Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings - Running Backs

2008-12-03T02:55:00Z

As the season winds down the plot is thickening for many teams. With that, the added pressure of what to do and not to do with your rosters floats in the air. Don't worry though as the Bruno Boys will once again have your backs leading into game time. It is very important that you get as much solid information as possible at this point of the season and that is why the Bruno Boys are unique. We offer you a complete writeup for every single fantasy player that has any projected fantasy value for the up-and-coming week.

Take your time, grab your drink of choice and settle down. Read through all of our rankings. You may find that your RB2 is ranked lower than what you consider your RB3 to be. If you are on the bubble trying to get into the playoffs that magnifies the seriousness of the situation even more. You will get out of it what you put into it. So don't cheat yourself. Let's get into the Week 14 Bruno Boys Running Back Rankings.

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1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit

Earlier in the season Detroit was able to hold Peterson to only 66 rushing yards and 0 TD's. The promising thing here is that he was also able to add in 52 receiving yards as well. This is not the same Lions team that Peterson faced earlier in the season, as the Lions are looking like they are on pace for a 0-16 season. Peterson should have a field day and should have no problem approaching 140 total yards and a TD.
Point Projection: 24 points

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2. Thomas Jones (New York Jets) @ San Francisco

Let me throw some numbers out at you. 136.1 total yards per game and 7 TD's. What does that represent? The work that Jones' has done the past month. Granted there were two cream puff games in there, but he also faced the Patriots and Titans. This week he takes on a 49ers defense that is allowing 108.2 yards rushing every week and have also allowed 10 rushing TD's on the year. While those numbers are not horrible, they tend to really struggle against the better backs, of which Jones' is.
Point Projection: 20 points

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3. Larry Johnson (Kansas City Chiefs) @ Denver

Since Johnson's return three weeks ago he has done nothing to disappoint. In fact he is getting better and better. Last week he ran for 93 yards and a TD. This week he faces a Denver defense that allows 144.3 yards per game on the ground and has given up 17 TD's to RB's. Things will continue to head north for LJ.
Point Projection: 19 points

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4. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers) vs. Oakland

During the last four weeks, Tomlinson has averaged just shy of 100 total yards per week and has punched in only two TD's as well. Those are not numbers that reek of LT. But then again this season hasn't been close to what anyone had thought. There is good news on the horizon though as he faces a Oakland defense that allowed him to go off for 106 rushing yards and 2 TD's in their last meeting.
Point Projection: 18 points

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5. Steve Slaton (Houston Texans) @ Green Bay

Just when it was looking safe to write off Slaton as a must-start, he has put together two consecutive games of 21 carries. Even better yet, against Jacksonville last week he put up 182 combined yards and 2 TD's. Green Bay is going to have a very tough time stopping Slaton as they have allowed 141.8 YPG and 17 rushing TD's on the season to RB's.
Point Projection: 18 points

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6. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons) @ New Orleans

Even though Turner didn't reach pay-dirt last week after accumulating 7 TD's the previous three weeks, he still put up 120 yards on his former team, a solid feat in itself. This week he takes on a Saints defense who is equally stingy. Since the Falcons are going to want to keep the Saints offense off the field look for a pretty heavy running-style type of attack, lending to Turner having another excellent week.
Point Projection: 17 points

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7. Matt Forte (Chicago Bears) vs. Jacksonville

During the past month Forte has averaged a combined yardage total of 125 per game and has added 4 TD's in that span, two rushing, 2 receiving. This week he takes on the very team that allowed Slaton to go for 182 yards and a pair of TD's last week. We love Forte in this game and for the remainder of the season.
Point Projection: 17 points

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8. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans) @ Cleveland

You can add Johnson in the list of rookie RB's that looked like they had hit their wall only to have a very solid Week 13. Granted it was against Detroit, but he threw up 125 rushing yards and 2 TD's. Now don't get us wrong, Cleveland is not Detroit so don't expect another game like that this week, but it is very safe to say that 100 combined yards and 1 TD is attainable.
Point Projection: 16 points

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9. Brandon Jacobs (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

Do you want an impressive stat? Of course you do! Did you know that out of Jacobs last 9 games played he has scored in 8 of them, 4 of those being for 2 TD's? If you didn't, now you do. And if that wasn't enough, his last game against the Eagles he went for 126 rushing yards on 22 carries and 2 TD's.
Point Projection: 16 points

