My Ronnie Brown Blog

Yes folks, it's about that time: time to start thinking about which players to draft for your 2007 Fantasy Football teams. Some of us may still be relishing in our surprising picks from last year (hello, Frank Gore) or seething because of those who had less than stellar seasons (thanks a lot, Randy Moss), but it's time to put both the good and the bad of last year behind us and remember this year, it's a whole new ball game...sixteen of them.

Now, there are about a million lists out there telling everyone who to draft (LaDainian Tomlinson) and who not to draft (anyone from the Oakland Raiders) and each list includes a plethora of players. For the sake of time, and potential cramps in my typing fingers, I am simply listing the top three players to pick from any of the Florida organizations (Florida, after all, has like fifty football teams...or maybe just three).

Chris Chambers, WR, Miami Dolphins: Chris Chambers was a player who allowed many of us, myself included, to sail into the playoffs during the 2005 season, a season in which his stats erupted. Unfortunately, 2006 did not produce the same results. But, we can't blame this on Chambers, at least not all of it. Last season saw Miami with quarterback instability - an instability that hopes to be resolved with Trent Green - and a coaching style that just didn't seem to include much of ol' Chris. Chris Chambers, last season, simply seemed to disappear.

He might be down, but he's not out.....

As Miami starts a new quarterback, and Cam Cameron starts as head coach, this receiver will regain the explosiveness that saw me getting an "I Heart Chambers" tattoo on my ankle with my 2005 Fantasy Football winnings. It's also worth it to note that Chambers - like the entire Miami Dolphin's team - has a tendency to get on fire towards the end of the season. For many fantasy players, the end of the season games are the most important: depending on who's team he is on, Chris Chambers has the potential to make grown men cry....either tears of joy, or just plain tears.

Joey Galloway, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joey Galloway, taking a page from the Chris Chambers handbook, did the same thing as his Miami counterpart: he had an awesome 2005 year only to be silenced in 2006. However, Galloway's silencing wasn't as quiet as Chambers': he still had 1057 yards and seven touchdowns. On the downside, Galloway often went several games without catching much to having one game where he suddenly became a Fantasy owner's BFF. These inconsistent performances often left people unable to know when to sit him and when to start him.

Yet, Galloway, like Chambers, was forced to deal with his fair share of quarterback instability and an overall dreadful Tampa Bay offense (even Cadillac Williams preformed more like a Pinto). Assuming the Buccaneers stick with a quarterback - be it Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms, or an "Oh I'm not really retired" Jake Plummer - Galloway will bounce back to a great season. If Jeff Garcia starts, which (as of now) it looks like he will, Galloway could have a truly career year; the Tampa Bay running game will just be the meat between the veteran sandwich of Garcia and Galloway.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown didn't have the best season ever last year, but it wasn't bad: though he was out for three games with a broken hand, he still scored five touchdowns, and rushed for 1008 yards. This year, Brown, and his stats, have nowhere to go but up...way up.

Assuming he stays healthy, 2007 could be a career year for Ronnie. Not only will he get plenty of playing time - as the Miami Dolphins do not have the most solid selection of second string running backs - but he will also be playing under Cam Cameron. As the former offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, I think - I think - Cam Cameron just might know a thing or two about turning good running backs into great ones.

So, there you have it, the top three players from Florida to place on your Fantasy team. I know, I know...getting Fantasy Football advice from a woman might seem ridiculous to some of you men out there (ahem, the 1950's called and they want their ideologies back), but I always play Fantasy Football and I always do well; I win, and then I burn my bra.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.milleniumlimo.com. An avid sports fan, she likes the Miami Dolphins but her heart belongs to the Denver Broncos.

As teams around the league are asked of their interest level in soon to be released quarterback and inmate Michael Vick, most teams show distinct separation from the subject. Many organizations were quoted as saying that the acquisition of Michael Vick is "highly doubtful" and that they are "not interested." But why? Sure his image was ruined, boycotted, and defaced, but his athletic ability was unquestionable.

The obvious reason for turning the cheek on Michael Vick is his current prison sentence and the bad name associated with him. With the Vick name comes boycott; PETA comes to mind. So why is this a major problem? The NFL is still a business and will always be treated as so. If you don't make the fans happy and make them want to buy apparel, attend games, and cheer on their team, you will ultimately land unsuccessful. Can his image be repaired? If you remember prior to the dog fighting scandal, Michael Vick was a household name, icon, and jersey seller. He was seen in Nike and Powerade commercials showcasing his iconic and athletic "super image." Michael Vick jerseys were once a hot commodity among Falcon fans, NFL fans, and street walkers. The Michael Vick jersey was worn as a sense of fashion in some areas. Who says a repaired image cannot return such glory to the Vick name? When Michael Vick played football, he simply put fans in seats and eyes on television sets. What more could you ask for as an owner?

One thing you could ask for in a player is talent. Michael Vick's prior marketability did not come without talent. With his blazing speed and first-class agility, Vick ran the ball like a tailback. In his last season prior to suspension, Michael Vick rushed for over one thousand yards as a quarterback on only one hundred three carries. In case your math stayed in your SAT study guide, Vick averaged a little under eight and a half yards per carry: double the yardage that a good running back averages. So why did he not play running back? Other than the fact he may be slightly undersized, he had an arm too.

