The bad news for fantasy owners this week is that the Minnesota Vikings are on bye this week, which means no Adrian Peterson this week. But the good news for other NFL running backs is that the No. 1 spot is open in fantasy this week.
So who will take over Peterson’s role as the top fantasy back in Week 5?
1. LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
With the No. 1 back in fantasy out this week, it only makes sense for the No. 2 back to take over the top spot this week. McCoy will be facing his weakest defense yet in Week 5, the New York Giants.
The Giants are 28th in the league in rushing defense, and opponents have scored four rushing touchdowns in four games. McCoy is averaging six yards per carry, although he only has two total touchdowns, but his major value has been in total yards, as he averages 20 yards per reception on seven catches.
Projected Statistics: 20 carries, 120 yards, one touchdown, two receptions, 30 yards
2. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
Charles could be the top back in PPR leagues, but for standard leagues he’s still one of the best backs out there in Week 5. Charles leads the Chiefs in catches and targets, leading to an average of 125.5 total yards per game.
His opponent this week, the Tennessee Titans, are allowing 99 rushing yards per game and just over 30 receiving yards to opposing running backs. Kansas City’s offense essentially runs through Charles at this point, so he’s a must-start every week.
Projected Statistics: 16 carries, 90 yards, one touchdown, three receptions, 50 yards
3. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
Forte has excelled in Marc Trestman’s offense, averaging about 120 total yards per game and scoring three rushing touchdowns in four games. Forte has been targeted by quarterback Jay Cutler 26 times and is averaging seven yards per catch, although he’s yet to get a receiving touchdown.
Forte faces off against the New Orleans saints, the 22nd ranked rushing offense in the NFL. He’ll have to get most of his yards on the ground, since the Saints have the fifth-best passing offense and have forced seven interceptions. In the Monday Night game, Lamar Miller of the Dolphins averaged 5.6 yards per carry against the Saints on just 11 carries, and if Forte can average that he’ll put up big numbers.
Projected Statistics: 18 carries, 90 yards, one touchdown, two catches, 20 yards
4. Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Lynch has had a very up-and-down season, but still averages 99.8 total yards per game and a touchdown. This is a pretty clear-cut matchup against the Colts, who are giving up 106.8 yards and a touchdown per game to opposing quarterbacks. Lynch will have a solid game here that will put him in the top five.
Projected Statistics: 22 carries, 100 yards one touchdown
5. Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
Assuming Bush can stay healthy this whole game and play the full 60 minutes, he’ll be incredibly effective. He’s currently on pace to have a career year, and is averaging 7.3 yards per touch. Bush has also scored two touchdowns in three games, which lessens some of the concerns over the touchdown totals he’s had in previous seasons.
The Packers have defended the run well this year, but Bush can burn them in the passing game, considering Green Bay gives up 311 passing yards to opponents per game.
Projected Statistics: 15 carries, 70 yards, six receptions, 80 yards