By Bart Lopez

1. Adrian Peterson (MIN): The top running back for week 3 is a force on the ground. Last week he tore up the Buccaneers defense, rushing for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Sunday he’ll try to repeat the performance against a Lions defense that is decent in rush defense (103.5 opponent rushing yards per game). Minnesota lacks a good passing attack and therefore has relied on the running game and Peterson to score points. That won’t change on Sunday, and Peterson will put up his usual great numbers. Projected fantasy points: 17.8.

2. Rashard Mendenhall (PIT): Mendenhall had a decent game in week 2 against the struggling Seahawks, running for 66 yards and a touchdown. Those numbers aren’t outstanding, but what puts him second on the list is his opponent this Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have defended the pass fairly well, but give up 136.5 yards per game on the ground. The Steelers will run the ball a lot, and Mendenhall will get most of those carries. Projected fantasy points: 17.7.

3. Ray Rice (BAL): Ray Rice did not run the ball well last week, 43 yards rushing and no touchdowns, but made up for it with five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. For the owners that are worried about his production in week 2, things will be better in week 3 against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams are 32nd in the league in rush defense, allowing a whopping 177.5 yards per game. The Ravens will run the ball, Rice will get the carries, and he’ll put up points. Projected fantasy points: 17.2.

4. Chris Johnson (TEN): The speedy Johnson takes the fourth spot after a subpar day against the lockdown Ravens run defense. This Sunday he will be running against a far less intimidating defense in the Denver Broncos, who give up 131 yards per game on the ground. Johnson has not lived up to expectations so far, but owners should expect him to bounce back in week 3. Projected fantasy points: 16.7.

5. Darren McFadden (OAK): McFadden has made a lot of fantasy owners happy, running for 150 yards in week 1, and running for 72 yards with one touchdown, and catching seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in week 2. This week will be a tough opponent for the talented back, as he will be facing the New York Jets defense. The Jets only give up 88 yards on the ground per game, but the Raiders are a good rushing team that relies on McFadden in all facets of the offense. Projected fantasy points: 14.7.