By Bart Lopez

1. Adrian Peterson (MIN): The scariest man to see running at you is the top projected fantasy running back for week seven. Peterson had an off game last week against a tough Chicago defense that limited him to just 39 yards on 12 carries. However, he finished with one touchdown, which saved the week for fantasy owners. In week 7, Peterson will be running against a Packers defense that has done a good job of stopping the run but hasn’t faced a running back as good as Peterson. Projected fantasy points: 17.0.

2. Darren McFadden (OAK): Run DMC takes the second spot this week. Against the Browns, McFadden had a great game rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown. Expect McFadden to repeat the performance in week seven, at least, against a poor defense in the Kansas City Chiefs. He is projected to pick up over 100 yards rushing and nearly a touchdown. Projected fantasy points: 16.9.

3. Chris Johnson (TEN): Johnson hasn’t impressed this season with the bar being set so high after previous years. He has scored just one touchdown this year and has a subpar 250 rushing yards on the season. His week seven opponents are the Houston Texans. Johnson is forecasted to pick up over 100 total yards on the ground and in the air. Projected fantasy points: 16.7.

4. Ray Rice (BAL): Rice ran for his second 100 yard game of the season against the Houston Texans. This week the Ravens will rely on Rice and the running game against a defense that excels at defending the pass but is weak against the run. Expect Rice to get around 20 carries in a solid performance. Projected fantasy points: 14.6.

5. Arian Foster (HOU): Arian Foster rounds out the top five after a decent performance against the formidable Ravens defense. Foster ran for 49 yards and caught six passes for 52 yards. This week the Texans play on the road against the Titans. Tennessee’s defense is good, ranked 10th in stopping the run, but Foster is a top back that will get plenty of opportunities on the ground as well as receiving. Projected fantasy points: 14.4.

Not top 5, but could be: This week’s running back that just missed the cut is Pittsburgh’s Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers face a struggling Cardinals team that has a weak defense. Mendenhall had a great game against the Jags so I’m expecting a big day in Arizona. Projected fantasy points: 11.3.