Michael Turner is getting drafted in the top 5 in every mock draft. Where does WestSportsReport.com have him? Guess you’ll have to check it out.

As the week goes on I will post my fantasy football rankings. Today, the Running Backs. Tomorrow I will post the WRs if I ever get through the 60 I am going to rank.

I’ve already ranked quarterbacks. And here are the running backs:

1. Adrian Peterson: Peterson should be the #1 pick for all fantasy leagues. He has been consistent and he has a great offensive line to run behind. The defenses he goes against are pretty weak also. Getting to play the Lions, Packers, and Bears twice is always a good thing for a RB. Have big expectations for ADP this year, he should explode.

Prediction: 1,800 yards, 13 TDs, 25 receptions, 200 yards, 1 TD; Fantasy Points: 284-Non PPR, 309-PPR

2. Maurice Jones-Drew: MJD is bound to have a huge year. He is finally the feature back and he should do well with the additions of Tory Holt and those two young offensive linemen. The Jaguars will use MJD anyway they can, and I expect him to be the #1 back taken in PPR leagues.

Prediction: 1,100 yards, 13 TDs, 45 receptions, 500 yards, 3 TDs; Fantasy Points: 267-Non PPR, 312-PPR

3. LaDainian Tomlinson: All fantasy sites I’ve seen have LT being a borderline 1^st round pick and I think that is absolutely absurd. He hasn’t done anything to not merit him a top Cl5-fantasy running back. He has been the most consistent running back in recent memory, has a good defense behind him, plays in the weakest division in football, and has a good offense surrounding him. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he was the #1 fantasy running back this year.

Prediction: 1,300 yards, 15 TDs, 40 Receptions, 400 yards, 1 TD; Fantasy Points: 266-Non PPR, 306-PPR

4. Steven Jackson: After seeing this pick, people are probably thinking they are seeing rankings from last year. Well I’m really high on Jackson because of their additions to the offensive line along with they have a coach who wants to get more physical on both sides of the ball. Plus, with Tory Holt not there, I see Jackson getting the workload and if he can stay healthy, he will produce. Jackson averaged the 3^rd most points per game last year.

Prediction: 1,300 yards, 11 TDs, 60 receptions, 730 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 265-Non PPR, 325-PPR

5. Matt Forte: Forte is going to benefit from Cutler in the rushing department next year, but I think he will decrease in his catching ability, as Cutler doesn’t check down much. Now, he may because of the different offense and Forte is probably his 2^nd best option (behind Greg Olsen), but I really think Forte will still perform at a high level.  I expect Forte to exceed last year’s rushing totals.

Prediction: 1,400 yards, 12 TDs, 35 receptions, 400 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 264-Non PPR, 299-PPR

6. Steve Slaton: Between these next two picks, I took Slaton because he has the more explosive offense and he will have the better defense than Tennessee does. I think the Texans will be playing with the lead a lot more than the Titans, and that will allow Slaton to get more touches. Only thing concerns me is that the Texans don’t have anyone else to give the ball to when they are running it. He will be valued more in PPR leagues.

Prediction: 1,300 yards, 9 TDs, 55 receptions, 450 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 241-Non PPR, 296-PPR

7. Chris Johnson: Like I said in my previous pick, I think Johnson will barely finish below Slaton because of the stature of the Titans team. I don’t think they will hold onto many leads and really don’t have the offense to help support a young Chris Johnson. Plus with the reports of LenDale White being in the best shape of his life, I see him taking some carries.

Prediction: 1350 yards, 6 TDs, 50 receptions, 400 yards, 3 TDs: Fantasy Points: 229-Non PPR, 279-PPR

8. Clinton Portis: Whenever you are drafting Portis, you know what you are getting. You are getting anywhere from 1200-1500 yards, and 10-15 touchdowns with not a lot of receptions. I see Portis duplicating that again until he starts tailing off in his career. Injury concerns me a little as well does his division, but I think his consistency proves he will be fine.

Prediction: 1,400 yards, 12 TDs, 20 receptions, 150 yards, 0 TDs; Fantasy Points: 227 -Non PPR, 247-PPR

9. Marion Barber: I think Barber will become a top fantasy back this year because he will return to his role he had when Julius Jones was there. With no TO in Dallas, Barber will see more touches, but will stay fresh as Felix Jones and Tashard Choice keep him healthy and fresh. I really like him to come to life this year and is a good pass catching back also.