Michael Vick was known for his rocket arm. Vick's arm is described as having the ability to effortlessly flick the ball sixty yards downfield without the use of legwork. Name me a running back in the NFL that can throw the ball sixty yards to begin with. Although his completion percentages were low, Vick seemed to have decent passing numbers with his no name, finger-less receivers. Vick always threw more touchdowns than interceptions, and even threw for twenty touchdowns the same year he rushed for one thousand yards. From what it seemed, Michael Vick possessed all the talent to make him the most lethal weapon of all time, but he seemed to have a tragic flaw. Vick lacked the decision-making skills. So what could you do with a player like this?

Although I do believe Michael Vick could start as the quarterback for many teams, he could provide the x-factor in today's new style of play: the "Wildcat." What kind of player would you want as the signal caller in the Wildcat formation? Ideally, you would like someone who is fast and agile for the ability to run, but can also pass the ball in the option. Eerily enough, Michael Vick seems to fit the description perfectly. Ronnie Brown ran the "Wildcat" offense effectively in the 2008 season, enough to earn him a bid to the pro bowl. If Ronnie Brown is considered fast, what do you consider Vick's speed who ran the forty yard dash in a reportedly faster time than Brown? In any case, Vick's speed indicated enough presence as a runner. But what makes the "Wildcat" so dangerous? The option to throw the ball puts a halt on over pursue from the defenders. You cannot overload the run when a receiver is open down field. However, is Ronnie Brown that big of a threat through the air? Although I cannot specifically comment on Brown's throwing ability, Vick's former position as a quarterback certain warrants support in his case as a good passer. So with the two extraordinary abilities of Michael Vick mashed into the "Wildcat" formation, you have a defensive nightmare.

Along with preparing a regular defensive scheme for the regular offense, you must contend with the scary idea of having a physical "freak" running the "Wildcat." Although some teams may be better off with Michael Vick as their starting quarterback, almost all teams could easily implement a "Wildcat" package featuring the skills of Vick. Although Vick may carry a media circus with him to wherever he goes, his value in the new "Wildcat" sub package scheme spreading throughout the NFL is undeniable.

However, there are some potential problems. Vick carries with him an "untrade-friendly" high contract and bad name baggage. Ideally, a team would like to pick up Vick through free-agency if released to a low contract. But what about the hippies carrying the anti-Vick signs outside the practice field that would soon follow? Although Vick will forever be known as the dog fighter that was thrown in jail, he could try to help salvage his image through actions following his release. If he is able to rid his bad image, you still have to contend with his mentality. It might even run in the family: do you recall the Marcus Vick (Michael's younger brother) incidences? Off the field, Marcus Vick was involved in two criminal convictions in 2004 alone. During the 2005 season he played at Virginia Tech, Marcus Vick was highly criticized for displaying the middle finger to a crowd and intentionally stomping the leg of an opponent. After being dismissed from Virginia Tech due to "a cumulative effect of legal infractions and unsportsmanlike play" (Hokie Sports), Vick had a brief stint with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. After the non-existent career of Marcus Vick in the NFL, he continued to spiral down a path of legal trouble including brandishing firearms, molestation of a minor, countless speeding tickets, and a DUI. Do the brothers share a mentality? Perhaps they have similar characteristics, but for the benefit of the doubt, each person has his or her own independent identity. However, Vick does have his own line of some legal troubles including two incidents involving Marijuana. Two men were arrested in Virginia for distributing Marijuana with a truck that was registered to Michael Vick. A more interesting story however was the water-bottle compartment scandal. In the security check of an airport, Michael Vick's water bottle was taken from him by airport security that had a secret compartment in it. Originally, security reported that there was marijuana-like substance inside the compartment, but it was later cleared after tests revealed that there were no illegal substances inside the water bottle. Vick claimed that the bottle was used to hold jewelry. What kind of jewelry did Vick own, jewelry that resembles marijuana? Although these seem to be minor character flaws, Vick was also fined $10,000 and ordered to donate $10,000 to charity for giving the middle finger to an unimpressed, booing Atlanta Falcon crowd after losing a game at the Georgia Dome. What's with the Vicks and their middle fingers? Altogether, the Vick family does not seem to mesh too well with authority.

Is Vick worth the risk? Is he worth the baggage, the boycott, and the media circus? I do not think the high-profile Cowboys could afford to take a stab at Vick with the current media circus surrounding them, but many under-the-radar teams could spice up their image with some Vick on their roster. Although the Dolphins liked to run the "Wildcat," I do not see Parcells having any of that. The Vikings on the other hand seem to be an interesting match. Adrian Peterson has recently garnered the face of the franchise, and I do not think Vick could deter the new Viking image. In any case, many see Tarvaris Jackson as a "poor man's" Michael Vick, so why not just get the real deal? Wherever Michael Vick could fit, I do not see him having anymore behavioral problems, at least not after what he went through with the dog-fighting scandal. However, I was wrong about the Cowboy experiment with Adam Jones, he ended up being released after only one season in which he was suspended. But to Adam Jones' defense, the bodyguard dispute was very minor and the incident that removed Adam Jones from the Cowboys happened prior to his signing with Dallas. Your history does come back to bite you in the behind. What it comes down to, if your team hides in the shadows of the media spot-light, you have some quarterback inconsistency, and you want to add another dimension to spice up your offense, Vick might be right for you.

