Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

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Week 13 is here and with that comes plenty of heartache, but also plenty of happiness as well, depending on your playoff hopes and whether they have been crushed or not. If you are still in the hunt though you definitely have to start paying attention to the Bruno Boys and all of our weekly rankings. Hit those forum boards and obviously hit us up twice a week in our ever-so-popular live Q and A sessions. Let's stomp out your competition from here on out. Now let's get to what the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 13 Running Back Rankings have to offer.

Key Abbreviations: RYPC (Rushing Yards Per Carry), RYPG (Rushing Yards Per Game), RTD's (Rushing Touchdowns)

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1. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) vs. Denver

This week a gut feeling tells me that Thomas Jones will excel beyond belief. The Jets are taking on a Broncos rush defense that surrenders 144.5 RYPG, and a whopping 15 RTD's on the season. Jones has been hot as of late, scoring 5 TD's in his last 4 games, plugging away at a 104.5 clip. If you have him on your team, he must be in your lineup. And that is why he is the Bruno Boys top-RB play of the week.
Point Projection: 22 points

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2. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego) vs. Atlanta

It is looking like this season will be a bust for all Tomlinson owners, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be in your lineup. Every single week he is healthy he should be playing for you. Yes, he has had only 2 TD's in his last 4 games, definitely not Tomlinson-Esq. In fact, one of them was by the way of receiving. But in his last four games he is averaging 125.8 total YPG. This week he faces an Atlanta team that has given up 120.9 RYPG and 13 RTD's on the year. You do the math.
Point Projection: 20 points

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3. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) vs. Seattle

Last week Felix Jones went on the injured list and is now out for the year. That leaves Barber to fend for himself for the most part. He has been being played as both, a rusher and receiver out of the backfield lately, averaging about 100 total YPG. This week he takes on a Seahawks defense that has allowed 122 RYPG and 10 RTD's for the season. Barber should add to his 8 total TD's on the year.
Point Projection: 20 points

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4. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Chicago

For the 2008 season, Peterson has enjoyed himself immensely. This sophomore RB has averaged 107.3 RYPG and has 8 RTD's on the season. Better yet, his last game against the Bears he went for 121 rushing yards and punched in 2 TD's. All the signs are there to play him as your RB1. There is no reason that you really shouldn't. That is unless you own any of the guys mentioned above.
Point Projection: 20 points

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5. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Detroit Lions

We all knew it was coming, but that early in the season? What I am talking about here folks is Johnson hitting his rookie wall. He has struggled the past three weeks but his elixir should take on the form of the Detroit Lions rush defense who have allowed 166.7 RYPG and 18 RTD's for 2008. If Johnson doesn't produce this week it may be safe to say that he should ride the bench the rest of the year.
Point Projection: 19 points

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6. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) @ Cleveland

Following up his superior performance in Week 11 against Houston, Addai put up 101 total yards against one of the better rush defenses in the game against San Diego. This week he takes on a Cleveland defense that has allowed 145.9 RYPG and 11 RTD's on the season. Even splitting touches with Rhodes, Addai should have another excellent week.
Point Projection: 18 points

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7. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ San Diego

Turner finally broke his little streak of ineffective games against solid rush defenses when he ran in 4 TD's against Carolina. He has averaged 108.3 RYPG and has a total of 7 TD's the past four games. Considering that he is facing his old team he should have plenty of reasons to keep up his great play.
Point Projection: 18 points

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8. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Oakland

Some may call this a bold prediction, I call it a was prediction. Johnson rushed for 81 yards last week and tossed in another 24 through the air against a solid Buffalo defense. This week he takes on a Oakland defense in which he went for 133 total yards and 1 TD during their last meeting. Lending to the thought on how Oakland allows opponents to rush for 160 YPG and have also given up 16 RTD's so far on the season, there is no mystery in why LJ is ranked so high this week.
Point Projection: 17 points

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9. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. San Francisco

After back-to-back crappy weeks during Week's 10 and 11, Lynch has been on fire. In the past two weeks he has averaged 140 yards and a TD. Those are pretty damn good numbers and considering that the 49ers are only average in rush defense this should become another heck of a week for this RB.
Point Projection: 17 points

