by Roy Loomis

Created on: January 15, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

We should find a familiar cast of characters atop the list of most productive fantasy football running backs in the 2007-8 season. However, we have seen some important roster shifts for some of these running backs that will affect their production. Going into draft day, these are the top prospects for your fantasy backfield.

1. Ladanian Tomlinson Following up the monster fantasy season he had last year and returning with a potentially improved offense, it is nearly impossible not to see LT as the clear number one running back. 30 TDs are no guarantee. However, a repeat performance is certainly within the realm of possibility.

2. Steven Jackson Look for Jackson to play an even bigger role in the Rams offense in the coming season. His impressive numbers from last year should even improve. His elusiveness and knack for breaking tackles make him a chore to bring down, especially if he gets into the open field. Also, he looks to be an even bigger goal line threat in Linehan's offense this year.

3. Larry Johnson While the Chiefs seem a bit shaky heading into the season, LJ looks poised to have a stellar fantasy year. Herm Edwards, who loves to run the ball, will rely heavily upon LJ this year and fantasy owners should continue to reap the rewards of his monster workload. I wouldn't be surprised to see 20 TDs.

4. Sean Alexander He seems healthy and if he can remain so, look for him to return to his old form. As always, the Seahawks will rely on him in the red zone and he will get plenty of touches. Look for a big season both for yards and TDs.

5. Frank Gore - Last year's biggest RB surprise returns this season with a seemingly much improve Niners squad. If Gore has learned how to better hold onto the ball, which the last half of last season seemed to show, he should get more goal line touches this year. He will be one of the sure top producing backs week after week.

6. Willie Parker It seems nearly certain that the Pittsburgh speedster will chalk up a ton of yards this season. He will continue to be an integral part of their offense. If he continues to get the goal line work, as he did last year, he should put up great numbers. If another back steps up as the goal line guy, which is a possibility, his value in TD heavy leagues wanes a bit.

7. Rudi Johnson Somehow, he always seems to fly under the radar. However, Johnson puts up solid numbers season after season. The Bengals offense will be prolific again this year and Johnson's stats should reflect it.

8. Brian Westbrook - The way he produces both through the air and on the ground makes him an incredibly valuable back to have on your team. Look for him to continue to be the Eagles go to guy and produce every week. With McNabb back under center, Westbrook should be even better than last year.

9. Joseph Addai Towards the end of last season, Addai proved himself to be one of the keys to Indy's offense. While Manning passes a lot, Addai gets his share of carries and catches a few to boot. He is always a threat to break a long one and seems to have an uncanny nose for the endzone.

10. Ronnie Brown While the situation in Miami is a bit sketchy with Trent Green as the QB, the Dolphins should rely heavily on Brown. They will try to establish the run every game to buy the aging Green some time behind center. Also, the addition of Cory Schlesinger at fullback should give brown bigger holes to bust through. Look for a potentially huge season from Brown.

The next 10
11. Laurence Maroney
12. Maurice Jones-Drew
13. Reggie Bush
14. Clinton Portis
15. Travis Henry
16. Edgerrin James
17. Brandon Jacobs
18. Thomas Jones
19. Cedric Benson
20. Willis McGahee

Learn more about this author, Roy Loomis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.