The Top 30 Fantasy Running Backs for 2002
The Bears have great depth at WR but will need QB Jim Miller to provide at least a reasonable passing threat to open things up for Thomas.
13. Antowain Smith - In a year full of breakout RB performances, Smith's 2001 season ranked among the strongest. Smith's 1157 yards rushing and 13 total TDs made him a great surprise for fantasy owners. Matching those numbers may be difficult but he should still be a solid RB and perhaps a 4th or 5th round pick.
14. Fred Taylor - When healthy, Taylor is an elite level fantasy RB. Unfortunately, Taylor has never been able to play a full 16 game season in his career. Last year, a knee injury held Taylor to just two games. Taylor has looked good thus far in preseason, but take him at your own risk. If healthy, he could pay huge dividends for a guy who can get in the middle rounds.
15. Deuce McCallister - Deuce gets his chance to be the man in New Orleans. McCallister could be a great sleeper pick this year. He's a solid RB with great receiving skills. He has a strong cast around him with Aaron Brooks, Joe Horn, and David Sloan. If he can hold up over the season, Deuce could be a top ten RB.
16. Tiki Barber - Barber probably would have exceeded 1000 yards again last year had he not missed a could of games. Barber is another guy who is very valuable in fantasy leagues due to his receiving ability. He has averaged 635 receiving yards over the past three seasons. Still doesn't score enough to warrant anything higher than a mid to late round pick in most leagues.
17. Jerome Bettis - Bettis still gained over 1000 yards in 2001 despite missing 5 games. Unfortunately, he had his lowest TD total since 1998. Bettis is a big question mark because of his age and injuries. While he no longer ranks as a top back, he's good enough to be your 2nd or 3rd RB.
18. Duce Staley - Yet another RB coming off an injury. Staley can be a great dual threat when he's healthy as he was in 1999. However, Staley has never been a big scorer, and may lose goal line carries to Levens.
19. Garrison Hearst - What Hearst did in 2001 was amazing. 1206 yards rushing after being out of football for two years. Can his body hold up? The 49ers want to get
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