Top 2012 fantasy football players

Arian Foster eludes Chris Crocker — AP Photo/Eric Gay

1. Arian Foster, Houston, RB: In just 35 career games, Foster has amassed more than 3,000 yards rushing, more than 1,300 yards receiving and 33 touchdowns. He's in his prime and should be the top pick in most drafts.

2011 season: 1,224 yards rushing, 617 yards receiving, 12 total TDs.

Photo caption: Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) eludes Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Chris Crocker (42) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, in Houston. Foster put the game away with second-half scores to power the Texans over the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10.

Ray Rice runs for a 70-yard touchdown — AP Photo/Darron Cummings

2. Ray Rice, Baltimore, RB: Rice tallied more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns last season while appearing and starting in all 16 games for the Ravens. Look for more of the same.

2011 season: 1,364 yards rushing, 704 yards receiving, 15 total TDs.

Photo caption: Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs for a 70-yard touchdown in the first half of an against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, in Cincinnati. Rice finished with 191 yards on 24 carries and set a club record with his 15th touchdown of the season, leading Baltimore to a 24-16 victory.

LeSean McCoy rushes for a gain — Getty Images/Chris Trotman

3. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia, RB: McCoy could have fewer touches this season according to CBSSports.com but he has a nose for the end zone and figures to put up excellent fantasy numbers.

2011 season: 1,309 yards rushing, 315 yards receiving, 20 total TDs.

Photo caption: LeSean McCoy (25) of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 30, 2011 in Philadelphia. McCoy had a career-best 185 yards rushing and two scores and the Eagles routed the Cowboys 34-7.

Chris Johnson breaks away — AP Photo/John Russell

4. Chris Johnson, Tennessee, RB: While Johnson may not get back to his amazing 2,000-yard season in 2009, the speedster looks strong in preseason and has vowed to improve upon last year's production.

2011 season: 1,047 yards rushing, 418 yards receiving, 4 total TDs.

Photo caption: Chris Johnson (28) of the Tennessee Titans breaks away from Quincy Black (58) and John McCargo (79) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a long gain during play at LP Field on Nov. 27, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Johnson ran for a season-high 190 yards as the Titans beat the Buccaneers 23-17.

Aaron Rodgers throws in the pocket — Getty Images/Harry How

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, QB: With an amazing 122.5 QB rating last year, Rodgers had the best statistical season of his career and there's little reason to expect the 28-year-old to slow down now.

2011 season: 4,643 yards passing, 45 TDs, 5 INTs.

Photo caption: Aaron Rodgers (12) of the Green Bay Packers throws in the pocket against the San Diego Chargers during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on Nov. 6, 2011 in San Diego. Rodgers completed 21 of 26 passes for 247 yards and ran his NFL-leading total to 24 TD throws in a crazy 45-38 win over the staggering Chargers.

Tom Brady looks to pass — AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

6. Tom Brady, New England, QB: Brady just turned 35 but he seems to get better with age. After reaching a career-high in yards passing last season, he seems poised to put up another great year.

2011 season: 5,235 yards passing, 39 TDs, 12 INTs.

Photo caption: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass as Buffalo Bills linebackers Chris Kelsay (90) and Arthur Moats (52) close in during the first quarter in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday Jan. 1, 2012. The Patriots have clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs by scoring the final 49 points in a 49-21 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Calvin Johnson makes a touchdown pass reception — Getty Images/Ronald Martinez

7. Calvin Johnson, Detroit, WR: Could Johnson actually be "cursed" by being put on the cover of the Madden NFL '13 game this year? No. "Megatron" may not match last year's gaudy numbers but he's the best receiver out there.

2011 season: 1,681 yards receiving, 16 TDs.

Photo caption: Calvin Johnson (81) of the Detroit Lions makes a touchdown pass reception for the win over Terence Newman (41) of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on Oct. 2, 2011 in Arlington. A week after turning a 20-point halftime deficit into an overtime win, the Lions provided further proof they're a legitimate contender by turning a 24-point, third-quarter deficit into a 34-30 victory over the Cowboys.

