ESPN Rankings 1-5

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking you through ESPN’s fantasy football rankings, giving you my own thoughts on each player. Here are the first five…

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota, RB

I’m not sure Peterson should be a slam dunk No. 1 pick, especially in point-per-catch leagues. Peterson was ninth among RBs in standard PPR leagues last year. The Vikings have yet to solve their quarterback problem so All-Day will continue to see run-first defensive fronts All-Day.

2. Michael Turner, Atlanta, RB

Turner was fourth in PPR leagues last year among RBs, a solid first season in Atlanta. The Falcons should be even better this year with Matt Ryan entering his second year and the acquisition of Tony Gozalez. Turner’s only red flag is that he doesn’t catch a lot of passes. He had only six receptions last season so a drop in touchdowns (he had 17 last year) could take Turner out of fantasy football’s elite.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville, RB

MJD finally gets his chance to be “the guy” in Jacksonville with the departure of veteran Fred Taylor. Jones-Drew finished third among running backs in PPR leagues last year and could be even better this season with a few more touches and an improvement in the Jaguars offensive line. He deserves a spot in the top five.

4. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago

If I had the first pick in any draft I would give Forte some serious consideration. Forte was second among RBs in his rookie year last season and should be even better this year with Jay Cutler at quarterback. Plus, Chicago improved its offensive line with the addition of Orlando Pace. Forte caught 64 passes last year, proving he’s a talented receiver as well as runner. As I said before, I would consider drafting him long before the fourth spot.

5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis, RB

Jackson did not score at all in four games last season and finished 15th overall among RBs. If he stays healthy, Jackson is a true No. 1 fantasy back, even with a substandard offensive line in St. Louis. He should be better this season considering the Rams drafted offensive tackle Jason Smith and hired Steve Spagnuolo, who figures to be a run-friendly head coach.

On Deck:  Nos. 6-10