NFL Fantasy Teams: AFC South Roster (Running Backs)

The AFC South brings the 7th-best Running Backs crew out of the 8 divisions. They don't suck. There have just been a WHOLE LOT of great NFL running backs, and this backfield is more than adequate to help the passing game out.


AFC South Starting Running Back: Edgerrin James, Indianapolis Colts

Edge finished his amazing career with 12,246 yards rushing, 433 receptions for 3,364 more yards, and 91 total touchdowns. His total rushing yards and yards per game (82.7) are both good for 11th all-time. He made 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro squads, and he also helped lead the Arizona Cardinals to their only Super Bowl. James holds 15 NFL records, all relating to his being the youngest player to accrue every increment of yards from scrimmage from 2,000 to 12,000. He will certainly be getting in the Hall of Fame over the next couple of years, one would have to assume. 





Back-up Running Back: Earl Campbell, Tennessee Titans (Houston Oilers)

The prime of his career really only lasted 5-6 years. Of course, he used that time to single-handedly destroy defenses, and it ended up ruining his life. He has to use a wheelchair much of the time now due to back and knee injuries sustained as a result of his ground-and-pound style of play. The "Tyler Rose" was a 5-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All-Pro, 2-time NFL MVP, 3-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and he is also the all-time NFL leader in best smoked sausages cooked and sold to hungry fans. Campbell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.





Back-up Running Back: Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars

One of the myths about "Fragile Fred" is that injuries kept him from becoming great. The truth is that injuries kept him from becoming even greater than he was. He still managed to log in 7 seasons of 1,146 yards rushing or more, and that is not what I would call a failed career. In fact, he is currently 15th all-time in rushing yards, with 11,695. He also ranks 18th overall in yards rushing per game. Underrated and unappreciated in the absolute worst football market in America, Taylor only made one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro squad. His bad luck of the Jacksonville Curse probably means no Hall of Fame for him, either.




Click HERE to see the next series of roster announcements for the All-Time AFC South!