Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings: Running Backs

Sep 12, 2012

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

WEEK 2 RANKINGS QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF

Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season is in the books and it was, not surprisingly, a very interesting week for fantasy football players. Many top star running backs surrounded by question marks such as Adrian Peterson and Maurice Jones-Drew silenced their critics, while others like Chris Johnson had his owners fuming. With only one week down there are still tons of questions and concerns surrounding running backs, as there will be all year.

Our Fantasy Football Week 2 Running Back Rankings looks to weed out the good from the bad to help your fantasy team either bounce back and get your first win of the season or start your first winning streak of 2012.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2012::

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1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Indianapolis

All of the concerns around Peterson’s knee washed away (at least for now) after AD had two touchdowns and 84 yards on 17 carries right out of the gate in 2012. Those who grabbed him in the second round or later look to have a big steal on their hands and may have grabbed a top five back way later than he should’ve gone. Expect Peterson to follow up with a big performance against the Indianapolis Colts this week. The Colts allowed 143.9 YPG on the ground and were destroyed by Chicago already this season. Peterson is in line for a huge day.
Point Projection: 22 points

(+PPR) 2. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Philadelphia

Rice scored twice and totaled 93 yards on just 13 touches. The Ravens are clearly going to throw the ball more this year, but with Rice’s pass-catching talents and the evident scoring opportunities, his fantasy value shouldn’t take a hit at all. There is no matchup concern here with Philadelphia and not much more to say…Rice is a simple plug-and-play on a weekly basis.
Point Projection: 22 points

(+PPR) 3. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) @ Jacksonville

Foster was a question mark leading up to Sunday’s matchup with Miami. Fortunately for his owners, he played and scored twice, though it wasn’t his most effective game. He ran for just 79 yards on 26 carries (3.0 YPC) and was not a factor through the air with -4 yards receiving on three targets. Touchdowns, however, saved his fantasy football day and he will look to gain some more yards in Week 2 against Jacksonville. The Jags couldn’t stop Adrian Peterson and Minnesota and are likely going to struggle against Foster and the Texans this week. Now that we know he is healthy, pencil in Foster for a big game.
Point Projection: 21 points

(+PPR) 4. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) @ Miami

While McFadden couldn’t get anything going on the ground with 32 yards on 15 carries, he was Carson Palmer’s favorite target on the night and caught 13 passes for 86 yards. He was targeted 18 times, eight more than any other Raider. The only concern really with McFadden is his health. We all know that as long as he stays healthy he will be a top RB1. The Miami Dolphins had the third ranked run defense last year and did a decent job slowing down Arian Foster last week, so while it’s not the easiest of matchups, Run DMC should still provide solid value from your RB1 spot this week and for as long as he stays on the field.
Point Projection: 19 points

(PPR+) 5. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Green Bay

Forte looked fantastic Sunday, running for 80 yards and a score in 16 carries (5.0 YPC) while adding another 40 yards on three receptions. The main concern with Forte’s fantasy value this season was the presence of Michael Bush, and that concern became a reality as not only did Bush vulture two touchdowns, he also received 12 carries (just four less than Forte). The star runner expressed his frustration with being on the sidelines during those scoring opportunities, and it remains to be seen if the Bears react to that in any way. Nonetheless, the Bears head to Green Bay Thursday night to face a Packers run defense that is no longer the unstoppable force it was two seasons ago. After allowing a pedestrian 4.7 YPC average last season, they let San Francisco gain 186 yards on 32 carries (5.8 YPC) in Week 1. Forte, like every week, is a must-start RB1.
Point Projection: 18 points

(+PPR) 6. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Baltimore

Shady wasted no time racking up yardage this season by totaling 136 yards on 26 touches. He averaged 5.5 YPC and caught six passes, second on the team only to Jeremy Maclin. He unfortunately didn’t find the end zone but that’s mostly because Michael Vick was too busy throwing interceptions. McCoy has a tough test against Baltimore this week, though the Ravens did struggle a bit against the run in Week 1, allowing 129 yards and a score to Cincinnati. You might consider benching some running backs against the Ravens defense…McCoy is not one of them. Expect him to get the job done again and hopefully find the end zone at least once this week. With no other runners on this team aside from Vick, McCoy is one of the safest bets out there.
Point Projection: 18 points

