Top 3

All the talk about the fantasy football top players has centered around the Big 3 running backs: LJ, LT, Shaun Alexander. And the decision on all the magazines has been, LJ or SA? Well, unfortunately, all 3 running backs have things going against them.

Larry Johnson
First, Roaf retires, then Shields limps off the Giants game. The Chiefs O-line, for years one of the best - if not the best in the league, hasn't looked good in either preseason game, and no matter how good Larry Johnson is - he's incredible, no doubt about that - he still needs holes to run in. And without great blocking, the chances for injury go up.

Shaun Alexander
He's been the most consistent back in football. But he has three things going against him, Contract Year curse, Madden Cover curse, and Super Bowl loser curse. One of those alone is enough to take down a superstar, so what will happen with all 3? Not to mention, he lost one of the best offensive lineman, too. I'm not expecting numbers like his previous years. He'll still be able to get 2 or maybe 3 touchdowns in games against the Rams or Cardinals or 49ers, but outside the division, I'm prediciting a lot of 85 yard rushing games - not nearly enough for top pick material.

LT
He's so good, he can even through touchdown passes. But he's got a new quarterback to work with. If Rivers doesn't play well, LT could be facing a lot of men in the box. But I think Rivers will do well enough to put the ball in his hands, on both running and passing plays.

So I'd put SA 3rd, unless you were bold enough to think Cadillac Williams is worth the #3 spot, and then have to decide between LJ and LT. I think LT will have a great solid season. But LJ has the potential for a record-breaking season. The absence of his line, and Tony Richardson will hurt him. Probably more than people think. But he almost had 2,000 yards last year, and he only started half the games. He's worth the risk because he could be setting records this year.