Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings

1. Randy Moss (Oakland)
*WHY:* Because he's Randy Moss. For a long time in Minnesota he was pretty much everything, but with Oakland he's got what many consider one of the best offenses in football. Kerry Collins isn't Daunte Culpepper, but he's more than capable of getting the job done. And cmon? he's Randy Moss. *WHY NOT:* Breaking up what seemed like a great situation with a QB like Daunte Culpepper would naturally hurt any receiver a little, at least at the start of the season. Also, he might not need as many catches with the rest of the talent in Oakland (see #18).
2004: 49 catches, 767 yards, 13 TD

2. Chad Johnson (Cincinnati)

WHY: Despite the production he's already had in his short career so far, he's capable of that much more. With Carson Palmer's play late last year showing signs that he's about to have a breakout season, 2005 could be a year that puts Johnson at the very top of the NFL WR
list.
WHY NOT: The only thing that could hold Chad back is himself. He's been fined a number of times for immature actions on the field, and if he let's all the new attention and hype get to him, he could be headed for a rude awakening.

*2004:* 95 catches, 1274 yards, 9 TD
3. Torry Holt (St. Louis)
*WHY:* Even though he saw a bit of a dropoff last year, he's still one of the most consistent fantasy performers in football. 5 straight seasons of 1300 yards, and 22 TDs his past two seasons, along with an offense that remains very powerful mean he's just as much of a sure thing as ever. *WHY NOT:* Besides fear of an injury, there isn't much downside to Torry Holt. There's the possibility that the Rams could focus more on Steven Jackson and the running game, but it's the Rams. They'll never change.
*2004:* 94 catches, 1374 yards, 10 TD

4. Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis)
*WHY:* Not only is he the #1 target on the best passing team in the league, he's pretty much a guaranteed fantasy monster. He's actually coming off his statistically worst season since he became elite, but still managed 1100 yards and 15 TDs. Also, he's missed exactly one game in 6 years, so you can pencil him in week in week out. *WHY NOT:* The downfall of having the best offense is that there are so many other options. Edgerrin James will be in camp from day one, and is coming off a tremendous season, so the running game will get it's attention. Plus, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley are coming off career years as well, both having stats just as good, if not better than Marvin.
*2004:* 86 catches, 1113 yards, 15 TD

5. Terrell Owens (Philadelphia)
*WHY:* Despite all the things that have gone on during the offseason, and the animosity that has grown between Terrell and Donovan McNabb, he's still one of the premier WRs in the game. Owens is the #1 target on a team that will likely cruise to a division championship, and he's a guaranteed Red Zone scoring threat. *WHY NOT:* With TO's attitude and Drew Rosenhaus as his agent, anything could happen. If he starts trouble during the season, I doubt Andy Reid would have any trouble sitting him on the bench.
2004: 77 catches, 1200 yards, 14 TD

6. Andre Johnson (Houston)
*WHY:* The next great WR in the NFL, so you might as well take him now, which is right after his initial breakout season, but just before he makes the jump to elite status. If David Carr lives up to his potential this year, the pair could get to that 15 TD mark with ease, as well as somewhere in the neighborhood of 1300 yards. WHY NOT: If Carr struggles, so will the Houston offense, and there's nothing Andre can do about that. Also, there's a risk taking him as a #1 WR on your fantasy team, especially if it means using a 2nd round pick, even though all it'll take to live up to #1 billing is continued progress.
2004: 79 catches, 1142 yards, 6 TD

7. Javon Walker (Green Bay)
*WHY:* When Walker decided to show up for training camp, he may have hurt his bank account, but he made the lives of fantasy owners a lot easier. Walker should be even better in 2005 after a getting his work in during the offseason with the team, and that's not easy to say considering what he did in '04. *WHY NOT:* After doubling his previous career high, Javon has to show that he's capably of living up to the big expectations that are awaiting him. Brett Favre's game will obviously play a huge role, and that much of a dropoff from his play last year will be bad news for Walker's owners.
2004: 89 catches, 1382 yards, 12 TD

8. Joe Horn (New Orleans)
*WHY:* Horn is probably one of the most underappreciated fantasy players out there, with people constantly questioning whether or not he can "do it again." After the numbers he put up last year, it's a bigger risk not taking him. *WHY NOT:* The uncertainty around the New Orleans offense (and pretty much team in general) is enough to scare off any cautious fantasy owner. Also, there's the immortal question?. Can he really do it again?
*2004:* 94 catches, 1399 yards, 11 TD

9. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)
*WHY:* If you're a starting WR for Peyton Manning, you're on the top 25. It's as simple as that. Even as the #2, he put up monstrous numbers, and it's clear that Wayne is just starting to reach his potential. If he can continue improving, he could see a bigger year than his mentor, Marvin Harrison. WHY NOT: The only reason he's this low is that it would take another record type year from Manning to get all of his WRs the Touchdowns that he did in 2004. Then again, who really wants to doubt Peyton Manning at this point.
*2004:* 77 catches, 1210 yards, 12 TD

10. Darrell Jackson (Seattle)
*WHY:* Without Koren Robinson's meaningless presence in town, maybe people will actually start to notice what Jackson's capable of. Matt Hasselbeck put together a few solid seasons in a row, but has the ability to get to the next level, and the only way he'll do that is getting Jackson the ball. *WHY NOT:* Jackson never has really had a top level season, and because of that really shouldn't be looked at as anything near a #1 WR just yet. And with Sean Alexander unhappy, you never know how the offense will fare as a whole.
*2004:* 87 catches, 1199 yards, 7 TD

11. Hines Ward (Pittsburgh)
*WHY:* The loss of Plaxico Burress means a lot more will fall on the shoulders of Hines Ward when it comes to the continued growth of Ben Roethlisberger. He should see an increase of his stat totals, probably somewhere near what he did in 2003, which is pretty much 100 catches, 1200 yards. *WHY NOT:* Last year was Ward's worst statistically since 2000, when he was in just his 3rd year. While much of that can be due to the several weapons on the Pittsburgh offense, others may think it's a lack of great chemistry with Ben.
*2004:* 80 catches, 1004 yards, 4 TD

12. Anquan Boldin (Arizona)
*WHY:* The potential he showed as a rookie is good enough to get him drafted very highly by someone in your league, that's a guarantee. With Denny Green getting his offense built very nicely, Boldin should see a return to the numbers that made him a big name, which would make him a bigtime steal if he is in fact the #11 WR taken. *WHY NOT:* Uncertainty around the QB position isn't something you want when taking a Wide Receiver. Kurt Warner at his best would make the Cardinals O dominant, but Kurt Warner of recent memory would make it just decent. Plus, having two other first rounders on the roster means there will need to be a lot of passes going around.
2004: 56 catches, 623 yards, 5 TD

13. Roy Williams (Detroit)
*WHY:* After a stellar rookie season, he has all the tools to be a top fantasy WR. With Charles Rogers likely returning and the addition of Mike Williams, teams won't be able to focus attention on him, leaving him in the types of one on one matches that physical guys win every time. *WHY NOT*: An injury history is always something to keep an eye on, especially on a team that WRs often drop like flies. The instability at Quarterback will also cause problems, because if a change is made, the offense obviously won't be working full strength.
2004: 54 catches, 817 yards, 8 TD

14. Michael Clayton (Tampa Bay)
*WHY:* Rookie of the Year along with huge stats despite playing for a poor team means that he's the real deal. The added running game of Carnell Williams will only lead to more chances for Clayton, who will also have the benefit of being in his second year with Brian Griese at QB. *WHY NOT:* It'll take a while for Williams to get the running game going, and with teams keying on Clayton from Day one, it won't be as easy for him to pile on the stats. Plus, Griese has to prove he's not a one year wonder in Tampa.
*2004:* 80 catches, 1193 yards, 7 TD

15. Laveranues Coles (New York Jets)
WHY: A return to New York means a return to the Quarterback that made him a star a few years ago. Coles and Pennington have a natural chemistry, that basically guarantees he'll see a big boost in YPC, and most importantly, TDs. Also, new OC Mike Heimerdinger knows how to get WRs the ball, unlike a certain former coach. WHY NOT: A toe injury that will never go away tops the list of reasons to avoid Coles at all costs. His refusal to have surgery makes him a time bomb for any fantasy owner. He'll do well for a period, but that injury's coming, whether you like it or not.
*2004:* 90 catches, 950 yards, 1 TD

16. Plaxico Burress (New York Giants)
*WHY:* Now that he's in New York, Plaxico will find a new start, and himself as the #1 target on an offense that could be very good. Despite the Steelers record success, Plaxico just hadn't really fit in with the Steelers yet, so if he can gel with Eli Manning, and let his game develop, it could be a breakout year. WHY NOT: He isn't called Plexiglass for nothing. Injuries could again keep Burress from being a potent fantasy threat, but it could also just as easily be his head that does it. Tom Coughlin is just like Bill Cowher, and won't take any sign of dissention from Plaxico, so he better not think he can slack off this year.
2004: 35 catches, 698 yards, 5 TD