(+PPR) 7. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Houston

Preseason? Who needs a preseason? MJD came right out of his holdout to run for 77 yards on 19 carries (4.1 YPC) along with 18 yards on three catches. Rashad Jennings left the game early with a knee injury and MJD proved he could handle a full workload. It looks like he’ll be ready to go all out in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. The Texans were a top run defense in 2011 but in two games against them last season MJD had 162 yards on 46 carries, 101 yards on seven catches and a touchdown. While he may not be all the way back just yet, he is still worthy of low-end RB1 status given his history and solid Week 1 game.
Point Projection: 17 points

8. Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Buffalo

Charles looks to be fully recovered from his knee surgery and ran for 87 yards on 16 carries (5.4 YPC) in the Chiefs opener. He had nine more carries than Peyton Hillis and was much more effective than his counterpart as well. Hillis could certainly bounce back and he is going to take touches away from Charles all season, but if he can run like this each week he will stop be a top fantasy producer. The Buffalo Bills allowed 139 YPG on the ground in 2011 and couldn’t stop the New York Jets last week, so consider Charles a low-end RB1 this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

(+PPR) 9. DeMarco Murray (Dallas Cowboys) @ Seattle

After an impressive rookie season was cut short by injury, Murray wasted no time showing he is the real deal by running all over the New York Giants to the tune of 131 yards on 20 carries with an impressive 6.6 YPC average. He also added two catches for nine yards and with Felix Jones a non-factor in the game Murray looks to be a top RB1 this season if he can stay healthy. The Seattle Seahawks were decent against the run this year and look to have improved this season. While they faced a weak Arizona rushing attack last week, they should still pose a tough test for Murray. Nonetheless, his explosiveness and impressive Week 1 make him a must-start this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

(+PPR) 10. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ San Diego

Here we go again? That’s what many CJ2K owners are asking after a disastrous Week 1 performance in which he gained just four yards on 11 carries. He did, however, reward his PPR owners with four receptions for 47 yards, and with the Titans down big by halftime, the run game was irrelevant as the team focused on trying to comeback through the air. Who knows what he would have done had he gotten more carries? Let’s not panic just yet. He is looking like a great PPR play this season, and in Week 2 he should get a chance to impress against the San Diego Chargers. While the team did a nice job on the ground against Darren McFadden, they let him catch 13 passes for 86 yards. The Titans would be wise to try to exploit that this week and throw to Johnson often. It would also be nice if the Titans didn’t fall behind early and have to abandon the running game this week. Again, he is a better start in PPR leagues but should still be in your lineup in standard formats as an RB2.
Point Projection: 15 points

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11. BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Cincinnati Bengals) vs. Cleveland

Green-Ellis had a great debut with Cincy, running for 91 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries against the Baltimore Ravens stout run defense. He has a chance of being one of the biggest fantasy football steals of the year as no other Cincy back looks like they will push him this year. He is a great goal line back who is showing great promise as an every down back and is very consistent. This week he has a very tasty matchup with the Cleveland Browns, one of the worst run defenses in the league last year and a team that tends to struggle to score. The Law Firm should see plenty of work and plenty of success in Week 2. Consider him a high-end RB2.
Point Projection: 15 points

12. Stevan Ridley (New England Patriots) vs. Arizona

Ridley set the fantasy football world ablaze Sunday by essentially winning the Patriots starting running back gig with 125 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries (6.0 YPC). He added 27 yards on two catches and it looks as though owners who took a chance on him in the later rounds may be rewarded big time. In Week 2, Ridley gets a nice matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. They struggled against the run last season and shouldn’t prove too tough a test for the young runner in Week 2. He has to be in your lineup after his big game.
Point Projection: 14 points

(PPR+) 13. CJ Spiller (Buffalo Bills) vs. Kansas City

After Fred Jackson left the game with injury, Spiller took advantage of the opportunity and gained 169 yards on 14 carries and 25 yards on two catches. He added a touchdown and with Jackson out for at least three weeks becomes the go-to in the Bills backfield. It’s certainly possible the Jets let up a bit because most of Spillers yardage came with the game out of hand. Either way, he broke some tackles and had some big runs in the game. He looks to have a post-hype breakout this season and will get a chance to prove himself against Kansas City this week. The Chiefs allowed over 130 YPG on the ground last season but held Atlanta to just 84 last week. The Falcons focused on passing, however, so don’t think too much of the matchup on Sunday. You can’t have Spiller on your bench after a performance like what he had last week, and now that he is starting expect some solid production.
Point Projection: 14 points

