1. Arian Foster Hou – If he can stay healthy, he’ll be the top fantasy football RB in 2012. Houston’s O-Line is stout.
2. Lesean McCoy Phi – Would top the charts but Philly has already said they will cut back his workload in 2012. Dynamic runner capable of 1,500 yards and 15 TDs.
3. Ray Rice Bal – The Ravens horse will be a dual threat again and will top 1,300 yards with 12-15 TDs.
4. Chris Johnson Ten – 2011 will be seen as an aberration for CJ2K. Contract issues and the lockout plus a new system hurt his production. He’ll return to form this year with another top 5 fantasy season for a RB.
5. Maurice Jones Drew JAX – His contract dispute and holdout are concerns, but he proved he’s a big time player without anyone around him. This year they took Justin Blackmon in round 1 who should contribute early on, and added other skill players to take pressure off of MJD.
6. Ryan Mathews SD - Can he stay healthy? Can he hold onto the ball? If so, expect a breakout year from Mathews.
7. Matt Forte Chi – With more weapons on the outside, Forte will have more room to work with and top 1,200 yards and 8-10 total TDs.
8. Marshawn Lynch Sea – Provided his off field troubles don’t keep him out, Lynch should have another big year. He’s really developed into his own in Seattle.
9. Darren McFadden Oak - He was on pace for a monster year before an ankle injury derailed him. It’s risk reward once again with McFadden, but if he’s there at the bottom of the 2nd round / top of the 3rd, it’s likely too hard to pass.
10. Jamaal Charles KC - ACL’s are tricky to come back from, but if Charles is 80% back to normal health to start the season, expect solid numbers from the get go.
11. Adrian Peterson Min – This is the toughest pick on the board. He blew out his knee in December and it remains to be seen how close to his old self he is at this point. It usually takes two years to fully come back from an ACL.
12. DeMarco Murray Dal – Showed a ton of promise before a season ending ankle injury. He’ll be the top RB in Dallas in 2012.
13. Steven Jackson Stl - The Rams have put more weapons around him and Fisher knows how to get the most out of his running backs with his run blocking schemes.
14. Ahmad Bradshaw NYG – He’s the clear No. 1 and healthy. Giants will rely on him heavily this season while they break in 1st round pick David Wilson.
15. Trent Richardson Cle - They didn’t draft him to sit, but they do have a rookie QB, which is cause for concern.
16. Michael Turner Atl - Teams will not be able to crowd the box with those outside threats. Turner’s carries will be down, but he’ll still produce.
17. Frank Gore SF – It’s a loaded backfield in SF but he’s still the No. 1.
18. Fred Jackson Buf - He proved to be a solid threat until he suffered a season ending injury. He’ll surely lose carries to CJ Spiller, but we don’t see him be replaced as the No. 1 anytime soon.
19. Darren Sproles NO - This ranking is primarily for his role in the passing game. Brees loves to throw, and he loves to look for Sproles on the short to medium routes where Sproles can turn on the jets.
20. Willis McGahee Den – McGahee revitalized his career in Denver and has a chance to follow it up with Peyton Manning under center. Teams will no longer play 8 or 9 men in the box.
21. Reggie Bush Mia – Bush played a lot better in Miami and wasn’t the bust he was in New Orleans. HC Joe Philbin will no how to use him in his offense.
22. Stevan Ridley NE – Benjarvus Green-Ellis is gone and Ridley likely picks up the slack. He showed potential when given the chance and Belichick will give him the 1st shot to win the job.
23. Shonn Greene NYJ - Tony Sparano’s teams typically run the ball well and the Jets are expecting big things from Greene. He’s a No. 2 fantasy football RB at best and likely will start the season as a solid flex option.
24. Beanie Wells Arz – The QB situation hurts his production, but the Cards adding another receiver (Michael Floyd) will keep defenses honest and that will help Wells. He must show he can stay healthy.
25. Bejarvus Green-Ellis Cin – He takes over as the No. 1 in Cincy and while unspectacular, is a solid fantasy performer and will remain a good No. 2 option.
