         5                              20           109                         0

 

18. Chester Taylor, Minnesota

The Vikings have a new approach under Brad Childress, and it’s the type of offense Taylor could become a star in. After sitting behind Jamal Lewis, Taylor finally gets a starting job to call his own. The former third-down, change-of-pace runner can rack up points on rushes or receptions. When all the big guns have left the board, it’s players like Taylor that can have a big impact in fantasy leagues. It’s definitely possible to snag a top-flight wide out in the second round, then come back in round three for Taylor.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Baltimore              714                         2                              30           184                         0

05   Baltimore              487                         0                              41           292                         1

 

19. Reuben Droughns, Cleveland

So maybe Droughns’ stint in Denver wasn’t an aberration. The Browns passing game ranked No. 23 in the NFL, and defenses were able to focus most of their attention on the backfield. Didn’t seem to matter much, as Droughns put together a second consecutive 1,200-yard season. The return of Kellen Winslow, Jr. is a boost, but don’t forget the absence of Braylon Edwards (knee). In what amounts to a basic wash, the passing attack won’t be fully upgraded until Edwards is at 100 percent. The only knock on Droughns is his lack of touchdowns (two).

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Denver                   1,240                      6                              32           241                         2

05   Denver                   1,232                      2                              39           369                         0

 

20. Jamal Lewis, Baltimore

“Quoth the Raven, Nevermore.” It’s just about time to stick a fork in Lewis, a point driven home by the off season signing of Mike Anderson. The defection of Taylor to Minnesota seemed to have given Lewis some much-needed job security, but head coach Brian Billick didn’t see things the same way. Instead, Baltimore acquired Anderson, fresh off a 1,000-yard, 12-touchdown season. Lewis would have been better off if Taylor stayed in town and is now on a shorter leash than ever before.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Baltimore              1,006                      7                              10           116                         0

05   Baltimore              906                         3                              32           191                         1

 

21. Corey Dillon, New England

Always one to send a message, no matter how thinly veiled it may be, Bill Bellichik drafted Dillon’s successor in the first round of last April’s draft. Dillon is on the fast track towards becoming New England’s goalline back, though that’s not a terrible thing in touchdown-only leagues.  For owners in mixed-scoring leagues, however, Dillon is no longer a stud. Rather than drafting a player and knowing he has limited potential, be bold and grab a No. 2 runner with upside. Kind of like the next back on this list…

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   New England         1,635                      12                           15           103                         1

05   New England         733                         12                           22           181                         1

 

22. Frank Gore, San Francisco

Has anyone seen Kevan Barlow? Gore, not far removed from a serious knee injury, led the Niners in rushing as a rookie. Not a great feat in itself, Gore has literally gored Barlow’s career with San Francisco. Were it not for the struggles of Alex Smith and a passing game that was both turnover-prone and nonexistent, Gore would have had more opportunities to run when the defense wasn’t expecting it. Change is in the forecast for the Niners, thanks to Vernon Davis and Antonio Bryant. Not Hall of Famers in anyone’s book, at least this duo gives Smith something he lacked as a rookie—solid targets to throw to. It can only help Gore hit the 1,000-yard plateau.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

05   San Francisco      608                         3                              15           131                         0

 

23. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis

If history repeats itself in Indianapolis, the Colts and their fans will be very happy people. The year was 1999 when Marshall Faulk was traded and Edgerrin James hit the huddle via the draft. Seven years later, it was James who skipped town and the Colts responded by taking another talented runner/receiver in the first round—Addai. Surrounded by nothing but veterans, is there any better environment for a rookie? Addai will get a fight for carries from Dominic Rhodes but is a much better play in the long run. Even if he starts slow, don’t lose patience.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

ROOKIE

 

24. Reggie Bush, New Orleans

Though Bush was selected 28 picks before Addai, success is a little further down the road. Bush still has to wrestle carries from McAllister, even if he is the more explosive player. New Orleans has already committed to using Bush on punt and kick returns, and that only lends itself to more bumps and bruises than your normal stud runner. An excellent selection in keeper leagues, Bush is one year away from being a fantasy superstar.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

ROOKIE

 

25. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh

Parker’s first season as a starter was impressive, given the fact he battled Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley for carries, and sometimes both at the same time. His 75-yard touchdown romp now nothing but a memory, this Super Bowl champ has also outrun any competition he may have for the starting nod in 2006. The biggest improvement for Parker should be touchdowns with the Bus firmly parked in the retirement zone rather than the red zone. If Staley takes anything from Parker, it’s opportunities in the passing game.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Pittsburgh            186                         0                              3              16                           0

05   Pittsburgh            1,202                      4                              18           218                         1

 

26. DeShaun Foster, Carolina

OK, it’s time to launch an investigation. Who the hell has the voodoo doll of Foster? One nagging injury or another always seems to plague Foster, who suffered a broken ankle late last season. Though Stephen Davis has finally been kicked out the door by the Panthers, the powers that be drafted DeAngelo Williams. Foster just can’t seem to catch a break…or at least a good one. Eric Shelton, a bruising runner inside the tackles, is also in the mix for carries and some may sniff an all-out committee approach brewing in Carolina.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Carolina                255                         2                              9              76                           0

05   Carolina                879                         2                              34           372                         1

 

27. Warrick Dunn, Atlanta

Sooner or later, the little engine that could is going to run out of steam. Aside from Barber, how many backs have enjoyed a career year at 30? Dunn has rarely gotten love from the fantasy community for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is his small frame. But somehow he continues to absorb punishment and rack up yardage. An absolute bust in the red zone because of bruising teammate TJ Duckett, his lack of touchdowns has him further down this list than some may like.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Atlanta                   1,106                      9                              29           294                         0

05   Atlanta                   1,416                      3                              29           220                         1

 

28. Thomas Jones, RB, Chicago

Those footsteps Jones hears are from Cedric Benson. It seems that no matter what Jones does, his hold on the No. 1 job is as firm as a little kid’s grip on a greyhound’s leash. The battle in camp should rank among the most heated in the NFL, and the one card Jones has in his pocket is experience. Benson couldn’t make it through Thanksgiving of his rookie campaign, and he did miss a significant amount of his initial training camp, too. Suffice to say, Benson still has a lot to learn. In an absolute worst-case scenario, Jones will be a consistent receiver out of the backfield.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Chicago                 948                         7                              56           427                         0

05   Chicago                 1,335                      9                              26           143                         0

 

29. Curtis Martin, N.Y. Jets

Unlike Austin Powers, the young Martin can’t be defrosted and dropped back in the Jets’ huddle. Now that his 10-consecutive 1,000-yard seasons are a memory, Martin’s value will be reduced like week-old bread at the supermarket. Understudy Derrick Blaylock will eat into his carries, and the unsettled quarterback situation won’t make things any easier. The addition of D’Brickshaw Ferguson helps, but nothing is guaranteed by new head coach Eric Mangini.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

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

05   N.Y. Jets                735                         5                              24           118                         0

 

30. Tatum Bell, Denver

Whenever the Bell rang, Tatum was there to answer it. Though he managed just one start running behind Mike Anderson, Bell managed to post three multiple-touchdown efforts and three 100-yard games. Talk about part-time power. Given his head coach’s propensity for turning out quality running attacks, Bell should be ranked hugher…much higher. But for some reason he can’t shake free from Ron Dayne in the battle for No. 1.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Denver                   396                         3                              5              80                           0

05   Denver                   921                         8                              18           104                         0

 

31. Chris Brown, Tennessee

It’s currently a three-man race for the NFL title of “Most Injury-Prone Back”. Brown leads the way by a hair over Carolina’s Foster, and Fred Taylor runs a close third. Bear in mind that’s all subject to change at any given moment, and the title can even change hands after an innocent shower. The Titans showed their faith by tabbing LenDale White with the No. 45 pick in the draft. Throw in Travis Henry, who’s still hanging around, and Brown’s value’s all over the board. At a minimum, expect a handful of missed games from a No. 1 back who had just eight outings with less than 60 yards.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Tennessee             1,067                      6                              20           147                         0

05   Tennessee             851                         5                              25           327                         2

 

32. Ahman Green, Green Bay

Green takes the field in 2006 stuck in the same type of situation as his contemporaries in Jacksonville and New York. Fred Taylor and Curtis Martin are also high-priced veterans coming back from injury only to be pushed by the new kids on the block. The key to Green’s game is speed, and the jury’s out on how much he has left after tearing his quad last year. That said, there’s also an overhaul of the offense in Green Bay and challenges from Samkon Gado and Najeh Davenport. Packers fans may be friendly, but the backfield situation smells like Limburger cheese.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Green Bay             1,163                      7                              40           275                         1