(+PPR) 14. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Washington

Jackson was held in check on the ground by Detroit Sunday, running for just 53 yards on 21 carries. He did, however, gained 31 yards on four catches. Despite the lackluster game, Jackson owners have to be pleased with the fact he ran the ball 21 times while nobody else had more than two carries. His value hinges on the fact that he remains a workhorse, and while he isn’t in a very high-powered offense he is still a grinder and a smart RB2. The Washington Redskins were a middle-of-the-road run defense last year and the fact that they held New Orleans to only 32 rushing yards last week was only a result of the game situation as they ran only 10 times. Keep Jackson locked into your RB2 spot and just cross your fingers he can cross the plane at least once.
Point Projection: 14 points

15. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit

Gore was fantastic on Sunday. He gained 112 yards on 16 carries (7.0 YPC) and scored a touchdown. He had 16 carries to Kendall Hunter’s nine, and owners can expect a similar breakdown throughout the season. Last year the Niners cut down on Gore’s carries and it helped him stay healthy, and this year right off the bat it looks to be benefiting him again. Detroit limited Steven Jackson last week, though they allowed a dreadful 5.0 YPC to opposing runners last year. Keep Gore in your RB2 slot.
Point Projection: 13 points

16. Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Dallas

Lynch overcame back spasms he was dealing with and ran for 85 yards on 21 carries. He added 12 yards on two catches, and while he didn’t score it was a decent day considering his uncertain status leading up to the game. Lynch ran for 135 yards and a touchdown against Dallas last season and he will look to repeat that performance. He should be able to built on last game as long as he put the back spasms behind him. He is an RB2 this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

17. Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins) @ St. Louis

After staying mum on who would see the bulk of carries, head coach Mike Shanahan went with the sixth round rookie who had a nice preseason and he delivered with 98 yards and a touchdown. Many fantasy footballers are rushing to pick up Morris, but be careful. Morris ended up with a so-so 3.4 YPC and Shanahan has been known to switch starters from week to week. His long-term value is a big concern, but if he gets the start this week he is worth giving a shot against the St. Louis Rams, the second-worst run defense in 2011. Detroit was efficient on the ground against the Rams last week and Shanahan is going to look to exploit them with a consistent rushing attack. We can’t say how long this will last, but start Morris this week if you were able to grab him.
Point Projection: 13 points

(+PPR) 18. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Tampa Bay

Bradshaw ran for 78 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 15 yards in Wednesday’s opening night loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Bradshaw was the top dog for most of the game after rookie David Wilson was benched for fumbling. The Giants struggled for most of the game to move the ball on the ground, and his 4.6 YPC average is largely thanks to a big 33-yard run. Nonetheless, it looks like Wilson is in the doghouse for the time being and Bradshaw will be the go-to runner in Week 2 against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers were the worst run defense in the league last year, but in Week 1 they held the Carolina Panthers to a grand total of 10 yards on 13 carries (0.8 YPC). New head coach Greg Schiano and defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan put a focus on the run defense by installing more blitz packages, and the team also added some new key players, including dynamic rookie safety Mark Barron. It was only one game, though it looks like it’s not going to be as easy to run on the Bucs as it was last year. With that being said, Bradshaw’s status as the starter in this high-powered offense makes him a solid RB2 this week.
Point Projection:13 points

(+PPR)19. Reggie Bush (Miami Dolphins) vs. Oakland

Despite the difficult Houston matchup, Bush was pretty good in running for 69 yards on 14 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 46 yards on six catches. He had the second most targets and most receptions on the team, and that is a trend that is going to continue with the Dolphins’ weak stable of receivers. He may have to continue to be a one-man show for Miami this season. The Oakland Raiders may have stuffed the run Monday night by holding San Diego to 32 yards on 20 carries (1.6 YPC). Unfortunately for them, Bush is not Curtis Brinkley or Ronnie Brown. The Raiders did show some improvement on the defensive end but Bush will provide a test for them. Keep him in your lineup as a mid-level RB2.
Point Projection: 13 points

