The running back.  The most important position in fantasy football.  It gains importance not from the points that come from the position, though the backs are highly productive, but more based on the lack of available productive players at the position.  With many rosters starting at least two running backs, and some rosters have three or a flex position, it becomes hard enough getting good value out of your second running back, let alone if you passed on getting a solid RB1.  Unless you are in a very deep league, or can tell the future on sleeper RB’s, it is nearly mandatory to get yourself the best available back when it is your draft pick in round 1.   Once your RB1 is secure, there are a number of strategies you can set in motion, but RB1 is key.

This is the breakdown of this years top 15, who should carry any first round and into the second.

1 - LT - ask me how much I want to put Steven Jackson here.  I think with Jackson’s schedule he will certainly be motivated to go after the #1 position, but like Peyton with QB’s, you can’t dethrone LT until the stats prove it.

2 - Steven Jackson - easier schedule, dynamic offense, makes many receptions. 

3 - Larry Johnson - Need something to break with this contract issue, or LJ will start to fall down the rankings list.  The dreaded hold-out or trade words are being uttered in KC.

4 - Frank Gore - Has all the tools to be the next LT, which says a lot.  San Francisco has also improved which will keep the defenses honest.

5 - Joseph Addai - Indy has so much offense, Addai benefits as long as he plays decent.  Has the position all to himself this year.

6 -  Shaun Alexander - Mr. previous MVP needs to rebound, but Seattle isn’t that good.  MIght have to carry too much of the load without an offensive line that will open up holes.

7 - Brian Westbrook - Mr. Do everything will again do everything this year, and this time needs to stay healthy.

8 - Rudi Johnson - Nothing to say except consistent stats each week.

9 - Laurence Maroney - The New England offense will be all his this year to dance around in.  Needs to ensure his shoulder injury won’t re-surface right away and plague him all season.

10 - Willy McGahee - Ready to roll in Baltimore.  Says he finally feels fully recovered from knee injury.  Thats good, because he looked like his old self at the end of last year.  Should see more receptions in Baltimore, a part of his game he can develop.

11 - Reggie Bush - Like Westbrook will get you fantasy points from all over the field, and Bush will get better as the season goes along.

12 - Willie Parker - New coach, new offense, still fast Willie.  He can break open a game on any run, and does it enough to keep Pitt’s offense moving.

13 - Cedric Benson - Worked extremely hard all offseason to be ready as RB1, to lose the uncomitted and injury tags that he has received in his short time in the NFL.  Does it all with running, few receptions.

14 - Edgerrin James - Receives a heavy workload, and this year has a better offensive line and a more polished QB.  Won;t be as good as Indy, but should rebound with a better season.

15 - Travis Henry - Because he plays in Denver he has to make the top 15, but I really think either a platoon situation with Mike Bell or injuries will keep Henry from really putting up solid fantasy numbers this season.