After the true starting running backs are drafted, you might be stuck taking someone who shares the load. But who are the real deal duo backfields and which tadums will tank? Here are my rankings of the running backs that are sharing the rock this season:
1. Reggie Bush / Deuce McAllister
Bush could run for 1,000 and catch 1,000 to go along with 20 touchdowns, he's the next LaDainian. Deuce will rush for 1,000 yards and run for 10 touchdowns again this season making the Bush/McAllister combo the best in fantasy. If they live up to expectations they could put together over 3,000 combined yards and 30 touchdowns -- yikes!
2. Clinton Portis / Ladell Betts
Clinton Portis is not injury prone. He's a running back in the NFL -- injuries happen. He missed one game out of 31 before missed eight last season. Portis still ran for seven touchdowns last year. Seven touchdowns was more than Reggie Bush, Ronnie Brown, Edgerrin James and Laurence Maroney. Seven touchdowns was the same number Shuan Alexander, Brian Westbrook, Willie Parker, Joseph Addai and Travis Henry scored. Betts is also no slouch, he had more than 1,000 yards rushing last year to go along with his 53 receptions. The Portis/Betts duo could be the best backfield in the NFL.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew / Fred Taylor
Fred Taylor ran for 5.0 yard per carry and 1,146 yards last season in 15 games. Taylors injuries (32 games in nine seasons and a tweaked hammy last fantasy playffs) could be a thing of the past with Maurice Jones-Drew now softening the defense with 5.7 yards per carry. Jones-Drew exploded last season and almost ran for 1,000 yards on 166 runs. His 13 rushing touchdowns were tied with Steven Jackson for third most last season. If this backfield is full strength for the entire season, they could be a serious fantasy producing pair.
4. Marion Barber / Julius Jones
Julius Jones and Marion Barber could each be the featured back. Instead, they seem to have taken the most 50/50 running back duo role in the NFL. Jones ran for just over 1,000 yards and Barber scored 14 touchdowns last season. It appears that Barber is taking the knockout role in the this season and Jones seems to be the set-up jab in the one-two punch. Both backs are capable of 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns -- which would make any fantasy own grin.
5. Jerious Norwood / Warrick Dunn
Norwood broke out onto the scene last season with just 99 rushes. He topped 10 carries only once but his long runs resulted in 6.4 yards per carry. If Norwood gets 200 carries he could easily top 1,200 yards rushing. Dunn has three straight seasons of 1,000 yards and averaged 100 yards in the first five games of the season. Because Dunn has become what is known as an older back, I would assume that he might take a back seat role to Norwood. Don't think that Dunn isn't going to try to run for 1,000 yards again. The Falcons rushing game has been the ranked first in the NFL for the last three seasons.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson / Michael Turner
7. Adrian Peterson / Chester Taylor
8. DeAngelo Williams / DeShaun Foster
9. Thomas Jones / Leon Washington
10. Bradon Jacobs / Reuben Droughns
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