(+PPR) 20. Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ New York Giants

Martin had a great rookie debut by taking advantage of an awful Carolina run defense. He gained 95 yards on 24 carries (4.0 YPC) and added 24 yards on four catches. It was nice to see some good hands from the youngster, as well as a good overall game. LeGarrette Blount was an afterthought and Martin has clear control of the Bucs’ backfield. The New York Giants were suspect against the run last season and DeMarco Murray had his way with them in the season opener. Keep Martin in that lineup.
Point Projection: 12 points

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21. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Denver

Turner had a bad opener on Sunday as all of the preseason concerns surrounding his fantasy value came true when he ran for only 32 yards on 11 carries. The Atlanta Falcons are no a pass-first offense, and with the Falcons limiting his touches and spelling him with Jacquizz Rodgers it looks like Turner is going to have to do a lot with a little to be effective for your fantasy football team this season. Denver was bad against the run in 2011 but did a good job stopping Pittsburgh in Week 1. They held the team to just 75 yards on 26 carries (2.9 YPC), though that could be blamed on Isaac Redman’s ineffectiveness (20 yards on 11 carries) because Jonathan Dwyer had success with 43 yards on nine carries. It’s tough to consider turner much more than a flex option th}

(+PPR) 22. Darren Sproles (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina

Sproles caught five passes for 35 yards and a touchdown and was targeted eight times through the air. He didn’t run once because the Saints had to abandon the ground game, but he should see some carries this week against a weak Carolina Panthers run defense. Either way, Sproles is once again going to be a top target for Drew Brees this season. He is obviously a beast in PPR leagues and in standard leagues will continue to provide value as a starter. He needs to be in your lineup this week against the Panthers.
Point Projection: 11 points

23. Michael Bush (Chicago Bears) @ Green Bay

Bush did exactly what Chicago signed him this offseason to do…convert goal line opportunities and score touchdowns. He actually got 12 carries, which is more than expected, but the important part for Bush is that he scored twice. He added 42 yards and looks to be a good matchup play for your fantasy team this season. Starting running back Matt Forte was vocal about being taken out of the game during these scoring opportunities, and it will be interesting to see if the Bears react to that and give him more chances near the goal line. Bush and the Bears head to Green Bay Thursday night and the once lauded Packers run defense looked in Week 1 like they did for much of last season: very beatable. San Francisco tore them apart on the ground, and there’s no reason Bush and the Bears can’t do the same. Start him in your flex spot.
Point Projection: 10 points

24. Willis McGahee (Denver Broncos) @ Atlanta

The veteran back started off the 2012 season by running for 64 yards on 16 carries. He didn’t score but the 4.0 YPC average is good to see, especially against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Atlanta Falcons are no slouch either and held opponents to 96 YPG last season. This game will probably be a shootout with Matt Ryan up against Peyton Manning, so McGahee will probably have to score a touchdown to have a nice fantasy day, which is a dangerous proposition. He is no more than a flex if you have no better options.
Point Projection: 10 points

25. Shonn Greene (New York Jets) @ Pittsburgh

Greene finished the Jets’ opener with 94 yards and a score on 27 carries (3.5 YPC). It was encouraging to see him score (albeit in garbage time) and the Jets ran often with him after gaining a big lead early. The Jets passing game surprised some this week and if they can continue to get that kind of offense through the air, Greene’s play will only improve as he will see more and more holes. He is going to have a tough test against the Pittsburgh Steelers run defense in Week 2. The Steelers held the Broncos rushing attack in check for the most part on Sunday night and will look to do the same with Greene and the Jets this Sunday. He can only be considered an OK flex option this week.
Point Projection: 9 points

26, Donald Brown (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Minnesota

Brown was able to make the best of the nine carries he was given by running for 48 yards (5.3 YPC) and a touchdown. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck threw 45 times and it looks as though this is going to be a pass-first offense as they try to get Luck going. To Brown’s credit he was very efficient while rookie Vick Ballard ran for just six yards with the four carries he was given. Maybe the most impressive thing about Brown’s game is that it came against a very tough Chicago Bears run defense. This week, the Colts host the Minnesota Vikings, a team that was also a top run defense last season but did allow 113 yards on the ground to Jacksonville in Week 1. Consider Brown a decent flex option and hope he can stick in that slot for your team throughout the season.
Point Projection: 9 points

