This week we take an all-important look at running backs, those high-profile prima donnas who hold the keys to the fantasy kingdom.

Priest or LT?

Holmes has to remain on top of your wish list until an injury or age proves otherwise. The great thing about LaDainian Tomlinson is that it doesn't matter whether it's Philip Rivers or Joan Rivers under center - LT will find a way to produce 2,300 total yards and 15-17 scores.

SCRAMBLE FOR STUDS: Shaun Alexander, Clinton Portis, Ahman Green, Deuce McAllister, Edgerrin James, Jamal Lewis.

Alexander the Great has averaged 1,675 total yards and 17 scores the past three seasons, while the mere thought of owning the electrifying Portis makes me break out in goose bumps. Anyone expecting the Packers' Green to match last season's 20-touchdown fluke should stop partying with Ricky Williams. Remember, Green is a guy who scored a whopping 11 and nine touchdowns the previous two seasons in virtually the same offensive system. Speaking of touchdown droughts, McAllister's horrific 2003 (only eight total TDs) should have you more worried than the thought of another baseball movie in which Kevin Costner tries to pitch. James has been a monster in training camp, and it's easy to realize with a new contract hanging in the balance that The Edge is ready for his best season since the pre-injury days. Do whatever it takes to get him. Lewis would be ranked near the top of this group if not for that small matter of his pending trial this fall on drug conspiracy charges. He could miss some time as a result.

BEST OF THE REST: Fred Taylor, Kevan Barlow, Michael Bennett, Rudi Johnson, Domanick Davis.

Taylor owners can't win. The guy finally stays healthy for a full season, but his touchdown numbers plummet as a result. Barlow owners are going to be expecting a lot from a guy who will be playing for one of the worst teams in San Francisco history. As for Minnesota's Bennett, I say this: Sell the farm! Mortgage the kids! Do whatever it takes to get him, because this guy is going to become a fantasy superstar in 2004. Rudi II: The Little Running Back Who Could is a sequel many fantasy owners will be buying into this year - and, so far, preseason previews are making things look very enticing. As for Davis, he should be a solid fantasy pick in 2004, but can he stay healthy? I'm not a believer yet.

NO SURE THING: Marshall Faulk/Stephen Jackson, Corey Dillon, Travis Henry/Willis McGahee, Stephen Davis/DeShaun Foster, Tiki Barber.

Faulk's knees are shot, so it's only a matter of "when" Jackson takes over the starting gig in St. Louis. Dillon has a ton to prove in New England, the place where fantasy stars go to die. Henry and McGahee aren't playing nice in Buffalo, and it looks like a Running Back By Committee nightmare in the making. Speaking of RBBC, Davis and Foster are already there. And why in the heck are so many fantasy pundits saying Barber is still a top-15 running back? In case you haven't heard, Tiki is toast.

SLEEPING BEAUTIES: Chris Brown, Thomas Jones.

Brown has been lights out in the preseason, averaging close to 6 yards a carry, or double what Eddie George used to. The Bears are installing a new, wide-open offense, copying Kansas City, and they see Jones as their version of Holmes.

LEFTOVERS: Curtis Martin, Charlie Garner, Eddie George, Travis Minor, Emmitt Smith.

Martin and Garner are still good for solid yardage, George for short-yardage TDs, and Minor and Smith for nothing other than the fact that you'll have an NFL starting running back on your fantasy roster.

E-mail nemofreelance@yahoo.com

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