Must Start

LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Forte and Le’veon Bell

Tier 1

Frank Gore vs. NYG – The Giants were gashed for over 350 yards against the Seahawks.

Mark Ingram vs. Cin – Cincy is missing key LB’ers which have impacted their ability to stop the run.

Arian Foster vs. Cle – Check the injury report. But he should be in your lineup if he is a go.

Andre Ellington vs. Det – He will have more value in PPR leagues. The Lions run D is stout.

Jeremy Hill vs. NO – Hill is in line for another large workload.

Alfred Morris vs. TB – His value increased with the return of RGIII.

Eddie Lacy vs. Phi – Lacy is a 14-17 point threat.

Shane Vereen vs. Ind – Vereen will catch 5-6 balls and top 14 FFL points.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NE – The run D is still a question mark for the Patriots.

Brendan Oliver vs. Oak – The Dolphins nightmare is behind them. Expect Oliver to still dominate the carries.

Tier 2

Bobby Rainey vs. Was – There will be room to run. The question is whether they give Rainey the ball.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Atl – Atlanta’s allowed 13 rushing TDs.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Cardinals are 3rd against the run. Bush will have value in PPR leagues if he’s healthy.

Darren McFadden vs. SD – San Diego is beaten up on personnel.

CJ Anderson vs. Stl – The Broncos will be playing with a big lead. Anderson will pick up his yards in the 2nd half.

Fred Jackson vs. Mia – Jackson is still coming back and has a tough matchup here.

Steven Jackson vs. Car – Carolina has been unable to stop the run. They’re giving up 4.8 YPC.

Terrance West vs. Hou – Coming off a 90 yard effort with a score. He’ll top 75 with a score here.

Jerick McKinnon vs. Chi – McKinnon has a solid match up against the Bears.

Bust

Joique Bell vs. Arz – The Cardinals are stout against the run.

Fantasy Sleeper

Rashad Jennings vs. SF – The Giants have been missing his presence in the back field.

1. Oakland Raiders (-3) vs. Phi – While the Eagles D has stepped up recently, its innovative offense is struggling mightily the past few weeks. That will continue in Oakland. Look for the improving Raiders to cover the point spread and win by at least a TD.

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2. Carolina Panthers (-8) vs. Atl – The Panthers are hot, coming off a 10-day rest and Cam Newton is playing the best ball of his career. The same cannot be said of the Falcons who have been injury plagued the entire season. Carolina will win this one going away…

3. St. Louis Rams (+3) vs. Ten – See money line bet.

4. Buffalo Bills (+4) vs. KC – The Chiefs are 8-0 but their level of play has tapered off in recent weeks. They’re ripe for an upset this week against a Bills team that has played very well at home and nearly beaten the likes of New England and Cincinnati.

Rounding things out

New England Patriots (-7.5) vs. Pit – The Steelers looked to be building momentum, but then two missed FGs ended their bid for a three-game winning streak. The Patriots are almost fully healthy on D outside of the players already on IR and will harass Roethlisberger all day. Look for Brady and Co. to get back on track too here.

Green Bay Packers (-11.5) vs. Chi –  Due to injury, the Packers have been forced to rely on the run more and have done an excellent job. That will come in handy when the Bears come to town on Monday Night. They’re devastated along the defensive front 7 and the Packers will blow them out.

New York Jets (+7) vs. NO – The Jets play well one week, then horrible another. Although they were embarrassed by 40 in week 8, this is their week to play well, and playing at home will be enough to keep things competitive.

Money Line Bet

St. Louis Rams (+130) vs. Ten – Although the Rams are relegated to a back-up QB, head coaches that face their former teams typically do well. There’s still a lot of players on the Titans roster that Fisher drafted, and the Rams D is playing at a high level. Look for a low scoring game which the Rams win by a FG.

Top pick

1. Oakland Raiders vs. Phi – The Eagles are in a tailspin. The offense hasn’t scored a TD in two weeks and doubts are beginning to crop up about Chip Kelly‘s offense.