(+PPR) 27. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) @ San Francisco

Smith was projected to have a big game against St. Louis and he delivered with two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving, to go along with 91 total yards on 16 touches. Smith was the only Lion to run the ball more than once, and while he did get a rushing touchdown vultured away by Joique Bell, owners have to be encouraged at the performance and the fact that he was one of the focal points of the offense. It was also nice to see him stay healthy, albeit for one game. Smith doesn’t get to face a soft defense this week, unfortunately. He’ll be up against the top run defense in the league in San Francisco and is going to have a rough go of it on the ground. If he wasn’t such a good pass catcher out of the backfield we’d say avoid him completely, but we could see him sneaking into the end zone. He is no more than a low-end flex with this matchup, though.
Point Projection: 9 points

28. Trent Richardson (Cleveland Browns) @ Cincinnati

The Browns apparently felt confident that the rookie’s knee was OK so Richardson started Sunday and received 19 carries. Unfortunately for him and the team, he managed to gain just 39 yards (2.1 YPC) while added a five-yard reception. Don’t be too quick to judge Richardson after his first game in the NFL, but do be concerned about the lack of scoring opportunities he is going to see in a dismal Browns offense, as well as his potential to find holes when defenses are likely going to focus on him. His knee should also be a concern, as he could aggravate it at any moment. The Cincinnati Bengals struggled against the run in Week 1 after being a top 10 run defense in 2011. As of this time, it is not recommended you start Richardson unless you are in dire straights. Wait to see him break out before you risk another dud in your lineup.
Point Projection: 8 points

(+PPR) 29. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans

Stewart was out with a sprained ankle and the Panthers clearly missed him as DeAngelo Williams struggled mightily to run the ball. The team and head coach Ron Rivera have said they were hopeful he would return this week and fantasy owners received good news when he was proclaimed active on Sunday morning. Look for Stewy to put together a solid return game as both a runner and a receiver against a Saints team that allowed 40 points to the Redskins in Week 1.
Point Projection: 8 points

(+PPR) 30. Peyton Hillis (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Buffalo

Hillis gained just 16 yards on seven carries and eight yards on three catches Sunday. His ineffectiveness on the ground coupled with a big game from Charles has to be a concern, but expect a bounce back against a bad Buffalo Bills defense in Week 2. Hillis has more value in PPR leagues but could still be considered a low-end flex in standard leagues as well.
Point Projection: 8 points

31. Jonathan Dwyer (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Jets

Dwyer was the much more effective runner for the Steelers Sunday night. He finished with 43 yards on nine carries (4.8 YPC) and just missed out on a touchdown. If the Steelers are smart he will see more carries this week than Isaac Redman. The New York Jets are always tough against the run so Dwyer is a suspect start. Don’t expect too much.
Point Projection: 7 points

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32. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina

Thomas led the Saints on the ground with 17 yards on four carries as the team had to pass after falling behind early. Thomas was targeted just once in the air, which is a bit of a concern because he was a decent target out of the backfield last year. Either way, expect Thomas to see a little more work against the Carolina Panthers soft run defense this week. He will see less carries than Ingram, however, and needs to be used with caution. He isn’t a bad matchup play for Week 2.
Point Projection: 6 points

33. Mark Ingram (New Orleans Saints) @ Carolina

Ingram only gained 15 yards on six carries and the Saints abandoned their run game early. Carolina offers a nice matchup but with Sproles and Thomas in the backfield and an awful first performance under his belt, he should remain on your bench until he shows he can perform in this offense this season.
Point Projection: 6 points

(+PPR) 34. Dexter McCluster (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Buffalo

McCluster is now the slot receiver in Kansas City but he still may have running back eligibility in some leagues because of all the carries he received last season. He led the team in targets with 10, receptions with six and receiving yardage with 82 in Week 1, so he is a sneaky add in PPR leagues. If you are short on running backs and he has RB eligibility in your league, try to grab him and plug him in against a weak Buffalo Bills secondary in Week 2.
Point Projection: 6 points

