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1. Adrian Peterson, Min – He’s the top RB in the league and the Vikings will be sure to rely on their horse while they get Donovan McNabb comfortable in the offense.
2. Chris Johnson, Ten – The addition of Matt Hasselback will add balance to the offense and C2K is playing for a large payday. He could end up the top fantasy football RB again in 2011.
3. Jamaal Charles, KC – He’s as explosive as any back in the league, but loses carries to Thomas Jones. Things could be different this year. Jones is on the downside of his career and we expect Charles to have a more prominent role in the offense.
4. Ray Rice, Bal – The Ravens became too pass happy in 2010 and abandoned the run early and often. We expect Rice’s results this year resemble 2009.
5. Arian Foster, Hou – He burst onto the scene to lead the NFL in rushing in 2010. He’s a dynamic threat, both rushing and receiving, and will only get better in this offense.
6. LeSean McCoy, Phi – He broke off a number of big plays a year ago and is developing into a tremendous weapon. Reid’s penchant for passing the ball hurts his overall upside, but he’s still talented enough to finish in the top 5.
7. Rashard Mendenhall, Pit – Mendenhall’s a pounder who fits Pittsburgh’s smash mouth running game. He also has speed to go with that power and is entering his 4th year. Look for another step forward.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax – The bowling ball is a dynamic playmaker stuck in a less than stellar offense. He’s still worthy as a No. 1 fantasy RB.
9. Michael Turner, ATL – The addition of WR Julio Jones should keep opposing teams’ secondaries even busier than normal when facing the Falcons. This will keep running lanes open for Tuner.
10. Steven Jackson, Stl – The Rams are on the upswing and Josh McDaniels will get the most out of No. 39. The weak NFC West also make Jackson an attractive option.
11. Darren McFadden, OAK – McFadden took huge steps forward in 2010 and appears to have learnt how to be an NFL RB. Expect more of that in 2011.
12. Frank Gore, SF – There will be a learning curve to Jim Harbaugh’s offense, but Gore remains a constant. Expect another solid year as he plays for a new contract.
13. Matt Forte, Chi – Forte’s value increases because of his receiving skills in Mike Martz’ offense. He’ll be utilized heavily in 2011.
14. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG – Fumbles were the biggest negative on Bradshaw’s 2010 resume. After an off season to correct his technique, he should be poised for bigger things in 2011.
15. Peyton Hillis, Cle – 2010 was amazing, but you’d like to see a longer track record to feel good about grabbing Hillis too high in the fantasy draft. He’s no longer a fantasy sleeper and will be a solid No. 2 in 2011.
16. Shonn Greene, NYJ – He failed to step up in his 2nd year and many fantasy football owners were left disappointed. We think his late season success will carry over and he’ll earn his place as a No.1 on many rosters in 2011.
17. Ryan Matthews, SD – Year one was a bust. But he’ll be given every chance to succeed in year two… and we think he will.
18. Felix Jones, Dal - Jason Garrett is going to give Jones every opportunity to be his No. 1 in 2011. The speedy back from Arkansas will be a threat running the ball and as a receiver out of the backfield.
19. DeAngelo Williams, Car – A huge talent stuck on an inept offense. If the QB position struggles again, and it should behind rookie Cam Newton, Williams will be a border line flex starter.
20. Jahvid Best, Det - He can take it to the house on every carry, but needs to stay healthy. His value increases in points per reception leagues.
