These rankings were based on traditional league scoring systems.

1. Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson – 1815 rush yards, 28 rushing TDs and in the passing game 508 yards receiving and 3 receiving TDs add up to a no-brainer here.

2. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson – an absolute workhorse whose 17 rush TDs went nicely with 1789 rush yards.

3. Rams RB Steven Jackson – fantasy fans welcomed him to stud status after he totaled 2,334 yards from scrimmage and 16 TDs (13 rushing, 3 receiving).

4. Forty-Niners RB Frank Gore – a fantasy star after obtaining sole starter status in San Francisco. Final line: 1,695 yards rushing with 8 TDs along with 485 yards receving and 1 reception TD.

5. Colts QB Peyton Manning – continued to show why he’s one of the most consistent players for fantasy. 4,397 yards passing, 31 pass TDs against only 9 INTs.

6. Steelers RB Willie Parker – proved to be a reliable, durable back in this league in 2006. 1494 yards rushing, 13 rush TDs, 222 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs.

7. Eagles RB Brian Westbrook – an absolute stud in leagues that give points per reception. Fast and more durable than he’s been given credit for. 1,217 yards rushing, 7 rush TDs, 699 yards receiving, 4 reception TDs.

8. Falcons QB Michael Vick – much-maligned quarterback but helped some out in their leagues with his feet. 2,474 yards passing, 20 pass TDs, 13 INTs, 1,039 yards rushing, 2 rush TDs.

9 Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew – the fantasy revelation did it all, running the ball and returning kicks on his way to 941 yards rushing, 13 rushing TDs, 436 yards receiving, and 2 reception TDs.

10. Bengals RB Rudi Johnson – not flashy, but he got the job done in ’06. 1,309 yards rushing, 12 rush TDs

11. Saints QB Drew Brees – was not supposed to do this well after moving to New Orleans but he proved the doubters wrong in a big way. 4,418 yards passing, 26 passing TDs.

12. Colts WR Marvin Harrison – got older but showing no signs of slowing down. 1,366 yards receiving and 12 reception TDs.

13. Rams QB Marc Bulger – the rise of Steven Jackson helped him elevate the pass game of the Rams in 2006. 4,301 yards passing, 24 pass TDs, 8 INTs.

14. Cowboys WR Terrell Owens – did well after making move from Philadelphia. 1,180 yards receiving, 13 reception TDs.

15. Bengals QB Carson Palmer – had a great season coming off playoff injury in 2005. 4,035 yards passing, 28 TD passes against 13 INTs.

16. Saints RB Deuce McAllister – proved he wasn’t just an afterthought in the backfield with the arrival of Reggie Bush. 1,057 yards rushing, 10 rushing TDs, 198 yards receiving.

17. Colts WR Reggie Wayne – his performance demonstrates the high-powered offense that is the Colts. 1,310 yards receiving, 9 TDs.

18. Colts RB Joseph Addai – the rookie came into his own in 2006 and benefitted from the strong offense in Indy. 1,081 yards rushing, 7 rush TDs, 325 yards receiving, 1 reception TD.

19. Redskins RB Ladell Betts – how good was he filling in for the oft-injured Portis? 1,154 yards rushing, 4 rushing TDs, 445 yards receiving, 1 reception TD.

20. Cowboys RB Marion Barber III – Julius who? Was more than just a third-down/goal-line back. 654 yards rushing, 14 rush TDs, 196 yards receiving, 2 reception TDs.

21. Vikings RB Chester Taylor – provided some much needed punch to Vikings run game, but faded late in the season. 1,216 yards rushing, 6 rush TDs, 288 yards receiving

22. Bengals WR Chad Johnson – “Ocho Cinco” had another banner year for Cincinnati. 1, 369 yards receiving, and 7 reception TDs.

23. Packers WR Donald Driver – quietly had yet another solid year. 1, 295 yards receiving and 8 reception TDs.

24. Patriots QB Tom Brady – not a popular pick, but probably the most consistent QB out there. 3,529 yards passing, 24 pass TDs, 12 INTs.