05   Green Bay             255                         0                              19           147                         0

 

33. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville

It’s tough to rank Taylor any higher than this and keep a good conscience. He missed five games a year ago, and in his absence several Jacksonville runners stepped up, including Greg Jones. And the Jags haven’t exactly handed the keys back over to Taylor now that he’s healthy, either. It’s beginning to look a lot like a dreaded backfield by committee that may also include Alvin Pearman.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Jacksonville         1,224                      2                              36           345                         1

05   Jacksonville         787                         3                              13           83                           0

 

34. Mike Anderson, Ravens

All initial preseason signs point to Jamal Lewis being in top form. That shouldn’t stop anyone from grabbing Anderson as a solid reserve. We are, after all, talking about a player who had a dozen touchdowns and finished strong with six in the final four games of 2005. Even in a backup role, Anderson is likely to squeeze out some work in the red zone.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Denver                   DID NOT PLAY—INJURY

05   Denver                   1,014                      12                           18           212                         1

 

35. T.J. Duckett, Atlanta

If it’s yards you’re after, Duckett’s not your man. He defines the term “goalline back,” and his value gets a huge boost in scoring only leagues after averaging one touchdown for every 15 rushing attempts. Dunn’s still considered the featured runner, but Duckett soaks up all the work inside the 5. There are worse options once you get to this level of running backs, and at least you know what you’re getting from Duckett.

YR  TEAM                    RUSHYDS            RUSH TDS           REC        RECYDS               RECTDs

04   Atlanta                   509                         8                              3              15                           0

05   Atlanta                   380                         8                              6              63                           0

 

      Best of the Rest…

36. Cedric Benson, Chicago

 

37. Dominic Rhodes, RB, Indianapolis

Former 1,000-yard rusher gets a big challenge from Addai.

 

38. Laurence Maroney, New England

 

39. Samkon Gado, Green Bay

 

40. Chris Perry, Cincinnati

Not much in the scoring department, but Perry’s a dynamo in point-per-reception leagues.

 

41. Marion Barber III, Dallas

 

42. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina

Rookie has a real shot to see major time with only a brittle Foster ahead of him.

 

43. Cedric Houston, N.Y. Jets

 

44. Brandon Jacobs, N.Y. Giants

Had more touchdowns than Carnell Williams, Willis McGahee, Julius Jones, Curtis Martin and Ronnie Brown. An excellent source of goalline scores.

 

45. Ron Dayne, Denver

Scary, but there’s still a real chance Dayne could earn consistent carries for Mike Shanahan. And we all know the coach’s track record for 1,000-yard rushers.

 

46. Ryan Moats, Philadelphia

 

47. LenDale White, Tennessee

A potential monster in the red zone for the Titans.

 

48. Mewelde Moore, Minnesota

 

49. Michael Pittman, Tampa Bay

 

50. Greg Jones, Jacksonville

Punishing runner is the goalline back for the Jaguars.

 

51. Duce Staley, Pittsburgh           

 

52. Michael Bennett, St. Louis Rams

Recent trade gives Bennett some renewed life. As Jackson’s backup, a heavy workload isn’t likely, but Bennett could flourish as a third-down back.

 

53. Kevan Barlow, San Francisco

Once thought of as the back of the future for the Niners’, he’s on his way to nothing more than a back-up role.

 

54. Najeh Davenport, Green Bay

 

55. Michael Turner, San Diego

 

56. J.J. Arrington, Arizona

Looks like Arrington’s spot on the Cardinals is now end, guard and tackle. Sit on the end of the bench, guard the water and tackle anyone that comes near it.

 

57. Brian Calhoun, Detroit

 

58. Maurice Morris, Seattle

 

59. Eric Shelton, Carolina

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

 

60. Antowain Smith, Texans

 

61. Priest Holmes, Kansas City

There’s doubt as to whether Holmes will even play at all in 2006.

 

62. Travis Henry, Tennessee

 

63. Alvin Pearman, Jacksonville

 

64. Maurice Drew, Jacksonville

 

65. William Green, Cleveland

 

Steve Siniski is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.