By Bart Lopez

1. Arian Foster (HOU): Last year’s rushing leader was back in action last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On just 30 carries, the star back ran for 155 yards and a touchdown, which was a delight to fantasy owners everywhere. This week he’ll be facing the Oakland Raiders, who have struggled defensively this year. Expect Foster to have another big game as he makes up for the games he missed. Projected fantasy points: 19.9.

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN): The Vikings keep on losing despite having the best running back in football. This week Peterson will be playing at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Peterson has played much better at home this year, scoring all three of his touchdowns in the dome. He’s forecasted to have a good fantasy day of over 100 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown. Projected fantasy points: 18.3.

3. Darren McFadden (OAK): Against a Bill Belichick defense specifically designed to stop him, Darren McFadden still came away with over 100 all-purpose yards. Behind the hottest running back in the game, the Raiders remain the best running team heading into this week’s contest against the Houston Texans. Houston’s run defense is ranked 18th in the league in opponent rushing yards and hasn’t faced a back as explosive as McFadden. This week could very easily be a great one for fantasy owners. Projected fantasy points: 17.7.

4. LeSean McCoy (PHI): McCoy did not have a good game against the Niners, and even left the game early after injuring himself while pass blocking. The injury doesn’t appear to be that serious, so he should be good to go. On Sunday he will be facing the run defense of the Buffalo Bills, which has struggled this year and gives up nearly 130 yards per game. McCoy is just the explosive back that can make the Bills pay. Projected fantasy points: 15.8.

5. Fred Jackson (BUF): McCoy’s counterpart this Sunday, Fred Jackson, rounds out the top 5. Jackson has scored a touchdown in each of the last three games, although his yardage has seen a decline. Luckily for fantasy owners, the Eagles have one of the worst run defenses in the league, giving up 139.5 yards per game on the ground. Expect the Bills to run the ball early and often. Projected fantasy points: 13.9.

Not top 5, but could be: This week’s running back that did not make the list but should be on everyone’s radar is Chicago’s Matt Forte. Forte is coming off his best game of the year, rushing for an incredible 205 yards and a touchdown. I don’t expect him to repeat that performance, but I think he will outperform predictions this Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The Lions give up 113 rushing yards per game, and I expect Forte to keep on rolling. Projected fantasy points: 13.6.