The value of running backs did lose some of its steam last season, but it remains the most important position in fantasy football. That will be evident in the first two rounds of drafts, which will be littered with superstar runners like LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook, Steven Jackson and Joseph Addai.
But in a time where backfield committees are more prominent than ever around the league, it's important to know which backs are slated to start, which backs have lost or added value, and who will serve fantasy owners best as potential handcuffs.
With that said, here's our final look at the backfield situations for all 32 teams as we head into the regular season.
Arizona Cardinals
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Edgerrin James | James remains the starter in the desert, but he's a risk at age 30. What's more, there have been reports the Cardinals could use Tim Hightower in goal-line situations. In fact, Hightower is now second on the Arizona depth chart and warrants late-round consideration in most formats. James should be seen as a No. 3 fantasy back, but he's not worth more than a middle-round choice. |  Tim Hightower |
Atlanta Falcons
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Michael Turner | Turner's move from San Diego to Atlanta turned him from a top-notch handcuff to a legitimate fantasy starter. The move hurt the value of Norwood, who remains second on the depth chart. Turner is a solid fit for the power running game of new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and should record the first 1,000-yard season of his career. Norwood should be a solid late-round handcuff in all formats. |  Jerious Norwood |
Baltimore Ravens
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Willis McGahee | McGahee had a solid season for owners last season, and the future looked bright with new coordinator Cam Cameron at the helm of the offense. However, questions about his knee and the Ravens' offensive line hurt McGahee's value. What's more, the coaches love what Rice brings to the offense. McGahee should be seen as a No. 2 fantasy back, but Rice could see his share of carries. |  Ray Rice |
Buffalo Bills
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Marshawn Lynch | Lynch, an attractive fantasy breakout candidate this season, will be the featured runner in the offense of new coordinator Turk Schonert. That makes the versatile runner out of California worth a first-round selection across the board. Jackson showed flashes of potential in limited work in 2007, so owners should see him as a viable late-round handcuff for Lynch in the late rounds of larger leagues. |  Fred Jackson |
Carolina Panthers
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 DeAngelo Williams | Williams is considered the favorite to start this season, but it could be a matter of time before Stewart develops into the more valuable fantasy back. The rookie will see most of the goal-line work in an offense that will lean on the run, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him atop the depth chart sooner than later. Since Stewart has the most potential of the duo, he'll be taken ahead of Williams in drafts. |  Jonathan Stewart |
Chicago Bears
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Matt Forte | Forte, who showed flashes of brilliance in training camp, will be the unquestioned starter for Chicago during his rookie season. The team also fields Jones, Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe, but it looks like Forte will see the lion's share of the carries for coach Lovie Smith. In an offense that will have to lean on the run to find success, Forte should be seen as a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy runner. |  Kevin Jones |
Cincinnati Bengals
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Chris Perry | The Cincinnati backfield was one of the most confusing in all of fantasy football. That is, until the team released veteran Rudi Johnson. With Johnson out of the mix, Perry is now the team's No. 1 runner and a viable No. 3 fantasy back or flex starter. Watson is also in the picture, however, so a backfield committee seems to be imminent. Perry still has the most value, but Watson's stock increases as well. |  Kenny Watson |
Cleveland Browns
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Jamal Lewis | Lewis was a tremendous draft bargain last season, as he rushed for 1,304 yards and scored 11 total touchdowns as the featured back in Cleveland. He'll remain in that role in 2008, so fantasy owners should see him as a high-end No. 2 fantasy runner across the board. Wright won't see much work in the backfield this season, but he is still a viable late-round handcuff for Lewis in larger leagues. |  Jason Wright |
Dallas Cowboys
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Marion Barber | Barber will be the unquestioned starter in Dallas this season and warrants a first-selection in all drafts. Jones, a rookie out of Arkansas, is the favorite to finish second on the depth chart and could see around 10 carries a game. However, Jones needs to improve his pass protection in order to remain prominent in the offense. He's worth a middle-round pick as a handcuff for Barber, but MB3 is clearly the main man for Big D. |  Felix Jones |
Denver Broncos
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Selvin Young | Young is the unquestioned favorite to start in Denver, and his value increased when Ryan Torain was lost for several weeks with an injured elbow. Young, who believes he can rush for 2,000 yards this season, could become as much as a No. 2 fantasy back. Hall appears to be the best handcuff option for Young, but veteran Michael Pittman and undrafted rookie Anthony Aldridge are also in the mix. |  Andre Hall |
