Finally, we’ve reached the Top 10 running backs for 2008.  It’s been an epic journey to get here, but here we are, counting down the Top 10.  STUD, is the easiest word to classify these 10 running backs.  Most will go in the first round, skip one and it may cause your season to go up in flames.  These running backs have pros and cons, but before we discuss them, let’s recap the Top 11-30 running backs for 2008.

30) Matt Forte – Chicago Bears :  My Projection : 801 YDS – 6 RTD’s
29) Fred Taylor – Jacksonville Jaguars : My Projection : 801 YDS – 5 RTD’s
28) Selvin Young – Denver Broncos : My Projection : 802 YDS – 5 RTD’s
27) Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders : My Projection : 875 YDS – 6 RTD’s
26) Thomas Jones – New York Jets : My Projection : 994 YDS – 5 RTD’s
25) DeAngelo Williams – Carolina Panthers : My Projection : 953 YDS – 5 RTD’s
24) Rudi Johnson – Cincinnati Bengals : My Projection : 1011 YDS – 8 RTD’s
23) Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons : My Projection : 1098 YDS – 7 RTD’s
22) LenDale White – Tennessee Titans : My Projection : 1054 YDS – 7 RTD’s
21) Reggie Bush – New Orleans Saints : My Projection : 802 YDS – 6 RTD’s – 551 RYDS – 2 TD’s
20) Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins : My Projection : 923 YDS – 7 RTD’s
19) Earnest Graham – Tampa Bay : My Projection : 925 YDS – 8 RTD’s
18) Laurence Maroney – New England Patriots : My Projection : 1026 YDS – 8 RTD’s
17) Brandon Jacobs – NY Football Giants : My Projection : 1053 YDS – 10 RTD’s
16) Willie Parker – Pittsburgh Steelers : My Projection : 1192 YDS – 6 RTD’s
15) Maurice Jones-Drew – Jacksonville Jaguars : My Projection : 951 YDS – 9 RTD’s
14) Marshawn Lynch – Buffalo Bills : My Projection : 1097 YDS – 8 RTD’s
13) Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns : My Projection : 1103 YDS – 8 RTD’s
12) Edgerrin James – Arizona Cardinals : My Projection : 1153 YDS – 9 RTD’s
11) Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers : My Projection : 1089 YDS – 11 RTD’s

10) Willis McGahee – Baltimore Ravens : I tend to laugh at certain expectations “Experts” put on running backs. I’ve done a lot of studying and watching films, especially of McGahee because I want to see exactly how he gained 1207 yds last year.  With an anemic offense, how was it that he rushed for so many yards?  It’s simple, the guy is just that damn good.  So let me get back to the expectations for McGahee.  Many “Experts” have said that McGahee’s number will be down this year for this reason or that, not me, I see him having similar numbers if not better.  McGahee is a great late first rounder, and is a great option as your RB1. My Projection : 1201 YDS – 8 RTD’s

9) Marion Barber III – Dallas Cowboys : With 24 TD’s over the last two seasons, Barber has Top 5 written all over him. With the addition of rookie Felix Jones, brought in to be the change of pace back, look for Barber to be fresh and increase his numbers from a year ago. Barber is a running back you want to target at the end of the first round. Also, don’t sleep on the fact that Barber had 44 reception a year ago.  You Fantasy owners in PPR leagues can get good value picking Barber at the end of the first with Barber. My Projection : 1102 YDS – 13 RTD’s –  320 RYDS – 2 TD’s

8) Larry Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs : After two spectacular seasons in 2005-2006, Johnson would rather forget the 2007 season, as would his owners.  Johnson only the saw the field in eight games, and his yards per carry were the lowest of his career at 3.5.  Johnson looks to rebound in 2008, and is a high risk-high reward type back that will go late in the first round.  If Johnson can return to respectability, your Fantasy team will flourish. If he sinks, so will your team. If you’re stuck having to decide whether to choose him or another back, go with the safer pick. My Projection : 1265 YDS – 10 RTD’s –  250 RYDS – 1 TD’s

