Week Five had its ups and downs, just like any other week. Darren McFadden was held in check by the Texans, while Adrian Peterson blew up against the Cardinals. LeSean McCoy was, once again, under used against the Bills and Michael Turner punched in a touchdown against a strong Green Bay rushing defense. And for the first time, we actually had a Chief not named Jamaal Charles put up huge stats after unknown Jackie Battle put up 100+ against the Colts..
Below are my running back rankings going into Week Six.
TOP FIVE WEEK-SIX MATCHUPS (MUST START)
1. Darren McFadden (OAK) vs. CLE: McFadden let his owners down last week against the Texans after he put up a meager 51 rushing yards and 17 receiving yards. But it wasn't like McFadden was stinking it up because of his play. The Texans Defense made it a point to stop McFadden all game long, but they still wound up losing anyway. DMC should get on track this week against the Brown.
2. Adrian Peterson (MIN) @ CHI: The AD of Week Five is the one we had been hoping for. His 122 rushing yards against the Cardinals was sweet, but his three rushing touchdowns put him among the elite fantasy backs over the weekend. Facing a Bears Defense that just got burned by Lions RB Jahvid Best, AD should put up quality stats in Week Six.
3. Ray Rice (BAL) vs. HOU: Coming off a bye week, Rice should have a big day against the Texans. I know the Texans Defense was able to hold Darren McFadden in check, but the Texans are facing a slightly better passing offense with Joe Flacco and Anquan Boldin. Rice averaged almost 135 total yards a game through the first four weeks of the season. I don't expect that to stop now.
4. Fred Jackson (BUF) vs. NYG: Jackson doesn't budge from his No. 4 spot from last week. As expected, he came up big against the Eagles, who literally can't stop anyone on the ground. The Giants Defense made Marshawn Lynch look like the Lynch of old Sunday. Jackson should be in for another strong outing playing at home.
5. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG) vs. BUF: Nope this isn't a typo. Some owners will shy away from Bradshaw because of his poor performance against the Seahawks. Even though Seattle isn't that great, their rushing defense is only giving up 97.8 rushing yards a game. Compare that to 138.4 that the Bills are giving up and you have the makings of a bounce-back week for Bradshaw.
|
Rank |
Player |
Information |
| 6. | LeSean McCoy (PHI) |
@ Washington Redskins |
| 7. | Arian Foster (BAL) | @ Baltimore Ravens |
| 8. | Matt Forte (CHI) |
vs. Minnesota Vikings: Better PPR option |
| 9. | Michael Turner (ATL) |
vs. Carolina Panthers: Could be good for a score or two. |
| 10. | Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) |
vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |
| 11. | Peyton Hillis (CLE) |
@ Oakland Raiders |
| 12. | Felix Jones (DAL) | @ New England Patriots |
| 13. | Cedric Benson (CIN) | vs. Indianapolis Colts: Should be good for another game. |
| 14. | Jahvid Best (DET) |
vs. San Francisco 49ers: Better PPR option. |
| 15. | Shonn Greene (NYJ) |
vs. Miami Dolphins |
| 16. | Ryan Torain (WAS) |
vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Should be named the starter in an excellent matchup. |
| 17. | Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) | @ Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 18. | Frank Gore (SF) | @ Detroit Lions: Has been on a little tear. |
| 19. | BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE) | @ Dallas Cowboys: The Law Firm is still the main back. |
| 20. | DeAngelo Williams (CAR) |
@ Atlanta Falcons |
| 21. | Steven Jackson (STL) | @ Green Bay Packers: I know the Packers got scored on by Michael Turner, but the Rams passing offense isn't going to do Jackson any favors. Better in PPR leagues. |
| 22. | James Starks (GB) | vs. St. Louis Rams: Great matchup, but Ryan Grant looms. |
| 23. | Daniel Thomas (MIA) | @ New York Jets |
| 24. | Ryan Grant (GB) | vs. St. Louis Rams |
| 25. | Darren Sproles (NO) |
@ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Obviously better in PPR leagues. |
| 26. | Delone Carter (IND) | @ Cincinnati Bengals: Could be a decent option as the goal-line back. |
| 27. | Mark Ingram (NO) | @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 28. | Donald Brown (IND) | @ Cincinnati Bengals: Has burned owners before. |
| 29. | Earnest Graham (TB) | vs. New Orleans Saints: Could get the bulk of the carries if LeGarrette Blount (knee) sits. Better PPR option. |
| 30. | Jonathan Stewart (CAR) | @ Atlanta Falcons |
BEST OF THE REST:
| 31. Pierre Thomas (NO) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 32. Tim Hightower (WAS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles |
| 33. Bernard Scott (CIN) vs. Indianapolis Colts |
| 34. Kregg Lumpkin (TB) vs. New Orleans Saints: Could see goal line work behind Graham. |
| 35. Michael Bush (OAK) vs Cleveland Browns |
I wish everyone the best of luck this week. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post below.