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

Even with Gore's weak performance against Dallas last week in which he totaled 32 yards, Gore has been a stud for the most part. You can't just look past his 7 TD's, 36 receptions and his 108.3 average combined yardage on the year. This week he takes on a Bills defense that has allowed 13 RTD's this season as well as 114.1 RYPG. The circumstances are right for Gore to get back in the positive performance column, thus making him the last RB to round out our top-10.
Point Projection: 17 points

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11. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) @ Minnesota

Last week we predicted that Forte would be the top RB play of the week and he sure came close. Going for a combined 146 yards as well as 2 TD's, he tore apart a weaker St. Louis rush defense. This week won't be so easy as Minnesota is pretty formidable and will be going balls out to grab the win. Fortunately for Forte owners he went for 73 total yards and a TD against Minnesota earlier this year. Considering that he is averaging 126.8 total yards his past four games, Forte is a must-start in most league formats.
Point Projection: 16 points

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

Ok, maybe I was a little harsh on Jones-Drew when I listed him as a dud in Bruno Boys Larry and I Week 13 Newz and Viewz, but the simple fact is he rushed for only 4 yards on 3 carries. He did add 113 yards through the air so my apologies to the Jones-Drew family. He has put up just over 90 yards the past four games and has punched in 6 TD's. During his last game against Houston he went for 68 yards and a TD so the odds lie in his favor for another double-digit fantasy points week.
Point Projection: 16 points

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13. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) vs. Indianapolis

It is no secret that Lewis has struggled recently, averaging just under 70 combined YPG during the past 4 weeks with only 1 TD but this week his opponent is Indianapolis. During his last game against the Colts, Lewis went for 147 combined yards. In fact, during his career he has averaged well over 100 YPG, making Lewis a sneaky play this week.
Point Projection: 16 points

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14. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) vs. Kansas City **SLEEPER**

Don't laugh. Hey, I said DON'T LAUGH! Yes, McFadden is ranked ahead of Portis, Westbrook, Jacobs and Sjax this week. Why you may ask? McFadden had a pair of goal-line TD's last week and his role will most likely increase some this week. Considering that the Chiefs have given up 165.9 RYPG and 19 RTD's this year, McFadden is a very nice sleeper this week.
Point Projection: 15 points

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15. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) @ St. Louis **SLEEPER**

It is no secret that Brown's season started with a bang and has been clanking ever since. That should change against St. Louis. In fact, it should change so much that 80 combined yards and a TD should be the lowest that you are looking from him.
Point Projection: 14 points

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16. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) @ Washington **CHECK STATUS**

Jacobs last game at Washington went horrible, with him grabbing only 25 rushing yards and 0 TD's. Don't worry though as in his last four games he has 5 TD's. With Jacobs being banged up and Washington giving up only 7 RTD's this year the challenge will be up-hill. None-the-less, if Jacobs suits up, odds are he should blow out what his last performance against the Redskins was.
Point Projection: 14 points

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During his last 4 games, Westbrook has failed to go for double-digits in fantasy points. Considering how banged up Westbrook is right now and how stingy Arizona has been against RB's this season, you may want to look elsewhere. His stature allows him the #17 ranking but his production recently is of a RB more in the late 20's or early 30's. Don't expect much, but if you like to gamble or don't have a much better option go ahead and roll with him.
Point Projection: 13 points

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18. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) vs. New Orleans

With Earnest Graham out for the season, Dunn has been getting an opportunity to shine. And boy has he. The past two weeks he has had a total of 245 yards and 1 TD. New Orleans does give up a lot of yardage to RB's, but they are stingy in allowing only 7 RTD's.
Point Projection: 13 points

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19. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) vs. New York Giants **CHECK STATUS**

The Giants are giving up an average of 84.8 RYPG and have given up only 6 RTD's on the year. Portis is banged up as well and had only 8 fantasy points against the Giants during their last battle. There is a lot of negativity going against him this week, but as good as he is, he definitely has the skills to produce well this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

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 20. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) @ Green Bay