Those issues will continue on Sunday even with the return of QB Nick Foles. The Raiders D is sneaky good at home and they do just enough on offense to get the job done.

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2. Buffalo Bills vs. KC – All good things must come to an end, and the Chiefs are ripe for a letdown on Sunday. Their offense has become stagnant in recent weeks and they’ve survived a few scares in the process.

The Bills on the other hand have been competitive at home (close losses to NE and Cin) and will pull out the win this time.

3. Dallas Cowboys vs. Min – The devastation from last week’s loss will erode by the end of Week 9. That is due to the hapless Vikings coming to town. Look for Dallas to exploit an injury riddled D and win this one by double digits.

1. Jamaal Charles vs. Buf – His tremendous 1^st half will continue in Buffalo.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. TB – Lynch will run all over the Bucs D in Seattle.

3. Eddie Lacy vs. Chi – The Bears are severely depleted along the interior of its D line.

4. LeSean McCoy vs. Oak – His stock is slightly down due to QB issues but he’ll bounce back this week.

Not far behind

Adrian Peterson vs. Dal – He has to break out of his slump shortly.

Darren McFadden vs. Phi – The Raiders rushing attack will find room to work against the Eagles D.

Matt Forte vs. GB – Chicago will rely even more heavily on Forte with Cutler out.

Rounding things out

Alfred Morris vs. SD – Morris will top 100 yards with a TD against the Bolts.

Arian Foster vs. Ind – The Colts run D is surprisingly good. Don’t expect a monster game and he’s still nursing a sore hamstring.

Stevan Ridley vs. Pit – The outside weapons will continue to open up the running game.

Ryan Matthews vs. Was – His last two games have shown promise.

Ray Rice vs. Cle – Rice is closer to a flex play against the Browns.

Lamar Miller vs. Cin – Look for Miami to get Miller involved in the rushing as well as passing game.

Giovani Bernard vs. Mia – He’s a goal line threat on Thur.

Zac Stacy vs. Ten – He’s a solid No. 2 facing Fisher’s former team. The RB runs tough.

Potential Bust – Beware

Chris Johnson vs. Stl. – Jeff Fisher coached Johnson his first few years and will likely know his weaknesses to go after.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. GB – Last year he went off against the Packers. He’ll top 125 yards with 1-2 TDs in this one.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. NYG – He’s been a nightmare for the Giants historically.

3. Marshawn Lynch vs. Stl.- Beast mode will top 100 yards with multiple scores in this one.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Cle – The Chiefs are getting the most out of Charles this year. Expect another stellar afternoon in this one.

Not far behind

Frank Gore vs. Jax – He would rate higher but it’s likely that the 49ers will have their back-ups in by the 3^rd quarter.

Reggie Bush vs. Dal – Expect the Lions to isolate Bush on passes out of the backfield this week.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Was – The passing game will open up holes all afternoon for Moreno.

Rounding things out

Eddie Lacy vs. Min – The injuries at receiver have forced GB to rely more heavily on the running game.

Stevan Ridley vs. Mia – TE Gronkowski’s return will open up things for the Ridley and the running game.

Alfred Morris vs. Den – The Redskins will try and play keep away from Manning.

Le’veon Bell vs. Oak – The Steelers commitment to the run has been a boon to this offense.

Darren Sproles vs. Buf – If TE Jimmy Graham is out, Sproles importance in the passing game increases exponentially.

Fred Jackson vs. NO – He has supplanted CJ Spiller as the top RB with the latter being less than 100%.

Giovani Bernard vs. NYJ – His ability to catch passes out of the backfield will serve him well vs. a Jets team that defends the run well.

Chris Ivory vs. Cin – He’s a flex play vs. the Bengals this week.

Darren McFadden vs. Pit – Coming off the bye, his leg should be completely healed.

Rashad Mendenhall vs. Atl – The Falcons D can be run on.

Lamar Miller vs. NE – The Patriots surrendered a lot of yards on the ground vs. the Jets.  Miller is a flex play until he proves otherwise.

Potential Bust – Beware

CJ Spiller vs. NO – Spiller’s been a huge fantasy disappointment and will find it tough to run in NO.

