Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2011::

Twenty - that’s the number of running backs that are either injured, suspended or are on a bye in Week 8. Last week we saw some rookie backs emerge (DeMarco Murray, Delone Carter) and even more backs get hurt (Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower, Darren McFadden, Mark Ingram, Willis McGahee and Earnest Graham).

Needless to say, it’s another tough week for fantasy football owners when it comes to setting their lineup at the running back position. Hopefully Week 8 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings will help make your lineup decisions easier come Sunday.

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 8.

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

1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Carolina

Peterson ran all over a good Green Bay run defense for 175 yards and a score on 24 carries (7.3 yards per carry).  He’s well on his way to another season of well over 1,000 yards and is scoring much more than he did last season. Peterson finished 2010 with 12 touchdowns and already has eight this year. Those who went the safer route and grabbed Peterson before the other top backs have been greatly rewarded this year. While AD is a must-start every week, owners should be very excited about his matchup this week. The Carolina Panthers have allowed a league-high nine rushing touchdowns this year and are allowing 4.7 YPC and 133.4 yards per game to opposing backs. Peterson should deliver big things for the Vikings and his fantasy owners this week.
Point Projection: 23 points

2. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) vs. Jacksonville

Foster absolutely exploded Sunday for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries AND 119 yards and a touchdown on five catches. Foster is clearly healthy and had 30 touches in the game, so any concerns over his workload can be put to bed. Ben Tate was also able to manage 104 yards on 15 carries, so the Texans are clearly going to lean on their red hot backs, and wisely so. Foster already has over 700 total yards in just five games played and even if he gives up some carries to Tate, he is an obvious must-start in all formats at this point.  The Jacksonville Jaguars have played well against the run, allowing just 101.5 YPG, but the way Foster looks right now he should have no problem running amok.
Point Projection:  21 points

3. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Arizona

In an ugly Monday Night loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rice was only able to run for 28 yards on eight carries with 35 yards on five catches (eight targets). Many, including Terrell Suggs, have questioned why Rice had just eight carries when the Ravens were only down by a score for most of the game. The Arizona Cardinals are allowing 114.2 YPG on the ground, and with injury issues the Ravens should have good field position and plenty of chances to score all game. Of course, that was supposed to be the case Monday night as well so you never know. Nonetheless, there’s no way Rice is held to just 63 total yards again and he should have no issues bouncing back and returning to form. Rice remains a must-start in all formats and will continue to rack up fantasy points all season.
Point Projection: 20 points

4. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Washington

Even after a bye week, Jackson sits at second amongst running backs in fantasy scoring with 119 points (standard) after six games. Jackson already has a ridiculous 880 total yards to go along with six touchdowns and at 30 years old is officially having his breakout season. He is getting absolutely no pressure from the promising CJ Spiller, is seeing around 20 touches per game and making the most of them. After getting off to a hot start, the Washington Redskins run defense has slipped of late and is now allowing 117.5 YPG on the ground. Jackson is a must-start against any run defense, and the way the Redskins are playing lately Jackson could be in for yet another huge game.
Point Projection: 20 points

5. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Cleveland

Gore is healthy and running well with 541 rushing yards (393 of which came in the last three games). He’s not catching the ball as much as usual, but as long as he continues running like he’s been, nobody will complain.  Rookie Kendall Hunter is getting some carries to keep Gore fresh and it’s worked out well the past few games. The Niners are a surprising 5-1 so they aren’t going to change anything up at the moment. As long as Gore gets his 15-plus touches a game he remains a solid RB1. The Cleveland Browns run defense is allowing 119 YPG and Gore should have no issues collecting his fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
Point Projection: 18 points

**BEAT THE BRUNO BOYS $350 WEEK 8 FREE CONTEST**

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 five weeks of the NFL season we have given away over $2,800 in cash prizes. This week, we are offering a $350 free roll in which the TOP 7 win prize money.  Make sure to sign-up now for a chance to win money and take on the Bruno Boys… IT’S FREE!!

Please use this link to enter:  Week 8 $350 Contest  (click to register)

6. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Dallas

After six games this season McCoy already has 692 total yards and eight touchdowns to rank near the top of the heap of fantasy running backs. McCoy faces likely his toughest test of the season in Week 8 against the top-ranked Dallas Cowboys run defense. The Cowboys are allowing just 69.7 YPG and 3.3 YPC to opposing runners this season and have allowed just one run of over 20 yards. McCoy can beat you on the ground and through the air, and he is too vital in this offense to be ignored. He’s had a touchdown in every game this season, and owners should expect that trend to continue at home in a crucial game for the Eagles, even against the best run defense in the league.
Point Projection: 17 points

7. Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers) @Kansas City

Mathews was held in check against the New York Jets Sunday with just 39 yards on 13 carries. He added 26 yards on four catches in an overall boring day for the upstart back. It was the first game this season that Mathews didn’t have over 100 total yards, and Mike Tolbert actually had the hot hand with 58 yards and score. It’s a bit concerning that Mathews was outworked by Tolbert, but he should be able to bounce back against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. While the Chiefs are playing better of late, they are allowing 125.5 YPG on the ground so far this season and in 2010 Mathews had 143 total yards on 36 carries (4.0 YPC) in two games. He’s a high-end RB2 in Week 8.
Point Projection: 16 points

8. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Miami

Bradshaw is having a very good season as both a runner and receiver, racking up 562 total yards and six touchdowns through six games. He’s excelled with Brandon Jacobs out and even performed well at the goal line with three short scores in the Giants last game. It’s not definite but Jacobs is expected to return in Week 8. While he’s not going to take too many carries away from Bradshaw, there’s always a chance he steals a goal line carry or two from him. Nonetheless, Bradshaw is performing well and continues to be a low-end RB1, top-tier RB2 option. The Miami Dolphins are allowing 119.5 YPG on the ground and head coach Tony Sparano is coaching like a man who wants to get fired while the Dolphins are playing like a team that’s trying to more to get the first round pick than anything. Bradshaw is a very good play this week regardless of the status of Jacobs.
Point Projection: 16 points

9. Darren Sproles (New Orleans Saints) @ St. Louis

Sproles kept it rolling and helped tear apart Indianapolis with 88 yards and a score on 12 carries (7.3 YPC) and 19 yards and another touchdown from six catches. He has elevated himself almost to must-start status and with Mark Ingram suffering from a bruised heel, Sproles could be in for an ever bigger week against the St. Louis Rams.  We all watched what DeMarco Murray did to the Rams, who are now allowing a 183.8 YPG average this season. If Ingram is out Sproles will amazingly have RB1 potential this week (who would’ve thought we’d be saying that this season). Even if Ingram does play, Sproles needs to be in your lineups against the worst run defense in the league.
Point Projection: 15 points

10. DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys) @ Philadelphia

We knew Murray was going to get his chance and we knew it was a tasty matchup against St. Louis. What nobody expected, however, was for Murray to run for a franchise record 253 yards on 25 carries (10.1 YPC) and a touchdown. Murray not only proved himself, he all but guaranteed consistent carries for the rest of the season even when Felix Jones returns. Jones is not expected to play this week and Murray once again has a good matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. While no team is quite as bad as St. Louis right now, the Eagles are struggling mightily against the run as well and are allowing 4.8 YPC and 123.8 YPG this season. If you own Murray, he’s a must-start and while it’s highly unlikely he repeats, another big performance could be in store.
Point Projection: 15 points

11. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Houston

MJD chugged through a three-fumble day (only one was lost) to run for 105 yards on 30 carries against a great Baltimore Ravens run defense. It was the first time MJD had 30 carries this season, which shows just how badly the Jags wanted this game (they got it). The team showed a commitment to him despite his fumble-itis and he’ll look to continue his solid season against the Houston Texans in Week 8. Last year he had 100 yards and two touchdowns in a game against the Texans but this season Houston is playing very well against the run allowing just 99.3 YPG. MJD hasn’t run for less than 84 yards in a game this year and his consistency makes him one of the better backs in fantasy. Despite a relatively tough matchup he should still be able to give his owners a solid week.
Point Projection:  14 points

12. Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New England

Mendenhall followed up a great Week 6 performance with a dud – 32 yards on 13 carries (2.5 YPC). Mendenhall has run for 70 or more yards just once this season and isn’t scoring a ton (three touchdowns in six games). Take out his 146 yards in Week 6 and this season has been awful for Mendenhall. He has the talent and occasionally shows it, he is just maddeningly inconsistent and frustrates fantasy owners. The New England Patriots are allowing just 101.5 YPG on the ground this season and the Steelers would be wise to attack a weak secondary, so Mendy is risky again this week. Given byes and injuries he should probably stick in your lineup but isn’t more than an RB2 right now.
Point Projection:  14 points

13. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams)  vs. New Orleans

SJax found the end zone on his way to 70 yards on 18 carries (3.9 YPC). He also gave his PPR owners a boost with four catches for the third straight week. Unfortunately, those four catches went for just three yards. Since returning from injury Jackson has been running well and while he, as usual, isn’t scoring a ton, he has been very efficient with a 4.9 YPC average. The New Orleans Saints come into town in Week 8 off a thrashing of another bad team, the Indianapolis Colts. If the Saints play like that again Jackson isn’t going to have much chance to do anything. Even in that blowout though, Delone Carter managed 89 yards and a touchdown and he isn’t at Jackson’s level yet. The Saints are allowing 5.4 YPC to opposing runners and he should still be in your lineups.
Point Projection: 13 points

15. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) vs. Indianapolis

Johnson’s nightmare season continued Sunday with an absolutely dreadful 18 yards on 10 carries. Johnson also had a terrible game against the Texans last year with just five yards on seven carries so this is nothing new, but at least last season he was playing well. In 2011, Johnson has just 268 yards and a touchdown on 93 carries (2.9 YPC). He’s catching the ball more than usual and already has 143 yards on 24 catches so that’s a plus, but right now he’s on pace for a paltry 715 rushing yards this season…that is not what fantasy owners who drafted him in the top five were expecting, to say the least. Johnson recently said that he isn’t the problem with the running game, and coaches said they have no plans to bench him or anything like that. Johnson, however, is going to have no excuses in Week 8 against an Indianapolis Colts run defense that is allowing 150.9 YPG so far this season. Johnson will have every chance to get it done this week and if he doesn’t it’s time to consider benching him.
Point Projection: 12 points

14. Benjarvus Green-Ellis (New England Patriots) @ Pittsburgh     **QUESTIONABLE - EXPECTED TO PLAY ON SUNDAY**

There was concern over the Law Firm’s workload for a few weeks but after a 136-yard performance against the New York Jets those were quelled for a bit. Steven Ridley is still going to see his carries here and there but make no mistake about it, Green-Ellis is the lead back in this high-scoring offense. The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a slow start this season but are playing more like them selves this week and the run defense has brought a once disappointing YPG number down to 107.1. While it is still not typical Steelers and they are still allowing 4.5 YPC, don’t expect Green-Ellis and the Pats to try and run wild on them. He’ll have a solid game that will be greatly affected by whether or not he can find the end zone.
Point Projection: 12 points

**BEAT THE BRUNO BOYS $350 WEEK 8 FREE CONTEST**

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 five weeks of the NFL season we have given away over $2,800 in cash prizes. This week, we are offering a $350 free roll in which the TOP 7 win prize money.  Make sure to sign-up now for a chance to win money and take on the Bruno Boys… IT’S FREE!!

Please use this link to enter:  Week 8 $350 Contest  (click to register)

16. Jackie Battle (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. San Diego

Battle led the charge Sunday with a solid 76 yards on 16 carries (4.8 YPC). The Chiefs also split another 19 carries between Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones, so it looks like the Chiefs could be going with the ideal fantasy football situation – a three-back rotation. Even if they do, Battle is the clear leader right now and has been impressive, so if there is a Chiefs running back to own, he’s the guy. The Chargers aren’t doing much to stop the run this season and are allowing 4.7 YPC and 121.7 YPC so far. The Chiefs are playing better of late and if they are smart, will lean more on Battle in this game. He’s a good flex option.
Point Projection:  11 points

17. Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos) vs. Detroit

It looks like Moreno will get one more chance to prove to Denver and his fantasy owners that he isn’t a bust as Willis McGahee will be out and he’ll get the start in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions. Moreno had 28 yards on seven carries and two catches for 10 yards Sunday and will see more work as the featured back this week. Moreno has missed time with injuries and in his lone start this season had just 22 yards on eight carries. The young back is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield and while he isn’t a power runner, has the speed to be effective in open space. He should be able to find that space against a Lions run defense that has allowed an average of 129.4 YPG. Consider Moreno a very good flex option and hope he can live up to the hype for at least one week. If he doesn’t, his career as a Bronco likely won’t last much longer.
Point Projection:  10 points

18. Ryan Torain (Washington Redskins) @ Buffalo

After two weeks of starting it was assumed Torain would continue to carry the load in Week 7 before head coach Mike Shanahan pulled some of his trademark Shanahanigans and gave Tim Hightower 17 of 23 carries while Torain had -5 yards on just two carries. Fortunately for Torain though, Hightower is now out for the season so it’s down to him and rookie Roy Helu. They will likely share carries from here on out with the hot hand getting the most work. If Torain gets enough chances he should be able to do some damage against a Buffalo Bills run defense that’s allowing 135.7 YPG, third most in the NFL. Don’t build your lineup around Torain but he should be able to give you some points this week…unless Shanahan strikes again.
Point Projection: 10 points

19. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) @ St. Louis

Thomas even managed to join in on the fun Sunday night with 57 yards on 10 carries and 68 yards on five receptions. Thomas hasn’t been playing terribly this season; the issue has been his workload. With Mark Ingram as the power back and Darren Sproles doing it all, Thomas has found himself as the third wheel clamoring for touches. He manages to get his fair share, it just hasn’t been enough to warrant weekly fantasy consideration. Thomas is a very good play against the St. Louis Rams, who were just torn apart by DeMarco Murray and are allowing 183.8 YPG on the ground this season. With Ingram out of action this week, Thomas should be in your flex spot.
Point Projection: 9 points

20. Bernard Scott (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Seattle

Those that have been stashing Scott awaiting word on Cedric Benson’s suspension were disappointed to hear it was reduced to one game. Nonetheless, Scott will finally get his chance in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks. Scott hasn’t done much in limited work this season (85 yards on 30 carries) and the Seahawks have actually played tough against the run; holding opposing teams to just 105 YPG and 3.2 YPC. Scott certainly isn’t a must-start but if you’ve been holding on to him for a few weeks and need a flex option, he’s going to get most of the carries Sunday so plug him in and hope he can show something.
Point Projection: 9 points