Gabe Pinchev,
http://www.TheOvertime.com

The rebirth that the Miami Dolphins are experiencing this season may have to continue without running back Ronnie Brown, at least for now. Brown had to have a surgical intervention on Friday to stabilize a broken left hand. So far nobody has revealed any timeframe in which the Dolphins will be playing without Brown, all we know is that the team's left handed leading rusher and No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft will be "evaluated on an ongoing basis".

Brown suffered the injury on Thursday as Miami won its fourth straight game, beating Detroit 27-10 and climbing within two games of the AFC's wild-card slots. If Brown cannot play on December 3rd when Miami plays at home against Jacksonville, then Sammy Morris will likely get the start in his place.

Morris already had 91 yards on 12 carries; all after Brown got hurt in the third quarter against the Lions. If someone goes out, the next guy has to step up and fill their shoes no matter how big and Morris did a good job on that first attempt. It is all part of football, injuries are a big part of it, and again, the players have to make the most of it when their number is called.

Morris' highlight was a career-long 55-yard run, 20 yards longer than any other in his career, and he matched a career best in yards rushing. Every player has to have a lot of confidence, and for them to come in and be able to break a big run like that Morris did on Thursday, it had to be big for him and for the offense. Big breaks like that are what give the players future starting roles.

Ally White is a top senior copy writer on sportsbook action for http://www.instantactionsports.com Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

How could have anyone guessed that the Dolphins would have been doing this good at this point of the season. After going 1 and 15 last year, Bill Parcells stepped in as the vice president of football operations and surgically dissected this team, and now they are playoff contenders. Here is a list of positives from what we have seen so far from the Miami Dolphins.

1. "Wild cat, wild cat, wild cat". I cant say this enough. Ok, the wild cat is not the only reason for the Dolphins recent success, but it has it's positives. This formation, which consists of a direct snap to the running back with the quarterback lining up in a slot position has had some defenses baffled. The best part of the wildcat formation is that it forces other teams to focus on it instead of preparing for their base offense, which Miami has also been known to run trickery out of.

2. Chad Pennington. I cant say enough good things about what Chad Pennington brings to this team. He bring Leadership, poise, confidence, and most of all, he does not turn the football over very often.

3. Tony Sparano. Lets give credit where credit is due. The work ethic and fundamental teachings of this coach is what drives this team. Right now the Miami Dolphins are getting the job done.

4. Tedd Ginn Jr. This guy is special. The forty yard touchdown off of the reverse that he ran against the Raiders showed just how hungry this guy is. It makes you think that anything can happen when this guy touches the ball.

5. Joey Porter. He leads the NFL in sacks, need I say more.

6. The Dolphins win games. They had so many close calls last year. This year they are getting the job done. They are finishing games with long drives that take time off of the clock, and guess what, they are scoring touchdowns at the end of these drives.

7. The Ronnie and Ricky show. With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in the backfield they have two Pro Bowl caliber running backs running the football.

8. Patric Cobbs. He goes in unnoticed, and scores touchdowns.

Lets not scream Superbowl, because we know that that is probably not gonna happen, but the playoffs sound really nice considering this Dolphins team has been struggling to find their identity in recent years. Time will tell, and hopefully the Dolphins will prevail.

http://miamidolphinsplace.blogspot.com/

It was announced this week that star running back Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins is out for the rest of this season with a "lisfranc injury" sustained during their victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Brown was no slouch, running for a team-leading 648 yards and eight rushing touchdowns - the fourth-most in the NFL at this point in the season. Lisfranc injuries in the NFL are not uncommon, and have recently also threatened the careers of Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts, Kevin Jones of the Detroit Lions, and also Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Typically, a Lisfranc injury occurs when there is a severe twisting force on the joints connecting the forefoot and midfoot. The forefoot is stuck in place as the force of the athlete's weight twists around the fixed forefoot during a sudden change in direction on the field or with a tackle. Another mechanism in offensive lineman results from a direct blow compression injury through their foot while blocking an opposing defender. Lisfranc injuries can tear ligaments between the forefoot and midfoot bones, fracture the bones themselves, or have a combination of both injuries.

Lisfranc injuries are usually diagnosed based on the athlete's description of the injury mechanism and the physical examination. There is typically severe pain in the midfoot region and an inability to bear weight on the foot. Swelling and bruising often occurs and may even become evident on the bottom of the foot. On a physical exam, the injured athlete will be tender over the midfoot and painful to motion passive motion at the midfoot and forefoot junction.

A Lisfranc Injury is serious and can be career threatening for elite athletes if it is not recognized and appropriately treated. Failure to restore the anatomy can result in chronic foot pain and secondary arthritis of the involved joints. If there is any displacement of the bones or associated fractures in this region, surgical fixation is usually necessary to restore normal anatomy and increase the likelihood of predictable healing. Consult with your SportsMD specialist if you suspect that you have sustained an athletic Lisfranc injury, and read more about this injury and its management in our SportsMD injury knowledgebase.

Dr. Bedi is a freelance writer for SportsMD Media Inc, a new idea in sports health information and the most trusted medical resource for people engaged in sports everywhere. SportsMD is a trusted brand for anyone looking to improve their health and their game.

