The fantasy outlook for running backs just gest bleaker and bleaker each week, doesn’t it? When you’re resorting to picking up Peyton Hillis on the waiver wire, it’s officially been a bad year for running backs. But, if you own one of these five guys, you’re in business for Week 9.
1. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Although the Buffalo Bills are only allowing 12.4 points per game to opposing running backs, Charles should still be the top fantasy back this week. And really, shouldn’t he be considered for MVP? Where would the Chiefs be without him? Charles has had at least 19 touches in every game this season, and has continued on his 100 all-purpose yards or more streak this season with a victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, who have a very strong defense. Charles has only broken 100 yards on the ground once, but expect him to get over 20 touches again in this one as the Chiefs attempt to start off the season 9-0.
Projected Statistics: 22 carries, 75 yards, one touchdown, five receptions, 50 yards, one receiving touchdown
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson may not be picking up the yards he was last season, but he’s on pace to score two more touchdowns than he did in the 2012 season. In Week 9, he’ll be facing the formidable Dallas Cowboys defense, who despite the outward appearance of being a decent defense, are allowing over 17 points per game to running backs. Even with the rotating door of quarterbacks in Minnesota, Peterson isn’t getting much work (26 total carries in the past two games). But if the Vikings want a chance to take down Dallas, they’ll need to feed Peterson the ball, who is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Expect the best back in the league to break 100 yards on the ground in this one.
Projected Statistics: 25 carries, 105 yards, two touchdowns
3. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Due to some questionable play calling in Week 8, Lynch didn’t produce nearly as much as owners expected him to. Seattle’s Monday night game against the St. Louis Rams was the first time Lynch had gotten less than 17 carries in a game, and the Seahawks seemed content to rely on Russell Wilson near the goal line. But their Week 9 opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, are an under-performing football team this season, and Seattle should be playing with a lead for most of the game. That should get Lynch his carries, and after their inability to score in the red zone last week, he should be getting more touches inside their opponent’s 20.
Projected Statistics: 23 carries, 100 yards, one touchdown
4. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
In PPR leagues, Forte should jump Lynch on this list, but in standard leagues, the Green Bay Packers have been good enough against running backs to knock down Forte’s value. The Packers are only allowing 13.3 points per game to running backs, and have yet to give up a receiving touchdown to a running back, which is where Forte derives some of his value. However, this game should be a shootout with how well Green Bay’s offense has been performing, so Forte will get his touches in the run and pass games. Don’t expect the three-touchdown game he had last week against the Washington Redskins, but he will still find his way into the end zone on the ground.
Projected Statistics: 16 carries, 70 yards, one touchdown, three receptions, 20 yards
5. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
With the recent slew of injuries sustained by Philadelphia quarterbacks, McCoy’s numbers have dropped off. McCoy has only scored double-digit points in the past two games, but the Raiders are allowing over 14 points per game to running backs.
It looks as if Nick Foles will be the starter in Philly in Week 9. In Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Foles started, McCoy had over 160 total yards. He won’t break that mark this week, but having Foles (who is at least an upgrade over Matt Barkley) should get McCoy back on track.
Projected Statistics: 17 carries, 60 yards, six receptions, 50 yards