Top Fantasy RBs; No Rookies

We are still seeing a lot of people pushing the "draft 2 running backs first" theory, but there is more depth at this position this year than there has been in many years. If you can get one of the top 10-12, get them, but don't pass on a Manning or Culpepper just to follow that theory.

I am not big on drafting rookies for any position. They are unreliable and usually burn out early in the season, making your playoff run weaker. If you are in a keeper league, that is different, but I'm not. So here's my list, rookie-free.

My scoring system is 7 points for a rush or receiving TD, and 1 point for every 25 yards rushing. Numbers in parantheses are the Real Value of that player.

Top 10:
1. Priest Holmes (165) - If he stays healthy, he is still the best back to have
2. LaDainian Tomlinson (112) - More reliable than Holmes, but would still get outscored by him in a full season.
3. Shaun Alexander (110) - Only problem is that he scores points in bursts, then has some low weeks, very inconsistent
4. Domanick Davis (85) - If he stays healthy he's top 5
5. Julius Jones (80) - A whole season running for Parcells, he could have a huge season
6. Tiki Barber (75) - The Giants make me nervous, and Barber is a risk
7. Corey Dillon (70) - Should have a season much like last year, this should be a very safe pick, should probably even be moved ahead of Barber
8. Willis McGahee (60) - A good choice, but you'll hold your breath a lot waiting for him to get up, he's already tweaked his legs twice this pre-season
9. Curtis Martin (60) - He'll go higher in most leagues, but eventually his age will start to show
10. Edgerrin James (55) - He'll produce better this season, every team the Colts play will gear up to slow the passing game, James should benefit, and they play a very weak schedule

Second Tier
Brian Westbrook - T.O. on the field helps Westbrook, no T.O. Westbrook drops a bit, Buckhalter is also back and could take some touches away
Rudi Johnson- Should be as good as last year or better, an improved passing game would open things up for him
Deuce McAllister - Very steady and consistent
Clinton Portis - The Redskins are doing things much different this year and Portis will benefit big time, remember that Gibbs makes great runners
Kevin Jones - He'll carry a bigger load this year and his numbers should improve a lot
Steven Jackson - Watch him during pre-season, he should be top 10 if he's getting the carries and receptions in the first quarter

Backs to Watch
Larry Johnson (Chiefs) - If Priest Holmes goes down, Johnson becomes a top 5 back. He may be worth a 2nd round pick.
Jamal Lewis - Was not at the top of his game last year. But he is capable of putting up huge numbers
Stephen Davis/Panther's starter - Whoever ends up starting in Carolina will be a good back to have. If Davis is healthy he's great to have. Get some insurance though.
Michael Bennett - My sleeper of the year. Bennett has been on the brink of greatness for 2 years, but injuries keep taking him out. Worth the risk this year.
Ahman Green - Keep an eye on the Packers in pre-season. The o-line isn't what is was and Green's numbers will probably drop off this year.
Chris Brown/Travis Henry - Brown is a good back to have, but Henry would be better. Need to watch how this goes. If they both stay healthy all year it lowers both of their values.