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10. Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Cincinnati

In his only career game against the Bengals, Addai went for a combined 79 yards and 0 TD's. While that may not seem impressive, he only touched the ball 10 times that game. That is an average of 7.9 yards per touch. This weeks game will have much different results as he should rack up both, the yardage for rushing and receiving and it would be surprising if he doesn't add in a TD to boot.
Point Projection: 16 points

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11. Peyton Hillis (Denver Broncos) vs. Kansas City

Last week Hillis took another step forward in securing a spot in the Broncos rotation for 2009 by rushing for 129 yards and a TD against a tough Jets rush defense. In fact Hillis has 4 TD's in his last three games and is facing a Chiefs rush-defense that is one of the worst in the game. Big things are expected from this Denver back.
Point Projection: 15 points

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12. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) vs. Miami

Known more for his tough running and pay-dirt skills, Lynch has been a yardage machine the past three games putting up combined yards of 177, 104 and 135. He has scored only once in that time though, but during his last meeting with the Dolphins he went for 95 combined yards and 1 TD. It is pretty safe to say that double-digit points are probable once again.
Point Projection: 15 points

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13. Brian Westbrook (Philadelphia Eagles) @ New York Giants

After a month of not putting up good numbers, Westbrook broke through for 130 total yards and 4 TD's. Who could have seen that coming? Those who had him in your lineup were rewarded grandly. While it looks like he is finally feeling a little better, don't expect more of the same. A solid game of 80 combined yards and a TD is likely, but you have to remember he is facing the Giants, one of the toughest rush defenses in the game.
Point Projection: 14 points

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14. Frank Gore (San Francisco 49ers) vs. New York Jets

After having started the season on fire, Gore has hit a snag as of late. This past month he has averaged a combined 85 yards and .5 TD's each week. Those are not the numbers everyone expected after the very first few weeks of the season and it won't be getting much easier as the Jets are very stingy against the run. The 49ers need him to step it up a notch this week, which he will do, but anything more than the projected points from him is a blessing.
Point Projection: 14 points

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15. Ronnie Brown (Miami Dolphins) @ Buffalo

During the past month, Brown has struggled, putting up an average of 68.3 combined yards and .5 TD's a game. Don't fret though as there is good news on the horizon. In their last meeting, Brown ran all over the Bills putting up a combined 116 yards. In a meaningful game such as this, Brown should be able to find it within himself to throw up 12-13 fantasy points.
Point Projection: 13 points

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16. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers) vs. Tampa Bay

Are you kidding us? After punching in a ton of yardage and TD's during weeks 10-12, Williams followed that up with another 86 yards and 4 TD's. For those keeping score, that is 469 yards and 8 TD's during his past months play. I hope you enjoyed the ride as it is about to come to somewhat of a halt. He faces a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed only 1 rushing TD all year. Even if he does put up some yardage, another multi-TD game is out of the question.
Point Projection: 13 points

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

Playing for the first time since Week 9, Jackson carried the ball 21 times for 94 yards and caught another one adding 16 more yards to his total. This week he faces a Cardinals defense that held him in check earlier this year. We expect better results this time around, and you should use him as your RB2 option.
Point Projection: 13 points

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18. Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) vs. Atlanta

Last week Bush came back from a knee injury that has kept him out since Week 7 against Carolina. His performance was less than extraordinary but that was to be expected. This week he takes on a Falcons defense that allows 4.8 YPC and has given up 14 rushing TD's on the year. With his usage as both a RB and WR out of the backfield he will be able to put up pretty good yardage numbers and get his season back on track.
Point Projection: 12 points

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19. Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins) @ Baltimore

After putting up 143 rushing yards against the Seahawks in Week 12, Portis faced a Giants defense that held him to only 2 yards per carry. This week he takes on an even tougher Baltimore defense so don't expect huge things, but there is some room for positivity here. During his last match up against the Ravens, Portis rushed 22 times for 86 yards and also caught 6 balls for another 29 yards. He has never scored a TD in three career games against the Ravens so expect these 12 projected points to be his ceiling for the week. If he does surpass it you are a very fortunate soul.
Point Projection: 12 points

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20. Marion Barber (Dallas Cowboys) @ Pittsburgh **Check Status**

