NPC’s 2011Fantasy Draft Guide: Running Backs

3. Arain Foster
There is no doubt that after his 2010 season, Foster should be this high on the list. He lead the league in rushing yards, receiving yards for a running back, touchdowns, and was second in the league in receptions for a running back. In a PPR league, a season like that is what wins championships. But I have a little hesitation with Foster, because he has only done it once. Before last season, Foster was a virtual unknown. There is risk in taking any player in fantasy football, but I feel taking Foster at the top of the draft board poses an enormous risk reward situation. If Foster can replicate his season from last year, he will make fantasy owners extremely happy, but is he regresses; it could be a long year for the Texans and fantasy owners. I have Andre Johnson on my personal team so I may be biased in wanting Foster’s numbers to slip a little….throw the ball deep Schaub…..sorry about that.
Prediction: 1,500 rushing yards, 45 receptions, 11 touchdowns

4. Jamaal Charles
Last season Jamaal Charles was a fantasy stud. Rushing for 1,467 yards and recording 45 receptions are PPR league dream numbers. The scary thing about Charles is that he did not even reach his full potential last season. Even with Charles’ great season, teammate Thomas Jones took six touchdowns away from Charles in goal line situations. Chiefs coach Todd Haley has said he will use Charles more often this season, which should lead to an even more impressive year. Picking Charles at any point in your draft would be an enormous value pick for your team.
Prediction: 1,650 rushing yards, 50 receptions, 9 touchdowns

5. Ray Rice
While I personally would never draft any player from the AFC North outside of the Steelers for the simple fact I just could not root for them, Ray Rice has to be the best option of the second tier running backs. While Rice does not overwhelm me with any aspect of his game in particular, he is possibly the best receiving back in the league. In a PPR league, Rice has the potential to earn a lot of fantasy points. Expect Rice to catch at least 60 passes this season, which is such a huge bonus for fantasy owners.
Prediction: 1,300 rushing yards, 60 receptions, 8 touchdowns