2012 Fantasy Football Rankings Running Backs: Who to Target?

In keeping with the theme from last weeks article let's turn our attention to the running backs you should target in 2012.  Again let's start out with the "no-brainer" picks then we will move into who to target in the top 25 and then the bottom 25.

No brainer picks: Arian Foster, Ray Rice, and LeSean McCoy


Running backs to target in the top 25 running backs:

Chris Johnson (RB, TEN) - I finally think Chris Johnson has his head in the game.  He finds a way to get 1,000 yards every season on the ground and over 500 yards receiving.  This year he finds the end-zone more often and makes fantasy owners quite proud of themselves to having grabbed Johnson in their drafts.

Ahmad Bradshaw (RB, NYG) - PPR league owners dream running back.  He is a poor mans LeSean McCoy but he still has a place on my weekly starting line-up.  The thing you must beware of if you draft him is that he is potentially injury prone.  You must draft David Wilson (rookie running back) if you draft Bradshaw for 2012.

Trent Richardson (RB, CLE) - Richardson is going to be a workhorse in 2012.  Cleveland is going to running Richardson like crazy and I for one would be happy to gamble on Richardson.  If he doesn't get the yards I am sure he will find the end-zone; I expect nearly double digit TD's in 2012.

Demarco Murray (RB, DAL) - coming off his injury from last year.  Murray is going to explode in 2012, but you have to draft Felix Jones as his back-up as he is in the same position as Ahmad Bradshaw.

Running backs to target in the bottom 25 running backs:

Doug Martin (RB, TB) - Blount says he wants to be Tampa Bay's every down running back and will be stealing carries from Doug Martin in 2012.  Doug Martin may go early in drafts this year due to his upside, but if he falls into later rounds to to flying under the radar then feel free to draft him.  The key is not to draft Martin too early.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis (RB, CIN) - major sleeper in 2012 as he will be a three down back in Cinn.  I also expect him to find the end-zone at least seven times in 2012.  I love this later round pick.

Isaac Redman (RB, PIT) - Look who just became the starting running back in Pitt.  He could be in line for some major work and he has the weight to throw around.  He will fall to later rounds and with his upside he is worth rostering for his upside and bye-week/injury spot starting.

Need assistance drafting in 2012?  Check out the Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide for 2012

Questions:  Facebook or Google+ me

Matthew Emmons - US PRESSWIRE