17. Chris Chambers (Miami)
*WHY:* Chambers has gone and done his job every year for Miami, despite a multitude of different QBs, and last year the complete and utter lack of a running game. All he needs is a bit of support for his breakout year to arrive. WHY NOT: Amazing that after all he's done, he still hasn't had a 1000 yard season, and that doesn't translate well to fantasy football. A.J. Feeley's return at QB isn't necessarily going to instill much confidence, neither is the sudden RB controversy.
*2004:* 69 catches, 898 yards, 7 TD

18. Nate Burleson (Minnesota)
*WHY:* Being the guy that steps in for Randy Moss as Daunte Culpepper's go to guy is going to guarantee he'll see a boost in stats over last year, which was still a good year fantasy wise. *WHY NOT:* Burleson doesn't have the big time speed that Culpepper's used to, so if he turns to Troy Williamson as his home run threat, Burleson won't see as many TDs as owners would like. That means that before taking him, you should see what's more important, cayches/yards, or TDs.
*2004:* 68 catches, 1006 yards, 9 TD

19. Jerry Porter (Oakland)
*WHY:* Playing across from Randy Moss has a certain type of effect on WRs. Either it could frustrate them for not getting #1 WR receptions, or it could lead to a monster year as they play against 2nd class DBs. Porter should be used to having big names around him, so the latter seems likely. *WHY NOT:* Porter is another player whose yet to crack the 1000 yard mark during the season. Also, his TDs have been rather sporadic throughout his career (9 in 04, 1 in 03, 9 in 02), and with Moss in there, there's going to be a definite hit in that category.
*2004:* 64 catches, 998 yards, 9 TD

20. Derrick Mason (Baltimore)
*WHY:* Mason 's move to being the #1 (aka only) WR target on the Ravens means that he'll need to step up and be the man; thankfully, he's done that before. He'll provide the veteran target that Kyle Boller's been lacking his whole career in Baltimore. *WHY NOT:* Even with that presence, can Boller be the man? Mason can only go as far as the Ravens QB takes him, and based on what he's shown so far, it's not that much.
*2004:* 96 catches, 1168 yards, 7 TD

21. Drew Bennett (Tennessee)
*WHY:* Moving into the #1 role for the Titans, and should see a big chunk of Mason's passes fall into his lap. Plus, Norm Chow entering the picture as the new Offensive Coordinator is just a guarantee of something productive for Bennett and the other Tennessee skill position players. *WHY NOT:* Every year the idea that Ty Calico could have his big breakout year comes up, but so far it's been put down. If it finally clicks for him, Bennett will again find himself as the secondary option. Also, Travis Henry and Chris Brown mean that much of the offense will be tied up in the run game.
*2004:* 80 catches, 1247 yards, 11 TD

22. Ashley Lelie (Denver)
*WHY:* Even though he's not that effective as a total WR, Lelie's presence as a deep threat makes him a viable option for any fantasy owner. If the Bronco offense is rolling, Lelie will get you the TDs you'd love to see from a #2 WR, and the yards should follow. *WHY NOT:* He's a breakout season (another player's) away from being back on the bench for the majority of the game, and with Darius Watts' impressive play last year, it could just be a matter of time.
*2004:* 54 catches, 1084 yards, 7 TD

23. Jimmy Smith (Jacksonville)
WHY: No one expected what Smith was able to do last year, and if it's true that he's starting to see a 2nd prime, it'd be smart to grab him somewhere in the draft. He won't see a lot of TDs, but he's the only WR on the Jacksonville roster who Byron Leftwich can trust anywhere on the field. *WHY NOT:* It's highly doubtful he'll repeat what he did in 2004, and there are just so many young Wide Receivers on the team that there's bound to be a focus on phasing them into the offense, and in effect, pushing him out.
2004: 74 catches, 1172 yards, 6 TD

24. Muhsin Muhammad (Chicago)
*WHY:* Mushin's career year in 2004 makes him a very attractive pick in the middle of the draft. The Bears were sure enough that he still has a lot left in him that they gave him a big deal, and the fact that they have a number of young, unproven WRs on the team means he's the guaranteed #1 target. *WHY NOT:* Rex Grossman isn't Jake Delhomme, and won't be able to put together the type of season that will make Muhammed a star again.
*2004:* 93 catches, 1405 yards, 16 TD

