It’s the beginning of July, but it’s never too early to start preparing for fantasy football.  To assist in pre-ranking your players or in preparation for your live draft, we’re putting together the top 5 player ratings for the fantasy football “money” positions: Running Back, Quarterback, and Wide Receiver. 

In Part 1 of this series, ratings are based on our projections on total yards from scrimmage, receptions, and TDs.  Running backs that do not split a significant amount of carries with another player were also given priority.  Have at it and good luck in your fantasy leagues!

Top 5 Running Backs

5. Larry Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs

2006 stats: 416 rush attempts, 41 rec., 2,199 yards from scrimmage, 19 total TDs

Last Year’s Ranking: 2                    Stock: ê

Five may seem low for a player who led the NFL in attempts and was second in yards and TDs.  However, this rating is almost entirely based on the uncertainty of Johnson’s contract situation with the Chiefs and his inevitable holdout.  Johnson’s agent Alvin Keels was recently quoted saying that playing under his current contract would not be “good business.”  But Johnson loves the game, so he’ll find his way on the field at some point.  Johnson is a risky proposition as a first round pick this year considering his contract situation.  Johnson recently said he’s making preparations and saving money just in case he doesn’t play.  If you draft Johnson with your first pick you better be sure you have a contingency plan in place.

Projected Stats: 1,500 yards from scrimmage, 10 TDs.  (Subject to change based on contract situation)

4. Shaun Alexander – Seattle Seahawks

2006 Stats: 252 rush attempts, 12 rec., 944 yards from scrimmage, 7 total TDs.

Last Years Ranking: Unranked                  Stock: é

Off the field factors contribute to Alexander’s rating drop.  Alexander is a risky pick considering lingering health concerns regarding his foot and appearances in only 10 games last year.  Despite health concerns, one only need to look at 2004 and 2005 to see what type of numbers a healthy Alexander can provide.  It must also be noted that Alexander has suffered from “butter fingers” with at least 4 fumbles each of the past 4 seasons, including 5 in ten games last year.  Alexander is also 29 years old and daily approaching the 30 year old mark, which has been a telling age for many backs.  The potential reward is great, but a first round Alexander selection this year can make or break your season. 

Projected Stats: 1,700 yards from scrimmage, 15 total TDs.

3. Lawrence Maroney – New England Patroits

2006 Stats:  175 rush attempts, 22 rec., 939 yards from scrimmage, 7 total TDs

Last Years Rating: Unranked         Stock: éé

Maroney will be New England’s full time starter this season. Maroney and Corey Dillon combined for 19 TDs last year and 1,557 yards. Combine that with the addition of Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth and Maroney will have the opportunity to finish off a good amount of scoring drives from this high powered offense.

Projected Stats: 1,800 yards from scrimmage, 40 rec., 17 total TDs.

2. Steven Jackson – St. Louis Rams

2006 Stats: 346 rush attempts, 2,334 yards from scrimmage, 16 total TDs

Last Years Rating: 3                         Stock: é

Steven Jackson went absolutely insane the last 6 games of last season, including the 252 yards from scrimmage, and 2 TD monstrosity against Washington in week 15.  He can be counted on to give you yardage points (rushing and receiving) however, Jackson didn’t have a multi-TD game until week 14 last year.  Expect Jackson’s production to continue, despite the Rams lacking a true downfield threat at the receiver position outside of Torry Holt.  (I would say Drew Bennett is a downfield threat, but Billy Volek isn’t throwing him the ball)

Projected Stats: 2,200 yards from scrimmage, 21 total TDs.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers

2006 Stats: 348 rush attempts,  56 rec., 2323 yards from scrimmage, 31 total TDs.

Last Years Rating: 1                         Stock: çè

There’s not much more to say about Tomlinson statistically.  If he can stay healthy, no record is safe.  A couple more seasons like last season and people may think that he deserves his nickname as much as Lawrence Taylor, the greatest defensive player to ever live (To be a drug addict and play that well is one of the greatest feats in modern sports history).

Rivers has more weapons this year and has another year under his belt which can only help Tomlinson as teams won’t be able to focus as much on LT.  Though I can envision him improving on his numbers from last year, a similar season is not too much to expect.

Projected Stats: 2,200 yards from scrimmage 26 total TDs.

Honorable Mentions: Frank Gore, Brian Westbrook, Joseph Addai, Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee, Brandon Jacobs, Clinton Portis, Cedric Benson , Travis Henry, Ronnie Brown, Edgerrin James, Ahman Green, Carnell Williams, Adrian Peterson, Jamal Lewis

Steer clear of:

DeShawn Foster – Still splitting carries with second year man DeAngelo Williams and could be getting the short end of the Slim Jim by the end of the season.

LenDale White – No weapons in the passing game for Vince Young and a lack of commitment on White’s part so far make him a dangerous proposition.

Julius Jones – Rumors are flying that Jones might be traded.  If he remains with the Cowboys, Jones will not only split carries, but will continue to get ignored in the red zone after breaking the big run and getting tackled inside the 10.

Warrick Dunn – Dunn has defied logic his entire career but this season may be the beginning of the end of his career with Norwood having a good shot to start.

Jamal Lewis – Even though he started in Baltimore last year, Jamal struggled to the point where they didn’t want him back.  There’s something about prison that can turn a sports career inside out.  (See Mike Tyson)  I’ll be keeping a watchful eye on Tank Johnson.

Potential Diamonds in the Rough:

Joseph Addai – No longer splitting carries on the best offense in the league.

Marshawn Lynch – Rookie is the only real option in the Bills backfield this season.

Brandon Jacobs – Tiki’s retirement has forced the Giants to officially drop Jacobs’ moniker as a “short yardage back.”