7) Clinton Portis – Washington Redskins : When healthy, there’s not much that can stop Clinton Portis. Last year many doubted Portis because of the knee injury he suffered in 2006.  After 325 carries, Portis not only showed he can carry the Redskins offense, but showed that he was worthy of a Top 5 spot amongst running backs.  Portis will go in the middle of first round, and once again has a chance at finishing as one of the Top 5 running backs for the 2008 season.  My Projection : 1126 YDS – 11 RTD’s –  295 RYDS – 2 TD’s

6) Frank Gore – San Francisco : In a Mike Martz ran offense I see a big year for Frank Gore. Martz has already compared Gore to Marshall Faulk, which is good news for Gore owners. A running back that can do it all, Gore to me, will have a similar season to 2006 (1695 YDS 8 TD’s).  Gore could easily finish as one of the Top 3 running backs, especially in PPR leagues.  If you have a mid-first round pick, don’t fret, Gore is a great option to build around. My Projection : 1162 YDS – 10 RTD’s –  426 RYDS – 2 TD’s

5) Joseph Addai – Indianapolis Colts : Addai dynasty owners probably had a panic attack when the Colts signed Dominic Rhodes to back him up.  Addai has the talent to be a Top 5 running back, but he could easily fall short of those expectations. In the high powered offense of the Colts, Addai will be afforded the opportunity to put up decent numbers.   It’s just a matter of how many touches, and how the Colts coaches want to utilize their two back system.   My Projection : 1142 YDS – 12 RTD’s –  402 RYDS – 2 TD’s

4) Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia Eagles : When I get asked, “Who’s the Fantasy face of the Eagles Paul,” I don’t say Donovan McNabb, I say B-Westbrook.  Over the last two seasons Westbrook has been one of the best backs in the NFL.  Averaging seven rushing TD’s a season and 4.5 receiving TD’s, how can a Fantasy owner complain. This season should be no different for Westbrook.  In PPR leagues, you know he’s going to be one of the best running backs in the game, with 90 receptions last year, the Eagles use the screen pass better than anyone in the game. Westbrook could go anywhere from first to sixth in your draft.  Yes I said first. I’ve seen it twice in “Expert” Mock Drafts already, so prepare yourself. My Projection : 1152 YDS – 8 RTD’s –  703 RYDS – 4 TD’s

3) Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings : There were flashes of brilliance while playing at the University of Oklahoma, but to see what Peterson did to NFL defenses’ last year was amazing. Can he really exceed the numbers from last year (1341 YDS 12 TD’s)?  I think so.  The Vikings offense is built around the rushing game, which should give Peterson plenty of opportunities. My Projection : 1395 YDS – 12 RTD’s –  322 RYDS – 3 TD’s

2) Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams : That’s right, unlike others, I see Jackson bouncing back and having a great season.  Jackson has soft hands and can catch the football out of the back field helping you in your PPR leagues.  We are going to see the devastating running back we all saw in 2006. Fantasy owners are aware of the injury bug that bite Jackson last year, but already in 2008, Jackson has insisted that he’s 100% and ready to do damage.  Jackson is a running back that you can ride all the way to the championship this year. My Projection : 1422 YDS – 13 RTD’s –  465 RYDS – 3 TD’s

1) LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers : What’s not to like about Tomlinson? Oh ya, maybe it’s the reports that Tomlinson is stilling feeling pain in his sprained knee.  Fear not, most of the news this offseason has been positive, I just wanted to put a little scare into you.  The offense for the Chargers is sure to increase their points per game from a year ago, and expect Tomlinson to lead the charge.  The clear cut #1 draft pick, I will tell you this, in my drafts, I hope I don’t have it only because of the risk of injury with his knee.  Stay close to RotoHog website for more news on Tomlinson as the season gets closer.  My Projection : 1523 YDS – 18 RTD’s –  502 RYDS – 5 TD’s

There you have it, the Top 30 running backs for the 2008 season.  Remember, these rankings are subject to change prior to the season.  Up next, the wide receivers.