35. Kendall Hunter (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit

Hunter ran well spelling Frank Gore and gained 41 yards on nine carries (4.6 YPC). He just missed out on a touchdown as well and not only is he a handcuff for Gore; he can be considered a good RB4/ bye week replacement this season. Look for him to see around 10 touches per game this year.
Point Projection: 6 points

36. Beanie Wells (Arizona Cardinals) @ New England

Wells had 14 yards on seven carries against Seattle in a pretty even split with Ryan Williams. It looks like the Cardinals will go with a two back system, so they are going to give fantasy owners headaches this year. Considering how awful he looked last week, stay away from Wells for now.
Point Projection: 5 points

37. Ben Tate (Houston Texans) @ Jacksonville

Tate was expected to run a lot with Foster’s knee hurting, but that wasn’t the case. Tate gained six yards on five carries and was only a factor because of 22 receiving yards on three catches. Tate didn’t catch much at all last season so we’re not ready to give him a PPR boost just yet. Keep him on the bench until he shows something.
Point Projection: 5 points

38. Ryan Williams (Arizona Cardinals) @ New England

Williams ran for only nine yards on eight carries for a dreadful 1.1 YPC average. He did add 17 yards off two receptions, but this was an awful game from both backs. He will likely split carries evenly with Wells, so at the moment neither can be recommended.
Point Projection: 4 points

(+PPR) 39. Toby Gerhart (Minnesota Vikings) @ Indianapolis

Many were high on Gerhart this season with Adrian Peterson coming off knee surgery. Unfortunately, Peterson looked just fine in Week 1 and Gerhart ran just six times for 18 yards with an eight-yard reception. Don’t get too down on Gerhart yet. He will still have a role in this offense and catch passes and he remains a must-handcuff for Peterson owners. Don’t be surprised to see him put up some points against a dreadful Indianapolis defense this week. There are worse options for your flex this week if you are desperate.
Point Projection: 4 points

(+PPR) 40. Curtis Brinkley (San Diego Chargers) vs. Tennessee

Ronnie Brown was expected to start for San Diego but it was Brinkley who led the team with 10 carries. Unfortunately those 10 carries only went for 12 yards. He did gain 28 yards on three catches, but he will only continue to have fantasy value until Ryan Mathews returns. Tennessee allowed 128.3 YPG on the ground in 2011 and Stevan Ridley ran all over them last week, so the matchup is good. Unfortunately he is only a borderline second flex option if Mathews is out. If Mathews returns, stay away completely.
Point Projection: 4 points if Mathews is out, 0 if he plays.

(+PPR)41. Roy Helu (Washington Redskins) @ St. Louis

Helu continues to get shoved aside by his coach in the running game, but still has value in PPR leagues. While he saw just two carries, he caught three passes for 25 yards. We all know that Mike Shanahan could change his mind at any moment so Helu’s worth stashing for one more week and could be a good flex start in PPR leagues against St. Louis this week. Owners should avoid him in standard leagues, though.
Point Projection: 4 points

42. Cedric Benson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Chicago

Ugh. Even though it was the best run defense in the NFL, Benson looked terrible Sunday gaining 18 yards on nine carries. The bright side is he was the only running back to carry the ball…and that was the only bright side. The Packers never run much in the first place and probably won’t do much again this week against Chicago. Stay far away from Benson right now.
Point Projection: 4 points

43. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans

Negative one. That was the number of rushing yards Williams compiled against a Tampa Bay run defense ranked dead last in 2011. While the Bucs have clearly improved, that is inexcusable production, especially with Jonathan Stewart out. Whether Stewart returns or not this week against, there is no way to justify starting him after that game. Hold on to him for now, but another performance like that and it’s safe to cut loose.
Point Projection: 4 points

