Top 10 Fantasy Football Running Backs

Week Two Fantasy Football Running Back Projections

© Annalise Kaylor

Sep 9, 2008

Week one of the 2008-2009 fantasy football season proved that anything can and will happen. With the season-ending injury of Tom Brady taking over sports news, several breakout and unpredicted performances didn't get the fantasy football press they deserve. But week one is old news and it is time to look ahead to week two. Here are the top ten running back matchups for the week ahead.

1. Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers - In week one, the Detroit Lions defense allowed more than 300 rushing yards and running back Ryan Grant will want to do better than 12 rushing attempts and 92 yards. Look for Grant to stand out among the rushing elite this week.
2. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears - The preseason hinted that Matt Forte would be a force to be reckoned with and his NFL debut proved exactly that. Matt Forte rushed 23 times for 123 yars. The Chicago Bears play Jacksonville this week, a team whose defense ranks in the bottom five of the league.
3. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson is always a must play on the fantasy football roster. Against Green Bay, Adrian Peterson rushed 103 times with 19 carries. He faces a fairly strong Indianapolis Colts defense this week, but the Colts do not have the speed or the depth against the run as they have in years past.
4. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers - Parker scored three touchdowns, and rushed for 138 yards in 25 attempts in the season opener against the Rams, which is more than he did in the entire 2007 season. His performance Sunday showed the Steelers are looking to Parker before they use Rashard Mendenhall to carry the ball. He could prove more valuable in leagues that offer points per touch.
5. Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams - After a dismal performance by the Rams, with Steven Jackson rushing for 40 yards, it's hard to think any offensive player could make the top ten list. Facing a strong Giants defense, and with Bulger not at his best, the Rams will have to rely on Jackson to carry his weight.
6. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers - LT is a premiere runningback who faces a weak run defense in Denver week two. In week one LT rushed for 92 yards, but did not score. Though he reported a small "turf toe" injury at the end of the week one game, he wasn't listed on the Chargers' post game injury report and he told the San Diego Union Tribune that "people don't need to freak out."
7. Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints - The Saints are ready for a comeback and it seems that Reggie Bush is ready to face the challenge head on. Reggie Bush had 14 carries for 51 yards, which put him at about 3.6 yards per carry, and complemented his work on the ground with 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. He faces the Washington Redskins in week two, so look for Bush to explode on the field this week.
8. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons -Michael had a blow out game against the Lions in week one, scoring two touchdowns and rushing 22 times for 220 yards. This former Charger is now front and center as the starting running back for the Atlanta Falcons. Pair that with rookie quarterback Matt Ryan and Turner is a solid number two back on any fantasy team, even against a Tampa Bay defense.
9. Chris Johnson, Tennesee Titans - Chad Johnson rushed fifteen times for 93 yards, averaging a whopping 6.2 yards per carry. He plays against the Bengals this week, one of the least threatening fantasy defenses in the league.
10. Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys - Though he suffered bruised ribs in week one, Marion Barber has reported that it is nothing to worry about. Even if the team opts to use Felix Jones more in the game against the demanding Philadelphia Eagles, Barber will likely be the primary target.

Looking for more fantasy football projections for week two? Check out the top wide receiver projections.

Sources:

www.nfl.com, National Football League, September 9, 2008 (online)

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