The Fantasy Kickoff - Fantasy Football Tips

2008 Fantasy Football Preview - Running Backs

by Kori Ellis on February 13th, 2008

In the NFL world, the rushing leaders are ranked by total yardage. In fantasy football, total yardage doesn’t mean as much as rush yards per game. Here’s a look at that top five running backs from 2007 and what you can expect going into the 2008 fantasy football season.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
As a rookie, Adrian Peterson ran for 95.8 yards per game to easily lead the NFL. A lot of fantasy football owners were hoping for a good year out of Peterson but few expected him to dominate as much as he did. Heading into 2008, there’s no reason to think he can’t get better. And truly, that’s a scary thought.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
Once again, Ladainian Tomlinson was a fantasy football force. At 92.1 yards per game, Tomlinson once again showed he is one of the best running backs in the game. Although he was banged up in this year’s playoffs, there’s no reason to suspect that he won’t be 100% healthy going into 2008. As long as he’s healthy, expect greatness.

3. Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Peterson and Tomlinson being ranked high isn’t much of a surprise. However, many football fans would be surprised to hear that Brandon Jacobs was third in the NFL in rushing yards per game with an average of 91.7. Now a Super Bowl champion, Jacobs should be a stud in 2008 if he can avoid injuries.

4. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
For many years now, Brian Westbrook hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves from fantasy football owners. Owners always look for reasons why to not pick Westbrook instead of why to pick him. Heading into 2008, Westbrook being a year older, fantasy football owners will likely again make the mistake of underrating Westbrook.

5. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you watched the Steelers in 2007, you know that Willie Parker is that team’s workhorse. He’s the guy who the team relies on to produce big results. In 2007, Parker was having a good season until a late season injury ended his campaign. Going into 2008, Parker will be picked high as long as he’s healthy.

Share This

Related Stories

• Overrated Running Backs - 2008 Fantasy Football
• Running Backs Average Draft Position 2008
• Late Season Running Backs
• Michael Pittman Joins Broncos - Fantasy Impact
• NFL 2008 Mock Draft – Houston Texans

POSTED IN: 2008 Projections, NFL Player Analysis