1. LeSean McCoy vs. NYG – McCoy ALWAYS torches the Giants.

2. Marshawn Lynch vs. Ind – Down three OL men? No problem. Beast Mode just keeps pounding away. He will top 100 yards with 2 TDs.

3. Frank Gore vs. Hou – The 49ers got wise and played power football vs. the Rams. They’ll do it again right back.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Ten – Ten will have trouble with the shifty, speedy back who is posting solid fantasy points weekly.

Not far behind

Reggie Bush vs. GB – Detroit’s newest big play threat topped 100 yards with a TD vs. the Bears. Bush will give the Packers D fits.

Matt Forte vs. NO – Forte will have plenty of success against the Saints.

Chris Johnson vs. KC – Tennessee will rely on Johnson this week. He’ll respond with 100 yards and a TD.

Rounding things out

Knowshon Moreno vs. Dal – He’s the ultimate beneficiary of the Broncos vaunted passing game.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Arz – Look for Williams to continue his impressive start in Arizona.

Giovani Bernard vs. NE – The Pats are missing DT Vince Wolfork which leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the Pats D.

Arian Foster vs. SF – Look for Foster to be active in the running as well as passing game at the Stick.

David Wilson vs. Phi – He’s a flex play at this point but could get going against the Eagles.

Eddie Lacy vs. Det- Lacy should be healed from his earlier concussion.

Danny Woodhead vs. Oak – He may have supplanted Matthews as the top back in SD. Woodhead is a threat as a receiver and runner.

Darren McFadden vs. SD – His hamstring injury is apparently minor.

DeMarco Murray vs. Den – He could fare better as a receiver in the short passing game vs. the Broncos.

Steven Jackson vs. NYJ – Check his status before putting back into your lineup. This is a decent match-up if so.

Stevan Ridley vs. Cin – He’s been a disappointment thus far, but having Gronk and Amendola back could provide the boost he needs.

Potential Bust – Beware

CJ Spiller vs. Cle – Spiller is slated to play on Thursday but it’s best to look elsewhere. No one runs on the Browns.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chi – Historically, Peterson has lit up the Bears in Chicago.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. SD – Expect McCoy to top over 150 yards with multiple TDs against the Chargers.

3. Arian Foster vs. Ten – 100 yards and 1-2 TDs as the Texans ground game will get rolling in this one. Foster was getting his feet under him in Week 1.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Dal – The Cowboys will chase Charles all over the field.

Not too far behind

Doug Martin vs. NO – Tampa will pound Martin to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines. He’ll respond with a 100 yard game.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Lions plan to use him in multiple ways which bodes well for fantasy owners.

Matt Forte vs. Min – The Vikings are banged up defensively which will help out Forte’s production in this one.

Rounding out the rest

Ray Rice vs. Cle – His value is likely to come as a receiver out of the backfield.

CJ Spiller vs. Car – The Panthers run D is much improved but look for Spiller to break some long ones this week.

Stevan Ridley vs. NYJ – Look for Ridley to get out of Belichick’s doghouse in a big way on Thursday.

Demarco Murray vs. KC – The Boys will ride Murray for over 20 touches en route to a big afternoon.

Alfred Morris vs. GB – Morris will be a load for the Packers front.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – Bush will have another monster game as a receiver this week.

Darren McFadden vs. Jax – Pryor’s presence has opened things up for McFadden and this is an easy match-up for #20.

Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – Lynch did have big games in both contests a year ago.

Steven Jackson vs. Stl – Not much in Week 1 outside of one long run. Expect about the same in this one.

Trent Richardson vs. Bal – Weeden’s play did Richardson in more than anything else. Look for a 7-10 fantasy point game in this one.

Frank Gore vs. Sea – Gore’s found big holes to run through playing Sea in recent years.

Ryan Matthews vs. Phi – He’ll find running against this D easier than Houston.

Eddie Lacy vs. Was – The big back will find the end zone a 2nd consecutive week.