Miami Dolphins Ronnie Brown Ahead of Schedule on Rehab of Foot

Running back Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins was having a career year last year when in one play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers his season came crashing down with his football future in jeopardy. He suffered a Lisfranc's fracture of his right foot which required surgery. Fortunately for him and the Dolphins, he is ahead of schedule and plans to take part in summer workouts and be ready for the upcoming season.

Lisfranc's joint is a joint in the middle of the foot where the tarsal bones (midfoot) and metatarsal bones (long bones of the foot or forefoot) come together. Injury usually occurs when there is a traumatic impact or a violent rotational force where both the forefoot and midfoot come together, causing a ligament strain or complete dislocation of the joint or joints involved. This twisting force can also cause a fracture due to the ligamentous attachments. These injuries usually occur when players make a cut or shift in direction suddenly. It can also occur from a direct impact such as when a football player plants his foot to tackle an opposing player head on. While there are several different types of Lisfranc's injuries ranging from sprains to dislocations to fractures, injuries to this area can have a lingering effect if not completely healed. Several athletes have suffered from Lisfrancs injuries including Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts and Kevin Jones of the Detroit Lions.

Lisfranc injuries are usually very painful and patients are usually unable to walk or bear weight on the affected foot. The imjury is also accompanied by swelling, bruising and diminished range of motion to the foot and toes. They are diagnosed initially by physical examination while taking into account the patient's description of the injury, but a more accurate assessment is done by MRI, CT, Xray or all three.

Treatment consists primarily of restoring normal anatomy whether it be through cast immobilization or surgery. Following the surgery, physical therapy is done to strengthen the foot, reduce swelling and get the patient used to using the foot again. Once the injury is resolved, an orthotic is then used to support and maintain the anatomic alignment. These injuries can be serious and career threatening for elite athletes if they are not treated appropriately. If anatomic alignment is not properly restored, these injuries can become chronic and severely limit a patient's ability to walk normally, let alone compete at a high level in professional sports.

If you suspect you have sustained a Lisfrancs injury, consult your local podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment plan. Delaying or avoiding treatment can have serious detrimental effects on the function of your foot.

Dr. Marco A Vargas is a board certified podiatrist who specializes in foot and ankle surgery. His office is located in Sugar Land, TX. For more information on general foot health, get a free copy of his book, "Got Foot Pain?" by visiting his website: http://www.thefootpros.com

Tier 1

1. LaDainian Tomlinson(Chargers)

-the biggest sure thing in all of fantasy football, Tomlinson put together arguably the greatest single-season performance in NFL history last season. An astounding 31 total TD's virtually guaranteed victory for anyone who got lucky enough to draft him last season(editor's note: I drafted Tomlinson third overall in my draft last season after Alexander and Johnson....needless to say I won my league easily). Of course counting on Tomlinson to duplicate those numbers is like saying you will win the Lotto twice....it just wont happen. However at a young 28, LT has a few big years left in him and another 25 TD's sounds about right. If you don't have the top pick in your draft, you can forget about selecting him. Either that or you have an absolute moron in your league that passes on him.

2. Steven Jackson(Rams)-RISING

-some will be surprised I have him ranked over Larry Johnson but here is all you need to know: Jackson caught 90 passes to Johnson's 41. Though Larry may be the better runner, Jackson is the better overall player. If you are in a points/reception league, then Jackson is even more of a sure thing over Johnson. Although the additions of Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael will surely steal some of Steven's catches, look for another top statistical season from this fourth-year back. Depending on your league, you may be able to snag him as late as the fifth pick. Don't hesitate if he is there.

3. Larry Johnson(Chiefs)

-back-to-back season's of heavy workloads, along with the threat of a possible holdout has knocked Johnson from the top spot in the fantasy rankings. Although I don't believe the heavy toll on his body will make him hit a wall, I do believe that the weakening of the Kansas City O-Line will negatively impact his numbers. 15 TD's is still possible but I think Johnson takes a step back this year. Don't however downgrade him so much that you let him slip by you. Unless Steven Jackson, LT, or even Frank Gore are available, then you must take Johnson. Just don't expect 2005 numbers ever again.

4. Frank Gore(49ers)

-strongly considered ranking him over Johnson but there is always a risk of injury with Gore who has had both of his knees surgically repaired. When healthy however, he is an absolute beast who can run and catch with the best of them. Gore is playing on an improved 'Niners team and will almost surely surpass his total of 9 TD's. He probably won't surpass his 1,600-plus rushing total due to the additions on offense but his overall production will make him a better producer than he was last season. Could be in line for an MVP-type season. An almost sure-thing.

Tier 2

5. Shaun Alexander(Seahawks)-FALLING

-a broken left foot derailed Alexander on the heels of his record-breaking 2005 season. His 7 total TD's was only a third of the 28 he scored in that incredible year. Shaun is somewhat of a question mark due to the injury and the fact he is 30 years old which typically is the age many RB's begin to decline. I do believe he has one more good year left in him but don't expect anything close to the 28 TD's he put up in 2005. One of fantasy's great TD scorers however, Alexander should still put up around 15 tallies this year. One caveat here is that if you are in a points/reception league, then you may want to snare Brian Westbrook instead due to the fact Alexander has never shown much as a receiver. Risk here but more than likely he will be decent.