Detroit Lions
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Kevin Smith | Smith was very impressive in training camp and has earned the top spot on the Lions' depth chart. Bell is a bit overrated based on one 1,000-yard season in Denver, and Brian Calhoun has been prone to injuries at the NFL level. Those factors, coupled with the fact that coach Rod Marinelli wants a more balanced offense, bode well for the rookie's draft value. Smith should be seen as a tremendous sleeper candidate in 2008. He's worth a middle-round choice. |  Tatum Bell |
Green Bay Packers
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Ryan Grant | Grant came out of nowhere to emerge into a legitimate and reliable fantasy starter last season, and he's the unquestioned No. 1 back in Green Bay heading into 2008. While there are concerns that he's a one-season wonder, Grant showed enough to warrant second-round consideration. Jackson will also see some of the workload, but he's still no more than a late-round handcuff. |  Brandon Jackson |
Houston Texans
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Ahman Green | Green is the favorite to start in Houston this season, but he's past his prime and prone to injuries. He'll no doubt share carries in the offense, however, so a committee should be expected. Rookie Steve Slaton has been impressive in the preseason and is also in the mix, and Chris Taylor is worth a late-round flier. Overall, none of these backs should be seen as more than fantasy reserves. |  Steve Slaton |
Indianapolis Colts
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Joseph Addai | Addai will remain the featured back in Indianapolis and is one of the top runners in fantasy football, so there's no debate over his value. There are some questions behind him, however, as Rhodes will battle Kenton Keith and rookie Mike Hart for the second spot on the depth chart. Since he knows the offense from his first stint with the team, we like Rhodes as the best handcuff for Addai. |  Dominic Rhodes |
Jacksonville Jaguars
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Maurice Jones-Drew | There might not have been a more productive committee last season, as Jones-Drew and Taylor both made contributions in fantasy land. However, this situation is odd in that the reserve, Jones-Drew, has more value than the starter, Taylor. That will continue in 2008, as Jones-Drew will warrant a second- or third-round selection while Taylor is more of a middle-round choice. |  Fred Taylor |
Kansas City Chiefs
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Larry Johnson | Johnson missed significant time last season due to an injured foot, but he's back to 100 percent and will remain the centerpiece of Kansas City's offense. There are questions about the team's quarterback situation and offensive line, but L.J. should still be seen as a low-end No. 1 fantasy back. Smith could see competition from rookie Jamaal Charles, but he's still the best handcuff for Johnson. |  Kolby Smith |
Miami Dolphins
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Ronnie Brown | There have been reports that a committee situation is possible in Miami, and the fact that Williams has been so solid in the preseason backs up those claims. What's more, Williams has passed Brown on the team's current depth chart and will open the season as the starter. Brown still has a bit more value in drafts, but Williams is closing fast and should now warrant middle-round consideration. Look for both backs to share carries in 2008. |  Ricky Williams |
Minnesota Vikings
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Adrian Peterson | Peterson rushed for an impressive 1,341 yards and scored 13 total touchdowns as a rookie, so there's little doubt that he'll be one of the first five players selected in drafts. Owners who do land Peterson should also be sure to draft Taylor, who might be the best handcuff in fantasy football. The veteran started just eight games last season, but he still rushed for 844 yards on 157 carries and seven scores. |  Chester Taylor |
New England Patriots
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Laurence Maroney | Maroney will remain atop New England's depth chart and should be seen as a viable No. 2 fantasy back, but he'll lose some carries to Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan and Kevin Faulk. The shared backfield is based on each runner's skill set, so Maroney, who is weaker as a receiver than Faulk, won't be a three-down back. Morris, who returns from an injured sternum, is the better handcuff and worth a late-round pick. |  Sammy Morris |
New Orleans Saints
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Reggie Bush | Bush and McAllister will both return from knee injuries (McAllister's the more serious of the two), so each of their value levels has fallen. Bush should be seen as a No. 2 fantasy back across the board, but McAllister's value is limited to the middle to late rounds. Pierre Thomas, who showed flashes of potential late last season, could also figure into the equation and is a viable sleeper. |  Deuce McAllister |
New York Giants
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Brandon Jacobs | Jacobs showed immense potential as a starter last season and remains atop the depth chart, but his proneness to injuries is cause for some concern. We like Bradshaw to land second on the team's depth chart, but Derrick Ward is also in the mix in what could turn into a backfield committee. Still, Bradshaw showed flashes of brilliance as a rookie and will warrant much more attention in drafts. |  Ahmad Bradshaw |