Maurice Jones Drew vs. Oak – The Jags are abysmal, but QB Chad Henne brings some respectability to the offense which will help MJD.

Chris Johnson vs. Hou – Johnson’s had a history of running well against his rival.

David Wilson vs. Den – This is a risky fantasy football pick after his week 1 issues, but NYG won’t abandon ship and the 2^nd year back could find a lot of room to run on Sunday.

Lamar Miller vs. Ind – The Colts D is horrible vs. the run, so Miller has fewer excuses this week.

Potential Bust – Beware

Vick Ballard vs. Mia – The Dolphins D smothered RB Trent Richardson in Week 1.

11. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jax - Talk about a guy that could use a change of scenery. But unfortunately for MJD, his success depends on Blaine Gabbert’s maturity. He is still a tough runner surrounded by decent talent on the outside, and the AFC South’s defenses are hardly stout. He’s a low No. 1.

12. Matt Forte, Chi – The biggest concern with Forte is injury.  He should shine in Trestman’s offense and could return to top 10 form.

13. Steven Jackson, Stl – Jackson will love it in Atlanta. The presence of WR Roddy White and WR Julio Jones means he’ll never face an eight man front, and he still has enough left in the tank to top 1,000 yards and double digit TDs.

14. Stevan Ridley, NE – The Patriots will become a more run heavy team in 2013 which will directly benefit Ridley.

15. DeMarco Murray, Dal - The Cowboys O- line is improved which will help Murray immensely. The talented back needs to remain healthy and could fulfill all that potential if he does.

16. Chris Johnson, TN – It seems like eons ago when he was the 2nd pick off the board. This is a big year for Johnson, and he may just be up to the task.

17. Reggie Bush, Det – Bush will thrive in Detroit as a runner and receiver. Look for him to play a much bigger role in this offense although short yardage TDs will likely go to RB Mikel Leshoure.

18. Frank Gore, SF - At 30, he’s still trucking along. The 49ers massive O-line creates nice running lanes and none of the other backs have been able to surpass him. Gore is a solid No. 2 RB and flex player this season.

19. Darren McFadden, Oak - It’s pick your poison with McFadden. If you go with him, make sure your RB depth is good.  He can never seem to remain healthy, which is why he can’t be counted on as a No. 1 fantasy back.

20. David Wilson, NYG – He’s an intriguing fantasy football sleeper this year. He has all the ability in the world but questions remain about his ability to carry the load (and block for Eli). The potential is there for a 1,200+ yard season and double digit TDs.

21. Lamar Miller, Mia – The Dolphins love him and let Reggie Bush walk as a result. With Mike Wallace there to keep defenses’ honest, Miller could be in line for a breakthrough season.

22. Le’Vonn Bell, Pit – The Steelers O-line has been a weakness in recent years but could end up a strength in 2013. That will benefit Bell who will be given every opportunity to succeed as the top back.

23. Monte Ball, Den – The rookie runner landed in a solid spot. The loss of C Dan Koppen is a concern, but teams won’t be able to load the box to stop the run.

24. Darren Sproles, NO - With Sean Payton back calling plays, look for a lot of passes to come Sproles way. His 2013 will resemble 2011 more than last year.

25. Ryan Mathews, SD – This is a big year for Mathews. He has a ton of potential but has never lived up to it. A new coaching regime could do the trick.

1. Arian Foster vs. Buf – The Bills will have no answers for Foster who will run for over 125 yards and 2 TDs. He’s the top fantasy football RB option again this week.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. NO -McCoy will gash the Saints for 125 yards and 2 TDs as well. The Saints D is very bad.

3. Ray Rice vs. Cle – Look for Baltimore to get back to basics and hand the ball to Rice 25+ times. That’ll translate to 100 yards with a TD.

4. Matt Forte vs. vs. Ten – Look for Forte to be a force running the ball and as a receiver out of the back field with 100 yards and a TD.

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Alfred Morris vs. Car – The Panthers don’t stop the run either. Morris will top 100 yards with a score.

Reggie Bush vs. Ind – The Colts D is one of the easiest to run on.