6. Brian Westbrook(Eagles)

-in a points/reception league, Westbrook is definitely more of an asset than 7th ranked Addai. However in non-points/reception league's, the reverse is true. Westbrook is the best receiver in the RB group and is a terrific dual threat. Many grow frustrated with the fact he always seems to be questionable each week but if you can stomach the injury risk, than Westbrook is your guy. Has really stepped up his game and could still be improving. Without the injury risk, he is a top five back. Draft him and hope for the best.

7. Joseph Addai(Colts)-RISING

-Addai's coming out party went as smooth as could be last season as the Indianapolis front office didn't hesitate in labeling Addai the starter once the off-season began. With Dominic Rhodes' departure to Oakland, Addai will grab the lion's share of carries. Questions about whether he can handle the pounding of a full load will knock his stock down a bit but be the smart player and aim for him over more known commodities such as Rudi Johnson and Willie Parker. A good receiver out of the backfield, Addai will help in points/reception leagues. A riser who could break down the door to the top five fraternity. The sky is the limit with this guy.

8. Laurence Maroney(Patriots)

-another RB in the mold of Joseph Addai, Maroney has been granted the full-time gig in powerhouse NE. Maroney showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season but seemed to, wear down as the season went on. Like Addai, there are questions whether Maroney can handle a full workload. He is more of an injury risk than his Indy counterpart but the sky is also the limit for him. NE loves to run the ball and if Coach/Yoda Bill Belichick believes he can handle the full time job, than who are we to argue. Draft with confidence.

9. Rudi Johnson(Bengals)

-Mr. Consistency turned in another solid but unspectacular season in 2006, posting over 1,300 rushing yards with 12 TD's which nearly matched his output from 2005. So with Johnson you pretty much know what you're going to get. Another positive is Johnson's durability as he pretty much has been injury -free since becoming the full-time starter back in 2004. Now for the negatives. Rudi is not a pass catcher by any means and thus is a liability in points/reception leagues. Also the drafting of rookie Kenny Irons signals that a possible sharing of the workload may be in order. It was no secret head coach Marvin Lewis craved more of a HR threat out of the running game and even though Johnson hasn't done anything to lose the lion's share of the carries, this development could hurt his value. Pass if you're in a points/reception league unless he fall far.

10. Willie Parker(Steelers)

-this may seem like an extremely low ranking for Parker after the monstrous season he had in 2006 when he tallied 13 TD's while rushing for an insane 1,494 yards. However new coach Mike Tomlin has let it be known that he plans to find a goal-line back in the mold of Jerome Bettis. While Parker proved last season he could score from in close, it seems the Pittsburgh front office feels better with a bigger back running the ball in. It is entirely possible this plan will be scrapped by the time the season begins so monitor this situation closely. If he does get the goal-line work then bump him up in your rankings ahead of Johnson. Tread carefully here however. I am not a fan and plan on passing on Parker in all scenarios due to the questions marks he carries going into the season.

Tier 3

11. Clinton Portis(Redskins)-FALLING

-it was a disappointing year for Portis due to injuries and inconsistency. The man with the million costumes ran for a career-low 523 yards with 7 TD's. After backup Ladell Betts literally took the ball and ran in his absence, there was some talk about a possible platoon coming into this year. That however has been shot down by coach Joe Gibbs and so if healthy Portis will get most of the carries. Still young at 26, with excellent vision and quickness, Portis could have a comeback season. However the injury risk is always there and if he does in fact struggle, the 'Skins have a more than reliable backup to replace him. Stay away from this situation.

12. Travis Henry(Broncos)-RISING

-after seemingly becoming a forgotten man in the gridiron world after his departure from Buffalo, Henry thrust himself back on the fantasy radar with a decent year in 2006 with Tennessee. Given the starting job four games into the year, Henry showed he still has the ability of a number one NFL runner. The fact he now is in the Land Of The Excelling RB's(AKA Denver) adds even more appeal to his prospects. While he doesn't catch the ball much, Henry should have a good to possibly great year in Mile High. Target him as a sleeper and don't hesitate to grab him earlier than your buddies project him. They might laugh at you at the draft but you will get the last laugh when you take their money.

13. Reggie Bush(Saints)

-in another year or so when Deuce McAllister has moved on, Bush will see his value soar. However the fact that he is still in a time-share with Deuce hurts his value. If you are in a points/reception league, then Bush's value is much better and those who play in that type of setup should not hesitate to make him your number two RB. Those in the traditional setups should try and look elsewhere for a second back. Its not that Bush is not talented or that he won't put up good numbers. It's just that his RB numbers(rushing TD's and yardage) won't be up to par with what you need to get out of your second back.

14. Ronnie Brown(Dolphins)

-ever since he was drafted into the league, I have been a big fan of Ronnie Brown. Blessed with great hands(alert: points/reception leagues) and tough running ability, Brown has it all. However injuries and a somewhat lackadaisical approach to practice have conspired to prevent him from reaching his full potential. The fact he came into off-season workouts overweight further solidifies this problem. Despite this, I believe Brown will have a decent year in Miami and will be a more than adequate second RB for your club. He even has the chance to out-produce his projected numbers if he stays healthy. Could be sitting on a great year if he puts all the distractions aside. Draft him based on his upside.

