Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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

WEEK 5 RANKINGS  QB  |  RB  |  WR |  TE |  K |  DEF

We are no headlong into the NFL season with a full slate of bye weeks. Fortunately for owners, the injury report at the running back position is one of the slimmest in recent memory, so only byes are having a big effect on the running back position. We are still seeing some familiar names at the top, and some veterans who have experienced a bit of a renaissance as well.

To help you get through all the madness, check out our Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Back Rankings.

::RANKINGS UPDATED AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2012::

1. Arian Foster (Houston Texans) @ New York Jets

Foster didn’t exactly blow anyone away Sunday, but it was another good performance for him with a touchdown and 86 yards on 24 carries. The 3.7 yards per carry (YPC) average on the year is disappointing, as is the fact that he recorded just one reception in three games this year. He is, however, finding the end zone with five touchdowns and continues to see touches with at least 24 carries in each game. This week, Foster gets a struggling New York Jets run defense on Monday Night Football. The Jets have allowed a league-worst seven rushing touchdowns and are second to only New Orleans in yards per game (YPG) with 172.8. Unless the Jets somehow figure something out during the week, Foster is in for a huge game.
Point Projection: 23 points

2. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Kansas City

Rice managed just 49 yards on 18 carries on the ground Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. He took care of his PPR owners with eight catches for 47 yards, but was held out of the end zone and eight standard fantasy points is not what you expect out of Rice against a team like the Browns. Owners also had to be frustrated watching holes open up wide for Bernard Pierce, who gained 48 yards on just six carries. Rice will look to be more effective on the ground this week against the Kansas City Chiefs.  The Chiefs are giving up 118 YPG so Rice should have every opportunity to rack up yardage. Expect a bounce back week from Rice, as long as the Ravens focus on keeping their best player involved in the offense.
Point Projection: 22 points

3. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Tennessee

Peterson had his first 100-yard rushing game of the year and continues to improve and look healthier each and every week. Peterson also added four catches, his highest total of the year, for 20 yards, and is on the verge of getting a PPR boost if he can continue to catch the ball. Aside from not scoring since Week 1, he has been everything owners who took a risk on him could have hoped for and looks ready for a breakout. That could certainly come in Week 5 against a Tennessee Titans run defense allowing 136.5 YPG on the year with five touchdowns. Peterson should is a top-flight RB1 this week.
Point Projection: 21 points

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4. LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles) @ Pittsburgh

McCoy had his second 100-yard rushing game of the year with 123 yards on 23 carries. He added 17 yards on three catches, though he was held out of the end zone again and has just one touchdown in four games after scoring six in his first four games last season. He is getting it done yardage-wise, but owners have to be pining for a few more scores. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been playing up to form and are allowing 4.3 YPC and 101 YPG ranked around the middle of the pack. McCoy is still a plug-and-play and can hopefully break the plane for a change this week.
Point Projection: 19 points

5. Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks) @ Carolina

Lynch continued to run well in Week 4 with 118 yards and a score on 20 carries (5.9 YPC) and 37 yards on four catches. He leads all runners with 423 yards and 105.8 YPG through four games with a very solid 4.6 YPC average. The veteran has shoved aside any concerns about his off the field issues, and will continue to push forward against a Carolina Panthers run defense that has given up 4.9 YPC, 134.8 YPG and four touchdowns this year. Lynch is a must-start, low-end RB1 and if you have him as an RB2 you are likely sitting pretty in your fantasy league thus far.
Point Projection: 18 points

6. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Chicago

MJD was slowed by Cincinnati this week as he ran for 38 yards on 13 carries (2.9 YPC). He did, however, help his PPR owners with five catches for 42 yards. It was obviously a disappointing output for his standard owners, but with the Jags down by 18 at the half, there wasn’t much room to play around with the running game. Pocket Hercules will have another tough test in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, who are allowing just 67.2 YPG on the ground so far this year. If the Jags fall behind early again it could be another long day for Jones-Drew. He still is one of the few backs who can beat any defense put in front of him, though, so all you can do is just hope for the best this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

7. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Jacksonville

Forte was doubtful all week before whispers that he was looking to play during the weekend. With the Monday night kickoff, many owners were forced to bench him, but those that didn’t were probably disappointed as Forte ran for 52 yards on 13 carries with only one catch that lost three yards. He averaged 4.0 YPC, but the Bears clearly took it easy with him as Michael Bush had just three less carries. Forte has a tasty matchup against a Jaguars defense that allows 24.8 points per game to opposing running backs in standard scoring fantasy football leagues. Look for Forte to get back on track and combine for over 130 total yards this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

