By Bart Lopez
1. LeSean McCoy (PHI): The Eagles running back takes the top spot this week after his fourth straight game with a rushing touchdown. The Eagles offense relies on McCoy, and he hasn’t failed to deliver. This weekend the Eagles play the Cardinals, and McCoy is bound to have a great fantasy game. Projected fantasy points: 22.4.
2. Arian Foster (HOU): Foster ran for his third straight 100 plus rushing yards game. The back finished with 124 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. On Sunday the Texans play the Bucs. Tampa Bay gives up over 132 rushing yards per game, so expect another good game from Foster. Projected fantasy points: 17.0.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC): Jones-Drew is third this week after scoring his first rushing touchdown in three games in week eight. The Jaguars play the winless Colts this weekend. Indianapolis’ defense hasn’t stopped anyone this year, so Drew looks like a solid start on Sunday. Projected fantasy points: 16.4.
4. Matt Forte (CHI): The man that is Chicago’s offense is fourth this week. On Monday night, Forte rushed for 133 yards, but uncharacteristically lost two fumbles. The Bears will face the tough Detroit Lions this Sunday. The Lions haven’t stopped the run this year, giving up 137.6 rushing yards per game, so the Bears are likely to continue to rely on Forte for production. Projected fantasy points: 14.9.
5. Ray Rice (BAL): Rice found the end zone for the second straight time against the Steelers on Sunday. He has a little less than 1,000 yards of total offense and eight touchdowns on the season. The Ravens hit the road this week to face the Seahawks. This should be an easy win as Rice is bound to run all over Seattle’s defense. Projected fantasy points: 14.8.
Not top 5, but could be: This week’s running back that missed the cut but is primed for a big game is Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. The last time the Vikings played the Packers, on October 23, Peterson ran for 175 yards and scored a touchdown. I don’t think the Vikings will win, but I do think Peterson will run for at least 100 yards and one score. Projected fantasy points: 14.6.