15. Willis McGahee(Ravens)-RISING

-after struggling mightily in Buffalo last season, McGahee got the trade he was seeking and he couldn't have landed in a better place outside of Denver. Baltimore's offense over the years has centered on the run with Jamal Lewis serving as the bulldozer for 7 productive years until being released this off-season. In steps McGahee and his cutback ability. Despite only running for 990 yards and a paltry 6 TD's last season, McGahee has the goods to be a smashing success for the Ravens. Look for him to easily exceed last year's totals and to rake in 10-12 TD's along the way. Draft with confidence as your number 2.

16. Edgerrin James(Cardinals)

-Edge had a year to forget last season as arguably the league's worst offensive line opened up very little daylight for him to run through. A model of consistency in Indy, James had to deal with failure for the first time in his career. 1,159 yards and 6 TD's just won't cut it both for you and for James himself. However the drafting of LT Levi Jones and the hiring of offensive line genius Russ Grimm will do nothing but help Edge have the year many expected when he signed his big deal before the 2006 season. Although you shouldn't expect Indy numbers from James, feel confident that he can produce somewhere along the lines of 1,200 yards and 8-10 TD's. Good but not great option.

17. Maurice-Jones Drew(Jaguars)

-this 5-7 dynamo opened the eyes of many around the NFL last season as he plowed his way to 941 yards rushing with 13 TD's. A good receiver out of the backfield, Jones-Drew also supplied 46 receptions. Although he still shares the job with Fred Taylor, look for Jones-Drew to get 2 carries to every 1 for Taylor. The only problem here is that there are indications that third RB Greg Jones will get a look as the goal-line back which will hurt Jones-Drew's value. If that is the case, draft him as a number 3 back. If not, then he moves up to number 2 status, especially in points/reception leagues where he will contribute more to his fantasy total each week.

18. Deuce McAllister(Saints)

-the Deuce once again will share the backfield with Reggie Bush which knocks him down to borderline number 2 status. Once a sure-fire first round pick, McAllister is still feeling his way back from reconstructive knee surgery. He did however rush for 10 TD's last season and his 30 receptions were OK. His health is back and don't be afraid to draft him. Just make sure you have someone better as your first option.

19. Cedric Benson(Bears)

-it is now time for Benson to show the world why Chicago made him the number four overall pick back in 2005. With Thomas Jones being dealt to Chicago, Benson has no one in front of him to impede his progress. Question marks abound here such as his inability to remain healthy, poor work habits, and non-existent pass-catching ability. However the man was a monster in college and should have the ability to put up decent numbers in Chicago's ground-based attack. Draft him as your number two but don't be surprised if he lets you down due to all his red flags.

20. Thomas Jones(Jets)

-I probably should have ranked him higher but there is nothing about him that wows you. However he is a decent runner who is a good fit as your number two RB. After hearing early on that he was a bust with Arizona, Jones has put together a solid career and seems to be a perfect fit for the New York ground game. Never a TD machine, Jones will struggle to collect 10 on the ground. However he will move the pile and contribute decent receptions to make him viable as an every-week play. Quietly has made himself into a useful fantasy resource.

21. Brandon Jacobs(Giants)

-with Tiki Barber off into the NBC studios, the job now belongs to this bruising third year player. Blessed with freakish size and nimble feet, Jacobs could open many eyes this year around the league. Already a reliable source for TD's(9 last season), Jacobs only has to keep Reuben Droughns on the bench to fulfill his promise. Whether that happens is the one question that dogs his ranking. Draft him due to the fact he will score TD's but be aware the yardage may not be there.

22. Jamal Lewis(Browns)

-now with the team he tormented for so many years, Jamal Lewis is looking to re-establish himself as a top NFL RB. Still only 28, there is a ton of tread on his tires which is the reason you shouldn't expect too much out of him. Playing on a bad team such as Cleveland won't help the matter and thus he is no more than a 2nd RB at best. Temper your expectations however and he will give you an honest effort week in and week out.

23. LaMont Jordan(Raiders)

-seemingly on the verge of stardom after a decent year in 2005, injuries and all-around horrid play by the Raiders ruined whatever momentum Jordan accumulated during the season before. With Dominic Rhodes signing over from Indy, the situation becomes even more muddied for LaMont. However he does have a decent amount going for him such as possibly having the best hands at the RB position along with a decent running ability. There is no reason he shouldn't be a starter after a year where the whole team stunk but this is a situation that you need to keep an eye on. If he does get the full-time gig, his ranking will soar(especially in points/reception leagues). However if he has to time-share with Rhodes, than he is no more than a number 3 back who you grab for insurance.

24. Carnell Williams(Buccaneers)

-an absolutely dreadful year ruined any sort of momentum Williams had after his eye-opening rookie season. Failing to rush for 1,000 yards, the Cadillac sputtered its way to an embarrassing finish. Things don't look much better in TB as coach Jon Gruden doesn't have a QB worth mentioning and the WR corps is this. Thus Williams will still see 8-man fronts until the Buc's prove they can open up the offense. Don't expect much other than the occasional big game out of this broken down vehicle.

25. Marion Barber III(Cowboys)
-in a time-share with Julius Jones for two years now, Barber has shown that at the very least, he can score TD's by the bunch. Tallying 14 scores last season, Barber was the rare committee RB who could serve as your number 2 runner. Though head coach Wade Phillips plans to use the same rotation as Bill Parcells, look for Barber's role to increase. If Jones does in fact ever get traded than this guy shoots up the charts like a rocket. Monitor to see if Jones is dealt. If not, than draft him as a number 2 but more as a number 3.