25. Steve Smith (Carolina)
*WHY:* Because he's way too good at 100% health to ignore. Two years ago, he had his breakout year, with 88 catches, 1110 yards, and 7 TDs, and looked to be ready for an even bigger season in 05 before he was injured and missed most of the year. WHY NOT: Not only is the fact that it's always difficult to recover from a season long injury like he suffered, the Panthers recently acquired former Redskin Rod Gardener, who could be very good in the right system. Also, Keary Colbert's emergence last year as a rookie can't be ignored.
*2004:* 6 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD

26. Brandon Stokley (Indianapolis)
*WHY:* Stokley has excelled in the slot for the Colts in the past two seasons. He gets more looks than most #2 WRs with Peyton Manning spreading the ball around to all of his receivers. *WHY NOT:* Stokley is still only the third option, at best, on most plays. He may miss the first week of the season due to injury.
2004: 68 catches, 1077 yards, 10 TD.

27. Issac Bruce (St. Louis)
*WHY:* Bruce has long been a staple of the Rams offense. The St. Louis attack will be back and as good as ever in 2005 and Bruce should remain a top fantasy player. *WHY NOT:* Age is creeping up on him and Bruce could start to lose time to Shaun McDonald.
*2004:* 89 catches, 1292 yards, 6 TD.

28. Donald Driver (Green Bay)
*WHY:* He still has Brett Favre throwing him the ball. Driver is not the #1 man here, but he'll put up good numbers as the secondary target. *WHY NOT:* With so much talent on offense, Driver loses looks to other players. He is still a very good #2 WR.
*2004:* 84 catches, 1208 yards, 9 TD.

29. Rod Smith (Denver)
*WHY:* He has quietly had a brilliant career and is still a fantasy must have. *WHY NOT:* He is one of the oldest starters in the league and the Broncos insist on letting him return punts as well.
2004: 79 catches, 1144 yards, 7 TD.

30. Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)
*WHY:* An emerging young star in a pass-friendly offense. He may not be Randy Moss here, but think Cris Carter. WHY NOT: Can Kurt Warner stay up right long enough to get him the ball?
*2004:* 58 catches, 780 yards, 8 TD.

31. Eric Moulds (Buffalo)
*WHY:* He is a true number one receiver that knows how to get open and make plays. *WHY NOT:* With a new quarterback under center, will Moulds see his stats drop off?
*2004:* 88 catches, 1043 yards, 5 TD.

32. Deion Branch (New England)
*WHY:* This Super Bowl MVP is ready to breakout as one of the few stars on this championship team. *WHY NOT:* Tom Brady likes to spread the ball around and Branch might not see as many passes as the players above him.
*2004:* 35 catches, 454 yards, 4 TD.

33. Keary Colbert (Carolina)
34. Lee Evans (Buffalo)
35. Eddie Kennison (Kansas City)
36. Santana Moss (Washington)
37. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)
38. Rod Gardner (Carolina)
39. Brandon Lloyd (San Francisco)
40. Antonio Bryant (Cleveland)
41. Marcus Robinson (Minnesota)
42. Charles Rogers (Detroit)
43. Antwan Randle El (Pittsburgh)
44. David Givens (New England)
45. Mike Williams (Detroit)
46. Roddy White (Atlanta)
47. Mark Clayton (Baltimore)
48. Keenan McCardell (San Diego)
49. Keyshawn Johnson (Dallas)
50. Donte Stallworth (New Orleans)
51. Troy Williamson (Minnesota)
52. Braylon Edwards (Cleveland)
53. Justin McCareins (New York Jets)
54. Marty Booker (Miami)
55. Ronald Curry (Oakland)
56. Bryant Johnson (Arizona)
57. David Patten (Washington)
58. Joey Galloway (Tampa Bay)
59. Reche Caldwell (San Diego)
60. Terry Glenn (Dallas)
61. Johnnie Morton (San Francisco)
62. Eric Parker (San Diego)
63. Todd Pinkston (Philadelphia)
64. Amani Toomer (New York Giants)
65. Reggie Williams (Jacksonville)
66. Mike Jenkins (Atlanta)
67. Reggie Brown (Philadelphia)
68. Bobby Wade (Chicago)
69. Fred Gibson (Pittsburgh)
70. David Boston (Miami)
71. Arnez Battle (San Francisco)
72. Peerless Price (Atlanta)
73. Jabar Gaffney (Houston)
74. Bobby Engram (Seattle)
75. Justin Gage (Chicago)

QB - RB - WR - TE - DL - LB - DB - K