How does a dislocated toe sound to you? Pretty painful huh. How does running on that toe sound? Even more painful. Now how does running with a dislocated toe against the Steelers sound? Well you get the point. Barber has a knack of stepping up in big games and this game is pretty huge. He may struggle to rack up the yardage, but his heart and hard nosed running style will help him reach pay-dirt.
Point Projection: 12 points

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21. Lendale White (Tennessee Titans) @ Cleveland

Much like his partner Chris Johnson, White was looking down and out with his luck during this rough stretch of the football season. Then an amazing thing happened, he was able to play the Lions. With his renewed success should come a continuation of excellence against the Browns this week.
Point Projection: 12 points

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22. Tim Hightower (Arizona Cardinals) vs. St. Louis

Don't get too discouraged by Hightower's recent struggles as he is still getting double-digit carries every week. Well, that is not entirely true, he only carried the ball 7 times against the Eagles, but they were getting blown out which is never the right atmosphere for a running-game to be effective. During his previous match up with the Rams earlier in the year he ran the ball 22 times for 109 yrds and punched in a TD. Look for him to get back on track against one of the worst rush defenses in the game.
Point Projection: 12 points

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23. Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Carolina

Dunn has been getting a ton of play the last three weeks with Earnest Graham out for the year and he has not disappointed. In two of those weeks he has totaled over 110 yards and he has one TD to boot. This week they face a Carolina defense that is solid but not great when it comes to stopping the run. The really good news here is that he went for 140 combined yards and a TD the last time he faced the Panthers.
Point Projection: 11 points

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24. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Chicago

During weeks 10 and 11, Jones-Drew had a total of 5 TD's. Since then he has 0, but he has averaged 95 total yards the past two weeks and faces a Bears defense that has allowed 13 rushing TD's on the year. They are stingy with yardage allowed so expect a lower yardage, 1 TD performance from this young back.
Point Projection: 11 points

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25. Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers) vs. Houston

Last week we saw something that we were waiting on for a while, and that was what marked what should be the official timing of Grand and Brandon Jackson becoming a dual-back tandem. Both carried the ball in double digits, yet it was Jackson, not Grant that had a solid week. Now, we don't expect that trend to continue, but we do expect close to an equal amount of playing time from here on out.
Point Projection: 10 points

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26. Pierre Thomas (New Orleans Saints) vs. Atlanta

The Saints' Thomas has had double-digit rush attempts in each of the last three weeks and has touched the ball 50 times in the last three games. Even with Reggie Bush back he rushed 11 times. That is good news for Thomas owners who need a solid flex-option for the week. Facing a weaker Falcons rush defense is going to keep him on track. In fact, don't be shocked if he outperforms the point projection rankings that we have set for him.
Point Projection: 9 points

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27. LeRon McClain (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Washington

After having struggled and getting little game play during the middle part of the season McClain has carried the ball 43 times the past two games. During that time he has 1 TD and 174 yards. While the Ravens are claiming that they will get McGahee more touches as the season winds down we would like to see that happen first. As with any Ravens RB you never know what you are going to get. If you are on the bubble look elsewhere.
Point Projection: 8 points

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28. Chester Taylor (Minnesota Vikings) @ Detroit

During the past two weeks Taylor has touched the ball a total of 25 times, allowing for a 102 combined yards and 2 TD's during that span. Facing a very weak Lions team, it shouldn't shock anyone that the Vikings will be running the ball down their throats. Taylor should put up another solid week and one that could even surpass our projections. Needy of a flex play in a pinch, target Taylor.
Point Projection: 8 points

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29. Willie Parker (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Dallas

With the season winding down it is looking more and more as if Parker will miss the 1,000 yards rushing mark for the first time since his rookie season. To make things even more difficult, his partner Mewelde Moore is being rewarded with some of Parker's carries as a result of them wanting to keep “Fast Willie” healthy. Expect some solid yardage but not much more.
Point Projection: 8 points

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30. Derrick Ward (New York Giants) vs. Philadelphia

There is nothing negative to say about Ward as he has turned into a yardage machine, averaging just short of 100 combined yards in the past month while also punching in 1 TD. If he were ever to find pay-dirt on a more frequent basis, you would see him fly up the charts. But since he is a yardage back, is facing the Eagles who allow only 93.5 RYPG and has to split with a crew that includes Brandon Jacobs, all things point towards Ward's production to take a tiny step-back this week.
Point Projection: 7 points

