By Bart Lopez
1. Arian Foster (HOU): Arian Foster takes the top spot this week after his second straight 100 plus rushing yards game. Against a tough Jacksonville defense Foster ran for 112 yards and a touchdown. He will have an easier opponent this weekend in the Cleveland Browns. Foster is one of the best backs in the game, so expect a big day this Sunday. Projected fantasy points: 19.8.
2. LeSean McCoy (PHI): LeSean McCoy absolutely destroyed the Dallas Cowboys defense on Sunday night football. He carried the ball 30 times and accumulated 185 yards and two touchdowns. McCoy has played extremely well all year and is one of the main reasons the Eagles have the number one rushing offense in football. Projected fantasy points: 19.5.
3. Fred Jackson (BUF): Fred Jackson recorded his third straight 100 plus rushing yards game in the shutout victory over the Washington Redskins. Jackson has anchored the Bills offense as both a ball carrier and a receiver in the flat. This week the Bills host the New York Jets. Buffalo hasn’t had trouble scoring points all year, so expect a solid day from Jackson. Projected fantasy points: 16.3.
4. Beanie Wells (ARI): Beanie Wells makes the top five for the first time this year. Wells played very well against a tough Ravens defense last Sunday. He finished with 83 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown. The Cardinals don’t have a very potent offense, but are facing a St. Louis defense that has played poorly most of the year. Projected fantasy points: 15.6.
5. Michael Turner (ATL): Before the bye, Turner was instrumental in the Falcons big road victory over the Detroit Lions. The big back rumbled for 122 yards on 27 carries. The Falcons will ease back into things quite nicely with a road game against the winless Colts. Expect Turner to punish the Indianapolis defensive line. Projected fantasy points: 14.6.
Not top 5, but could be: This week’s back that just missed the cut is Chicago’s Matt Forte. Forte has been the most dynamic back in the NFL. Forte has accumulated 1,091 yards from scrimmage this year and accounts for roughly 40 percent of the Bears offense. Chicago needs to pay him because he’s worth it and fantasy owners need to start him. Projected fantasy points: 13.2.