The Rest(Draft as Third Back and As Insurance)

26. Chester Taylor(Vikings)-FALLING

-the drafting of rookie Adrian Peterson sabotaged any type of fantasy ranking Taylor had after his more than decent 2006 season. A great producer across the board, Taylor proved himself to be a solid starter for many fantasy teams who acted on his sleeper potential. Yours truly drafted him in round 5 and after hearing chuckles, made sure he grinned while I collected everyone's money. However Taylor's value is low due to Peterson's presence and despite being a points/reception gem(42 catches), it really is in your best interest to pass on this mess.

27. Julius Jones(Cowboys)

-seemingly on the verge of a breakout after his incredible performance as a rookie back in 2004, Jones never won over coach Bill Parcells and thus was stuck in a time-share with Marion Barber. With goal-line carries going to Barber, Jones' value is that of a third back. If he ever does get traded to a team where he gets the lion's share of the load, than his value soars. I am a big fan of his and believe greatness is right around the corner if he can just get himself dealt. Pass for now.

28. Fred Taylor(Jaguars)

-splitting carries with rookie Maurice Jones-Drew, Taylor had somewhat of a comeback season last year. However his advancing age(31) and loss of goal-line work places him in the barely draft able category. Draft him for insurance.

29. Ahman Green(Texans)

-the fumble-prone Green showed he still had something left last year as he put up good but not great numbers in Green Bay. Now that he has moved out to Houston, Green's value will plummet. He does catch the ball well and is ranked higher in points/reception leagues. However he is injury prone, getting older(30) and will lose goal-line carries to Ron Dayne. That's way too many negatives to ignore. Draft as insurance as he will sprinkle in a good game once every four weeks or so.

30. Warrick Dunn(Falcons)-FALLING

-one of my favorite NFL players(not fantasy players), Dunn is showing signs that he might finally be hitting the wall. At the age of 32 it is surprising it didn't happen sooner due to the fact he is on the small side and has played many downs year in and year out. Expected to lose carries to second-year man Jerious Norwood, Dunn will begin to slowly fade into the background. Draft him as a number 3 and root for him to succeed. I certainly will do that.

31. DeAngelo Williams(Panthers)-RISING

-in a time-share with DeShaun Foster, Williams is clearly the one Carolina would love to see take hold of the job. With a quick burst and elusive moves in the open field, Williams is the lighting to Foster's thunder. If Williams were to ever take hold of the job on a full-time basis, than his value will rise. That doesn't seem like the plan right now however so expect a modest increase in his overall numbers. Draft for his potential.

32. Kevin Jones(Lions)-FALLING

-another former favorite of mine, Jones has never been able to stay healthy enough to fulfill his once-seemingly infinite potential. Having as good a set of hands as any RB in the game, Jones is a bonus in points/reception leagues. Injuries however have killed his progress and there is no guarantee he will start the season on time after more off-season surgery. The addition of Tatum Bell further clouds his outlook. Monitor his progress however as he does have great ability when he is healthy which sadly is a very rare occurrence.

33. LenDale White(Titans)

-heading into the season, White has the inside track on the starting gig. However battles with his weight and a less than exemplary effort in practice have led to much skepticism that he can get the job done. White is looking more and more like a bust and you should steer clear of this immature waste.

34. DeShaun Foster(Panthers)

-the other half of the time-share in Carolina, Foster has blown many chances at the full-time gig over the years. Injuries have been the main culprit and it appears he will be nothing more than a platoon player/decent backup. You don't need that kind of player on your team.

35. Marshawn Lynch(Bills)

-with Willis McGahee traded to Baltimore, the Bills needed to find a runner who could make up all those lost carries. They think they found their man in RB Marshawn Lynch out of Cal. Although the current plan is for Lynch to cede goal-line carries to Anthony Thomas, he stands a good chance of getting the majority of the carries if he can prove he can handle the load. Will be interesting to see how Lynch will handle the cold climate in Buffalo after playing in the warm climate of California. Draft him for his potential but don't expect many scores.

36. Brandon Jackson(Packers)

-the rookie with the best chance to be granted starter carries, Jackson could be this year's offensive rookie of the year. With only inconsistent Vernand Morency standing in his way, Jackson could become a rookie version of Edgerrin James on a lesser scale. Blessed with good power and decent speed, look for GB to take a chance with the kid from the start. Draft him due to his immense upside.

37. Tatum Bell(Lions)-FALLING

-brought in from Denver, it's never a good sign when you're deemed unworthy in The Land of The Great RB's. Bell is a chance-of-pace back and nothing more who will split carries if/when Kevin Jones comes back from injury. Pass.

38. Chris Henry(Titans)

-another rookie who has a chance to start from day 1, Henry only has to pass the overweight LenDale White and the frail Chris Brown to grab the starting gig. Although I don't think it will happen by the opener, I believe Henry will be a big part of the offense by at least Week 7. Draft for his potential.

39. Vernand Morency(Packers)

-keeping the seat warm for rookie Brandon Jackson is not something that fantasy owners should be interested in. Morency is a classic journeyman who has very little fantasy value as he's never shown he could hold down a starting gig. Waste of time here.

