If you've started looking over the cheat sheets (ours or your own) and come to the running backs sheet, you might not notice anything strange until you look to the
backs that would probably go after the first round. That's when you start noticing that there's going to be a ton of new faces on new teams this year. Below, I've
broken down the players that changed teams and the new rookies running backs as well, to let you know how important the player will be on their new team and what it means to you as a manager.

Players with New Homes

-Travis Henry (TEN to DEN): One of the most important player moves of the offseason (barring maybe Randy Moss), Henry will look to take the starting spot at running
back for a run-crazy Denver offense. Don't be surprised to see Henry taken in the early second round.

-Willis McGahee (BUF to BAL): Another trade of a player most likely drafted in the late second or early third round, however I don't really see this trade impacting
McGahee's fantasy value all that much.

-Thomas Jones (CHI to NYJ): Here is a pretty important team change that will definitely affect how Jones is drafted. After the way Leon Washington broke onto the
scene in New York last year, I see this turning into a platoon situation that will not benefit anyone involved. The Jets seem to be trying to find their new identity
at RB after the retirement of Curtis Martin, but I don't see them finding that identity anytime soon this season.

-Ahman Green (GB to HOU): I'm already considering Green "past his prime", so this change of scenery will probably not have that great of an impact on his fantasy
performance. If the offensive line of the Texans is as bad as it's been in the past, Green could see a decrease in fantasy points this year.

-Jamal Lewis (BAL to CLE): Another player that I'd consider "past his prime", I'd apply the same comments as Ahman Green to Lewis. If you've drafted Lewis as your second RB, I strongly recommend finding a third quality running back.

Matt's comment: The amusing thing about Jamal Lewis is that there's one guy in every league who still thinks he's going to rush for 2,000 yards, despite all the scouts who say his career is basically over. DON'T BE THAT GUY. I don't think he should even be considered as your third RB. Fourth, maybe, but don't count on anything more than 75 yards on a good day.

-Tatum Bell (DEN to DET): This is an interesting move that could pay some dividends to Bell. He joins a backfield where Kevin Jones is the apparent #1, but that is assuming that he's healthy and not having another sub-par performance. If Jones has any setback, Bell could emerge as a decent sleeper running back.

-Dominic Rhodes (IND to OAK): Well, this might have had some impact on Rhodes, as he was expected to earn a majority of the carries in Oakland, however, he was quickly suspended for the first 4 games and now it looks like his chances of having much of a fantasy impact this season are on the outs. With a plethora of other mediocre RB's on the team, Rhodes could jump right back into the starting spot after his suspension, but I still wouldn't count on him having that huge of a fantasy impact this year. Put it this way, Lamont Jordan was the starting RB for Oakland last year and he pretty much chilled on the free agent market all year in one of my leagues except for a spot start here and there...and I don't see Rhode's situation being all the much different.

-Reuben Droughns (CLE to NYG): Droughns moves from Cleveland where he was the starter, to New York where he will be backing up Brandon Jacobs. I would initially say that he would lose a lot of fantasy value due to this move, but who knows how Jacobs will do in the starting role. If Brandon Jacobs gets moved back into the vulture-back position, Droughns could actually have a decent fantasy impact this year.

-Sammy Morris (MIA to NE): Barring any injuries to Moroney and Faulk for New England (knock on wood it doesn't happen), I don't see Morris finding a way onto any fantasy rosters in the near future. But if you really like him for some reason, feel free to add him as a 5th or 6th back on your team.

-Kevan Barlow (NYJ to PIT): Becoming one of Willie Parker's backups, I don't see Barlow having much impact in Pittsburgh.

-T.J. Duckett (WAS to DET): In a touchdown heavy league, maybe this move will have an impact, but otherwise, stay away from Duckett.

-Adimchinobe Echemandu (CLE to OAK): Who? And if you know the answer to that, then...Who cares?

Rookies

-Marshawn Lynch (BUF): Lynch looks to make an immediate impact as the probable starter for the Buffalo Bills this year. He was very good in college, playing for California and running for 1200+ yards his past two years. I would peg Lynch as a late second round pick.

Matt's comment: He'll split carries with Anthony Thomas in the early going, but if he's as good as the hype, that won't last long.

-Adrian Peterson (MIN): Another rookie looking to make an immediate impact on their team, Peterson should start the season as the starting running back for Minnesota and I can see him getting drafted in the early third round. Peterson was insane for Oklahoma a few years ago before breaking his collarbone, rushing for over 1900 yards in 2004 and over 1000 in only seven games in 2006. If he can regain his form from college, he could be a very interesting fantasy pick.

............

The following rookies could make an impact to fantasy leagues later in the year, but will start the season as backups on their respective teams. Keep these names in mind throughout the season however when drafting the starters on their teams, as you might end up needing them sooner than you think...

-Brandon Jackson (GB)
-Chris Henry (TEN)
-Brian Leonard (STL)
-Tony Hunt (PHI)
-Lorenzo Booker (MIA)
-Kenny Irons (CIN) - Update 08/10/07: Out for season with torn ACL during preseason game.