Fantasy Football 2006: Running Backs

(This is the third of a seven-part series on fantasy football. In this series, the Corner looks at draft strategies and ranks the top players for every position. Today we rate the top running backs.)

Welcome back to our continuing look at fantasy football 2006. In the second part of this series, we looked at and rated the top 20 quarterbacks in the league. Today we turn our attention to the running backs.

Running backs are the most important position in fantasy football. They are the yardage makers and touchdown scorers. You always want to grab your starting backs within the first three picks of your draft. Don't let that rule slide or you could be in trouble this season. I like to take both of my starting backs with the first two picks and go for a wideout or a starting quarterback with the third pick. It's a very successful strategy to follow.

Here's the Corners rankings of the top 20 running backs in fantasy football for 2006:

1. Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks
2. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
3. Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Edgerrin James, Arizona Cardinals
5. Tiki Barber, New York Giants
6. Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
7. Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
8. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams
9. Carnell Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
11. Lamont Jordan, Oakland Raiders
12. Willis McGahee, Buffalo Bills
13. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles
14. Domanick Davis, Houston Texans
15. Jamal Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
16. Julius Jones, Dallas Cowboys
17. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
18. Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings
19. Tatum Bell, Denver Broncos
20. Kevin Jones, Detroit Lions

Sleeper: Taylor
Overrated: Cedric Benson, Chicago Bears
Rookies to watch: Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints; DAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers; Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts; Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots; LenDale White, Tennessee Titans; Maurice Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars; and Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons.

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