Prediction: 1,000 yards, 13 TDs, 40 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TD; Fantasy Points: 226-Non PPR, 266-PPR

10. Brian Westbrook: Westbrook’s new surgery he is getting that will cause him to miss the preseason concerns me, but injuries has always been a part of Westbrook’s career. He is probably one of the toughest RBs in the league and I would really doubt if he misses any time at all due to this. I think the Eagles will ease the load with him though as Lesean McCoy comes in and does some damage. Plus with Jeremy Maclin in the offense now, the Eagles may pass more too.

Prediction: 900 yards, 8 TDs, 50 receptions, 425 yards, 3 TDs; Fantasy Points: 209-Non PPR, 259-PPR

11. Brandon Jacobs: 4^th straight NFC East running back and I see Brandon Jacobs being a touchdown machine. He will not ever be able to carry a load and I really think if he could handle a whole season, he could flirt with 20 touchdowns. I just think he is too physical of a player to do that though.

Prediction: 1,100 yards, 14 TDs, 10 receptions, 100 yards, 0 TDs; Fantasy Points: 205-Non PPR, 215-PPR

12. Frank Gore: I know that Gore hasn’t been able to stay healthy for a whole year, but I really think Singletary is going to use him and Glen Coffee more and try and keep Gore fresh. Singletary loves Gore and I think he will utilize him more as 49ers try to work in Crabtree and Vernon Davis into fantasy relevance.

Prediction: 1,200 yards,  7 TDs, 30 receptions, 220 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 196-Non PPR, 226-PPR

13. Pierre Thomas: Pierre Thomas is a good sleeper because of Deuce McAllister’s absence and Reggie Bush’s inability to run inside the tackles gives Pierre Thomas a great opportunity.  I see a big year out of the University of Illinois alum.

Prediction: 1,100 yards, 11 TDs, 30 catches, 200 yards; Fantasy Points: 196-Non PPR, 226 PPR

14. Kevin Smith: The Lions are probably going to be a lot more physical this year with their new coach Jim Schwartz and Kevin Smith should directly benefit. He will be especially better if Stafford is starting because they will want to protect him. Another big year out of  a 2^nd year running back.

Prediction: 1,150 yards, 10 TDs, 35 receptions, 200 yards; Fantasy Points: 195-Non PPR, 230 PPR

15. Knowshown Moreno: Moreno should flourish in Denver especially with Orton at quarterback. Forte did wonders in Chicago with Orton and I think Moreno could do even more than him. I expect big things from Moreno.

Prediction: 1,100 yards, 6 TDs, 55 receptions, 400 yards, 1 TD; Fantasy Points: 192-Non PPR, 247-PPR

16.  DeAngelo Wiliams: One year removed from his huge touchdown total that he had, I really think he won’t have a “bad  year” but more the fact that Stewart takes a bigger load from him.  Plus last year was his first year that he wasn’t hurt at any point.

Prediction: 1,100 yards, 9 TDs, 20 receptions, 200 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 191-Non PPR, 211-PPR

17. Jonathon Stewart: Only if the Panthers had one dominant back. If you were to put Stewart and Williams together you would get almost 400 points. I think that is how much the Panthers will run the ball.  I think Stewart will be really successful this year and should take over more of the offense.

Prediction: 1,050, 11 TDs, 20 receptions, 200 yards; Fantasy Points: 181 Points-Non PPR, 201-PPR

18. Ryan Grant: With no real threat to challenge him at the RB position, I see Grant doing very well in the Packers system. I think they will pass a lot and he won’t get a lot of opportunities because they will be playing from behind, but I do see Grant performing well if he can stay healthy.

Prediction: 1,250, 7 TDs, 10 receptions, 50 yards; Fantasy Points: 172 Points-Non PPR, 182-PPR

19. Chris Wells: Beanie Wells is getting a perfect opportunity in Arizona to perform. He will automatically contribute to the offense and should make a difference in the run game. The offensive line is a little to worry about, but he should be a touchdown machine.

Prediction: 1,000 yards, 11 TDs, 10 receptions, 50 yards; Fantasy Points: 171 Points-Non PPR, 181-PPR

20. Michael Turner: The biggest surprise of my rankings. Turner is coming off a year where he got to beat up on cupcakes and got a lot of carries. Well this year he will be going against much tougher opponents, and I believe that the Falcons will pass the ball more. I see a huge down year by Turner this year.