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31. Jamal Lewis (Cleveland Browns) @ Tennessee

After enjoying a pretty successful 2007 season, the expectations were pretty high for Lewis. This year has been a pretty big flop, with him averaging just shy of 80 combined yards per week and only 4 TD's. Things won't be getting any easier as they are down to their third-string QB and are facing a mighty Titans defense that has allowed less than 100 yards rushing per week on average.
Point Projection: 7 points

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32. Kevin Faulk (New England Patriots) @ Seattle

During the past three weeks Faulk has been on a roll. He has punched in a TD and also had yardage totals of 87, 105 and 121. The Seahawks do allow 121.5 rushing yards per game so depending on how the playing time is divvied up, Faulk has a shot at blowing away the point projection, making him a very nice sleeper pick.
Point Projection: 7 points

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33. Justin Fargas (Oakland Raiders) @ San Diego

The past month has been fairly successful for Fargas as he has averaged 90 combined yards while adding in a TD to show for it. Not great, but certainly solid numbers for a flex-back option. Earlier in the year against the Chargers he was held to just 26 total yards. While we don't expect that to happen again, we don't expect the success that he has enjoyed recently either.
Point Projection: 7 points

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34. Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders) @ San Diego

Just when it was looking like McFadden was going to start rolling he laid another egg against the Chiefs last week, rushing 7 times for a total of 13 yards and 0 TD's. Saving his week though was him also going for 50 yards receiving. Weeks like that is what you should expect as he has only 2 games this year in which he has found pay-dirt. Anything above the 7 points is a gift, but we feel he plays a big role in the passing game this week.
Point Projection: 7 points

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35. Sammy Morris (New England Patriots) @ Seattle

Not one of the better fantasy backs in the game, Morris still should be considered a flex-option if times are tough. During the past four games he has averaged 64.5 yards and also had had 2 TD's. The Seahawks have not been able to stop the run this year so good things should happen.
Point Projection: 6 points

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36. Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh Steelers) vs. Dallas

Moore is sneaking some of Willie Parker's carries away from him, giving him a solid shot at decent numbers. The problem is that the Cowboy's have a very solid rush-defense and the Steelers may try to air things out.
Point Projection: 6 points

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37. Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions) vs. Minnesota

One of the few bright spots for Detroit this season, rookie RB Smith has played exceptionally well as of late, but the TD's have dried up. He has not had one in three weeks and now faces a Vikings team that is both tough to score on and accumulate yardage against. Since the Lions offense is in shambles they have no other option than to continue to feed Smith the rock. Just don't expect big things from him this week.
Point Projection: 6 points

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38. Cedric Benson (Cincinnati Bengals) @ Indianapolis

Even though Benson has struggled mightily the last two weeks, one needs to remember that he faced arguably the best two run-defenses in the game. This week things get a bit easier as the Colts allow 133.8 yards on the ground and have given up 15 rushing TD's on the year. This is a week in which Benson could definitely get back on track. But as iffy as the Bengals offense has been lately, the more cautious point projection comes into play.
Point Projection: 6 points

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39. Leon Washington (New York Jets) @ San Francisco

Washington came back down to earth some after having an excellent week against the Titans. He rushed for only 4 yards, while accumulating 60 through the air against Denver last week. He is not known for being an expert at finding pay-dirt so expect some solid yardage nothing more from Thomas Jones' understudy.
Point Projection: 6 points

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40. T.J. Duckett (Seattle Seahawks) vs. New England

Seattle still wants to win games and no one is doing it in their backfield so don't be surprised if he starts to see a bit more playing time. Not much, but enough to make a little bit of a difference. And with him, a TD is always possible.
Point Projection: 6 points

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41. Ricky Williams (Miami Dolphins) @ Buffalo

Even though Williams' has faced the Raiders and the Rams for two of his three match ups the past three weeks he has failed to score a TD or combine for a total of 60 yards. During his last meeting against the Bills he did have nine fantasy points but he odds of that workload being there again this week is nil, so expect nothing more than what he has done lately.
Point Projection: 5 points

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42. Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers) vs. Houston

Jackson has had double-digit carries in 2 of his last three games. Look for that to continue against a Houston defense that has allowed 128.8 YPG and 16 rushing TD's on the season.
Point Projection: 5 points

