2012 Dynasty and Keeper League Rankings
1. Arian Foster, RB, HOU - Age 25
Foster had another excellent season in 2011, and should continue to put up big numbers in Houston's offense.
2. Ray Rice, RB, BAL - Age 25
Rice put up more than 2000 total yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011 and is still only 25 years old.
3. LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI - Age 23
McCoy scored 20 touchdowns in 2011 and should continue to flourish in Philadelphia's high flying offense.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX - Age 26
Jones-Drew led the league in rushing in 2011 and is still only 26 years old.
5. Matt Forte, RB, CHI - Age 26
Forte was on pace for a monster season before an injury cost him the final four games of the season. Forte is now healthy and likely to be back with the Bears next season.
6. Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN - Age 26
Peterson's long term value will depend on how he recovers from a season ending ACL injury. Peterson will struggle to be ready for week one of the 2012 season.
7. Darren McFadden, RB, OAK - Age 24
Darren McFadden was on pace for a career year in 2011 before an injury ended his season early. McFadden would benefit from the possible departure of Michael Bush via free agency.
8. Chris Johnson, RB, TEN - Age 26
One of the most disappointing players of 2011, Johnson will need to bounce back in 2012 to justify this high ranking.
9. Ryan Mathews, RB, SD - Age 24
Mathews showed flashed of brilliance when healthy in 2011. His health is the main obstacle to him being a top flight fantasy running back.
10. DeMarco Murray, RB, DAL - Age 23
Murray burst on the scene midway through his rookie season, and played well until a broken ankle ended his season. Murray will be the Cowboys starting running back in 2012.
11. Jamaal Charles, RB, KC - Age 25
A consensus top five pick in 2011 fantasy drafts, Charles tore his ACL in week 2. He should be fully healthy for training camp.
12. Marshawn Lynch, RB, SEA - Age 25
Lynch had a breakout season in 2011, rushing for more than 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is likely to remain in Seattle next season.
13. Beanie Wells, RB, ARI - Age 23
Wells had the best year of his young career in 2011, and should only get better in the coming years.
14. Fred Jackson, RB, BUF - Age 30
Jackson was one of the best fantasy running backs when healthy in 2011, and would be much higher on this list if not for the presence of C.J. Spiller in the Bills backfield.
15. Reggie Bush, RB, MIA - Age 26
Reggie Bush showed in 2011 that he can carry the load for the Dolphins. He will lose some carries to Daniel Thomas going forward.
16. Michael Turner, RB, ATL - Age 29
Turner finished the 2011 season with more than 1500 total yards, but his age and workload could be a factor working against him going forward.
17. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT - Age 24
Mendenhall will undergo major knee surgery this offseason, and is facing an uphill battle to be ready for week one of the 2012 season.
18. Frank Gore, RB, SF - Age 28
Gore is coming off a good season for the 49ers, but there is talk that they will give Kendall Hunter a much bigger role in 2012, thus limiting Gore's value.
19. Steven Jackson, RB, STL - Age 28
Jackson will be 29 years old at the start of the 2012 season, and with a shaky offensive line, Jackson will need the Rams offense to improve around him to continue to be productive.
20. Darren Sproles, RB, NO - Age 28
With more than 1300 total yards and 9 touchdowns in 2011, Sproles set himself apart as the Saints top running back option.
21. Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE - Age 26
Hillis was a major disappointment in 2011, but should bounce back if given the opportunity to start in 2012, whether it is with the Browns or elsewhere.
22. Jonathan Stewart, RB, CAR - Age 24
Stewart's value will continue to be limited by the presence of DeAngelo Williams and Cam Newton in the Panthers backfield.
23. C.J. Spiller, RB, BUF - Age 24
Spiller proved to everyone that he can be a productive running back at the end of the 2011 season. His value is limited as he will enter 2012 as a backup to Fred Jackson.
24. Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ - Age 26
Greene rushed for 1000 yards for the first time in 2011. His value is dependent on who the Jets pair with him in the backfield in 2012.
25. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, NYG - Age 25
Bradshaw had a down year in 2011 and should continue to be part of a committee in 2012.