44. David Wilson (New York Giants) vs. Tampa Bay

Wilson’s bugaboo in college was fumbling and that reappeared quickly Wednesday night as he lost the ball on just his second carry of the game. Head coach Tom Coughlin then benched him for the rest of the night. Wilson was visibly upset with himself after the fumble and on the sidelines speaking with his coach and players, so there are two ways to look at this. Wilson can either look at that fumble as the last straw and work hard on turning the corner and holding onto the football, or he could completely crumble and let the fumblitis get the best of him. Nobody knows how he will respond, or if he will even get the chance to next week against Tampa Bay. Don’t completely give up on the talented rookie just yet. He should not be in your Week 2 lineup, however.
Point Projection:4 points

45. Jacquizz Rodgers (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Denver

Rodgers ran for 22 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for 13 yards against Kansas City in Week 1. His fellow backup Jason Snelling got just two touches so for the time being it looks like Rodgers is the top handcuff option to Turner.
Point Projection: 4 points

(+PPR) 46. Ronnie Brown (San Diego Chargers) vs. Tennessee

Brown had five yards on five carries and 26 yards on five catches. It says a lot about what the Chargers think about his running when they give him just five carries even with Mathews out. If their star runner returns Brown should be dropped. If he is out again this week, though, he is still roster worthy because of a good matchup with Tennessee.
Point Projection: 4 points if Mathews is out, 0 if he plays.

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47. Evan Royster (Washington Redskins) @ St. Louis

Royster saw high praise early in training camp, but then the fickle head coach changed his mind and turned to rookie Alfred Morris. Royster only ran twice to open the season, and while there is no telling how many carries he will see next week, he is way too risky to consider even with the nice matchup.
Point Projection: 3 points

48. Isaac Redman (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Jets

Redman ran for only 20 yards on 11 carries (1.8 YPC) with two catches for seven yards. Jonathan Dwyer easily outperformed him and it will be interesting to see who gets the bulk of the carries this week. The New York Jets gave up a ton of rushing yards to CJ Spiller in Week 1 but many of them came in garbage time. It’s way too soon to call the Jets perennially good run defense a good matchup for opposing backs. Try to look elsewhere.
Point Projection: 3 points

(+PPR) 49. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) @ Seattle

Jones did not touch the ball on Wednesday night. He had zero carries and zero receptions on two targets and for the time being looks like an afterthought in this Cowboys offense. Murray looked great in the game and it will probably take an injury for Jones to have a fantasy impact this season. He is still a smart handcuff to Murray, though.
Point Projection: 2 points

50. Danny Woodhead (New England Patriots) vs. Arizona

Woodhead ran for 20 yards on six carries and did not see a target in the passing game. The 20 yards is nice, but two fantasy points is what you should expect from him on a weekly basis unless he somehow finds the end zone.
Point Projection: 2 points

(+PPR) 51. Brandon Jackson (Cleveland Browns)

Jackson did not see a carry Sunday but did catch two passes for 20 yards. It looks like he has leapfrogged Montario Hardesty in the backfield rotation. Even so, he may only hold value in PPR leagues and at the moment that value is minimal.
Point Projection: 2 points

52. Robert Turbin (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Dallas

With Lynch active, Turbin was used sparingly and had seven yards on three touches. He will only have value if Lynch goes down.
Point Projection: 2 points

53. LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ New York Giants

Blount was a non-factor with eight yards on three carries and a two-yard reception. He warrants no fantasy consideration until his role increases.
Point Projection: 2 points

(+PPR) 54. Mike Tolbert (Carolina Panthers) vs. New Orleans

As expected, Tolbert was only a factor as a receiver with three catches for eight yards. Even though he may see a goal line carry here and there, he should not be owned in standard fantasy football leagues.
Point Projection: 2 points

55. Vick Ballard (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Minnesota

Ballard ran for only six yards on four carries while Donald Brown found success on the ground. With the impending return of Delone Carter, Ballard’s current spot as the backup is in jeopardy. He should not be on your roster.
Point Projection: 2 points

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56. Jason Snelling (Atlanta Falcons) vs. Denver

Snelling ran just twice for five yards and did not catch a pass. He looks to be the third option in the Falcons backfield, but it’s still too early to say anything for certain. Until his role changes, he can’t be trusted.
Point Projection: 2 points

57. Mewelde Moore (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Minnesota

Moore was active Sunday after recovering from a rib injury, but he was a non-factor with just one 11-yard reception. His fantasy value is non-existent at the moment unless something changes with the pecking order in Indy.
Point Projection: 1 point

