1.Rashard Mendenhall (PIT): Week 1 for the Steelers was not good to say the least. They were completely embarrassed and will come back with a vengeance against Seattle. Last week the Seahawks did a good job of containing 49ers running back Frank Gore, but the Steelers are a much better team with a better running game. Projected fantasy football points: 16.6.
2.Darren McFadden (OAK):Oakland’s Darren McFadden was the leading rusher in week 1 and will face off against the Buffalo Bills in week 2. Last week against the Chiefs, the Bills did a decent job of not giving up too many totals yards on the ground, but the Chiefs only ran the ball 18 times and Jamaal Charles averaged 5.6 yards a carry. The Raiders run first and pass second, with McFadden getting a majority of those carries, so expect some good yardage and the inevitable big run. Projected NFL fantasy points: 15.8.
3.Adrian Peterson (MIN):Like the Raiders, the Vikings are going to run first and pass second. And like McFadden, Peterson will get a majority of the carries. Peterson will be up against a Buccaneers defense that did an ok job at stopping the run against Jahvid Best and the Lions. At home, expect the better running game of the Vikings and Peterson to be successful against the Bucs. Projected fantasy points: 15.6.
4.Tim Hightower (WAS):This week Hightower will be facing his former team in the Arizona Cardinals. In week 1, Hightower got 25 carries, ran for 72 yards and a touchdown, not to mention his 25 yards from passing. The Arizona defense in week one was able to stop Carolina’s rushing attack, but don’t expect them to match that success in week 2. Hightower is a talented back that has extra motivation going up against his former teammates. Projected fantasy points: 14.9.
5.Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG):Bradshaw and the G-men are squaring off against the Rams in week 2. Last week, St. Louis’ defense was run all over by LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick. Granted, that is a quality rushing attack with two quality players, but the Giants aren’t too shabby themselves. Bradshaw should get more carries than he did in week 1, which means more yardage, touchdowns and fantasy points. Projected fantasy football points: 14.9.
