Rookie running backs offer the best fantasy value in the NFL draft.

The teams that provide the best opportunity for running backs to start and flourish this season are Denver (unproven Ron Dayne and inconsistent Tatum Bell), Indianapolis (Edgerrin James departed), Jacksonville (injury-prone Fred Taylor), Philadelphia (Brian Westbrook's injured) and Pittsburgh (Jerome Bettis retired).

Aside from Reggie Bush, if DeAngelo Williams, Laurence Maroney, LenDale White, Joseph Addai or even Maurice Drew and Brian Calhoun are drafted by any one of these teams, they can be chosen as high as the first round in fantasy drafts next season. This is especially true if they land in Denver or Indianapolis.

Other running backs chosen in the NFL's later rounds still have a chance to land a starting spot with these teams, making them intriguing fantasy picks.