By Bart Lopez

1. Ray Rice (BAL): This week’s top projected running back is Ray Rice. Rice has played well to start the season, racking up three touchdowns, rushing and receiving. This week he will be facing the tough New York Jets defense. Last Sunday the Raiders showed how to run against the Jets, so look for the Ravens to pick up on that and for Rice to have a solid game. Projected fantasy points: 18.3.

2. LeGarrette Blount (TB): LeGarrette Blount is in the top five for the first time this season. Blount started the season off slowly, mostly a result of not getting many carries, but played well last week. This Sunday, the Bucs play the Colts in Tampa Bay. Expect Blount to have a breakout game against a poor Indianapolis rushing defense. Projected fantasy points: 18.0.

3. Adrian Peterson (MIN): The third best rushing team in the league’s top running back, Adrian Peterson, is third on the list. Peterson is averaging 5.1 yards per carry and already has three touchdowns under his belt. In week 4, he will be up against the Kansas City Chiefs, whose rushing defense is currently ranked 28th in the league. Last week the Chiefs gave up 98 yards and two touchdowns to Chargers running back Ryan Matthews. Expect more from Peterson. Projected fantasy points: 17.0.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAC): Jones-Drew continues to excel as the workhorse of the Jaguars. He’s already over 300 yards rushing on the season with 4.7 yards per carry. The Jaguars make it a priority to establish the running game, and will continue to do so this weekend against the Saints. Expect Jones-Drew to get plenty of carries and the yardage that comes with it. Projected fantasy points: 15.9.

5. Darren McFadden (OAK): Here is the stat line from the top running back in the top running offense: 393 yards rushing, 6.4 yards per carry, three rushing touchdowns, and 11 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Not bad right? This week he will be up against the New England Patriots. The Patriots are a good defensive team against the rush, but so were the Jets and look how that ended. Projected fantasy points: 15.7.

Not Top 5, but could be: This week’s running back who is not in the top 5 but should be on everyone’s radar is Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy. Michael Vick may be having some problems, but McCoy has been nothing short of great. Last week against the Giants, the Eagles running back collected 128 yards on the ground with one touchdown. His next opponent, the San Francisco 49ers, is ranked third in run defense, but McCoy shouldn’t be slowed down. He’s dangerous whether he’s running between the tackles or catching passes out in the flat. Projected fantast points: 16.5.