Tiki Barber

While other backs got more attention, Barber quietly put together one of the best performances of all-time last season. His 1,860 yards rushing in 2005 fell just short of knocking Jim Brown from 10th place on the single season rushing list, and his 2,390 yards from scrimmage rank second all-time, behind only Marshall Faulk’s 2,429 in 1999. Barber’s fantasy owners probably wished he’d gotten into the end zone a little more often (he had nine rushing touchdowns and 11 TDs total), but by just about any measure, Barber’s season was a great one. Physically, he’s still what he always seemed to be coming out of college, a small guy, generously listed at 5-10, 200, playing a big man’s game. What separates Barber from other small, shifty backs is not his speed or elusiveness but his toughness. He’s proven over the last few seasons that he can take a pounding and shoulder a starting RB’s workload without breaking down (he hasn’t missed a game since 2001) or wearing out (last year he exploded for two 200-plus yard rushing days in the final three weeks) over the course of a full season. His pass-catching skills (over the past six years he’s averaged 75 catches for 577 yards) are as good or better than those of any back in the game, which helps offset his unexceptional red-zone numbers. Barber still gets comparable touches – 135 over the last two seasons – and has scored 20 red-zone touchdowns over that stretch, but Brandon Jacobs (7-for-16 conversion rate inside the 5) stole some looks from him in close last year, and will likely do so again. Barber is far more valuable in yardage leagues than in scoring ones, but he’s earned his place near the top of the first round in most fantasy formats.