This is a very important Week 5 for so many teams out there in fantasy football land, and there is no position as important as the running back! For those that have started off hot, keep at it! Another win will definitely bring you one step closer to a playoff birth. On the other hand, if you are 1-3, 0-4 and lose this week, well, let’s not even think of it. We are starting to hit the point in the fantasy football season to which teams are starting to slowly step away from the pack. Let’s keep you going on the correct route! And if you are heading in the wrong direction, let’s right the ship before it is too late!
This week the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and New York Jets are out of commission. That is good news for struggling fantasy football teams as there is not a lot of prime talent missing this week. Sure you have Steven Jackson, Jamal Lewis, Thomas Jones and Darren McFadden/Justin Fargas/Michael Bush out due to byes, but none have done much this year as it is.
With that being said let’s hope for a remarkable Week 5 for yourself, as well as Bruno Boys Nation. To make that happen, read through the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 5 Running Back Rankings.
Key Abbreviations: YPC (Yards Per Carry), YPG (Yards Per Game)
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1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ New Orleans
Adrian Peterson was the poster boy for inconsistency last year, as he was either doing extremely well, or not too great at all. This year is a bit different. His lowest weeks have been 77 and 80 yards rushing, both while dealing with a hammy. Last week though he did break free for 2 TD’s against a solid Tennessee Titans defense. This week he takes on the New Orleans Saints who are 20th in the league with 122.8 YPG allowed as well as having allowed 3 rushing TD’s. Look for even bigger yardage from Peterson who should triumph against this weaker rushing defense and put together a few nice runs! He is the Bruno Boys top RB for Week 5.
Point Projection: 25 points
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2. Ladainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) @ Miami
Alright people, it is time to stop worrying about LT and his bad toe! In the last two weeks he has touched the ball a combined 51 times for a total of 202 combined yards and 4 TD’s. And better yet, he has said that this week is the best that his toe has felt after a game! Things are definitely on the upswing for this stud back and to make things better, he gets to take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Granted, the Miami Dolphins have played pretty well this year against the rush, but they haven’t played a talent like LT in 2008 and they gave up an average of 153.5 rushing yards per game last season along with 18 rushing TD’s. Play Tomlinson with much confidence!
Point Projection: 23 points
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3. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) @ Houston
When people drafted Joseph Addai as a top-5 pick this summer, they figured they were getting a guy that would lead their team in points most weeks from their skilled position. Yet in 2008 all they have received is a RB that granted has 3 TD’s, but only a total of 168 total yards. And you know what? I hope you jumped on him and acquired him during his bye-week from a sad faced owner! He is about to get things rolling as Peyton Manning has more time with the team to get the timing issues corrected, as well as having a healthier line! Addai should do extremely well this week in which he takes on a Houston Texans team that has allowed 7 rushing TD’s this year as well as a 4.8 YPC average! Everything is aligned to where he could actually be the best RB play this week!
Point Projection: 23 points
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4. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Cincinnati
What do you get when you mix in one of the best pay dirt RB’s in the game with one of the worst rushing defenses that have allowed 5 TD’s and a 164.3 YPG average for 2008? Dominating success! And that is what you should get with Marion Barber who struggled in week 4, touching the ball only 10 times. But his other three games he had touched the ball a minimum of 19 times and had 4 TD’s in that 3-week span! Play Barber with extreme confidence, knowing that you have one of the best in the game going out there to do battle for you this week in an outstanding matchup!
Point Projection: 22 points
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5. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Detroit
Call this my insane prediction of the week! I feel just as strongly about this pick as I did about Willie Parker in Week 1 being a top 10 back, and guess what, the Bruno Boys were right! Matt Forte is not the greatest back in the world. He surely isn’t in fact! But he is a man that has touched the ball a minimum of 24 times a game at the least and has touched it as much as 34 times in this young season! A RB that touches the ball that many times has to be successful against a horrible Detroit Lions rush defense that has allaowed 207.7 rushing YPG at a 5.6 clip and 6 TD’s. He should be very successful this week, making him a top-5 Bruno Boys RB pick.
Point Projection: 22 points
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6. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) vs. Atlanta
Yes, this is a pretty bold prediction, but much like Matt Forte, I just feel the potential in Ryan Grant. He is completely healthy and the Green Bay Packers are looking to hand him the ball an average of 20-25 times a game. This week he takes on the Atlanta Falcons who have allowed 5 rushing TD’s and a 4.6 YPC average. This should be an excellent matchup for Grant in Week 5 and look for his best week to date.
