1. Chris Johnson- It is hard to imagine CJ pulling off another season like he had last year. One would have to think there would be a slip in rushing yards, considering most teams are scheming to key in on Johnson, the Titans only legitimate weapon on either side of the ball. Though with a stout offensive line featuring Dave Stewart and Michael Roos, the slide won’t be that noticeable. The importance of the other surrounding cast members plays little into the effect of Johnson’s game. A healthy and competent Vince Young would be of benefit, but his success lies with CJ’s ability to add defenders into the box. In all Johnsons abilities are rare enough to carry this team to .500 record on his own.
2. Ray Rice- No Adrian Peterson at this spot, instead the short and stout pinball out of Rutgers resides ahead of more accomplished backs. Rice’s performance in stretches during the 09’ season were the best in the league, and the upcoming season should see those rise with the digression of Willis McGahee. Further bolstering Rice’s potential is the addition of Anquan Boldin, a dangerous deep threat and one who can block downfield. In all Rice’s ability to post robust stats in both the rushing and receiving game earns this spot.
3. Adrian Peterson- Few in the league warrant the attention Peterson draws when game-planning each week. The workhorse of the Vikings attack looks for another successful campaign, hopefully with Brett Favre under center. Peterson has potential to finish the season as the top back and even player in fantasy if the aforementioned Favre returns and AP learns to control the rock (6 fumbles 09’). The Vikings offensive line is aging and durability may be a concern towards the end of the season. However will the sheer will and power of Petersons running style, 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns are a given.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew- Similar in the style of Rice, Jones-Drew does it all, run, catch, and he is one heck of a blocker (ask Shawne Marriman). MJD looks to improve on an even better season in 2010 with a more matured offensive line. The key to Jacksonville in all resides in the ability for the line to give Garrard time in the pocket, a feat it failed miserably at last season. Tackles Eben Britton and Eugene Monroe are keys to the potential of Jacksonville’s offense. Their maturation this season could propel the Jaguars into playoff contention. If a successful passing game can be established, MJD should have the lanes to produce Top 5 stats.
5. Steven Jackson- All this guy did last season was to eat up yards. He finished 2nd behind in Johnson for rushing yards yet only managed to muster 4 touchdowns for his efforts. This season looks to be a similar situation for the Rams with an inexperienced QB and question marks at receiver. The line should prove capable of duplicating similar rushing totals with the likes of Jason Brown and former #2 overall pick Jason Smith. Expect to see a rise in touchdowns and a slip in overall yards.
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