Prediction: 900 yards, 10 TDs, 20 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD; Fantasy Points: 166 Points-Non PPR, 186-PPR

21. Derrick Ward: The Buccaneers and got a very underrated talent at RB because of his pass catching ability. He can make a difference out of the backfield as a receiver and I think the Bucs will use that to their advantage. He is also a pretty underrated runner too.

Prediction: 1,000 yards, 3 TDs, 45 receptions, 400 yards, 1 TD; Fantasy Points: 164 Points-Non PPR, 208-PPR

22. Joseph Addai: Addai’s stock has dropped a lot and part of that can be Indy’s lack of a physical line. New coaches and coordinators aren’t going to help his cause, but I do see Addai playing the whole year as Donald Brown will keep him fresh.

Prediction: 750 yards, 5 TDs, 45 receptions, 350 yards, 5 TDs; Fantasy Points: 164 Points-Non PPR, 209-PPR

23. Ronnie Brown: The wildcat offense combined with Pennington and the Dolphins will probably be playing from behind and I see Ronnie Brown struggling a bit. He has never had really big years without getting hurt and I just think he won’t do it here.

Prediction: 850 yards, 9 touchdowns, 30 receptions, 200 yards; Fantasy Points: 159 Points-Non PPR, 189-PPR

24. Thomas Jones: Call me stupid but I really don’t think Thomas Jones will repeat his performance last year. The Jets will try and get Leon Washington more touches and Thomas Jones is talking of a holdout. Jones gets about the same yardage every year, but the difference was his touchdowns last year. I don’t see him repeating that again.

Prediction: 1,050 yards, 5 TDs, 40 receptions, 250 yards; Fantasy Points: 159 Points-Non PPR, 199-PPR

25. Darren McFadden: McFadden should do better this year as long as injuries don’t plague him all year like last year. McFadden is a great pass catching back plus he has a good YPC average. With his weak schedule, he could surprise a lot of people.

Prediction: 800 yards, 4 TDs, 60 receptions, 400 yards, 3 TDs; Fantasy Points: 156 Points-Non PPR, 216-PPR

26. Ray Rice: With McClain’s move to FB and McGahee’s knee injury, I see Ray Rice making a huge impact in the run game this year. We know the Ravens like to run the ball so it is just a matter on who is going to get those carries. He also has good hands and can make a big play.

Prediction: 900 yards, 4 TDs, 40 receptions, 300 yards, 2 TDs; Fantasy Points: 156 Points-Non PPR, 196-PPR

27. Marshawn Lynch: Lynch could go either way this year. I predicted him for 12 games which include his suspension and a possible injury. He is such a physical back and his body doesn’t take all those hits too well. I see him getting ga lot of touchdowns, but his upside is limited to the lack of games.

Prediction: 750 yards, 10 TDs, 25 receptions, 200 yards; Fantasy Points: 155 Points-Non PPR, 175-PPR

28. Julius Jones: Julius Jones could have a better year than most think because with Hasselbeck back, the passing game will be scary again and it will open up holes for Jones.  I’d take a flyer on Jones as a RB3 because of his upside in this offense.

Prediction: 700 yards, 6 TDs, 30 receptions, 300 yards, 3 TDs; Fantasy Points: 154 Points-Non PPR, 184-PPR

29. Reggie Bush: In a PPR league, Bush flirts with being a top 15 back, but in a regular league he is probably 25-30 to range.  He just doesn’t carry the ball enough and is used as a WR a lot. It isn’t a bad thing because he is much better at playing WR than RB, and he can make a big play out of anything.

Prediction: 600 yards, 3 TDS, 70 receptions, 500 yards, 4 TDs; Fantasy Points: 152 Points-Non PPR, 222-PPR

30. Jerious Norwood: Norwood is so underrated in my eyes, I think if he can perform this year, that Atlanta will go to a RBBC (running back by committee). I think Turner gets hurt this year and Norwood comes in and does very well.

Prediction: 600 yards, 4 TDs, 40 receptions, 300 yards, 3 TDs; Fantasy Points: 142 Points-Non PPR, 182-PPR

Ryan West is the founder of WestSportsReport.com. If you have a concern or question please feel free to comment or e-mail him at: westsportsreport@gmail.com.

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