Point Projection: 20 points
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7. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ Green Bay
Michael Turner has had 2 very good games, and two very forgettable games! That being said, this week the takes on a Green Bay Packers rush defense that has allowed 5.2 YPC, 157.8 YPG and 4 rushing TD’s on the 2008 season. Look for the Atlanta Falcons to attack a lot on the ground in Week 5, allowing for both sensational RB’s of the Atlanta Falcons to excel!
Point Projection: 20 points
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8. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. New England
Wow, what a horrible week Gore had in Week 4! He only rushed for 113 yards with 0 TD’s. Ok, yes, I am being sarcastic! As hot as he has been this year, a 100+ combined yardage game was a bit of a disappointment, especially against the New Orleans Saints. He is looking to get back on the money train, heading non-stop to a location called pay dirt! He has a total of 525 combined yards and 3 TD’s through his first 4 games this year and he goes against the New England Patriots who allowed a huge week to Ronnie Brown in Week 3. I really don’t believe that the Patriots defense is that bad, especially against the run, so a very solid week should be in the mix for Gore. Just don’t expect outstanding numbers.
Point Projection: 18 points
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9. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Carolina
After his two huge back to back weeks, Larry Johnson is not averaging 103.8 YPG and also is near a 1 TD per week average. That is good news, hell GREAT NEWS for all Larry Johnson owners in this fair land! LJ’s 4.8 YPC average and 3 TD’s are set to go to battle against the Carolina Panthers 4.1 YPC average and only 1 rushing TD allowed for 2008. In the end I expect more of what we saw in Week 3 than anything. That is when he had 121 rushing yards and 1 TD. The days of him having only 22 rushing yards should be over at this point and you should be able to plug him into your lineup with confidence!
Point Projection: 17 points
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10. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) vs. Minnesota
Yes, I have preached about how good the rushing defense for the Minnesota Vikings are week after week this year based on 2007 numbers. And you know what. They have both backed what I have preached as well as allowed a weird stat to develop! The Vikings are allowing only 2.9 YPC, 71.8 YPG rushing, yet they rank 25th with 5 other teams for having allowed 6 rushing TD’s already this year. I can see Bush heading out on a screen or a short pass pattern and really slicing up the defense this week. All in all, with Deuce back, Bush’s value drops some, but he is still good for 100 combined yards and a TD in my mind.
Point Projection: 16 points
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11. Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Denver
It really is hard to predict a running back that only gets about 13 or so looks a week, so it is a pleasure for us to tell you that he had 21 touches last week against the Packers. In his four games, he has 3 games in which he has gone for 110 combined yards or more. He has also thrown in 2 touchdowns on the year. And this week he gets to face a Denver Broncos rush defense that has allowed 5.0 YPC and 5 rushing TD’s on the year. It is hard to predict anything but excellence this week!
Point Projection: 16 points
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12. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) vs. Washington
In the minds of this Bruno Boy, Brian Westbrook is a tad overrated, but not much! It was amazing how many people wrote him up as the best back for 2008 when he was able to produce 5 TD’s the first 2 weeks. Did you know though that he has had only 12 TD’s at the most in any given year during his career? Not only that, he averaged less than 100 combined yards his first two weeks of the year before he got hurt. I chalk that up to lucky TD’s (see DeSean Jackson fluke play, in which Westy scored on the next play) rather than a dominating season so far. That being said, if he plays, a 100 or so combined yards and a TD is definitely not out of the question. Just make sure you watch that injury list!
Point Projection: 16 points
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13. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) @ Arizona
This week is a fairly solid matchup for Lynch against the Cardinals! He has been averaging less than 90 combined yards a week, but he also has averaged a TD a week. Against the Arizona Cardinals who have allowed 4.0 YPC and 3 TD’s, this could be a pretty solid matchup for Lynch. Just don’t expect him to produce you huge numbers! A 90 yard, 1 TD performance should be the outcome here!
Point Projection: 15 points
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14. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) @ Philadelphia
The man is ranked fourth in total rushing yards and 9th in rushing TD’s. A 14th spot may seem pretty low to you, but the Eagles have allowed only 53.8 YPG against the rush and 1 rushing TD on the season. Do you really think he deserves a RB1 ranking this week? Nope? Neither do the Bruno Boys..
Point Projection: 15 points
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15. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) vs. San Diego
The whole world knows what Ronnie Brown did to New England. Don’t expect the same against the San Diego Chargers. The offense will be flowing through him, so he should have a solid week, but remember, the Chargers have only given up 1 rushing TD this year. So even if Brown racks up the yardage, a TD may be hard to come by.
