Heading into Week 11, if you are the owner of a top-five running back, it’s your lucky season. C.J. Spiller, Ray Rice and Trent Richardson were all backs going in the top 12 picks of most drafts. Yet only one of them has more than 500 rushing yards (Spiller) and only one has three touchdowns (Rice). Other notable running back duds include Doug Martin and David Wilson. This week, if one of these five players are in your roster, it will automatically set you apart from the competition.
1.LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
McCoy is averaging 125.8 total yards per game, and has scored four total touchdowns in 10 games. He should dominate the Washington Redskins, who are allowing the second-most points to opposing running games, allowing 12 total touchdowns in nine games. McCoy opened the season against the Skins, and scored 25 points. Expect similar numbers here.
Projected Statistics: 30 carries, 120 yards, one touchdown, three receptions, 30 yards
2.Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
Lynch has done everything but disappoint this season, ranking second in the league in rushing yards and is tied for third in rushing touchdowns. Lynch is facing the Minnesota Vikings, who are allowing a touchdown per game to running backs and just over 100 yards. Lynch has only scored in the single-digits twice this season, and is coming off a 22-piont game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Projected Statistics: 28 carries, 110 yards, one touchdown
3.Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
The best fantasy running back all season, Charles has been the focal point of Kansas City’s offense.
Don’t expect much to change against the Denver Broncos, either. The Chiefs will want to control the clock and keep the ball about of Peyton Manning’s hands.
Charles had his first sub 10-point game of the season in Week 9, but he’s had a bye week to prepare for this tough matchup.
The Broncos are a solid defense, but they are allowing 17.9 points per game to running backs. Charles will easily get 30 touches in this one, and he has the skills to do something every time he touches the ball.
Projected Statistics: 25 carries, 90 yards, five receptions, 60 yards
4.Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
This is the lowest Peterson has been ranked all season, but he pulls a tough matchup this week against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks are averaging just 111 yards per game, but Peterson has the most rushing touchdowns in the league. Because of that, he’ll manage to salvage his fantasy value against the best defense in the league.
Projected Statistics: 32 carries, 95 yards, one touchdown
5.Reggie Bush, Detroit Lions
Bush has been one of the best values for fantasy owners this season. He went in the third or fourth round in most drafts heading into the season, and is now a top 10 fantasy back. Bush averages just over 120 yards per game, and finds the end zone at least once every two games. He’ll be able to put up some points against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are tied for allowing the most rushing touchdowns to opponents.
Projected Statistics: 15 carries, 60 yards, one touchdown, five receptions, 30 yards