During Williams' last 4 games he is averaging 125 combined yards and has 5 TD's. He is facing a team that has allowed 142.9 RYPG and 12 RTD's on the season. This should be a high-scoring affair which will lend towards more of a passing game than a running game. If Green Bay gets a solid lead early in the game the Panthers' RB's numbers should suffer. That is why he is rated so low this week.
Point Projection: 13 points

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21. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) vs. Jacksonville

Lately it is hard to tell what you will get from this nice-looking rookie RB. One week Slaton looks like a stud. And not to make a play on my article of Newz and Viewz, but during other weeks Slaton looks like a dud. Jacksonville possesses only an average rush defense, so it is more of a coin-flip. Either way, if you have better options than Slaton you may want to play them. This late in the season is not the time to be gambling on what you may get.
Point Projection: 13 points

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22. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) vs. Carolina

During his past four games, Grant has averaged close to 100 combined YPG and has also punched in a pair of TD's. This week he is taking on Carolina who gives up 110 RYPG but has only given up 10 RTD's for 2008. If you are needing a sure bet, Grant is not your play. He does have enough solid momentum as well as skill to possibly put up a very nice week, but the odds are heavily stacked against him for that. Just look for nice, solid numbers. Nothing too big, nor too small.
Point Projection: 12 points

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Recently, White has struggled more than an acrobat artist with roller skates. His YPG are down, his TD presence is nil, punching in only one and is looking more like the LW of old. Fortunately for him he faces the Lions that rejuvenate everyones seasons. Look for him to be able and throw in some solid yardage and a TD. But don't plan for 100 yards and 3 TD's. Splitting with Chris Johnson that most likely will not happen.
Point Projection: 12 points

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24. Justin Fargas (Oakland Raiders) vs. Kansas City

In 2008, Oakland's Fargas has not had 1 single TD, but he has put up an average of 69 RYPG the past four weeks. Facing a Chiefs defense that has allowed an average of 165.9 RYPG and 19 RTD's on the year should help both of those stats of his to rise.
Point Projection: 12 points

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25. Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams) vs. Miami **CHECK STATUS**

Jackson is really banged up, the Rams season is all but officially-over and he is facing a pretty solid Miami rush defense. He hasn't even played since Week 9 so everything is up in the air. If your team is still in the playoff hunt and you have 2 solid RB options this week, you may want to play them instead. Jackson is a very risky play.
Point Projection: 12 points

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26. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) @ St. Louis

In the past four weeks Williams has only been solid fantasy-wise once, but that should turn into 2 of 5 as he faces a weak Rams rush defense.
Point Projection: 11 points

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27. Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) @ Philadelphia

During his last three weeks Hightower has not rushed for more than 35 yards, but last week he did represent by punching in 2 TD's. While that is unlikely again against Philly, just knowing that the 2 TD's came against the Giants brings some confidence.
Point Projection: 10 points

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28. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) @ Tampa Bay **CHECK STATUS**

He can run, he can catch, can he play? Even if he does the Buccaneers don't give up many rushing TD's. It would be wise to look elsewhere.
Point Projection: 9 points

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29. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ New England **CHECK STATUS**

To say that Parker had a bad week last week against the weak Bengals defense is an understatement. 37 rushing yards and 0 TD's was pretty pathetic, but injuries can ruin a perfectly good match-up. But you know what, he isn't that bad. He is a yardage whore, but he faces a tough rush defense that has given up only 6 TD's on the year. Parker's yardage should bounce back, his TD drought most likely will continue as well.
Point Projection: 8 points

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30. Peyton Hillis (Denver Broncos) @ New York Jets

3 TD's in 2 weeks, along with 168 total yards. Those are solid numbers. But they were against Atlanta and Oakland. This week he faces a Jets defense that allows only 78 RYPG and 7 TD's on the season. He could have a solid week, but don't be surprised if he bombs as well.
Point Projection: 8 points

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31. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) @ New England

Moore has been a TD machine in limited play, but that is about all. He can rack up solid yardage against defenses though so Moore is an intriguing play this week, especially if Parker misses time due to swelling in his knee. However, if Parker goes, drop Moore to the low 30s.
Point Projection: 8 points