Drew Brees passes — Getty Images/Mike Ehrmann

8. Drew Brees, New Orleans, QB: It's been a rough offseason in New Orleans but Brees has anchored a prolific Saints offense for six seasons and figures to excel again after his record-setting performance of last year.

2011 season: 5,476 yards passing, 46 TDs, 14 INTs.

Photo caption: Drew Brees (9) of the New Orleans Saints passes during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Oct. 2, 2011 in Jacksonville. Brees threw for 351 yards and a touchdown, Darren Sproles added 188 all-purpose yards and the Saints beat the Jaguars 23-10 in a game that was more lopsided than the score indicated.

Darren McFadden runs all over the New York Jets — Getty Images/Jed Jacobsohn

9. Darren McFadden, Oakland, RB: McFadden is injury prone but when healthy he's a fantasy stud. An incentive to draft him this year? The Raiders have hinted that the running back will get more goal-line touches this season.

2011 season: 614 rushing yards, 154 receiving yards, 5 TDs.

Photo caption: Darren McFadden (20) of the Oakland Raiders runs against the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum on Sept. 25, 2011 in Oakland. McFadden ran for 171 yards and two touchdowns, and the Raiders added two more touchdowns on the ground as part of the most productive rushing day against the Jets since Rex Ryan took over. The Raiders won 34-24.

Marshawn Lynch scores as he out runs Asante Samuel — Getty Images/Jay Drowns

10. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle, RB: Lynch looks like he'll avoid a suspension for a July DUI arrest. He's been limited by a back issue but when healthy he's a work horse and he figures to match last year's output.

2011 season: 1,204 yards rushing, 212 yards receiving, 13 total TDs.

Photo caption: Marshawn Lynch (24) of the Seattle Seahawks scores as he out runs Asante Samuel (22) of the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field Dec. 1, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. Seattle's hard-charging running back bulled through Philadelphia for 148 yards and a pair of first-half touchdowns and the Seahawks rolled to a 31-14 victory Thursday that only added to the Eagles' miserable season.

11. Steven Jackson, St Louis, RB: Jackson has looked sharp in the preseason and he's been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL, topping 1,000 rushing yards for seven consecutive reasons.

2011 season: 1,145 yards rushing, 333 yards receiving, 6 total TDs.

Photo caption: Steven Jackson (39) of the St. Louis Rams runs for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome on Oct. 30, 2011 in St. Louis, Mo. The Rams beat the Saints 31-21. Jackson scored two touchdowns in his first 100-yard game in three seasons, helping St. Louis earn its first victory with a 31-21 upset of the Saints.

DeMarco Murray breaks free for a 91-yard touchdown run — Getty Images/Layne Murdoch

12. DeMarco Murray, Dallas, RB: Last October, Murray came off the bench to set a Cowboys single-game rushing record and hasn't looked back. He'll share carries with Felix Jones but should put up good fantasy numbers.

2011 season: 897 rushing yards, 183 receiving yards, 2 TDs.

Photo caption: Running back DeMarco Murray (29) of the Dallas Cowboys breaks free for a 91-yard touchdown run against the St. Louis Rams at Cowboys Stadium on Oct. 23, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. Murray ran through a shoddy Rams defense for 253 yards, including an early 91-yard touchdown that got the Cowboys started toward a 34-7 victory.

Ryan Mathews — Getty Images/Mike Ehrmann

13. Ryan Matthews, San Diego, RB: Mathews broke his clavicle on his first preseason carry but said there's "no doubt" he'll be ready for the start of the season. If that's true, expect more solid numbers for the third-year pro.

2011 season: 1,091 rushing yards, 455 receiving yards, 6 TDs.

Photo caption: Ryan Mathews (24) of the San Diego Chargers breaks away for a touchdown during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Dec. 5, 2011 in Jacksonville, Fla.

14. Matthew Stafford, Detroit, QB: The 2011 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year already looks like he's in midseason form and as long he's throwing to Calvin Johnson, Stafford figures to put up big numbers.