58. Jamie Harper (Tennessee Titans) @ San Diego

Harper ran one for three yards and caught an eight–yard pass Sunday against New England. Javon Ringer didn’t touch the ball so Harper appears to be the backup in Tennessee. He has no fantasy value at the moment.
Point Projection: 1 point

59. Shane Draughn (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Buffalo

Draughn was able to grab a garbage time score in Week 1, but with Hillis and Charles healthy that’s the only time he will get in the game.
Point Projection: 1 point

60. Bilal Powell (New York Jets) @ Pittsburgh

Powell ran three times and gained 10 yards Sunday and also added a 16-yard reception. He seems to have surpassed Joe McKnight on the depth chart as Greene’s backup. For now, though, he has no fantasy value.
Point Projection: 1 point

61. Knowshon Moreno (Denver Broncos) @ Atlanta

Other than a fortunate touchdown, Moreno was an afterthought in the Broncos offense. He should not be on your radar.
Point Projection: 1 point

62. Tashard Choice (Buffalo Bills) vs. Kansas City

Choice ran for three yards on four carries this week and is only on this list because he is now the de-facto backup to CJ Spiller with Fred Jackson hurt. Don’t touch him.
Point Projection: 1 point

63. Daryl Richardson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Washington

Despite being the No.3 back on the depth chart, Richardson saw two carries while Isiah Pead didn’t touch the ball. It will be interesting to see if Richardson becomes the guy you should handcuff to Jackson rather than Smith. Don’t add him just yet, though.
Point Projection: 1 point

64. Mike Goodson (Oakland Raiders) @ Miami

Goodson ran twice for 13 yards and may have surpassed Taiwan Jones as McFadden’s backup, which is a valuable spot to be behind a brittle runner. Handcuff him.
Point Projection: 1 point

65. Isaiah Pead (St. Louis Rams) vs. Washington

Pead is supposedly Steven Jackson’s backup. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t see the ball once and the supposed No.3 back Daryl Richardson ran twice. Neither have value right now.
Point Projection: 1 point

66. Joique Bell (Detroit Lions) @ San Francisco

Bell ran just once Sunday but it went for six. Don’t look too much into this unless he converts another goal line chance this week.
Point Projection: 1 point

67. Leon Washington (Seattle Seahawks) vs. Dallas

Washington didn’t make an impact on offense but is a great kick returner and has value in leagues that count those yards.
Point Projection: 1 point

WEEK 2 INJURED RUNNING BACKS

Rashad Jennings (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Houston

The Rashad Jennings hype train came to a screeching halt after a knee injury held him to 31 yards on eight carries and Maurice Jones-Drew showed he is ready to go right out of the gate after a long holdout. Jennings’ injury doesn’t seem to serious, but with MJD looking good his value is limited.

Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers) vs. Tennessee

Mathews missed Week 1 with a broken collarbone and will eye a Week 2 return. There is no official word on his status early in the week. If he is good to go, he gets a great matchup against a bad Tennessee run-stopping unit.

James Starks (Green Bay Packers) vs. Chicago

Starks was out with turf toe in the Packers opener and will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Even when he returns, there is no telling what his workload will be with Cedric Benson as the starter.

Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Kansas City

Jackson injured his LCL on a hit from Jets safety Laron Landry and will miss at least three weeks. There has to be concern here with his durability considering he is coming off an injury last season as well.

Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. New York Jets

Mendy missed Week 1 and while recovery from his January ACL surgery has been ahead of schedule, there is no telling if he’ll be ready this week and how much he’d run even if he played.

Brandon Jacobs (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Detroit

Jacobs missed Week 1 with a knee injury and there is no update on his status as of Tuesday evening.

Shane Vereen (New England Patriots) vs. Arizona

Vereen missed Sunday’s opener with a foot injury and had to watch Stevan Ridley essentially win the starting running back gig with a huge game. There is no update on Vereen’s status for Week 1, and his role in the lineup even when he does return is in serious doubt now.

Delone Carter (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Minnesota

Carter missed Sunday’s opener with a rib injury. There is no update on his Week 2 status as of Monday.

WEEK 2 RANKINGS QB | RB | WR | TE | K | DEF

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Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings: Running Backs