You're Totally Going to Freak When You See Number Three: Running Back Rankings Week 1

No. 1 - LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Panthers
Even though Carolina boasts a formidable front line, the undisputed king of running backs should get off to a rousing start. The Panthers were middle of the road against the run last season, having allowed 110.7 rushing yards per game.

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No. 2 - Marion Barber vs. Browns
Barber is anxious to bust loose now that he's the feature back in Dallas. His first victim? A Cleveland defense that was one of the worst against the run last season.

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No. 3 - Thomas Jones vs. Dolphins
One of last year's most disappointing rushers will begin his bounce-back campaign armed with stronger blockers clearing the way. He matches up with a Dolphins defense that will look quite different without two veteran leaders - Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas.

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No. 4 - Brian Westbrook vs. Rams
Westbrook is the model of fantasy consistency, and a showdown with the defensively-challenged Rams will give him a great chance to rack up both rushing and receiving yards.

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No. 5 - Joseph Addai vs. Bears
The Bears allowed 17 total rushing touchdowns last season. Even though their defense will finally be healthy again for Week 1, they'll have a tough time keeping their unit off the field because of offensive ineptitude. Translation? Lots of carries for Mr. Addai.

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New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, right, talks on his headset as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo stnads nearby during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is sacked by Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Wilson, right, with help from linebacker Jason Taylor, left, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs runs for 16 yards as Washington Redskins' Andre Carter, right, closes in during the third quarter of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Jacobs rushed for 116 yards as the Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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Washington Redskins Clinton Portis (front) is tackled by New York Giants R.W. McQuarters in the fourth quarter during their season opening NFL football game in East Rutherford, September 4, 2008. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

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Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn reacts during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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New York Giants' Eli Manning looks for a receiver during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. The Giants won 16-7. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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New York Giants' John Carney (5) kicks a field goal as Jeff Feagles holds during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Carney kicked three field goals as the Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell reacts after the Redskins were assessed a false-start penalty during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Thursday night, Sept. 4, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn, center, looks up during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. The Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (C) is sacked by Washington Redskins Jason Taylor (L), Chris Wilson (C, rear) and Lorenzo Alexander (R) in the fourth quarter during their season opening NFL football game in East Rutherford, September 4, 2008. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES)

Reuters