Jamaal Charles vs. SD – You can bet Charles will receive more than 5 carries vs. the Chargers.

The Rest

Marshawn Lynch vs. Min – Lynch will go beast mode and top 100 yards with a TD.

Trent Richardson vs. Bal – The Ravens don’t stop the run at all in 2012. Richardson will hit the century mark with a TD.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Pit – The Giants will feed Bradshaw the ball 20 times and he’ll top 90 yards with a TD.

CJ Spiller vs. Hou – He’ll likely produce more as a receiver out of the backfield, but he’ll produce nonetheless.

Darren Sproles vs. Phi – He’ll catch between 6-8 balls for 80 yards and a TD.

Adrian Peterson vs. Sea – This is a tough D to run against, but Peterson will hit 90 yards with a TD.

Willis McGahee vs. Cin – McGahee will top 100 yards with a score vs. Cincinnati.

Mikel Leshoure vs. Jax – The Lions 2nd year back will top 80 yards with a TD vs. the Jags.

Benjarvus Green Ellis vs. Den – The Bengals will try and take pressure off of Andy Dalton by running the ball this week. He’ll top 75 yards with a score.

Chris Johnson vs. Chi – Look for 75 yards with a TD.

Darren McFadden vs. TB – Look for McFadden to receive over 20 carries and top 75 yards with a TD.

Doug Martin vs. Oak – Martin broke out vs. the Vikings and will see the ball 20+ times this week.

Michael Turner vs. Dal – Yards will be tough to come by, but a short yardage TD candidate.

Ryan Matthews vs. KC – Matthews will top 75 yards with a score vs. the Chiefs.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Was – He’s beginning to assume the top role in Carolina and will top 70 yards with a score.

Felix Jones vs. Atl – Jones is a solid fantasy sleeper for Sunday Night as the Falcons D can be run against.

1. Matt Forte vs. Car – The Panthers run D is horrible. Forte heads the list and will top 125 yards with a few TDs.

2. Chris Johnson vs. Ind- Look who is back at the top? After his Week 7 effort (195 yards, 2 TDs) look for Johnson to feast on the Colts D.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. Atl – A week off will help this offense and Reid will get the ball into McCoy’s hands even more. Look for 100+ yards with a TD.

4. Adrian Peterson vs. TB – AD should find plenty of holes to run through against the Bucs.

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Frank Gore vs. Arz – Gore and the 49ers running game will wear down the Cards on Monday Night.

Ryan Matthews vs. Cle – Matthews will top 100 yards and find the end zone vs. the Browns.

Willis McGahee vs. NO – Look for McGahee to top 100 yards with a TD vs. the Saints.

The Rest

Marshawn Lynch vs. Det  - Lynch will top 100 yards with at least one TD vs. the Lions.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Dal – The Giants will run a more balanced offense in Dallas and Bradshaw will top 100 yards with a TD.

Stevan Ridley vs. Stl – Ridley will top 100 yards with a score vs. St. Louis.

Alfred Morris vs. Pit – The rookie find will be a load for the Steelers.

Michael Turner vs. Phi – Don’t expect a ton of yards but Turner is a threat for one or two short yardage TDs.

Trent Richardson vs. SD – Expect Richardson to bounce back after the benching.

Darren Sproles vs. Den –  Sproles will catch 8-10 balls and find the end zone vs the Broncos.

Doug Martin vs. Min – Look for 75 yards with a TD on Thursday Night.

Reggie Bush vs. NYJ – After the bye week, look for Bush to terrorize the Jets’ D after he perceived they took a cheap shot at his knee last time.

Darren McFadden vs. KC – McFadden has historically run well against the Chiefs.

Jamaal Charles vs. Oak – The switch to QB Brady Quinn hurts the running game but Charles can still break one vs. the Raiders.

Steven Jackson vs. NE – The Patriots D is like Swiss cheese and Jackson will find all sorts of running room this week.

Jonathan Dwyer vs. Was – If Mendenhall is still out then Dwyer is a solid fill in.

Alex Green vs. Jax – This is a good start as a flex play this week.