We are deep into the season and the playoff picture is starting to come together here in December and likely the playoff picture for your fantasy league is looking the same way. You may find yourself on the outside looking in if you don't make the correct decision on who you should be starting each week. Just like in a football game inches can make all the difference and in your fantasy league, a few points can change the outcome of your season.
The players in these week 14 RB rankings are intended to help you finish your season long fantasy league strong. These players in the rankings will differ a bit from players you might be considering for your daily fantasy football. Rankings are based on fantasy points per game and upcoming matchup. Any player injured or on bye will not be included in the week 14 RB rankings.
Must Start: If you have them on your team, do not bench them in week 14
1. Le'Veon Bell: Pittsburgh@Cincinnati
In the past few weeks the Bengals have actually improved significantly against the run, but don't expect them to shut out Bell. The Bengals are still very capable of giving up huge numbers to running backs and the Steelers will look to rely on the play-maker to help win this make or break AFC North game.
2. Arian Foster: Houston@Jacksonville
Now that Arian Foster is back, you can safely start him every week and if he is on your team then you can expect a big week from him. The Jaguar's defense has allowed 3 TDs in the last 3 weeks to running backs, which continues a season long trend of being a favorable matchup to running backs.
3. Matt Forte: Dallas@Chicago
This is another big game in which the Cowboys find themselves in a must win situation to try and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Cowboy's defense was a little exposed last week on Thursday night against the Eagles and I expect the Bear's dynamic offense to give them trouble again. Of the two big name RBs in this game, I expect Forte to come out with better numbers.
4. Rashad Jennings: NYG@Tennessee
Jennings is comming off a really good two week stretch but that isn't the only reason he ends up this high on the week 13 running back rankings. The Titans pose a fantastic matchup for running backs, allowing 6 TDs for RBs in the last 4 weeks.
5. Justin Forsett: Baltimore@Miami
Forsett has been a bit underrated all season long but he cracks the top 5 this for week 14 because the matchup gives him the opportunity to have a huge game. The Dolphins have allowed a ridiculous 373 yards rushing in the last 2 weeks.
6. DeMarco Murray: Dallas@Chicago
I expect Murray to have a good game as usual but Dallas will likely need to pass the ball more than usual if the Bears get out to an early lead as I expect they will.
7. Marshawn Lynch: Seattle@Philadelphia
Pretty good matchup for Lynch but I get the feeling with all this retirement chatter surrounding him means Seattle is going to try and get every little bit out of him that they can.
8. LeSean McCoy: Seattle@Philadelphia
Seattle's defense has re-established their dominance against the pass but still has a bit of a weakness against the run (as well as tight ends). The Eagles game plan will likely include trying to reduce potential turnovers for Mark Sanchez which means giving McCoy the ball as much as possible.
9. Jamaal Charles: Kansas City@Arizona
Tough matchup but this offense really revolves around Charles and you can bet he will get the ball quite often. Put the ball in his hands and he finds a way to get yardage.
10. Eddie Lacy: Atlanta@Green Bay
This game seems like a huge mismatch on paper but the Falcons defense has actually been pretty decent lately but it still won't be enough to contain the Packers offense.
11. Andre Ellington: Kansas City@Arizona
Kansas City has allowed a ton of yards on the ground lately (625 yards in the last 4 weeks). Expect Ellington to be the beneficiary of this trend as the Cardinals look to get back on track.
12. C.J. Anderson: Buffalo@Denver
Can't deny the fact that the Broncos are committed to a more balanced offensive attack but Buffalo is a defense that is better than the Bronco's last few opponents. I still fully expect plenty of carries for Anderson.
Start these guys if you don't have any of the ones above
13. Mark Ingram: Carolina@New Orleans
Ingram lost a little bit of attention in fantasy football lately but he still has the chance for a huge game against the right opponent. The Panthers have been really good against the run lately but they have shown this season that they are highly susceptible to being dominated on the ground. Both teams are looking to stay in the NFC South race but the Saints just have too many offensive weapons for the Panthers to keep up.
14. Joique Bell: Tampa Bay@Detroit
Bell had a great week 13 and he can continue that in week 14. Tampa Bay has allowed nearly 400 yards rushing a 4 touchdowns to running backs in the last 4 weeks.
15. Alfred Morris: St. Louis@Washington
Although Tre Mason is a hot commodity lately, I expect Morris to be the running back in this game who has the better game. Washington is just too stingy with opposing running backs and Colt McCoy seems to be giving this offense some much needed spark.
16. Isaiah Crowell: Indianapolis@Cleveland
Much better matchup that the Bills were in week 13. If Johnny Manziel plays, you know they are going to try to reduce the risk of rooking interceptions by running the ball. It's a good opportunity to do so as the Colts have allowed 5 touchdowns to running backs over the past 4 weeks.
17. Giovani Bernard: Pittsburgh@Cincinnati
I see Bernard coming back this week and getting more action than Jeremy Hill. Bernard had slightly less carries but had a significantly better yards per carry average.
18. Tre Mason: St. Louis@Washington
Not sold on the matchup but the Rams seem intent on giving him the ball quite a bit every game. Expect a decent game because he will get touches but don't expect to see a repeat of what he did to the Raiders in week 13.
19. Denard Robinson: Houston@Jacksonville
20. Frank Gore: San Fransisco@Oakland
The matchup against the Raiders this week makes Gore a promising start if you have him on your team. Consider the last 2 weeks alone, Oakland's defense has given 4 touchdowns to running backs.
Chris Johnson
(AP Photo/Mel Evans)
21. Chris Johnson: NYJ@Minnesota
Johnson provided more pop in the run game than Ivory and shows that he has more of a breakaway potential of the two. As was evident in during Monday night football, the Jets, with Geno Smith back, are devoted to running the ball. They ran the ball 36 times for 173 yards.
22. Jeremy Hill: Pittsburgh@Cincinnati
23. Chris Ivory: NYJ@Minnesota
24. Jonathan Stewart: Carolina@New Orleans
Stewart really is a good play this week if you are in a pinch because he isn't owned by a whole lot of teams and you can easily pick him up. The Saints have given up a stunning 599 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns to running backs over the past 4 weeks.
Stewart is becoming a candidate for sleeper status.
The best of the rest: Start these guys if that's all you have
25. Ryan Matthews: New England@San Diego
26. Darren Sproles: Seattle@Philadelphia
27. Andre Williams: NYG@Tennessee
28. Bishop Sankey: NYG@Tennessee
29. Daniel Herron: Indianapolis@Cleveland
30. LeGarrette Blount: New England@San Diego
31. Latavius Murray: San Fransisco@Oakland
*Keep an eye on whether he will be cleared to play
32. Steven Jackson: Atlanta@Green Bay
33. Fred Jackson: Buffalo@Denver
34. Matt Asiata: NYJ@Minnesota
35. Pierre Thomas: Carolina@New Orleans
36. Theo Riddick: Tampa Bay@Detroit
37. Carlos Hyde: San Fransisco@Oakland
38. Terrance West: Indianapolis@Cleveland
39. Lamar Miller: Baltimore@Miami
40. Doug Martin: Tampa Bay@Detroit