Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

- Written by Rich Arleo
- Edited by Marc Caviglia
- Predictions are based on Staff Consensus

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF DECEMBER 4, 2011::

Week 13 is a crucial week in fantasy football. Playoff hopes hang in the balance and the difference between your fantasy season continuing or ending abruptly rests on the tough decisions at every lineup spot on your team.

A lot of good running backs have tough matchups this week and injury issues need to be sorted out before Sunday, but our Fantasy Football Week 13 Running Backs Rankings looks to help you make the crucial decisions to boost your team into the playoffs.
Remember, we update our rankings throughout the week and finalize them on Saturday night before kickoff. Now it’s time to dive into our Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for Week 12.

Standard Scoring

Pass TD: 4 points |  All Other TDs: 6 points
25 Passing Yards: 1 point |  All Turnovers: -2 points
10 Rushing Yards: 1 point |  10 Receiving Yards: 1 point

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1. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. St. Louis

Gore struggled Thursday night, gaining just 39 yards on 14 carries with a nine-yard reception. The Baltimore Ravens posed a tough matchup, but owners will be thrilled with his matchup this week. The St. Louis Rams have given up a league worst 1,749 rushing yards this season. Runners are averaging 159 yards per game (YPG) against them and they are fresh off letting Beanie Wells run for 228 yard, the second time they’ve allowed a 200-yard rusher this season (DeMarco Murray in Week 7). Gore could easily be the third this week as long as he’s at 100 percent. Expect him to regain his mid-season form and put up enough numbers to carry his fantasy owners to victory in Week 13.
Point Projection: 21 points

2. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Cleveland
 
Ray Ray struggled on the ground against the best run defense in the league Thursday night, gaining just 59 yards on 21 carries (2.8 yards per carry [YPC]). He had 24 yards on three catches, but it was an overall disappointing game for Rice. The matchup was tough so the warning signs were there, but Rice isn’t one of those guys you take out of your lineup at any time. He should be able to bounce back in Week 13 against a Cleveland Browns run defense allowing 138.6 YPG on the ground. He’s seen at least 20 carries the past two games and if that trend continues, he’ll put up big numbers against the Browns. All signs point to a huge performance from Rice this week and hopefully he can deliver.
Point Projection: 20 points

3. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. San Diego

MJD had 99 yards on 18 carries (5.5 YPC) and led the Jags with 67 yards on four catches. He has become a nice PPR threat with 11 catches the past three games and is now over the century mark with 1,040 yards on the season while averaging 4.5 YPC. His consistency is probably his most valuable asset as he hasn’t scored less than eight points in a game (standard scoring) this season. The San Diego Chargers are in a freefall and are giving up 131.9 YPG on the ground this season, so Pocket Hercules is in for another good game.
Point Projection: 17 points

4. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) vs. Atlanta

Foster had 65 yards and a score on 22 carries against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. He pleased his PPR owners with seven catches for 24 yards, but the rushing yards were a bit disappointing. The matchup gets a little tougher this week as the Texans host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. The Falcons are ranked No.2 in the NFL, giving up just 83.5 YPG on the ground this year, so expectations have to be tempered a bit for Foster this week.  Still, he is seeing around 25 touches per game, which will be enough to put up decent numbers Sunday. He’s a must-start no matter the matchup.
Point Projection: 17 points

5. DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys) @ Arizona  

The prevailing thought that Murray would retain the starting job when Felix Jones returned was confirmed on Thanksgiving as he ran for 87 yards on 22 carries (4.0 YPC) while Jones didn’t run the ball once. Murray added 41 yards on four catches and it looks like the starting job in Dallas is all his. He hasn’t scored the past two games but will look to change that in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are allowing 123.5 YPG on the ground and have given up 12 rushing touchdowns. Murray has been extremely effective as both a runner and receiver and can be considered a solid RB1 this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

6. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Seattle

McCoy had just 31 yards on 10 carries Sunday against New England but found the end zone once again (No. 13 on the season) and added 30 yards on four catches. The Eagles fell behind early and weren’t able to give McCoy much work, but he should see a bigger workload against the Seattle Seahawks this week. Seattle is actually stopping the run effectively this season, holding opposing runners to 3.5 YPC and 100.9 YPG. Nonetheless, McCoy has a nose for the end zone and the Eagles won’t be throwing 48 times with Vince Young again. He remains an RB1 despite the difficult matchup.
Point Projection: 16 points

7. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. Kansas City

Forte had 59 yards on 12 carries (4.9 YPC) and a team-high six catches for 25 yards Sunday. He was out-gained by Marion Barber, who is now seeing an increased workload as the Bears focus on the run. This doesn’t hurt Forte as much as you would think though since he’s still the top receiving threat on the team and will still see a ton of carries. The Bears are going to run, run, and run some more with Caleb Hanie under center, and against the Kansas City Chiefs run defense giving up 133.7 YPG he’s still a low-end RB1 play in standard leagues and an obvious stud in PPR leagues.
Point Projection: 16 points

8. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Buffalo

CJ2K made an appearance against Tampa Bay in Week 12 with a season-high 190 yards on 23 carries. He had a season-low one catch for three yards, but if he continues to run like this nobody will care. He’s run better of late but has sandwiched a few duds in between solid performances so we can’t officially say “he’s back” just yet. Nonetheless, he looked great Sunday and gets a Buffalo Bills run defense that’s allowing 123.8 YPG this season. Plug him in, hold your breath and hope for a repeat performance.
Point Projection: 16 points

9. LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. Carolina

Blount had another good game with 103 yards on 20 carries and a surprising 56 yards on three catches (both season highs).  He has run very well the past two games and that should continue in Week 13 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have allowed a league-worst 15 rushing touchdowns to go along with 4.8 YPC and 137.5 YPG. He lost two fumbles last week, which is a concern, but he should see 20-plus carries, gaining over 100 yards with at least one touchdown against the Panthers this week. Don’t expect another huge performance through the air, but the production as a runner should be enough here.
Point Projection: 16 points

10. Michael Bush (Oakland Raiders) @ Miami

Bush ran for 69 yards and a score on 24 carries (2.9 YPC) and added 24 yards on four catches. He wasn’t extremely effective but saved his day with a big touchdown late for the Raiders. Darren McFadden doesn’t look ready and the Raiders won’t hurry him back because of Bush’s effectiveness. The Miami Dolphins are holding opposing runners to 3.7 YPC and 97.5 YPG so it’s a tough matchup, but Bush is getting 20-plus carries a game and running well…he’ll be fine.
Point Projection: 15 points

**BEAT BRUNO BOYS ALLIE $1,000 WEEK 13 CONTEST - TOP 9 PAID** 

We’ve partnered with DraftStreet.com to provide our fans an opportunity to play WEEKLY salary cap fantasy football against the Bruno Boys Staff.  Through the first 12 weeks of the NFL season we have given away over $4,600 in cash prizes. This week, we are offering a $1,000 cash prize tournament in which you pay $11 entry fee and not only can you win up to $1,000 in prizes, if you beat Bruno Boys Allie we give you $5 back. The tournament is limited to the first 100 sign-ups and you can register up to three separate teams.

Please use this link to enter for a chance to beat Bruno Boys Allie:  Week 13 $1,000 Contest  (click to register)

11. Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Philadelphia

Lynch extended his touchdown streak to seven games by scoring on a 20-yard reception Sunday against Washington. He also had a great day on the ground, running for 111 yards on 24 carries. After a rough start to the season, Lynch has developed into a top-tier RB2 with good yardage totals and a nose for the end zone. The Philadelphia Eagles have improved against the run as the season has progressed and are allowing 110.3 YPG. The way Lynch is producing from a fantasy perspective, he has to remain in your fantasy lineups. His touchdown streak has to end sometime, but it may not be this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

12. Reggie Bush (Miami Dolphins) vs. Oakland

Bush led the way with 61 yards on 16 carries and 35 yards on three catches. Rookie Daniel Thomas saw just six carries so it looks like Bush will continue to garner the majority of the work for Miami. He’s been running very well and is a solid RB2 against the Oakland Raiders, who are allowing 5.3 YPC and 135.3 YPG on the ground this season. As long as Bush is seeing 15-plus touches he should be in your fantasy lineup in all formats, especially when the matchup is right…it is this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

