It's Not Just LDT and AP at Running Back

Staff rankings were compiled by averaging the individual rankings of each member of Fantasy Fanhouse. The rankings are based on standard leagues where you gain points for yardage and scores. Or something ...

Don't fret if you don't have the top pick, because there is still a very solid selection of running backs, even in the second round. You're starting to hear pundits everywhere tell you to change your drafting philosophy from RB/RB. To me, that means there will be a bunch of WRs and QBs drafted in the first two rounds, and your RB/RB picks will just be that much stronger. Stand strong.

With RB/RB you can have Steven Jackson and Willis McGahee to go with a Marc Bulger and Steve Smith. I'd rather do that than go with Brady and TO, only to cover RB with Edge and Julius Jones.

As for these rankings, the numbers three through five are nearly interchangeable, so don't feel bad if you took Jackson third in your draft ... for your free fantasy league on fleaflicker.

FanHouse's Top Five
1. LaDanian Tomlinson, Chargers
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
3. Joseph Addai, Colts
4. Brian Westbrook, Eagles
5. Steven Jackson, Rams

See the rest after the jump ...

6. Frank Gore, Niners
7. Clinton Portis, Redskins
8. Marshawn Lynch, Bills
9. Marion Barber, Cowboys
10. Ryan Grant, Packers
11. Jamal Lewis, Browns
12. Willis McGahee, Ravens
13. Larry Johnson, Chiefs
14. Brandon Jacobs, Giants
15. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
16. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jags
17. Laurence Maroney, Patriots
18. Willie Parker, Steelers
19. Edgerrin James, Cardinals
20. Michael Turner, Falcons
21. Reggie Bush, Saints
22. Darren McFadden, Raiders
23. Rudi Johnson, Bengals
24. Ernest Graham, Bucs
25. Thomas Jones, Jets
26. Selvin Young, Broncos
27. LenDale White, Titans
28. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
29. Julius Jones, Seahawks
30. Fred Taylor, Jags
31. Matt Forte, Bears
32. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
33. Ahman Green, Texans
34. Kevin Smith, Lions
35. Deuce McAllister, Saints
36. Kevin Jones, Bears
37. Jerious Norwood, Falcons
38. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
39. Justin Fargas, Raiders
40. Chester Taylor, Vikings
41. Felix Jones, Cowboys
42. Ladell Betts, Redskins
43. Brandon Jackson, Packers
44. Ahmad Bradshaw, Giants
45. Kenny Watson, Bengals
46. Pierre Thomas, Saints
47. Warrick Dunn, Bucs
48. Chris Brown, Texans
49. Dominic Rhodes, Colts
50. Michael Pittman, Broncos
51. Maurice Morris, Seahawks
52. Chris Johnson, Titans
53. Lamont Jordan, Patriots
54. Tatum Bell, Lions
55. Ray Rice, Ravens
56. Leon Washington, Jets
57. Fred Jackson, Billy
58. Kolby Smith, Chiefs
59. Kevin Faulk, Patriots
60. Chris Henry, Titans

Notes: Around the late teens/early twenties you see a large dip in value from every-down backs to timeshare situations ... this happens again in the early forties as you see a transition from timeshare backs to handcuffs.

You will notice a slight bump for Brandon Jackson, which is because the Packers have been high on him in camp thus far, and he could carve out a bigger role for himself in Green Bay's backfield.

We aren't the least bit concerned about Steven Jackson's contract situation. He's a much different animal, and a guy acquired on some waiver wires last year who excelled on a studly offense for ten games. Things will work themselves out.

For the most part, the handcuffs aren't ranked necessarily by talent level. It matters, but you also have to consider the likelihood of the starter going down. For example, Dominic Rhodes is obviously a better runner than Chris Brown, but compare Ahman Green to Joe Addai. Uh, yeah. You get it now.

Any further questions can be shipped along to our Fantasy FanHouse inbox.