posted May 9, 2008 at 14:34 EST in NFL Free Picks

Seems like everyone is platooning a committee at tailback in this years sports betting NFL. Teams like Pittsburgh, Dallas, Oakland and Tampa Bay are all deploying multi-back sets to keep legs fresh, and defenses guessing. There are, however, several teams that have a premier back that can do everything – and then some.

We’re talking about the One-Man Army Tailbacks of the NFL, and a team with these premier players are solid bets in the online betting sportsbook because of their reliability and their ability to make dynamic plays. Who do we like at BetUS.com? More importantly, who should you like?

1. Adrian Peterson – Minnesota Vikings

Peterson was an absolute monster as a rookie, and now that the Minnesota Vikings have shored up several key positions on defense, Peterson’s sophomore year looks to vault expectations. Peterson will be running behind Stephen Hutchison on the left side and the best full-back in the league with Tony Richardson.

What I love about the Vikings now is that they have a viable deep threat in Bernard Berrian who will force secondaries to stay honest. On top of that, the defense acquired Jared Allen and other notable run-stoppers to help the Vikings keep scores close. That means taking control of the clock with the running game and more touches for the dangerous Peterson.

This guy averaged 5.6 yards per carry, 1,341 yards on the season on 238 touches. He is easily the most dangerous ball carrier in the league and you don’t have to reach that far back to realize that Peterson has no ceiling. If you think Tavaris is going to slow this guy down, or the Vikings, then you’re dreaming. He’s bad, but he’s bound to improve with Berrian. And if those two develop any chemistry, Peterson will be the bomb that ends up exploding all over the face of the NFL.

2. LaDanian Tomlinson – San Diego Chargers

You can’t even think of compiling this list without talking about the most dynamic weapon in the league – Mr. LDT (we all know “LT” is, and it’s unconscionable that we’ve even humored LaDanian’s inexcusable hijacking). LaDanian led the league in rushing with 1,474 yards, 4.7 per carry and a stunning 15 touchdowns. He complimented that with 475 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Tomlinson is bound to challenge all-comers who try to take his rushing title from him. And as long as Philip Rivers remotely improves from his blunders of yester year, then LDT stands to repeat, and lead the Chargers back in to the playoffs.

3. Brian Westbrook – Philadelphia Eagles

Westbrook has perennially been the underappreciated hero of the Eagles. McNabb steals the headlines, Andy Reid steals the spotlight (what an ego maniac…seriously). Yet it’s Westbrook who does all the work. Go figure.

The numbers are astounding. Westbrook had 1,333 rushing yards, for 4.8 yards per carry with seven touchdowns, while chipping 771 yards receiving on 90 catches. Those numbers will stay steady, as they have his entire career, and that’s enough for the Eagles betting faithful to have some hope heading in to the 2008 season. Still, it’s a long shot for the Eagles to challenge the Cowboys or Giants in the NFC East. Regardless, I love Westbrook’s chances of performing as a top-3 back…doing everything but throw the ball and tackle opposing players.

4. Jamal Lewis – Cleveland Browns

Where the haters at? J-Loo burst back on to the scene as an integral cog of the explosive Browns offense. Lewis surprised everyone and steadied the hopes of the Cleveland betting faithful by ranking fifth overall with 1,304 yards on the ground. On top of that, he was a bruising touchdown machine who chugged in 9 scores.

At 28 years of age, Lewis is in his prime and coming off a career year and the Browns passing game is sure to open up with Donte Stallworth in the house. With a primed defense, and one of the league’s best quarterbacks from last year returning, Jamal Lewis won’t be facing too many eight-man fronts. Which means that anyone counting on Jamal to be a flash in the pan can quit hating. There’s no reason to doubt Lewis again, especially when he’s surrounded by so much talent.

5. Ryan Grant – Green Bay Packers

Grant was the best running-back in the second-half of last season after he came out of nowhere to steal the starting role in Green Bay. Now that Aaron Rogers is the lead man in Cheese Town, Grant will become the focal point of a strong Green Bay rushing attack.

The Notre Dame unknown tallied 5.2 yards per carry on only 188 carries, and had 8 touchdowns in 10 games. Now imagine what he could do with a full season, and loads of confidence from the coaches, fans and Packers betting faithful.

This might be a little too high for Grant, but I fell in love with his heads-up running style and ability to find seams. He lacks breakaway speed, but he’s a reliable runner who protects the football well. Nobody in Green Bay is going to challenge him for touches, and with a first-time starter at quarterback, Grant’s number is going to be called way more often.

The 2008 NFL betting season is around the corner! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting. The BetUS sportsbook has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well. Join BetUS today and we'll help guide you right through to Super Bowl XLIII and beyond!