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43. Fred Jackson (Buffalo Bills) vs. Miami

One thing you know that you will get from Jackson week after week is the fact that he won't reach pay-dirt. But that doesn't mean he is useless. Although he doesn't rack up the TD's he is usually good for about 40+ combined yards per game. Earlier this year he went for 4 fantasy points against the Dolphins, so anything more than the 5 projected points that we have for him this week will be icing on the cake.
Point Projection: 5 points

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44. Willis McGahee (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Washington

The Ravens claim that they will be giving McGahee a heavier workload during December, but we here at the Bruno Boys say the proof is in the pudding. He has had a total of 16 carries the past three weeks and has to split time with Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice. Even if he does see an increase in workload this week don't expect too much as the Redskins allow only 90.8 rushing yards per contest and have allowed only 8 rushing TD's on the year. Those are not great numbers that you have to split 3-ways.
Point Projection: 4 points

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45. Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts) vs. Cincinnati

During the past month Rhodes has not scored a TD. But he has gone for 5, 7, 4 and 4 fantasy points and faces a Bengals defense that is pretty giving to its' RB foes. While Addai should be getting the bulk of the prosperity, Rhodes will chime in for at least his normal 4 points for the week.
Point Projection: 4 points

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46. Jerious Norwood (Atlanta Falcons) @ New Orleans

Norwood hasn't gotten much game action during the past month, touching the ball only 26 times in 4 games for an average of 6.5 touches per game. With as high-scoring as this game has the possibility of being, Norwood should see the ball just a tad bit more. If that is the case, you can bump up Norwood a little. But don't expect anything major. He remains Turner's backup and someone that you should keep on your bench.
Point Projection: 4 points

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47. Cadillac Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) @ Carolina

Williams found pay-dirt last week but he has yet to surpass 27 total yards and averaged only 1.7 per attempt against the lowly Lions. He may have another solid game or two in him but nothing that should make you think about playing him.
Point Projection: 4 points

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48. Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers) vs. Tampa Bay

With the emergence of DeAngelo Williams star-studded streak lies a victim in Stewart who has touched the ball only 10 times the past two weeks combined. Don't expect much, especially considering he is having to face the best rush-defense in the game at eliminating rushing touchdowns.
Point Projection: 3 points

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49. Julius Jones (Seattle Seahawks) vs. New England

Jones is one of the bigger free agent busts this year and has done nothing the past three weeks to warrant any consideration for taking him off of your bench. If you want to win then Jones is not in your lineup.
Point Projection: 3 points

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50. Tashard Choice (Dallas Cowboys) @ Pittsburgh

With the injury to Marion Barber, Choice was given a shot at double-digit carries. He did not disappoint as he averaged 5.2 yards per carry against the Seahawks. The bad news is he is facing the Steelers defense this week. Don't expect a repeat.
Point Projection: 3 points

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51. Fred Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars) @ Chicago

Last week Taylor enjoyed a 13 point performance against the Texans. Don't be surprised if that is his last solid week of the season. The Jaguars are not likely to bring Taylor back next year meaning that they may start looking at other options to see what they have to pair up with Maurice Jones-Drew for 2009. Even if they don't go that route it is highly unlikely that Taylor will make an impact from here on out.
Point Projection: 4 points

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52. Antonio Pittman (St. Louis Rams) vs. Arizona

Now that Steven Jackson is back there is not much playing time left for Pittman. He carried the ball a total of 6 times last week and has yet to score a TD all year. The odds are not in his favor for having a solid week unless he is utilized more in the passing game. Too many questions to rely on him in such a pivotal week for fantasy football.
Point Projection: 3 points

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53. Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens) vs. Washington

One of the three that gets solid time for the Ravens at RB it is hard to predict who will get what from week-to-week. If you want any serious chance of winning this week you will do what it takes to keep Rice out of your lineup.
Point Projection: 3 points

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OTHER WEEK 14 RUNNING BACKS

Deuce McAllister (New Orleans Saints) – As the season winds down, so does McAllister's action in games. He was suspended for violating the leagues substance abuse policy thus ending his 2008 season.

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WEEK 14 RANKINGS (click to view)

Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kickers
Team Defense

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Also read: Fantasy Football Week 13 Waiver Wire Advice

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Fantasy Football Week 14 Rankings - Running Backs