Point Projection: 15 points
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16. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. Kansas City
Even though Stewart is not racking up the yardage, he definitely is racking up the TD’s! He has 4 TD’s on the year but is averaging just less than 50 yards rushing a game. The Kansas City Chiefs have given up 5.3 YPC and 6 rushing TD’s on the year, so a 80 yard, 1 TD performance is definitely attainable.
Point Projection: 14 points
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17. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) vs. Indianapolis
Slaton is having a solid season so far, with him surpassing the 110 combined yardage mark in each of the past two weeks. He has 2 TD’s on the season as well, so it is very possible he will continue the trend. The Colts have given up almost 200 rushing yards a game as well as 3 D’s on the season. !
Point Projection: 14 points
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18. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Pittsburgh
It is no secret that Jones-Drew has struggled this year, but he is still averaging over 75 yards per game and has 2 TD’s on the season. Not the greatest numbers in the world, but not the worst either. For a low end RB2 this week, he could provide another 75 yards and 1 TD. The Steelers defense is tough though!
Point Projection: 13 points
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19. Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) vs. Buffalo
Buffalo has been struggling a lot on the rush defense end of the ball, and James has been averaging more than 80 yards per game and has 2 TD’s on the season. This should be another solid week as well, thus making James an reliable option as your RB2.
Point Projection: 13 points
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20. Rudi Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Chicago
We are definitely hitting the point to where the RB’s are starting to get a little thin. That being said, Rod Marinelli believes in battling at the trenches and with his job on the line he should pound the rock quite a bit. The Chicago Bears are a hated rival of the Detroit Lions, so this could prove to be a very nasty, entertaining game! Look for Johnson to get the majority of the carries!.
Point Projections: 12 points
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21. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) vs. Seattle
He was expected to do much more this season than he has. He struggled against both the Rams and the Bengals’ as far as fantasy football point production goes. In fact, he hasn’te had a stellar game all year, outside of his 100 rushing yards effort in the season opener. This week he faces a pretty tough Seahawks defense that gives up just 88 rushing yards per game, so you shouldn't expect Jacobs to have his breakout game just yet.
Point Projection: 12 points
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22. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs (176.5 rushing yards against per game) are horrible against the run this year which should be able to make DeAngelo Williams owners proud. Look for his first double digit point gain of the year, for the back who continues to fend off touches from red zone option Jonathan Stewart.
Point Projection: 11 points
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23. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Baltimore
He is averaging 100 yards combined a game and almost 1 TD. He will struggle some this week as the Ravens (69.7 rush yards against per game, 0 rushing Td's) have a killer rush defense. None the less, if the Titans are to win this week they will have to feed Johnson the ball quite a bit. If they do just that, Johnson should have a solid low-end RB2 week..
Point Projection: 11 points
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24. Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) @ New York Giants
On the bright side, Julius Jones has 140+ combined yards in each of his last two games. The negative though is that he is facing a rush defense in the New York Giants that have given up 3.8 YPC and only one rushing TD on the season
Point Projection: 10 points
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25. LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) @ Baltimore
LenDale White isn’t the greatest back in the world, in fact, he is the second best RB on the team, but he is a top option in at the goaline and has five touchdowns in the seasons first month. Even if he has only 25-35 rushing yards, we like his chances to make it five straight games with a touchdown.
Point Projection: 9 points
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26. Chris Perry (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Dallas
Just when it looked like Perry was heading in the right direction, he took a huge step back against the less than spectacular Cleveland Browns defense last week! This week isn’t much easier as he takes on the Dallas Cowboys who rank in the middle of the pack in terms of rush defense this year!.
Point Projection: 8 points
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27. Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) @ Green Bay
Norwood is nothing more than a flex option this week, but he is still solid. He faces a mediocre rush defense that has allowed 4 rushing TD’s this year. He is averaging around 75 yards a week, so if he is able to punch in one, his value will rise.! Plus, he continues to produce despite averaging just 10.5 touches per game.
Point Projection: 8 points
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28. Laurence Maroney (New England Patriots) @ San Francisco
There is not much to go by this week on Maroney other than he is facing a weaker 49ers (124.4 rush yards allowed per game) run defense. He has been horrible this year and ailing. If Maroney plays, which he should, you could see a possible really good game. Look at him to be more of a flex option if anything. Though, us Bruno Boys suggests keeping him on your bench if you have the depth to do so. Too many questions!
