Fantasy football running backs this year aren't very deep this year but owners still should be able to get some quality backs after the top 10 are gone. Here is a list of the top 11-20 fantasy football running backs, a continuation from the top 10 fantasy football running backs list.
11. Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings
Notes: Peterson has one thing on his downside this season and that's his ACL injury. However, before last season he missed only three games in his career and has been consistent year after year. So a lot are speculating a similar rehab as Wes Welker's. If wasn't for an alarming injury Peterson would be one of the first few fantasy football running backs off the board.
12. Ryan Mathews - San Diego Chargers
Notes: Mathews' injury this preseason does take away a bit of the attraction because he'll miss the rest of preseason and some of the regular season. However, he's expected to be back around week 2 and is still the clear number one running back for the Chargers. Once he's back he'll potentially be seeing around 20 carries a game so there is no reason he should drop any further.
13. Fred Jackson - Buffalo Bills
Notes: Jackson may be 31, but in football years he's young; Maurice Jones-Drew has seen more action in the past three years than Jackson has seen in his career with the Bills. He's had plenty of rest since last season and while C.J. Spiller should see an increase in the 21 carriers he saw behind Jackson, he won't cut into too much of Jackson's touches. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jackson accumulate 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns.
14. Michael Turner - Atlanta Falcons
Notes: Turner may be 30 years old and seeing a cutback in carries this season but he's still durable and has probably one of, if not the easiest schedule for a running back. In addition, he had the most red zone rushes, 60, of any running back last year. So while he may only see about 15 carries a game, I'm still expecting him to still be highly utilized once the Falcons get inside the 20 and don't think he'll start his downturn yet.
15. Trent Richardson - Cleveland Browns
Notes: As the Browns look to improve one of the worst run games in the NFL, many are projecting a possible 300 carry season from Richardson. While the running back has the potential to be a star this season, he's an unproven rookie who happens to be the biggest threat on a weak offense. So while he'll get his opportunities this year, defenses will be expecting it.
16. Steven Jackson - St. Louis Rams
Notes: Although this will be Jackson's ninth NFL season he could still be good for a 1,000 rushing yard season and a handful of touchdowns. In addition, ten times last season Jackson scored 10 or more fantasy points in a week. However, the biggest concern should be his schedule matchups; Jackson has one of the toughest schedules for a running back.
17. Ahmad Bradshaw - New York Giants
Notes: Unfortunately last season there were a lot of things working against Bradshaw. He missed time due to injury, the offensive line just couldn't seem to help get the run game going, limiting running backs to 3.5 yards per carry, last year's league worst, and he was splitting time with Brandon Jacobs. This year he's healthy, Brandon Jacobs is gone, and the Giants offensive line is looking to improve upon their 2011 production. This year Bradshaw should see a significant increase to last year's performance.
18. Darren Sproles - New Orleans Saints
Notes: Last season Sproles had only 87 rushes but his role with the Saints isn't as a rusher. Instead he led running backs in every receiving category and should continue to do so this season. It shouldn't be surprising to see Sproles accumulate over 1,200 all-purpose yards with seven or eight touchdowns.
19. Doug Martin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notes: A lot may disagree with ranking Martin so high but this season he's playing on an improved Buccaneers offense and will most likely see most of the carries. He's also playing one of the easiest schedules for a running back which should make his transition to an NFL running back a lot easier. Martin has the potential to prove some significant fantasy football value.
20. BenJarvus Green-Ellis - Cincinnati Bengals
Notes: Unlike when with the New England Patriots, Green-Ellis will be the clear number one back with Bengals. He's a red zone threat and should be good for 1,000 rushing yards this season. He may not see as many touchdown opportunities this year as he did in New England but he still is going to be a key player in the Bengals offense.
Other Fantasy Football Articles by this Author:
Top 10 Fantasy Football Running Backs for 2012
Fantasy Football Tips: Draft Consistent Starters
Fantasy Football Debate: Jimmy Graham vs. Rob Gronkowski
Jake has played fantasy football for years and has won numerous leagues. Follow him on twitter,@JGilfix, for his latest sports news, fan perspective articles, or just to talk sports or fantasy sports.