2011 season: 5,038 yards passing, 41 TDs, 16 INTs.

Photo caption: Matthew Stafford (9) of the Detroit Lions throws a first quarter pass behind Greg Hardy (76) of the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on Nov. 20, 2011 in Detroit. The Lions quarterback matched a career-best with five touchdown passes, the final one a 7-yarder to Brandon Pettigrew with 2:32 left, and the Lions rallied for a 49-35 win over the Panthers.

Fred Jackson runs against the Eagles — Getty Images/Rick Stewart

15. Fred Jackson, Buffalo, RB: Jackson's 2011 campaign was derailed by a broken leg but he's showing no ill effects in preseason. If he stays healthy, expect solid fantasy numbers this year from the veteran.

2011 season: 934 rushing yards, 442 receiving yards, 6 total TDs.

Photo caption: Fred Jackson (22) of the Buffalo Bills runs against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Oct. 9, 2011 in Orchard Park, N.Y. Jackson finished with a combined 196 yards from scrimmage and scored on a 5-yard run in a 31-24 victory. Linebacker Nick Barnett had two of Buffalo's four interceptions.

Matt Forte is tackled — AP Photo/Matt Slocum

16. Matt Forte, Chicago, RB: One of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL, Forte missed the last four games of 2011 with a knee injury. He looks healthy now and primed for another great year.

2011 season: 997 rushing yards, 490 receiving yards, 4 total TDs.

Photo caption: Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles free safety Kurt Coleman (42) in the first half on Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, in Philadelphia. Forte ran for 133 yards and the Bears rallied to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 30-24 on Monday night.

Andre Johnson celebrates a touchdown — AP Photo/Evan Vucci

17. Andre Johnson, Houston, WR: A groin issue forced Johnson to miss the team's preseason opener but he looks fully recovered and ready to match or exceed last year's impressive totals.

2011 season: 86 receptions, 1,216 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Photo caption: Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson celebrates a touchdown as Washington Redskins safety Reed Doughty reacts in the background during the second half in Landover, Md., on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. The Texans won 30-27.

Julio Jones scores a touchdown — Getty Images/Grant Halverson

18. Julio Jones, Atlanta, WR: Jones had a great rookie season despite missing three games with injuries. He's been impressive in preseason and seems poised to put up even better numbers this year.

2011 season: 959 receiving yards, 56 rushing yards, 8 total TDs.

Photo caption: Julio Jones (11) of the Atlanta Falcons scores a touchdown as defender Elbert Mack (33) looks on of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during play at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 1, 2012 in Atlanta, Ga. Jones caught two touchdown passes in a span of 26 seconds, Michael Turner ran for two scores and the Falcons used a team-record 42 first-half points to cruise to a 45-24 win

Cam Newton scrambles — Getty Images/J. Meric

19. Cam Newton, Carolina, QB: Newton had a sensational rookie season, leading the Panthers to the third-best passing attack in the NFL. But it's his running ability that sets him apart.

2011 season: 4,051 passing yards, 21 passing TDs, 17 INTs, 706 rushing yards, 14 rushing TDs.

Photo caption: Quarterback Cam Newton (1) of the Carolina Panthers scrambles as linebacker Dekoda Watson (56) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pursues during the game at Raymond James Stadium on Dec. 4, 2011 in Tampa. The rookie ran for three more touchdowns to set the NFL single-season record for TDs rushing by a quarterback, pacing a 38-19 rout of the struggling Buccaneers with a dominating performance.

Jimmy Graham catches a 14-yard touchdown reception — AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

20. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans, TE: Tight ends don't typically get a lot of attention in fantasy drafts but Graham is not a typical tight end. He had a breakout year in 2011 and figures to be one of Drew Brees' favorites targets again this year.

2011 season: 1,310 yards receiving, 11 TDs.

Photo caption: New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) catches a 14-yard touchdown reception over San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during the second quarter on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, in San Francisco. Also pictured is Saints tight end Mike Higgins (81).