One of my preseason darkhorse candidates for a huge fantasy campaign was Houston rookie Ben Tate. Alas, Tate sustained a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason opener to eliminate one part of the running back tripod. Arian Foster, who shone brightly in Weeks 16 and 17 of 2009, likely assumes the top spot following a strong training camp. He’s a tremendous value at his current ADP, but Tate's injury strips him of the sleeper tag.

But, I’m turning my attention to the 2008 Harmon “Man-Crush Award” winner, Steve Slaton. Slaton is returning from a nerve injury that cut his 2009 season short, and we must still be cognizant of his fumbling issue (he fumbled on Saturday). However, he remains a potential threat to force an equitable split of the workload and play a huge role on third downs as a receiver. Slaton is being drafted in the final rounds of early drafts, thereby presenting a potential steal in the potent Houston offense.
 

Chris "Beanie" Wells is expected to take on a larger role for his sophomore season, particularly as his blocking improves.

I love Wells as a potential breakout candidate, but Hightower is currently being grossly undervalued for drafts. Kurt Warner's retirement thrusts Matt Leinart back into the starting role, and that portends to a larger emphasis on the running game.

Hightower excels as a receiver (63 receptions for 2009) and goal-line beast (18 touchdowns during the past two seasons). – Mike Harmon

Jerome Harrison, the Browns' late-season hero, is trying to fend off Hardesty, a 6-foot, 212-pound bruiser, and former Denver tailback/fullback Peyton Hillis.

With ample questions for the Cleveland passing game, the Browns figure to draw heavily on the backfield this season. Hardesty will challenge for the top spot and may eventually overtake Harrison. In the interim, he may assume the role of goal-line vulture. — Mike Harmon

Gerhart assumes the backup role to Adrian Peterson that was vacated when Chester Taylor departed for Chicago.

Now, we clearly don't expect Gerhart to take on a monster workload with Peterson dominating. However, he could amass 8-10 touches per game and vulture some goal-line opportunities. The Vikings figure to have Brett Favre back under center, so scoring opportunities will be plentiful. – Mike Harmon

Brown appeared during only 11 games last season because of a shoulder injury and played hurt for much of the year. As such, he was unable to take on the huge role that we anticipated after being drafted from Connecticut. Forty-three of Brown's 89 touches came during the season’s first four games.

Barring another injury, I expect to see Brown work to a more equitable split of the workload with Joseph Addai this season. Addai averaged 77.6 total yards per game last season and scored 13 touchdowns, a tremendous rebound from his own injury-shortened 2008 season.

Addai still retains the top spot, but Brown should see 10-12 touches per game. – Mike Harmon

Washington stands to take on a sizable role in Pete Carroll's offense.

The release of LenDale White puts Washington, Julius Jones (still there) and 2009 hero Justin Forsett into a competition for the top spot. Washington was on pace to double his previous workload before getting injured at midseason. — Mike Harmon

Clinton Portis has been installed as the initial top option on Mike Shanahan's depth chart.

Of course, it is Shanahan's world, so that doesn't mean a whole lot. He has a crowded backfield at his disposal, including Portis, Johnson, Willie Parker and Ryan Torain (who is a former Denver draft pick under Shanahan). Oh, and there are reports that Washington has tendered a contract offer to former fantasy hero Brian Westbrook (a deep, deep sleeper if he signs).

It's been several years since Johnson excelled on the fantasy stage. Mike Shanahan's offense certainly offers promise, particularly with veteran Donovan McNabb under center. Unfortunately, the running back position normally resembles a game of musical chairs. Will you get sucked into the Washington vortex? – Mike Harmon

Ringer has been slowed this spring by a hamstring injury. Still, he's expected to hold down the No. 2 role behind Chris Johnson and ahead of Alvin Pearman and rookies LeGarrette Blount and Stafon Johnson.

The Titans are looking to dial back Johnson's touch count after last year's monstrous output. – Mike Harmon