8. Ryan Mathews (San Diego Chargers) @ New Orleans

Head coach Norv Turner has denied that Mathews was benched early against Kansas City because of fumbling last week, but either way it seems Turner was trying to teach Mathews some sort of lesson…and his fantasy owners were punished for it. Jackie Battle scored twice while Mathews watched from the sidelines, though Mathews ran with a purpose late in the game and gained 61 yards on 14 carries (4.4 YPC) and 21 yards on two catches. He was much more effective on the ground than Battle, who averaged 2.6 YPC, and if Turner wants to win games and keep his job he is going to have to give Mathews the ball. Battle will likely still steal some carries, and he could be the new Mike Tolbert taking away goal line chances, but he has nowhere near the talent that Mathews has. As long as he gets the touches, Mathews should be in for a big week against a New Orleans Saints run defense that ranks worst in the league. They are giving up 4.9 YPC and 186.8 YPC, so Mathews is a must-start and has RB1 potential this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

9. Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Baltimore

Charles got off to a slow start Sunday but made up for it with a 37-yard touchdown run and 13-yard touchdown catch. He finished with 92 yards on 17 carries (5.4 YPC) and 23 yards on three catches and looks to be completely back to 100 percent after surgery. Peyton Hillis was out this game, but even if he does return this week he shouldn’t take too many touches away from the red-hot Charles. The Baltimore Ravens haven’t been themselves against the run. Still, they are holding opposing runners to 3.2 YPC. It would have been nice to see him get an easy matchup this week. Charles should be fine, though, as a high-end RB2.
Point Projection: 15 points

10. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. Buffalo

Gore beat the Jets for 62 yards and a score on 21 carries (3.0 YPC) and continues to lead the charge in the 49ers backfield, putting together a very nice season. After four games, Gore is averaging 4.9 YPC with 326 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He doesn’t catch balls like he used to, but has become a workhorse who is thriving in an offense that enables him to get rest here and there. He’ll look to keep it going in Week 5 against a Buffalo Bills team allowing 4.8 YPC and 137 YPG to opposing runners this year. Gore should be in for another big game.
Point Projection: 15 points

11. Reggie Bush (Miami Dolphins) @ Cincinnati

Bush returned after leaving last week’s game with a knee injury and wasn’t bad, running for 67 yards on 17 carries (3.9 YPC) but he didn’t catch a pass and may have still be a bit restricted by the injury. Bush should be able to bounce back with a bigger game in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. They are ranked worst in the league allowing 5.4 YPC and are also giving up 146.2 YPG, so look for Bush to take advantage and return to form after he has another week to heal.
Point Projection: 15 points

12. Cedric Benson (Green Bay Packers) @ Indianapolis

Benson continued his pleasantly surprising season on Sunday with 84 yards on 18 carries (4.7 YPC) and 22 yards on four catches. He is well on his way to career-highs in catches and receiving yards with 12 and 76 through four games. He only has one touchdown, but is racking up decent yardage and really helping out in PPR leagues and he should continue to do so this week against the Indianapolis Colts. Indy allowed 131.4 YPG and four rushing touchdowns in their first three games, so Benson is a safe play in your RB2 slot this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

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We’ve partnered with FanDuel.com to provide our fans an opportunity to play WEEKLY salary cap fantasy football against the Bruno Boys Staff.  In Week 5, we are offering a $500 worth of cash prizes and a the winner gets a seat in our Week 11 Bruno Boys Championship Make sure to sign-up now for a chance to win $8,000 in prize money and take on the Bruno Boys… IT’S JUST $5!!

Please use this link to enter for JUST $5 in Week 5:  $500 IN PAYOUTS/ SEAT IN BBFC  (click to register)

13. Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins) vs. Atlanta

Can anyone stop this sixth round pick? The rookie ran for 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries (5.4 YPC) and now has 376 yards and four touchdowns in four games. Morris is simply a very good between-the-tackles runner who does not catch passes (just one catch on the year) and is just very good at finding holes. Basically, he is the ideal Mike Shanahan running back. Ryan Grant was inactive and Evan Royster saw just two carries, so Morris continues to have the starting job on lockdown. The Atlanta Falcons are allowing 5.2 YPC and 146.2 YPG on the ground this season, so Morris needs to be in your lineup again this week.
Point Projection: 14 points

14. Trent Richardson (Cleveland Browns) @ New York Giants

Richardson ran for 47 yards and a score on 14 carries (3.4 YPC) and added 57 yards on four catches. Over the past three weeks, he has cemented himself as a solid receiving threat that can and will capitalize on scoring opportunities. The fact that he has scored three weeks in a row is a great sign, even if he has just 74 combined rushing yards in the past two games. Owners would love to see more games like Week 2, but with four total touchdowns already on the season while playing for a weak Cleveland offense, you have to be pleased with the production thus far. The New York Giants are giving up 4.5 YPC and 118.2 YPG on the ground, so while they will likely target Richardson defensively, the rookie should still be able to find some running room. Keep him in your lineups.
Point Projection: 14 points

15. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Washington

Someone put The Burner on high this week. Turner had his best game of the season against Carolina, running for 103 yards on 13 carries (7.9 YPC) with 68 yards and a touchdown on three catches. Now, his day isn’t the same without the big 60-yard touchdown catch, but he still averaged almost 8.0 YPC and is averaging 4.7 YPC on the season now. The Falcons don’t run the ball a ton, so it’s nice to see him get a bit more involved in the pass game with a season-high three catches. He doesn’t usually produce through the air, so consider this nothing more than a gift. Either way, with 183 rushing yards on 28 carries in his past two games, there is no denying Turner has looked good. He will look to continue his early success in Week 5 against the Washington Redskins. The ‘Skins have had done well against the run, allowing an average of 89 YPG, but they are giving up a so-so 4.3 YPC average. Keep Burner Turner in while he’s hot.
Point Projection: 13 points

16. Willis McGahee (Denver Broncos) @ New England

McGahee overcame a rib injury and ran for 112 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries to go along with 23 yards on six catches. The six catches was a surprise as he had just three in three games before this, but what matters most is his continued success as a runner which his 4.7 YPC evidences. The veteran runner already has two 100-yard rushing games and is scoring at a higher rate than last year. He is a very consistent RB2 right now, and is still a safe play in Week 5 despite what has been a good New England run defense. The Patriots are allowing only 3.4 YPC and 85.2 YPG so it’s not going to be easy, but he continues to lead this offense and play well.
Point Projection: 13 points

17. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Arizona

S-Jax gained 55 yards on 18 carries and added a 12-yard reception against a tough Seattle run defense in Week 4. Jackson’s problems finding the end zone have continued this year as he has yet to score in four games, and the questions have to be raised whether he is breaking down with 195 yards on 59 carries (3.3 YPC) after four games this year. Some of his issues, however, could be attributed to a groin issue he has been dealing with since Week 2, so time will tell if he’s able to break out once he gets to 100 percent. He has also faced to Top 5 run defenses the past two weeks, and owners will be happy to see him get a slight break this week. While the Arizona Cardinals aren’t a top run defense, they aren’t pushovers either, holding opposing runners to 3.6 YPC, 101 YPG and one touchdown this year. Jackson ran for 194 yards in two games against the Cardinals last year, and he is on the precipice of eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in his career against them. He has been successful with a 3.8 YPC average in 13 games against them, but he has scored only four times in all of those matchups. Keep him in your lineup as a low-end RB2 or high-end flex and hope that he can somehow score for a change.
Point Projection: 12 points

18. Ahmad Bradshaw (New York Giants) vs. Cleveland

Bradshaw returned to the Giants starting role and saw 13 carries. Unfortunately, he managed just 39 yards on the ground but he did add 38 yards on three catches. Either way it wasn’t a great game from Bradshaw, though it was nice to see him get the bulk of carries over Andre Brown right away and it looks like he will safely return to his role as the lead back. He should be able to bounce back against a Cleveland Browns run defense allowing 117.2 YPG this season. Plug him in as a low-end RB2 with upside.
Point Projection: 12 points

19. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Minnesota

Through three games, CJ2K had shown absolutely nothing to be excited about and was deemed bench worthy against a top-ranked Houston run defense. So what does he do? Finally wakes up and runs for 141 yards on 25 carries (5.6 YPC), of course! He added 16 yards on two carries, and owners have to be breathing a sigh of relief that there is still some life in those legs. It was a bit of a surprise that he ran 25 times with the Titans down for most of the game, but with Jake Locker out perhaps the Titans didn’t want to push Hasselbeck too hard. Plus, he was gaining yards so why stop him? Now here is the big question: can he keep it up?  The Minnesota Vikings pose yet another tough test as they are holding opposing runners to 3.3 YPC and 85.2 YPG. Considering how good he looked against a good run-stopping unit last week, owners need to give him another shot in their lineups this week. There are no guarantees with him at the moment, aside from the fact that if anyone on the Titans is running the ball, it’s CJ.
Point Projection: 11 points

20. Stevan Ridley (New England Patriots) vs. Denver

It was a big game for Ridley on Sunday has he ran 22 times for 106 yards (4.8 YPC) and scored twice. The only drawback is that for the second straight week, another runner saw at least 15 carries as rookie Brandon Bolden recorded 137 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. If Ridley continues to see over 20 carries, there won’t be a problem, but head coach Bill Belichick seems pretty content with giving other runners carries, so it’s worth keeping an eye on. The Denver Broncos have a top ten run defense and are allowing only 3.4 YPC and 87.5 YPG so far this season, so if Ridley doesn’t get it going early he could see a bit of a drop in carries. There are question marks here, but the touches and scoring chances in this offense still make him a good flex option and borderline RB2 this week.
Point Projection: 10 points