New York Jets
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Thomas Jones | Jones could be undervalued in fantasy drafts based on his lack of touchdowns last season, but an improved offensive line and the presence of Brett Favre are real positives. He should be seen as a viable No. 2 fantasy back in all drafts. While Washington is the best handcuff option on the Jets roster, he could share carries with veteran Musa Smith if Jones misses time due to injuries. |  Leon Washington |
Oakland Raiders
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Justin Fargas | Fargas might enter this season atop the Oakland depth chart, but McFadden has far more value in fantasy circles. The rookie out of Arkansas won't be this season's Adrian Peterson, but he is an explosive athlete who should see a prominent offensive role in 2008. We'd target McFadden in the second or third round and wait on Fargas until the middle stanzas. Michael Bush is also in the mix. |  Darren McFadden |
Philadelphia Eagles
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Brian Westbrook | Outside of his slide at the goal line in Dallas that cost countless owners six points, Westbrook was an absolute star in fantasy land last season. He led all runners with 90 catches and totaled an incredible 2,104 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns. Buckhalter appears to be the top handcuff for Westbrook, but Lorenzo Booker is in the mix as well and could take the role heading into the season. |  Correll Buckhalter |
Pittsburgh Steelers
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Willie Parker | Parker's value took a significant hit when the Steelers landed Mendenhall in the first round of the NFL Draft. While he will remain atop the depth chart, Parker will have to share at least some of the carries with his rookie teammate. Fast Willie remains the more valuable option in drafts, however, so owners should look at Mendenhall as more of a handcuff in the middle rounds. |  Rashard Mendenhall |
St. Louis Rams
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Steven Jackson | Jackson missed a lot of camp due to a contractual holdout, but he'll see most of the carries in the offense of new OC Al Saunders. A versatile runner with a nose for the end zone, Jackson will be a top-five selection in all drafts. Brian Leonard should see more time at fullback in 2008, so it appears Pittman is the favorite to serve as the handcuff for Jackson. Neither is worth more than a late-round pick. |  Antonio Pittman |
San Diego Chargers
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 LaDainian Tomlinson | Tomlinson will be the No. 1 overall selection in countless fantasy drafts for the second consecutive season, but there has been some change behind him on the depth chart. With Michael Turner now in Atlanta, rookie Jacob Hester and Darren Sproles will share the workload if L.T. is injured during the season. Neither will warrant more than a late-round flier. |  Darren Sproles |
San Francisco 49ers
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Frank Gore | Gore was a bit of a disappointment last season, but he should rebound in the offensive attack of new coordinator Mike Martz. In fact, Gore should post career-best totals in receptions and scrimmage yards under Martz in 2008. Foster, who signed a contract with San Francisco in the offseason, is considered the favorite to back up Gore and is well worth a late-round selection as a fantasy handcuff. |  DeShaun Foster |
Seattle Seahawks
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 Julius Jones | A lot of owners are excited about the prospect of Jones in Seattle, but he won't be the team's featured back. In fact, Jones and Morris will both be involved in the backfield attack in some fashion. Jones does have the most statistical potential of this duo, however, so consider him a viable No. 3 fantasy runner. Morris would be about as close a handcuff option as you'll find in Seattle, but this is a true committee. |  Maurice Morris |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Earnest Graham | The backfield situation in Tampa Bay has cleared up a bit, as the team placed Cadillac Williams on the physically-unable-to-perform list. That leaves Graham as the unquestioned starter, but he'll lose time to Dunn on passing downs. Still, Graham is the best bet in fantasy drafts. He'll see more than his share of carries, including goal-line looks, and should be seen as a No. 2 fantasy runner. |  Warrick Dunn |
Tennessee Titans
| Committee | Analysis | Committee |
 LenDale White | White remains the favorite to start again this season, but the Titans love Johnson's skill set. In fact, there have been reports the team will use him in a similar role as Reggie Bush, because of his speed and prowess as a receiver out of the backfield. White will be the best bet in fantasy land and remains a No. 3 fantasy back, but Johnson is worth a look as a handcuff or more in the middle rounds. |  Chris Johnson |
Washington Redskins
| Starter | Analysis | Handcuff |
 Clinton Portis | Portis will remain the featured back in the offense of new head coach Jim Zorn, so another season with 1,200-plus rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns seems to be imminent. As a result, he'll be seen as a first- or second-round selection in drafts. Betts proved to be a legitimate handcuff in 2006 when he rushed for 1,154 yards in Portis' absence. He is well worth a late-round selection. |  Ladell Betts |