Point Projection: 7 points
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29. Le’Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Tennessee
Facing a tough rush defense or not, McClain has done very well this year, having already rushed for 3 TD’s and is getting close to 20 carries a game. Even though Baltimore is claiming a RBBC, I believe it is more because the lack of a passing game than anything. McClain is proving to be the back of choice in Baltimore. Some solid yardage is expected and if the Ravens are in a position to run him around the goaline he should add to his TD totals.
Point Projection: 7 points
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30. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) vs. Pittsburgh
He has had a less than spectacular season so far and he is facing one of the best rush defenses around. That being said, I can see him somehow adding some solid yardage this week, although his TD dry spell should continue.
Point Projection: 6 points
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31. Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Cincinnati
This is a very tough situation here. On one hand he was sat against the Redskins. On the other hand he has immense talent and should excel against the Bengals. We think he is a safe option for a flex play, but keep in mind that Owens is already complaining about his looks. Therefore, Jones most likely will not be on the top of the list of priorities..
Point Projection: 6 points
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32. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ Jacksonville
He is the third in line in Pittsburgh, and he should be needed in Week 5. Jacksonville will be some tough competition this week, but if you are forced into playing Moore, you should be rewarded by his ability to catch the football out of the backfield.
Point Projection: 6 points
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33. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Denver
The Denver Broncos are pretty putrid when it comes to rush defense, and you know Dunn will get his fair share of caries. A solid 50 yard game is not out of question!!
Point Projection: 5 points
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34. Selvin Young (Denver Broncos) vs. Tampa Bay
Selvin Young is good for 50 or so yards every week. This week should be no different, though he is starting to see somewhat of an increase in his touches.
Point Projection: 5 points
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35. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) vs. San Diego
Williams has been hot and cold this year. Sounds like a good ole’ bowl of the green stuff, huh? And he just recently said that he was tempted this past bye-week. He passed though which is good news for his owners and perhaps he finally has it all figured out in his head!
Point Projection: 5 points
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36. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints) vs. Minnesota
Welcome back McAllister! 20 rushing attempts, 1 TD, 83 combined yards. Unfortunately it was all rushing. So unless he punches in a touchdown, he should have a very tough Week 5.
Point Projection: 5 points
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37. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Tennessee
McGahee rushed for 42 yars against the Steelers on 13 carries. There is no reason if he can do that that he can’t do that against the Titans. Look for a solid 5 points..
Point Projection: 5 points
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38. Sammy Morris (New England) @ San Francisco
The reason Morris is ranked is simple. 49ers defense, solid output so far this year when he gets touches. He has to be able to put up 4 points this week. Right???.
Point Projection:4 points
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39. Adrian Peterson (Chicago Bears) @ Detroit
Amount of fantasy football points Peterson has accumulated in 2008? 0. Amount of fantasy football players that will play Peterson this week? 0. The fact that the Bruno Boys listed him on their RB rankings this week? Priceless!
Point Projection: 3 points
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40. Kevin Jones (Chicago Bears) @ Detroit
Can anyone say bad Karma here? Anyone else feel that Jones will punch one in this week against the Lions? That is the way of Detroit people. But keeping a level head I will give him 23 yards, for a total of 2 points. I really don’t see him being shut out completely though..
Point Projection: 2 points
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WEEK 4 BYE WEEK RUNNINGBACKS
Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) – BYE
Averaging over 75 combined yards a week, as well as a TD, Lewis is looking solid this year, but still a very big disappointment. He has dropped into weekly decisions, and unless he has a good matchup you may want to look elsewhere.
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Oakland Raiders RB’s (Oakland Raiders) – BYE
Fargas, McFadden, Bush… That is a lot of talent to surround the rock when you are primarily a run-first team. With McFadden’s turf toe injury, look for the Raiders to continue their split of carries unless Mr. McFadden can play effectively through the pain.
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Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) – BYE
Jackson had almost 200 total yards and punched in a TD in Week 4. The week before he had almost 130 yards. He is back on his way to being a premier option at the running back position.
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Thomas Jones (New York Jets) – BYE
Thomas Jones is averaging 75 yards a week and has only punched in 1 TD. Those are not the numbers the Bruno Boys expected when the season started. With Brett Favre getting more free with his “gun slinging” technique in New York, Jones game should follow if he can fend off the rapidly gaining Leon Washington.
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WEEK 5 RANKINGS (click to view)
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense
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Current Waiver Wire Articles (click to view)
Waiver Wire - Week 4 Edition
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