13. Beanie Wells (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Dallas

Many were skeptical of Wells this week because of injury issues but there was always the chance he went off against a terrible St. Louis run defense, and that’s exactly what happened. Wells ran wild with a career-high 228 yards on 27 carries to go along with a touchdown. He had a few scares in the game, going down with apparent injuries more than once, but he was able to return and prove he was healthy with big run after big run throughout the entire game. The Dallas Cowboys will pose a much tougher matchup than the awful Rams, however, and are allowing just 100.3 YPG on the ground. It won’t be another 200-yard game, but as long as he is healthy he’ll be effective enough to get you decent fantasy points out of your RB2 slot.
Point Projection: 13 points

14. Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers) @ Jacksonville

Mathews was back at 100 percent and ran for a career-high 139 yards on 22 carries (6.2 YPC). As long as he stays healthy he’ll likely remain the lead back in this offense ahead of Mike Tolbert and should be able to do some damage against a Jacksonville team in flux with a new head coach. As long as Mathews sees 20 carries and stays healthy he is a solid RB2 play in Week 13 and hopefully for the rest of the season.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Willis McGahee (Denver Broncos) @ Minnesota

McGahee showed he was healthy once again with 117 yards on 23 carries (5.1 YPC). It was his fifth 100-yard game of the season and he is shouldering the load in this backfield once again with Lance Ball running just four times. Tim Tebow ran the ball 22 times and that trend is going to continue in this run-first offense that has been surprisingly successful. The Minnesota Vikings are tough against the run, allowing just 3.7 YPC and 99.6 YPG. Despite the matchup, McGahee will likely see 20-plus carries and should be able to rack up some decent yardage. He only has three touchdowns on the season so a few more scores would be nice, but he’s a high-end flex option this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

16. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots) vs. Indianapolis

The Law-Firm found the end zone twice Sunday, running for 44 yards on 14 carries. It was the first time he scored since Week 5 and his workload has been sporadic, but there is always a chance he puts up a game like this. He is a good flex option this week against an Indianapolis Colts run defense allowing 150.6 YPG with a league-high 15 rushing touchdowns. There’s always a risk of a dud with BJGE, but there’s very good chance he finds the end zone again this week…get him in your lineup.
Point Projection: 12 points

17. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) @ San Francisco

S-Jax gained 64 yards on 17 carries (3.8 YPC) with 14 yards on three catches. He’s slowed down a bit the past two weeks and is in for a long day against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. The Niners are allowing a league-best 75.5 YPG and have yet to allow a rushing touchdown this year. There’s no denying the effect the Niners run defense has had on opposing backs this year. Jackson should remain in your lineup, but be pleased with high-end flex numbers this week.
Point Projection: 11 points

18. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Houston

Turner had his worst game since Week 3, running for just 60 yards on 19 carries against Minnesota. The Vikings were a tough matchup, but the Houston Texans are even tougher. They are allowing just 92.5 YPG on the ground this year so Turner could have a rough go of it in Week 13. He probably won’t gain too much yardage and his day will rest on whether or not he can find the end zone. Start Turner, just don’t get too excited about it. Cross your fingers and hope he can surprise with a solid game.
Point Projection: 11 points

19. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) @ Tampa Bay

Williams ran the ball 15 times and found the end zone twice while gaining 69 yards. He had five more carries than Jonathan Stewart and got the scores as the Panthers took advantage of a weak run defense. He’ll get a shot at another weak run defense this week in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are allowing 4.8 YPC and 139.7 YPG and have allowed 13 rushing touchdowns so D-Willy is a decent flex option once again in Week 13. Give him a shot and hope for a repeat performance.
Point Projection: 11 points

20. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Cincinnati

Mendy was disappointing yet again Sunday night with just 57 yards on 17 carries against what had been a less than impressive Kansas City run defense. He has run for over 70 yards just once this season so when he doesn’t score, he’s providing no better than mediocre flex numbers. Mendy gets another crack at Cincinnati this week. Last time out he struggled to gain yardage with just 44 yards on 16 carries but made fantasy owners happy with two touchdowns and a 26-yard reception. He’s going to have to be more effective as two scores are unlikely again. Consider him a flex option with upside this week.
Point Projection: 11 points