Smitty of Fantasy Football Xtreme has put together a list of the top 10 fantasy running backs to have for the playoffs. Consider yourself lucky if you have any of the fools listed, and cry if your first round opponent has more than one of the top 10. Just cry.
While I agree with most of the list, I do have some slight adjustments. Smitty’s list is:
- Adrian Peterson (MIN)
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Brian Westbrook
- Steven Jackson
- Joseph Addai
- Frank Gore
- Willie Parker
- Ryan Grant
- Reggie Bush
- Marion Barber
I agree completely with most of the list and rankings, but I do think that Addai and Ryan Grant deserve to be bumped a little higher. Addai has been consistent thus far and has a match up against Oakland in Week 15 that blows away the downside of his match up against the Ravens in week 14. I would trust him more than I would trust Steven Jackson for my playoff run
Ryan Grant has shown he is a back that can break down even tough defenses with the Green Bay offense, and he plays Oakland first round, St. Louis second round, and Chicago on the week you are probably in your championship game (Week 16). He could very well put up some disgusting numbers for your team, and I might rank him about Willie Parker and Frank Gore for just that reason. His match ups are just better.
At 10, Smitty points out that Ernest Graham, Larry Johnson and Travis Henry could all be a factor around the end of this list depending upon their health and suspension status. I would add to that list Willis McGahee–hopefully you didn’t sit him tonight, if so, I hope you’re not watching him break through the Patriots linebackers. McGahee plays the Colts, Miami and Seattle during your playoffs. I guess that technically makes the list like a top 15 instead of a top 10. But hey, maybe it includes one of your RB and gives you that much more of a reason to go on living, so sue me.