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32. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) vs. Tennessee

During the past three games Smith has come out to prove that he deserves to be amongst the group known as one of the better rookie RB classes as of late. Unfortunately he faces the Titans. It is best to keep him reserved.
Point Projection: 8 points

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33. Le'Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens) @ Cincinnati

When no one else could get it done against Philadelphia, McClain found a way. Welcome back to the front. What a nice way to start this new trend off too, against Cincy.
Point Projection: 8 points

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34. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Houston

The thing going for Taylor is that he faces Houston, one of the worst rushing defenses in the game. His yardage is so-so and his TD's are pretty much nil now-a-day. But facing weaker rush defenses as of late has proven to be a great surprise in fantasy-land.
Point Projection: 7 points

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35. Derrick Ward (New York Giants) @ Washington

This man is a yardage machine for a back-up, and now he is putting TD's into his resume. He has a very solid shot at out-performing this ranking.
Point Projection: 7 points

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36. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) @ Green Bay

Stewart has enjoyed a fine rookie campaign but he has struggled for the most part recently. Considering that he is facing the Packers, he should be able to turn around the poor fortune some.
Point Projection: 7 points

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37. Maurice Morris (Seattle Seahawks) @ Dallas

Last week against Washington Morris had a very solid week. Last week Dallas held a very solid RB in Frank Gore to minimal yardage. Morris is not Gore.
Point Projection: 6 points

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38. Jamaal Charles (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Oakland

Charles does not get the ball much, but when he does, he produces. This week he should get the ball, thus he will produce.
Point Projection: 5 points

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39. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. San Francisco

Jackson has been fairly productive in limited play the past two weeks against teams that you can run on. The 49ers are a team you can run on.
Point Projection: 5 points

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40. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) @ Cincinnati

McGahee has not done anything for the past two weeks and is not a good choice even against the Bengals defense. Keep him on your bench as it's difficult to predict which running back will get the majority of touches in Baltimore. 
Point Projection: 5 points

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41. Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts) @ Cleveland

Rhodes can get you some solid yardage and every now and then grab you a TD as well, but with as unstable that his inconsistency is, you have to keep Rhodes on your bench.
Point Projection: 5 points

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42. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings) vs. Chicago Bears

Taylor is decent one week. Horrible the next. But even his decent weeks are nothing more than a low-end flex play option. Keep him on your bench.
Point Projection: 5 points

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43. Sammy Morris (New England Patriots) vs. Pittsburgh

Having been back from injury for 2 weeks, Morris has done nothing. That won't change against the Steelers, who have the top ranked defense in the NFL thus far.
Point Projection: 5 points

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44. Leon Washington (New York Jets) vs. Denver

Washington has a shot at putting up some solid yardage, but don't expect him to break another long one to the house this week. 
Point Projections: 5 points

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45. Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) @ Dallas

Jones, much like his partner Morris, should remain benched this week and just about every other week after that.
Point Projection: 4 points

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46. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) @ Cincinnati

Rice has been off and on this season. If you are still in the playoff hunt there is no reason that Rice should even be a consideration, despite the Bengals struggling against the rush. 
Point Projection: 4 points

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47. Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints) @ Tampa Bay

The only way McAllister has value this week is if Tampa Bay decides to not show up and play. That won't happen, as Deuce is a TD or bust threat and Tampa Bay has allowed just one rushing TD this year.
Point Projection: 4 points

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48. Michael Bush (Oakland Raiders) vs. Kansas City

The only reason Bush is listed on our Week 13 rankings is because the Raiders face the Chiefs. Expect from garbage time yardage but nothing more.
Point Projection: 4 points

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49. Darren Sproles (San Diego Chargers) vs. Atlanta

Sproles vs. Atlanta is about as good of a play as betting your house on black. In other words, don't do it.
Point Projection: 4 points

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50. Rudi Johnson (Detroit Lions) vs. Tennessee

If Smith does not play, Johnson has a nice shot at being respectable. But Smith is expected to play.
Point Projection: 4 points