By Bart Lopez

1. Ray Rice (BAL): Mr. Rice is this week’s top projected running back. He has done just about everything for the Ravens offense, scoring two touchdowns on the ground and two in the air. He had a somewhat slow week against a tough Jets defense in week four, but is primed after a bye to run all over the Texans on Sunday. Projected fantasy points: 21.0.

2. Darren McFadden (OAK): The top rushing running back in football has had a rough couple of weeks against solid defenses specifically designed to stop him. He hasn’t scored a touchdown in two games, but I expect that to change this week against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are bad at stopping the run and give up over 120 rushing yards per game. At home after the passing of Al Davis, the Raiders are going to be extra motivated and that can only mean good things for their best offensive weapon. Projected fantasy points: 17.8.

3. Adrian Peterson (MIN): The human tank takes the third spot after running over every Arizona defensive player. If you watched the highlights then you saw him use the truck stick on his way to 122 yards and three touchdowns. The Vikings hit the road this weekend to play the Chicago Bears. The Bears defense has struggled this year, uncharacteristically giving up big plays, such as the long run to Jahvid Best on Monday. I don’t think anyone can stop Peterson. Projected fantasy points: 16.4.

4. LeSean McCoy (PHI): Thanks to players like LeSean McCoy, the Eagles don’t have problems scoring points. They just can’t hold on to the ball or stop the other team from scoring. McCoy has scored seven touchdowns this year, rushing and receiving, and continues to be a solid fantasy player. His next opponent will be a good Washington Redskins defense. McCoy is an integral part of the Eagles offense, and he will end up with good numbers nonetheless. Projected fantasy points: 14.9.

5. Cedric Benson (CIN): Benson makes a surprise showing in this week’s top five, narrowly beating out Chicago’s Matt Forte. His suspension continues to be delayed, which means he is good to go this week against a winless Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have one of the worst rush defenses in the league and Benson is due for a big game. Projected fantasy points: 13.8.

Not top 5, but could be: This week’s running back that missed the top five but is primed for a big week is Atlanta’s Michael Turner. Turner has scored three touchdowns in the past two games, and could add many more as he always gets the call at the goal line. On Sunday the Falcons play the 1-4 Panthers. Carolina is not a good defensive team, and is especially weak against the run. I’m expecting Turner to prove the projection wrong and have a big game. Projected fantasy points: 12.9.