Top 10 RB Tandems for 2007

Top 10 RB Tandems for 2007

Brandon Jacobs & Reuben Droughns

Jacobs and Droughns could have an interesting training-camp battle for the starting job, but regardless of who wins, both backs will likely get plenty of touches next season. Droughns is much smaller than Jacobs, but he still runs tough inside. Both backs will stay fresher if they share carries.

Lamont Jordan & Dominic Rhodes

Rhodes leaves the Super Bowl champion Colts to join Jordan on a Raiders offense that scored just 168 points last year. The duo should help improve the running game. Jordan's 2006 campaign was cut short by a knee injury and he should be more effective sharing carries than being the primary guy.

Warrick Dunn & Jerious Norwood

Dunn is one of the NFL's most underrated running backs and Norwood showed promising big-play ability his rookie season. Look for those two to carry most of the burden next year, and for the Falcons to draft a bigger back to help in short-yardage situations.

DeShaun Foster & DeAngelo Williams

Foster had 227 carries last year and Williams had 121. Look for Williams to get much more work in 2007. This backfield is a classic example of two rushers who will beneifit from sharing the load. Foster has been injury prone and Williams is on the small side.

Travis Henry & Mike Bell

After his big season in Tennessee in 2006, Henry could end up being the primary guy, but don't be surprised if the Broncos also give Bell some significant work next season. Bell rushed for 667 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie and should help take the pressure of Henry.

Thomas Jones & Leon Washington

The Jets dealt a second-round pick to the Bears for Jones and will likely make him a No.1 running back. But don't expect Washington to disappear. The shifty back ran for 650 yards in part-time duty last year and will be a nice complement to the more straight-forward Jones.

Julius Jones & Marion Barber

The Cowboys are reportedly listening to trade offers for Jones so they can feature Barber more. If they can't deal Jones, they'll maintain a pretty potent 1-2 punch. Jones' work in the beginning of games has allowed Dallas to bring in Barber when the defense is a little tired. That strategy has worked well.

Clinton Portis & Ladell Betts

With Portis hampered by injuries last season, Betts emerged as a star, gaining 1,154 yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Portis will be back this year and the Redskins are talking as if they plan to use both extensively.

Fred Taylor & Maurice Jones-Drew

Taylor ran for 1,146 yards last year and Jones-Drew totaled 941 rushing yards and 436 receiving. Taylor just turned 31, but should have at least one more good season in him. Jones-Drew was outstanding as a rookie and should be even better in his second season.

Deuce McAllister & Reggie Bush

The Saints have been lucky so far, because both players are bona fide stars but seem ok with taking a slightly reduced role in the offense. They complement each other well in the Saints offense, since McAllister likes to run inside and Bush does his best work on the edges.