This is it, the position that can make or break your fantasy team more than any other.  They grace the covers of every Fantasy Football magazine and their potential ranges from Paris Hilton on the violin (yeah, she claims she plays; wood on her chin, what a surprise) to Matt Leinart at a sorority house.  This year is no different from others, with confusion at the top of the draft of who to pick at 1 and 2. 

Strategy: I would venture to guess that over 50% of last year's league winners were Alexander, LaDainian Tomlinson, or Larry Johnson owners.  The difference between last year's top scorer (Alexander) and the average back was nearly twice the points on a weekly basis.  This disparity should tell you to grab early and often until the elite backs are gone.  Then, don't be afraid to gamble on sleepers and high upside backups *cough* Larry Johnson *cough*. 

Stockpiling on running backs is like keeping extra steaks in the freezer, they are always good to have around.  Below are the top 40 Running Backs entering the fantasy season with projected round and statistics.

 

1) Shaun Alexander, SEA (1st to 3rd overall pick)

     Say all you want about the Madden Jinx and I'll just point to his 19.6 TD average over the last 5 years.  How about the career highs in carries, yards, TDs, and yards per rush last year?  What about the loss of Steve Hutchinson?  He returns every other OL starter, has a balanced offense, and a coach in Mike Holmgren that gives his running back every opportunity to punch it into the endzone.  Take someone else if you want, but give me consistency and durability every week (never missed a pro game).

2) LaDainian Tomlinson, SD (2nd to 3rd overall pick)

     Again, it's consistency over potential.  Questions persist on Philip Rivers and his ability to keep defenses honest, but just remember that LT managed nearly 2,400 total yards and 17 TDs, not to mention 100 receptions, in 2003 when Drew Brees' numbers were less than stellar (11 TDs, 15 INT).  He is only a year older than Larry Johnson and has never missed a game due to injury, so draft the most all-around running back in the game and you won't be disappointed.

3) Larry Johnson, KC (1st to 3rd overall pick)

     If Fantasy Football had any sex appeal, Larry Johnson would be the one providing it.  People have been salivating over the possibilities that exist with Johnson now in the feature role.  He has very limited wear and tear on his body since entering the league and has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.  He does face arguably the toughest schedule against the run and his potential to fail is higher than the top 2, which puts him at #3 on my board, by a hair.

The Filet Mignon is gone, try a Sirloin instead

4) Clinton Portis, WAS (4th or 5th overall pick)

     At 25, Portis already has three 1,500 yard rushing seasons and is getting Al Saunders as his new offensive coordinator, the genius behind Kansas City's dominant run game.  In his second season with Coach Joe Gibbs, CP saw increases in carries, yards, and TDs; showing Gibbs' trust in Portis to shoulder the load.  Expect more of the same next season.

5) Rudi Johnson (1st round)

     Just call him "Camry" because he isn't flashy, but he manages to get where he needs to go.  How does 1400 yards rushing and 12 TDs sound?  Rudi calls it another year behind Palmer, something he may not see at the start of the season.  If you want receptions, don't come here as Rudi has never surpassed 150 yards receiving in any season.  If that's the only scratch on this Camry, then put me behind the steering wheel today!

6) Tiki Barber, NYG (1st round)

     Little known fact, the offensive Barber twin has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage in each of the last two years.  His wear and tear is limited in comparison to most backs his age (31), but a decline may occur as soon as this year.  The presence of Brandon Jacobs limits his TD potential, but to expect anything less than 2,000+ yards from scrimmage and a heavy load in the passing game.

Hope you're good at craps because it's time to start rolling the dice on a #1

7) Edgerrin James, ARI (1st round)

     If only he could have stayed in Indy...we can still dream.  He joins another prolific passing offense, but the offensive line plays as if they're a man down.  James, however, can create on his own and is capable of putting up solid receiving numbers when Kurt Warner is forced to dump the ball off.  Expect a decline in his overall numbers, but they still will be better than most, particularly the TD numbers.

8) Ronnie Brown, MIA (late 1st)

     Finally, Brown doesn't have to look over his shoulder for the first time since high school.  Getting Mike Mularkey and "losing" Ricky Williams will lead to Brown being leaned upon heavily, particularly if Daunte Culpepper is slow to recover.  The only knock on him is the fact that Brown has never carried more than the 207 he managed last year, something he may pass by Week 11.

9) Steven Jackson, STL (late 1st to early 2nd)

     When Bulger was in the lineup, Jackson was on pace for 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 16 TDs.  Jackson is a load to take down (6'2", 231 pounds) in the open field and is surrounding by talent and a coach in Scott Linehan who actually believes that yards can be attained on the ground.  He has experienced some dings in his first 2 seasons and his recognition of defenses needs work, but his overwhelming talent can't be denied.  The loss of Marshall Faulk will only add to Jackson's value.

2) Tom Brady, NE (3rd)

     Again, this is all about consistency.  He has passed for no less than 23 TDs in any of the last 5 seasons.  Brady spreads the ball around and is smart with the ball, two things that limit his turnovers.  His yards may see a slight dip, but expect numbers similar to last season's. 

3) Matt Hasselbeck, SEA (late 3rd)

     If he can manage to throw for 24 TDs while Shaun Alexander breaks the TD record, imagine what he is capable of with a few more chances.  He will have a healthy Darrell Jackson and newly acquired Nate Burleson, a former 1,000 yard receiver.  With limited pressure and defenses keying on Alexander, Hasselbeck will see similar success to last year with the possibility of more.

4) Carson Palmer, CIN (late 3rd)

     Palmer would have been in a close debate with Manning if not for the knee injury he suffered in the playoffs.  As it is, Palmer is on schedule to begin the season as the starter and with Chad and T.J. on the wings and Rudi behind him, the weapons are there.  Don't expect numbers as high as last year's and you will be happy you grabbed him.

5) Eli Manning, NY (4th)

     Just because he is the little Manning, don't let that diminish your opinion of him, even if he wilted in the playoffs just like big brother.  His first full season saw him lead a top 5 offense and throw for 24 TDs against 17 INT.  With little change in the offense, Eli will be getting more comfortable and you will be too with him as your starter.

This would be my first separation in Quarterbacks

6) Donovan McNabb, PHI (6th)

     People tend to forget that Donovan F. McNabb was throwing TD passes before Terrell Owens arrived on the scene.  Let's not fool ourselves though, don't expect McNabb to hit the 30 TD mark like he did in 2004.  He does everything well and his injury wasn't as severe as some of the others on this list. 

7) Daunte Culpepper, MIA (late 6th to 7th)

     Last year was a total wash; between his knee injury and the absence of Randy Moss, Culpepper had as many hardships on the field as Chris Henry has had off it.  With the Dolphins, big Daunte will have Chris Chambers to stretch the field and Randy McMichael across the middle.  Will Culpepper start the season? That's still up in the air, but he is capable of big numbers if you are willing to take a risk, and a top-flight backup.