NFL Fantasy Football Preview: Top Running Backs

Arian Foster (Houston Texans)

Foster completed his second campaign for the Texans last season with 327 total touches, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and fumbling the pigskin just three times all year. His rushing totals of 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns last season were impressive, but Foster is treasured by most fantasy pickers because of his work within Houston's passing game. In just his second year for the Texans, Foster was able to catch 66 balls for 604 yards and two touchdowns. His recent hammy injury isn't a concern, but people eyeing the Houston running back should see how Foster does without their former blocking full back, Vonta Leach.

Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)

Peterson limited his fumble blemishes from 2009 to put together one of the finest seasons in his young career. Now in his contract year, he will hope to continue to be the leading source of offense for Minnesota this upcoming season. With Donovan McNabb taking over the passing duties for the Vikings this season, Peterson should also see more dump-off passes coming his way for big gains. His carries went down from 314 to 283 in the past two seasons, but look for the five-year back to continue seeing more touches come his way with the team's passing game still up in the air behind McNabb.

Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans)

The Titans' prized ground-burner in Chris Johnson will get his big pay day from the franchise this upcoming season. In return, look for Johnson to continue to dominate on the ground despite the team's questionable O-line. Tennessee should also look to involve Johnson in the passing game with Matt Hasselbeck sitting behind center for the next three years. Whether you miss out on AP, Foster, or some other big-name back, Chris Johnson is electric on the field and will surely get the numbers you need in due time.

Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens are looking to give Rice some more touches in this upcoming season, especially when the team is in goal-line situations. Baltimore has also brought Vonta Leach from Houston over to the team's backfield to help clear some more pathways for the short 5'8'' Rice to cut through. His touches continue to increase every year and he can also hold his own when the ball is thrown his way. Rice had no fumbles last season and should have more touchdowns this season with Ricky Williams backing him up instead of Willis McGahee.

Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs)

Charles is the better half of Kansas City's two-headed running game that also includes Thomas Jones. Going into his fourth year, he's been able to rack up 2,587 total yards in the past two seasons, while also having to share his carries. His only downside was the fact he was only able to get to the end zone five times last season, and with the Chiefs continually adding depth at his position, he could possibly end up with low touchdown totals once again. One bright part about selecting Charles will be his ability to put up monster numbers on any given night, he also managed to average a staggering 6.4 yards per carry last season.

Extra: Maurice Jones-Drew, Darren McFadden, LeSean McCoy, Peyton Hillis, Ryan Matthews and the ever-growing list of sleeper picks to come.