I waiver. Experience and consistency or youth and upside. I want to pick Arian, but I’m recommending Adrian. Only because it’s safer. I don’t mind gambling a little in the later rounds, but not the first round and certainly not the first pick. For No. 1, safety first. But don’t worry. Your argument is valid if you choose Team Foster instead. Both Adrian and Arian can propel your team to do great things. Here are my top 10:
1. Adrian Peterson – Not just All Day and every day, but every year. Peterson’s the only back who has finished in the top five in points for four consecutive seasons. With 1,298 rushing yards, 12 scores and improved ball control, Peterson is poised to do even more this season. Donovan McNabb brings experience and control to the Vikings offense. Expect them to pound the ball all day via All Day.
2. Arian Foster – Thank you, Arian. I nabbed you in the 11th round in an experts’ league last season. We drafted in August well before anyone knew your name. I felt so smart when you earned the starting role. Even smarter when you became a fantasy dream: most rushing yards (1,616), most TDs (16 rushing, 2 receiving), plus 606 receiving yards. Too bad you don’t earn points for personality too. If the Texans can take a lead into the fourth quarter this year, just imagine all the additional garbage yards.
3. Jamaal Charles – I’ve been a member of his fan club for years. Handcuffed by Todd Haley’s infatuation with old and slow running backs, Charles still amazed the league with his 1,467 rushing yards and a sparkling 6.4 yards-per-carry. But Thomas Jones poached his scores, leaving him with only eight. My take this year: not even Haley can hold back the league’s most explosive running back.
4. Ray Rice – I can hear Ray Rice: Goodbye McGahee, hello Leach! Wait, what? We just got Ricky Williams? Nooooooo. Rice had a lousy September last year, but after week 5, he plowed for 1,236 yards. If I do the math right, Rice – McGahee + Leach + Williams = equals a premier fantasy back.
5. Chris Johnson – Johnson has shown consistency and a very high level of awesome-ness, amassing 4,598 yards in just three years. Can Johnson return to C2K? My biggest concern is his lack of help around him. Handing it off to Johnson on downs 1-4 will work for only so long. I know, I know. He’s Chris Johnson! And that’s why he’s in my top 5. But defenses know this too. They read my blog.
6. Andre Johnson – While projected to be the NFL’s top receiver in 2010, his numbers disappointed, and a handful of guys finished ahead of him. But look closely, and it’s because he missed three games. Johnson averaged 93.5 yards per game to top all NFL wide receivers. He’s amazing. And I love him. And no, my closet full of 80 jerseys is not influencing my advice.
7. Rashard Mendenhall – The tweeting RB is expected to get a ton of touches this year. While there are other backs with better mechanics, he ranks this high because he’s a Steeler, and all the scoring opportunities. Lots of goal line carries expected this year.
8. Michael Turner – I’m worried about his health and just how long he can last, but despite wearing down last year, Turner still finished third in rushing yards. He’s a total workhorse and as long as he’s in the game, you want him.
9. Aaron Rodgers – Yes, Rodgers over Vick. He’s the total package – arm and legs, with 3,922 passing yards combined with 322 yards rushing. Draft him and enjoy. I just worry (for my own sake) that he’s not the sneaky pickup he used to be.
10. Michael Vick – Finished 2010 with a career best 2,018 yards and 21 passing TDs (plus nine rushing). And while he’s a better rusher than Rodgers, he also has more risk. His physical play makes me nervous. Also defenses have learned his game – just look at his declining numbers over the 2010 season.
Erin Skelley joins SportsRadio 610 every football season with riveting fantasy football knowledge. Follow her on Twitter.
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