So, I came across an article today. It was ranking the Top 20 RBs in the NFL on Sporting News. After I got past numbers 1-3, which I agreed with, I found myself puzzled, scratching my head even.... Brandon Jacobs and Felix Jones were Top 10 RBs, while players like Ray Rice and Ryan Grant were snubbed.

While this article confirms that I cannot take a lot analysts and writers seriously anymore (especially those that look like math engineers and insurance salesmen), I decided to come up with my OWN Top 20 RB list.. you know, one that's SENSIBLE and not for shock value.


1. Chris Johnson, Titans- Please, I don't want to start with the CJ/AP debate. There is none to me. Aside from the 2,000 yard season Johnson had, he has BALL CONTROL, something Adrian Peterson does NOT possess. Not sure how this is even debatable, especially when some fumbles may have hurt the outcome of games, but I digress. CJ is my top pick

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings- I didn't bash AP in my previous post, I simply stated the obvious. But that doesn't mean I don't think he's great. I do. And the smackdown he gave William Gay in the Steelers game warranted a great eulogy from Ed The Sports Fan.

3. Stephen Jackson, Rams- It sucks that he plays on a bad team like the Rams. But let's be honest: He's been the ONLY bright spot on that team for some time. With the addition of Sam Bradford at QB, I fully expect Jackson to carry the load while Bradford gets used to the system.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars- I love this little man. The Jags have a great all purpose back in Jones-Drew. He ranked 2nd league in TDs among RBs last year and has made a staple as a Top 5 RB.

5. Ray Rice, Ravens-

In his 2nd year, Rice was 2nd in total yards, only behind Chris Johnson. Rice was not only the leading RB on his team, but the leading receiver as well. With high hopes for the Ravens, I expect Rice to have a great 2010 season if he remains healthy.

6. Frank Gore, 49ers- I love this guy! He's a great RB that can make a big play and score while doing it. If the 49ers are gonna do big things this season, they need Gore to be a big part of their offense. His 11 runs of 20+ more yards ranked 3rd in the league, only behind Johnson and Peterson.

7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers- For some, it's hard to give Williams his props, because he shared a lot of playing time with Jonathon Stewart, but it's not hard for me. I like Williams.. a lot. And I was one that wanted the Ravens to draft him when he came out of Memphis. I know Stewart and Williams seem pretty equal, but Williams gets my vote in the Top 10

8. Ryan Grant, Packers- A lot of people have forgotten about Grant. I was on Twitter explaining that the SN article couldn't be taken seriously is Grant wasn't on the Top 20 list, and a person asked me why would he be considered at all. I had to remind him he was Top 10 in yards and TDs. I know this is Rodgers' team, but Grant is a big part of it. He deserves to be here

9. Jonathon Stewart, Panthers- So how can 2 RBs on the same squad make the Top 10, you ask?? Simple. Stewart is the 1/2 half of the, "Frick and Frack" backfield tandem that Carolina has. Stewart and Williams are very similar in style as well as numbers (both rushed for over 1,000 yds). It's amazing they are able to co-exist on the same team, but they have.... and it works.

10. Felix Jones, Dallas-

In my mind, Felix Jones >> Marion Barber. I may be wrong, but I still believe that Jones is that good, until further notice.

11. Thomas Jones, Chiefs- Why the Jets felt the need to let Jones go will always be a mystery to me. I know that Shonn Greene will be a viable option at RB for Gang Green, but what's better than having 2 good RBs? Jones was 3rd in the league in rushing yards last year (1412). He can still be a big-play back in this league. The Chiefs are lucky to have him.

12. Michael Turner, Atlanta- This has always been a Fantasy Football fave. Turner missed some time last year but when he's on full speed he is ON. If healthy, I fully expect Turner to go back to his 2008 form and punish defenders, while racking up the TDs.

13. Cedric Benson, Bengals- Benson had a great comeback year with the Bengals last year. While Benson ended up on the injury list with a hip problem, he still managed to rush for 1251 yds. Benson has done very well in a Bengals uniform.

14. Marshawn Lynch, Bills- Lynch would be higher on my list if the offensive line of the Bills were better. He's a good RB who, I think, has potential to be better than advertised. But his front men won't let him be great. Until they do, he remains in the teen portion of my list.

15. Jerome Harrison, Browns-

Here's a guy that not many folks know about or talk about. Harrison should be the starter for the Browns this year, and I anticipate them to let Harrison pound that rock... often. Expect to hear his name a little more often this season, as the Browns are rebuilding and fully need a guy that can carry the load.

16. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers- Mendenhall has turned into a quality back for Pittsburgh. I expect him to rise a little on my list as the season goes on, especially with the loss of Santonio Holmes. The Steelers may finally get back to smashmouth football, and Mendenhall fits into the Steelers system very well.

17. Ricky Williams, Dolphins- Williams showed us that he's still had it in 2009. He rushed with a 4.7 avg with 11 TDs. The Dolphins would love to have Ronnie Brown at full speed to compliment Williams. But with his health always an issue, Williams has been a great replacement.

18. Shonn Green, Jets- I was always high on Greene, even coming out of Iowa, and he's done nothing but prove that he has potential to be a very good RB in the league, for years to come. With old man L.T. as the Jets other RB, I think it's safe to say that Greene will emerge as the starter, and rightfully so.

19. Reggie Bush, Saints- While he's no where near elusive as he was during his tenure at USC, Bush is still a playmaker and can be a threat in the backfield.

20. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins-

Mr. Wildcat in the flesh. If this guy can stay healthy, he'd be way higher on this list. But he can't. Hopefully 2010 is a year of good luck for him. The potential for him is through the roof