25. Saints RB Reggie Bush – the rookie sensation was a little erratic, but exciting to watch in ’06. 565 yards rushing, 6 rush TDs, 742 yards receiving, 2 reception TDs.

26. Titans QB Vince Young – not a huge fantasy factor but still impressed with how he led his team to several exciting comebacks. 2,199 yards passing, 12 pass TDs, 13 INTs, 552 yards rushing, 7 rushing TDs.

27. Rams WR Torry Holt – continued to prove he’s still one of the best at the position: 1,188 yards and 10 TDs.

28. Panthers WR Steve Smith – some folks considered this a down year for him, but it was still better than most out there. 1,166 yards and 8 TDs.

29. Packers RB Ahman Green – in his last year as a Packer, he didn’t come close to 2003, but he was still serviceable, rushing for 1,059 yards and 5 TDs.

30. Bills WR Lee Evans – he doesn’t get much love but he finished the season strong and is always a deep threat. 1,292 yards receiving and 8 TDs.

31. Broncos WR Javon Walker – still elite, even after the change to the young QB Jay Cutler. 1,084 yards, 8 TDs

32. Ravens RB Jamal Lewis – he’s getting up there in age as far as backs go, but a good season anyhow, rusing for 1,132 yards and 9 TDs.

33. Titans RB Travis Henry – a surprising season from the former Bill who rewarded those who had faith in him. 1,211 yards rushing and 7 TDs

34. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb – good QB who saw his season cut short by a knee injury, but still finished with 2,647 yards passing and 18 TDs.

35. Jaguars RB Fred Taylor – Jones-Drew stole his thunder but he quietly had a nice season, with 1,146 yards rushing and 5 TDs.

36. Bears RB Thomas Jones – Cedric who? Calls that he was washed up and had to give way to the young Benson were premature. He racked up 1,210 yards rushing and 6 TDs.

37. Lions QB Jon Kitna – say what you want about him, but he throws a lot in a pass-happy offense. Forgive him the 22 interceptions; he threw for 4,208 yards and 21 TDs.

38. Chargers QB Philip Rivers – one of the nice surprises of the year, he made San Diego fans forget about Drew Brees, with his 3,388 yards passing and 22 TDs through the air.

39. Lions WR Roy Williams – his TD numbers weren’t too exciting but his yardage numbers were great, as he rolled to 1,310 yards receiving and 7 TD grabs.

40. Cardinals RB Edgerrin James – he’s not in Indy anymore but he proved he can run still. 1,159 yards rushing and 6 rush TDs.

41. Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh – the best #2 WR not named Wayne was the perfect target against teams doubling Chad Johnson. 1,081 yards receiving and 9 TD catches.

42. Falcons RB Warrick Dunn – fought off up-and-comer Jerious Norwood to post some nice numbers. 1,140 yards rushing and 4 TD runs.

43. Lions RB Kevin Jones – a comeback of sorts after not meeting the lofty expectations in 2005. 689 yards rushing, 6 rush TDs, 520 yards receiving, 2 TD catches.

44. Giants WR Plaxico Burress – like him or not, he got it done in 2006. 988 yards receiving, 10 TD catches.

45. Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson – showed he was still Hasselbeck’s favorite target, with 956 yards receiving and 10 reception TDs.

46. Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown – underformed a bit here, as long as you did not place very high expectations. 1,008 yards rushing and 5 rush TDs.

47. Saints WR Marques Colston – among the top in rookie and fantasy free agents in 2006, he came on like gangbusters in camp and carried it through the regular season. 1,038 yards receiving, 8 reception TDs.

48. Giants QB Eli Manning – Solid, if unspectacular in 2006. 3,244 yards passing and 24 pass TDs.

49. Buccaneers WR Joey Galloway – no one really cared about Tampa Bay, but you had to take notice at the speedy Galloway’s perfomance in ’06: 1,057 yards receiving and 7 receiving TDs.

50. Jets WR Laveranues Coles – continued to find a way to get open in 2006 did this consistent receiver: 1,098 yards receiving including 6 receiving TDs.