By Bart Lopez

1. Ray Rice (BAL): This week’s top back is Baltimore’s Ray Rice. Rice is coming off a poor game against the Jaguars. He was given only eight rushes attempts, which he turned into 28 yards rushing and a lost fumble. Luckily for fantasy owners the Ravens are playing the lowly Cardinals on Sunday. Baltimore’s offense needs to step up this week, so expect Ray Rice to get plenty of touches and to run all over Arizona. Projected fantasy points: 18.6.

2. Adrian Peterson (MIN): Peterson was a big reason the game against Green Bay was close at the end. The powerful back rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown against a very good run defense, proving yet again that number 28 cannot be stopped. This week Peterson will rush against the Carolina run defense, which is currently ranked 29th in opposing rushing yards. The Panthers won’t be able to stop him. Projected fantasy points: 18.5.

3. Arian Foster (HOU): Arian Foster was an unstoppable force on Sunday. The Texans back ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns and caught five passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. He single-handedly dismantled the Titans defense. This week the Texans face the Jaguars, who are a very good defensive team. Foster is still going to be a great fantasy player this week because he does it all. Projected fantasy points: 17.7.

4. Fred Jackson (BUF): Jackson has been a big reason why the Buffalo Bills are so successful this season. He has rushed for 601 yards for six touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 279 yards receiving in six games. This Sunday the Bills play the Redskins. Washington has a good defense, but Jackson and the Bills will prove to be too good to stop. Projected fantasy points: 17.2.

5. Darren Sproles (NO): Sproles has been a great addition to the New Orleans Saints, and he proved that yet again last week. He gained over 100 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns. This week the Saints play the Rams, which should result in another big day from the Saints offense and Darren Sproles. Projected fantasy points: 16.4.

Not top 5, but could be: This week’s running back that missed the cut but is in position to have a big game is San Francisco’s Frank Gore. Gore started the season off slow, but has played extremely well the past three games, running for just under 400 yards and scoring three touchdowns. This week the Niners play a Browns team that gives up 119 rushing yards per game. I’m expecting Gore to continue his recent success and rush for over 100 yards and a touchdown. Projected fantasy points: 13.5.