40. Adrian Peterson(Vikings)

-the most skilled rookie at the position going into the season, the presence of Chester Taylor cuts into the fantasy potential of Peterson. In a year this guy is a top 10, maybe even top 5 talent. However look for him to share carries with Taylor for the entire season due to the fact his predecessor is still a more-than decent player.

41. Reuben Droughns(Giants)-FALLING

-part of the two-headed committee that will replace the irreplaceable Tiki Barber. Droughns does have some talent as evidenced by his two 1,400 yard seasons in 2004 and 2005 but the G-Men plan to use him as more of a secondary compliment to Brandon Jacobs. Jacobs will also surely get all the goal line carries so Droughns really has very little to offer his owners.

42. Chris Brown(Titans)

-signed only a month ago to compete with LenDale White and Chris Henry for the starting job in Tennessee, Brown is looking to recapture the potential he showed during the first half of the 2005 season when he was the starter before injuries ruined a potential breakout year. Looks to be third in the pecking order going into the season and injuries further solidified his status as someone you need to avoid altogether.

43. Ladell Betts(Redskins

44. Leon Washington(Jets)

45. Jerious Norwood(Falcons)

46. Correll Buckhalter(Eagles)

47. Anthony Thomas(Bills)

48. Michael Turner(Chargers)

49. Ricky Williams(Dolphins)

50. Mike Bell(Broncos)

51. Ron Dayne(Texans)

52. Kenny Irons(Bengals)

53. Dominic Rhodes(Raiders)-FALLING

54. Wali Lundy(Texans)

Cofounder of http://www.yourwinningpicks.com in our tenth year of supplying sports handicapping and fantasy sports information.

This is the second part in a full-week feature of Fantasy Football rankings. We have gone over the top quarterbacks, and we'll now continue with the running-backs. We still have the wide receivers, tight ends, kickers, and defenses, left on tap for the rest of the week. We will also be including our "sleeper", "busts" , "break-out", and our "best overall value" picks for you in your fantasy draft. Today, we will be covering the runningbacks for your 2006-07 NFL season. This is a top list for who we think will perform the best, fantasy wise, in the upcoming football season.

1. Shaun Alexander (Seattle Seahawks)

2. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs)

3. Ladanian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)

4. Tiki Barber (New York Giants)

5. Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals)

6. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins)

7. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams)

8. Rudi Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals)

9. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles)

10. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) *INJ*

11. Carnell "Cadillac" Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers

12. Lamont Jordan (Oakland Raiders

13. Julius Jones (Dallas Cowboys)

14. Willis McGahee (Buffalo Bills)

15. Dominack Davis (Houston Texans)

16. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers)

17. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints)

18. Jamal Lewis (Baltimore Ravens)

19. DeShaun Foster (Carolina Panthers)

20. Corey Dillon (New England Patriots)

21. Warrick Dunn (Atlanta Falcons)

22. Reuben Droughns (Cleveland Browns)

23. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings)

24. Ahman Green (Green Bay Packers)

25. Kevin Jones (Detroit Lions)

26. Mike Bell (Denver Broncos)

27. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49'ers)

28. Thomas Jones (Chicago Bears)

29. Chris Brown (Tennessee Titans)

30. Greg Jones (Jacksonville Jaguars)

31. Cedric Houston (New York Jets)

32. Kevan Barlow (San Francisco 49'ers)

33. Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts)

34. Chris Perry (Cincinnati Bengals)

35. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys)

36. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints)

37. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars)

38. Cedric Benson (Chicago Bears)

39. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants)

40. Samkon Gado (Green Bay Packers)

41. T.J. Duckett (Atlanta Falcons)

42. Laurence Maroney (New England Patriots)

43. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts)

44. Michael Pittman (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

45. Tatum Bell (Denver Broncos)

46. Ryan Moats (Philadelphia Eagles)

47. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)

48. Mike Anderson (Baltimore Ravens)

49. Ron Dayne (Denver Broncos)

50. Najeh Davenport (Green Bay Packers)

Sleepers: Lamont Jordan, Deuce McAllister, Michael Pittman

(Coming off a disappointing season, I expect Jordan to bounce back and have a strong year with a new QB and new coach. McAllister was a Pro-Bowl running back before last year's injury; Bush isn't going to get every single carry for the Saints, so I wouldn't overlook McAllister. Pittman is going to see some time in Tampa, especially if the Cadillac breaks down, which many people expect just might happen.)

Busts: Brian Westbrook, Mike Bell, & Cedric Benson

(I could be wrong about Westbrook, but I'm not sold on the Eagles, or Westbrook's health being 100%. It's a nice story for Mike Bell in becoming named the #1 RB, but let's get real. It's still August and Tatum Bell is still going to get his carries. When has Cedric Benson not been a bust for fantasy owners?)

Best Values: Rudi Johnson & Steven Jackson

(Johnson has quietly put up back to back years of at least 1,400 yards and 12 TD's. This guy is definitely underrated, and will only improve as his team improves. Entering his third year in the league, this is going to be a big year for Jackson. With Marshall Faulk completely out of the picture at this point, this will be Jackson's season.)

Break-Out Year: Ronnie Brown

(Ronnie Brown was impressive when given the ball last year for the Dolphins. With Ricky Williams out of the picture entirely, Brown will be the featured back in the offense for Nick Saban and company. With a legit QB in Culpepper, the Dolphins will be for real, so will Brown.)

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